Autonomous Garden Irrigation System

This project demonstrates a modular, automated system to manage multiple irrigation sections for a garden. Built using an ESP32 and Blynk, the system ensures efficient and timely water distribution based on user schedules and environmental inputs such as rain detection.

Overview

The Smart Garden Irrigation System is designed to automate watering across multiple zones of a garden. It uses:

• ESP32 for remote control and WiFi connectivity.
• Relays for controlling solenoid valves that regulate water flow to specific sections.
• Environmental sensors (rain sensor) to optimize water usage.

This system reduces water waste and simplifies irrigation management, making it ideal for smart gardening enthusiasts.

System operation

• If rain is detected the system changes into not-operational state for 24h. After that time the system is again operational unless there is still water in rain sensor.
• Every valve opens at specified hour (local time) and closes after time set by the slider.
• Device time is synchronized from the network using NTP (WiFi/internet required). Firmware is configured for Warsaw timezone (CET/CEST).
• If time is not yet synchronized (e.g., no internet), automatic schedule starts are skipped (manual control still works).

Features

• Multi-Zone Irrigation: Control multiple garden sections independently.
• Scheduled Watering: Uses NTP-synchronized local time for accurate irrigation timing.
• Rain Detection: Automatically suspend irrigation during rain.
• WiFi Connectivity: Remote monitoring and control via platforms like Blynk.
• Scalability: Add more zones or sensors as needed.

Hardware Requirements

• ESP32 Development Board
• X-Channel Relay Module (for controlling solenoid valves)
• Rain Sensor
• Solenoid Valves (one per irrigation zone)
• 12V DC Power Supply
• Wires, resistors, and connectors

Schematics

1. ESP32 Multi-Zone Irrigation Control

This schematic showcases the connections between the ESP32, relay module, and the rain sensor to control solenoid valves across multiple garden sections.

Software Setup

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have the following libraries installed in your Arduino IDE:

• Blynk Library (for IoT connectivity)

Optional network check (from a computer on the same WiFi):

• python3 utils/check_ntp_udp123.py to verify outbound UDP/123 (NTP) is reachable.

Setting Up ESP32 in Arduino IDE

To program the ESP32, you need to add the ESP32 board support to the Arduino IDE:

1. Open Arduino IDE.
2. Go to File > Preferences.
3. In the "Additional Boards Manager URLs" field, add the following URL
4. Go to Tools > Board > Boards Manager, search for "ESP32," and install the ESP32 platform.

Steps to Upload Code

1. Open the provided .ino files in the Arduino IDE.
2. Select the appropriate board (ESP32).
3. Connect the board to your computer via USB.
4. Upload the code to the respective devices.

Usage

1. Setup Hardware:

• Assemble the circuit as per the schematics.
• Connect solenoid valves to the relay module to control irrigation zones.

2. Power On the System:

• Supply 12V power to the relays and valves.
• Ensure the ESP32 is powered and connected to WiFi.

3. Schedule Irrigation:

• Use the Blynk app or pre-configure the Arduino code to set watering schedules.

4. Real-Time Monitoring:

• Check for rain sensor status to avoid unnecessary watering.

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! If you have ideas for new features or improvements, feel free to submit a pull request or open an issue.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.