Open-Source Photosynthetically Active Radiation Sensor for Enhanced Agricultural and Agrivoltaics Monitoring

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Electronics vol. 14, no. 11 (2025), p. 2225
Autor principal: Rahman Md Motakabbir
Otros Autores: Jamil Uzair, Pearce, Joshua M
Publicado:
MDPI AG
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Acceso en línea:Citation/Abstract
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Resumen:Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) is crucial for plant growth, influencing photosynthesis efficiency and crop yield. The increasing adoption of controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) necessitates precise PAR monitoring. The high cost of commercial PAR sensors, however, limits their accessibility and widespread use, creating a growing need for a low-cost alternative capable of reliable deployment in diverse agricultural environments. Building on recent advancements in PAR sensing using multi-channel spectral sensors such as the AS7341 and AS7265, this study develops the electronics for an AS7341-based, open-source, cost-effective (~USD 50) PAR sensor validated across a broad PPFD range and conditions, ensuring reliability and ease of replication. It uses a relatively simple multi-linear regression that offers real-time applications without energy intensive machine learning. The developed sensor is calibrated against the industry-standard Apogee SQ-500SS PAR sensor in four distinct farming environments: (i) horizontal grow lights, (ii) vertical agrotunnel lighting, (iii) agrivoltaics, and (iv) in greenhouses. A mean error ranging from 1 to 5% indicates its suitability for controlled environment farming and continuous data logging. The open-source hardware design and systematic installation guidelines enable users to replicate, calibrate, and integrate the sensor with minimal background in electronics and optics.
ISSN:2079-9292
DOI:10.3390/electronics14112225
Fuente:Advanced Technologies & Aerospace Database