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| report:sus [2026/04/15 19:04] – [Environmental] epsatisep | report:sus [2026/04/23 09:23] (current) – [Materials] team1 | ||
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| Sustainable engineering aims to address modern challenges by balancing environmental protection with economic viability and social well-being. This project is grounded in the three pillars of sustainability: | Sustainable engineering aims to address modern challenges by balancing environmental protection with economic viability and social well-being. This project is grounded in the three pillars of sustainability: | ||
| <table SDG> | <table SDG> | ||
| - | < | + | < |
| ^ SDG ^ Connection to Screen2Green Project ^ | ^ SDG ^ Connection to Screen2Green Project ^ | ||
| |Goal 3: Good Health|This goal is focused on promotion of well-being. Screen2Green smart pot aims to reconnect with nature people living in small apartments that have no possibility of having their own garden. Contact with nature reduces stress and mental health problems. | |Goal 3: Good Health|This goal is focused on promotion of well-being. Screen2Green smart pot aims to reconnect with nature people living in small apartments that have no possibility of having their own garden. Contact with nature reduces stress and mental health problems. | ||
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| == System Power Architecture == | == System Power Architecture == | ||
| - | The project utilizes a 12VDC 2A power supply as the primary energy source. This voltage is required to actuate the solenoid valve, while a buck converter (step-down) is employed to efficiently reduce the voltage to 5V for the ESP32 microcontroller and associated relay module. The use of a switching buck converter instead of a linear regulator is a critical eco-efficiency decision, as it significantly reduces heat dissipation and maximizes power conversion efficiency [(Piguet2018)]. | + | The project utilizes a 12 VDC 2 A power supply as the primary energy source. This voltage is required to actuate the solenoid valve, while a buck converter (step-down) is employed to efficiently reduce the voltage to 5 V for the ESP32 microcontroller and associated relay module. The use of a switching buck converter instead of a linear regulator is a critical eco-efficiency decision, as it significantly reduces heat dissipation and maximizes power conversion efficiency [(Piguet2018)]. |
| - | The ESP32 serves as the central control unit, managing the power distribution to the sensors. While the ESP32 has a peak consumption of 1.2W during Wi-Fi transmission, | + | The ESP32 serves as the central control unit, managing the power distribution to the sensors. While the ESP32 has a peak consumption of 1.2 W during Wi-Fi transmission, |
| == Gravity-Fed Irrigation Efficiency == | == Gravity-Fed Irrigation Efficiency == | ||
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| A defining feature of the Screen2Green energy model is the total absence of an electric water pump. Standard automated pots utilize pumps that require high current spikes and frequent maintenance. Instead, the project employs a gravity-fed system. The water reservoir is designed in an asymmetric bowl-like shape, positioned above the pot to create sufficient hydrostatic pressure. | A defining feature of the Screen2Green energy model is the total absence of an electric water pump. Standard automated pots utilize pumps that require high current spikes and frequent maintenance. Instead, the project employs a gravity-fed system. The water reservoir is designed in an asymmetric bowl-like shape, positioned above the pot to create sufficient hydrostatic pressure. | ||
| - | The solenoid valve is integrated at the lowest point of this reservoir. Energy is only consumed during the short intervals when the relay activates the valve to release water. By utilizing gravity rather than mechanical pumping, the system reduces its peak power requirements by approximately 70% compared to pump-based alternatives [(Ferreira2015)]. | + | The solenoid valve is integrated at the lowest point of this reservoir. Energy is only consumed during the short intervals when the relay activates the valve to release water. By utilizing gravity rather than mechanical pumping, the system reduces its peak power requirements by approximately 70 % compared to pump-based alternatives [(Ferreira2015)]. |
| === Materials === | === Materials === | ||
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| == 3D Printing Filament Research == | == 3D Printing Filament Research == | ||
| - | Internal parts of the pot are made using 3D printing. The chosen material is PLA (Polylactic Acid), which is a biodegradable plastic made from renewable plants like corn instead of petroleum. Degradation rate is 1 week to 24 months, being the shortest out of all polymers listed. PLA is a sustainable choice because it can be recycled many times without losing its strength [(PLA)]. | + | Internal parts of the pot are made using 3D printing. The chosen material is Polylactic Acid (PLA), which is a biodegradable plastic made from renewable plants like corn instead of petroleum. Degradation rate is 1 week to 24 months, being the shortest out of all polymers listed. PLA is a sustainable choice because it can be recycled many times without losing its strength [(PLA)]. |
| - | To further improve the sustainability of the printed components, the project explores the use of cork-infused filaments based on recent research. These materials combine polymers such as ASA with cork powder derived from recycled cork waste, allowing natural content to be incorporated directly into 3D printed parts. Studies show that cork can be added in proportions of up to around 15 to 20 percent by weight before the material becomes too brittle for effective processing. This approach not only increases the renewable fraction of the product but also creates parts with a texture and appearance that better match cork-based elements of the design. At the same time, these composites can contribute to lightweight structures and offer some insulating properties, supporting both functional and environmental goals. By selecting recycled polymers together with cork composites, the 3D printed elements remain aligned with the eco-friendly objectives of the Screen2Green project while relying on experimentally validated material behavior [(cork_filament_2024)]. | + | To further improve the sustainability of the printed components, the project explores the use of cork-infused filaments based on recent research. These materials combine polymers such as Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA) with cork powder derived from recycled cork waste, allowing natural content to be incorporated directly into 3D printed parts. Studies show that cork can be added in proportions of up to around 15 to 20 percent by weight before the material becomes too brittle for effective processing. This approach not only increases the renewable fraction of the product but also creates parts with a texture and appearance that better match cork-based elements of the design. At the same time, these composites can contribute to lightweight structures and offer some insulating properties, supporting both functional and environmental goals. By selecting recycled polymers together with cork composites, the 3D printed elements remain aligned with the eco-friendly objectives of the Screen2Green project while relying on experimentally validated material behavior [(cork_filament_2024)]. |
| ==== Economical ==== | ==== Economical ==== | ||
| + | /* | ||
| //The economic aspect of sustainability relates to the efficient and cost-effective utilization of resources, aiming to minimize environmental impact while ensuring long-term economic viability. The goal is to strike a balance between environmental responsibility and financial success by devising products, processes, and business models that are both ecologically and economically advantageous. | //The economic aspect of sustainability relates to the efficient and cost-effective utilization of resources, aiming to minimize environmental impact while ensuring long-term economic viability. The goal is to strike a balance between environmental responsibility and financial success by devising products, processes, and business models that are both ecologically and economically advantageous. | ||
| Thus, the sustainable economy focuses on the responsible management of economic, social, and environmental resources to support the well-being of current and future generations. | Thus, the sustainable economy focuses on the responsible management of economic, social, and environmental resources to support the well-being of current and future generations. | ||
| The goal of economic sustainability is to achieve economic growth without making the negative environmental trade-offs that traditionally occur. It also means that the price of the product matches the time the product fulfils its purpose.// | The goal of economic sustainability is to achieve economic growth without making the negative environmental trade-offs that traditionally occur. It also means that the price of the product matches the time the product fulfils its purpose.// | ||
| + | */ | ||
| Economical aspect of sustainability in the Screen2Green smart pot focuses on balancing between economic growth of the company and long-term value provided for the user of the pot. Company aims to provide value both for itself ensuring growth, like throughout selling maintenance services for the pot, but still providing product with long life-span and high quality components like anti-corrosion sensors and locally provided cork. All materials selected for the pot aim to be repairable and replaceable. | Economical aspect of sustainability in the Screen2Green smart pot focuses on balancing between economic growth of the company and long-term value provided for the user of the pot. Company aims to provide value both for itself ensuring growth, like throughout selling maintenance services for the pot, but still providing product with long life-span and high quality components like anti-corrosion sensors and locally provided cork. All materials selected for the pot aim to be repairable and replaceable. | ||
| ==== Social ==== | ==== Social ==== | ||
| + | /* | ||
| //Social sustainability is about identifying and managing business impacts, both positive and negative, on people. It refers to the ability of a project or initiative to foster positive and inclusive social interactions while considering the long-term effects on society. | //Social sustainability is about identifying and managing business impacts, both positive and negative, on people. It refers to the ability of a project or initiative to foster positive and inclusive social interactions while considering the long-term effects on society. | ||
| The social aspect of sustainability deals with the community, education, equality, justice, social resources, health, well-being, quality education and quality of life. The product should meet those social aspects.// | The social aspect of sustainability deals with the community, education, equality, justice, social resources, health, well-being, quality education and quality of life. The product should meet those social aspects.// | ||
| + | */ | ||
| - | + | Main goal is to fight with phone addiction, improving everyday life. Screen2Green promotes healthy lifestyle rewarding user for outdoor activities, being within screen-time limits and proper regular care of the pot. By providing gardening experience for people living in small apartments, customers can stay calm and away from anxiety connected to a smartphone use. | |
| - | Main goal is to fight with phone addiction, improving everyday life. Screen2Green promotes healthy lifestyle rewarding user for outdoor activities, being within screen-time limits and proper regular care of the pot. Throughout | + | |
| Regular feedback from the app makes user to stay motivated. Implemented sensors like temperature and soil moisture help inexperienced users to provide for the plant optimal care. System is not fully automated to give possibility of real life contact with the plant, like giving the feedback to feed the vitamins to the plant when needed. App and the pot promotes regular progress keeping the user motivated and awarded after proper behavior. | Regular feedback from the app makes user to stay motivated. Implemented sensors like temperature and soil moisture help inexperienced users to provide for the plant optimal care. System is not fully automated to give possibility of real life contact with the plant, like giving the feedback to feed the vitamins to the plant when needed. App and the pot promotes regular progress keeping the user motivated and awarded after proper behavior. | ||
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| ==== Life Cycle Analysis ==== | ==== Life Cycle Analysis ==== | ||
| + | /* | ||
| //One crucial task is to assess how each stage of the life cycle contributes to the overall environmental impact. This analysis is typically aimed at prioritizing enhancements in products or processes and comparing various products for internal purposes. | //One crucial task is to assess how each stage of the life cycle contributes to the overall environmental impact. This analysis is typically aimed at prioritizing enhancements in products or processes and comparing various products for internal purposes. | ||
| Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is a method for evaluating the environmental impact of a service or product throughout its life cycle, from design to end-of-life management. | Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is a method for evaluating the environmental impact of a service or product throughout its life cycle, from design to end-of-life management. | ||
| LCA or life cycle assessment is an essential tool to support sustainable development decision-making, | LCA or life cycle assessment is an essential tool to support sustainable development decision-making, | ||
| + | */ | ||
| + | Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is a method for evaluating the environmental impact of a service or product throughout its life cycle, from design to end-of-life management <color # | ||
| + | Figure {{ref> | ||
| - | The following | + | <WRAP centeralign> |
| + | <figure fig: | ||
| + | {{ : | ||
| + | < | ||
| + | </ | ||
| + | </ | ||
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| + | Table {{ref> | ||
| <table LCInventorytable> | <table LCInventorytable> | ||
| < | < | ||
| - | ^ Component ^ Category ^ Mass ^ Notes ^ | + | ^ Component ^ Category ^ Mass (g) ^ Notes ^ |
| - | |PLA 60%|Structure|300g|Main body and water reservoir| | + | |PLA 60 %|Structure| |
| - | |Natural Cork 10%|Bottom|50G|Cork base to ensure stability and temperature insulation| | + | |Natural Cork 10%|Bottom| |
| - | |Solenoid Valve|Hardware|100G|Plastic valve with minumum | + | |Solenoid Valve|Hardware| |
| - | |Power Adapter|Hardware|150g|External plug-in power supply| | + | |Power Adapter|Hardware| |
| - | |ESP and Relay module|Electronics|30g|Main control unit| | + | |ESP and Relay module|Electronics| |
| - | |Sensors and wiring|Electronics|40g|Soil and temperature sensors| | + | |Sensors and wiring|Electronics| |
| </ | </ | ||
| - | |||
| - | In the (Figure {{ref> | ||
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| - | |||
| - | <figure fig:LCA> | ||
| - | {{: | ||
| - | < | ||
| - | </ | ||
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| === Resources === | === Resources === | ||
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| * Bio-based Plastics: Polylactic Acid (PLA) derived from corn starch. This choice avoids fossil-fuel-based polymers and reduces the initial carbon footprint. | * Bio-based Plastics: Polylactic Acid (PLA) derived from corn starch. This choice avoids fossil-fuel-based polymers and reduces the initial carbon footprint. | ||
| - | * Natural Cork: Sourced from Portuguese oak forests. Cork is a carbon-negative material that sequesters approximately 73 kg of CO2 for every kg produced. | + | * Natural Cork: Sourced from Portuguese oak forests. Cork is a carbon-negative material that sequesters approximately 73 kg of CO< |
| * Sustainable Metals: The solenoid valve and ESP32 use copper and silicon. These are resource-intensive but durable, ensuring the product does not need frequent replacement. | * Sustainable Metals: The solenoid valve and ESP32 use copper and silicon. These are resource-intensive but durable, ensuring the product does not need frequent replacement. | ||
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| * Cork Granulation: | * Cork Granulation: | ||
| - | * Filament Blending: Mixing granulated cork with PLA to create the 30% cork filament. This reduces the total plastic volume by one third. | + | * Filament Blending: Mixing granulated cork with PLA to create the 30 % cork filament. This reduces the total plastic volume by one third. |
| === Manufacturing === | === Manufacturing === | ||
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| * 3D Printing: Structural parts are printed in a Porto facility. This additive process minimizes material waste compared to subtractive manufacturing. | * 3D Printing: Structural parts are printed in a Porto facility. This additive process minimizes material waste compared to subtractive manufacturing. | ||
| - | * Renewable Energy: Manufacturing utilizes the Portuguese power grid. It is powered by over 80% renewable sources, resulting in very low manufacturing emissions. | + | * Renewable Energy: Manufacturing utilizes the Portuguese power grid. It is powered by over 80 % renewable sources, resulting in very low manufacturing emissions. |
| * Toxic-Free Production: PLA and cork printing produce minimal fumes. No toxic chemical baths or heavy industrial melting points are required for the main structure. | * Toxic-Free Production: PLA and cork printing produce minimal fumes. No toxic chemical baths or heavy industrial melting points are required for the main structure. | ||
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| * Behavioral Detox: The pot serves as a physical mirror for digital habits. Linking plant health to screen time encourages users to reduce phone usage and energy consumption. | * Behavioral Detox: The pot serves as a physical mirror for digital habits. Linking plant health to screen time encourages users to reduce phone usage and energy consumption. | ||
| - | * Gravity-Fed System: There is no pump. The system uses a 12VDC solenoid valve and gravity to water the basil. This eliminates a major failure point and reduces energy draw. | + | * Gravity-Fed System: There is no pump. The system uses a 12 V DC solenoid valve and gravity to water the basil. This eliminates a major failure point and reduces energy draw. |
| * Smart Automation: The ESP32 and soil sensors manage the water tank efficiently. This ensures the plant thrives for 1.5 to 2 weeks without manual effort. | * Smart Automation: The ESP32 and soil sensors manage the water tank efficiently. This ensures the plant thrives for 1.5 to 2 weeks without manual effort. | ||
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| * Material Separation: The snap-fit design allows users to easily separate the electronics from the bio-based structure at the end of the 2-year lifecycle. | * Material Separation: The snap-fit design allows users to easily separate the electronics from the bio-based structure at the end of the 2-year lifecycle. | ||
| - | * Composting and Recycling: The natural cork base is 100% compostable. PLA structural parts can be industrially composted or mechanically recycled into new filament. | + | * Composting and Recycling: The natural cork base is 100 % compostable. PLA structural parts can be industrially composted or mechanically recycled into new filament. |
| - | * Circular Economy: Electronic components like the ESP32 and relay must be sent to WEEE collection points in Porto. This allows for the recovery of precious metals and responsible waste management. | + | * Circular Economy: Electronic components like the ESP32 and relay must be sent to <color #ed1c24>WEEE</ |
| ==== Summary ==== | ==== Summary ==== | ||
| //Provide here the conclusions of this chapter and introduce the next chapter.// | //Provide here the conclusions of this chapter and introduce the next chapter.// | ||