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| report:sus [2026/06/12 20:01] – [5.5 Life Cycle Assessment] team1 | report:sus [2026/06/13 18:08] (current) – [5.2.4 Materials] team1 | ||
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| === 5.2.1 Product Impact === | === 5.2.1 Product Impact === | ||
| - | The physical construction of the Smart Pot is designed to meet strict European standards. To minimize hazard waste, all electronic components must comply with the RoHS Directive, which restricts the use of toxic substances like lead and mercury [(RoHS2011)], | + | The physical construction of the Smart Pot is designed to meet strict European standards. To minimize hazard waste, all electronic components must comply with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, which restricts the use of toxic substances like lead and mercury [(RoHS2011)], |
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| The energy strategy for the Screen2Green project focuses on minimizing electrical waste through a streamlined power distribution network and the elimination of high-consumption mechanical actuators. By prioritizing local procurement from Mauser Portugal, the system ensures high-quality components with verified technical specifications tailored for the 2026 market [(Mauser2026)]. | The energy strategy for the Screen2Green project focuses on minimizing electrical waste through a streamlined power distribution network and the elimination of high-consumption mechanical actuators. By prioritizing local procurement from Mauser Portugal, the system ensures high-quality components with verified technical specifications tailored for the 2026 market [(Mauser2026)]. | ||
| - | + | == System Power Architecture == | |
| - | == 5.2.3.1 | + | |
| 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 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)]. | ||
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| 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, | 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 == | |
| - | == 5.2.3.2 | + | |
| 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. | ||
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| - | == 5.2.4.1 | + | == Cork Materials Research == |
| Cork is the primary material for the pot structure. Since the project is based in Porto, using cork is highly efficient because it is sourced locally, which reduces transportation pollution [(Pereira)]. | Cork is the primary material for the pot structure. Since the project is based in Porto, using cork is highly efficient because it is sourced locally, which reduces transportation pollution [(Pereira)]. | ||
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| - | == 5.2.4.2 | + | == 3D Printing Filament Research == |
| 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)]. | 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 Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate 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 % 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 an Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate 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 % 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)]. |
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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. | ||
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| * Natural Cork: Sourced from Portuguese oak forests. Cork is a carbon-negative material that sequesters approximately 73 kg of CO< | * Natural Cork: Sourced from Portuguese oak forests. Cork is a carbon-negative material that sequesters approximately 73 kg of CO< | ||
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| * 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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| * PLA Refining: Industrial conversion of raw corn into PLA pellets through milling and fermentation. | * PLA Refining: Industrial conversion of raw corn into PLA pellets through milling and fermentation. | ||
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| * Cork Granulation: | * Cork Granulation: | ||
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| * 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. | ||
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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. | ||
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| * 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. | ||
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| * 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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| * Localized Supply Chain: Short transport routes from Alentejo (cork) to Porto (manufacturing). This keeps the " | * Localized Supply Chain: Short transport routes from Alentejo (cork) to Porto (manufacturing). This keeps the " | ||
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| * Lightweight Design: The cork-composite body is significantly lighter than traditional ceramic or heavy plastic. This lowers fuel consumption during final delivery. | * Lightweight Design: The cork-composite body is significantly lighter than traditional ceramic or heavy plastic. This lowers fuel consumption during final delivery. | ||
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| * Eco-Packaging: | * Eco-Packaging: | ||
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| === 5.5.5 Use === | === 5.5.5 Use === | ||
| - | == 5.5.5.1 | + | == Features == |
| * 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. | ||
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| * 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. | ||
| - | == 5.5.5.2 | + | == Repair == |
| - | + | ||
| - | * Modular Hardware: The solenoid valve, relay module, and sensors are not soldered into the frame. They can be unscrewed and replaced individually. | + | |
| + | * Modular Hardware: The valve, relay module, and sensors are not soldered into the frame. They can be unscrewed and replaced individually. | ||
| * Structural Durability: PLA and cork are moisture-resistant. This prevents degradation over years of use, while modular electronics allow for easy tech upgrades. | * Structural Durability: PLA and cork are moisture-resistant. This prevents degradation over years of use, while modular electronics allow for easy tech upgrades. | ||
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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. | ||
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| * 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. | ||
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| * 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 WEEE collection points in Porto. This allows for the recovery of precious metals and responsible waste management. | ||
| ==== 5.6 Summary ==== | ==== 5.6 Summary ==== | ||
| - | |||
| - | //Provide here the conclusions of this chapter and introduce the next chapter.// | ||
| This sustainability chapter establishes a comprehensive framework for the Screen2Green Smart Pot by aligning with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Environmental impact is minimized through the selection of bio-based Polylactic Acid and carbon-negative Portuguese cork. The mechanical design further prioritizes energy efficiency by utilizing a gravity-fed irrigation system instead of an electric water pump. | This sustainability chapter establishes a comprehensive framework for the Screen2Green Smart Pot by aligning with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Environmental impact is minimized through the selection of bio-based Polylactic Acid and carbon-negative Portuguese cork. The mechanical design further prioritizes energy efficiency by utilizing a gravity-fed irrigation system instead of an electric water pump. | ||