Controlled environment module Redesign
Controlled environment module Redesign
Redesigning a Controlled Environment Module to improve user interaction
Duration: 17 weeks
Year: 2025
Execution: Graduation project
Main challenge: Improve the user experience of the controlled environment module (CEM)
Subchallenges:
Enable easier handling of the crops
Design for safe opening and closing
Increase cleanability and ease of cleaning
Improve energy efficiency by reducing energy loss
Design Challenge: Container and crop reachability
The raised edge complicates working with the crops
Current design risks damaging the tops of the crops
Design Challenge: Ensure safe access to the irrigation system
There is no safe climbing option to reach the irrigation system
Foldable legs are used by users as a temporary workaround
Design Challenge: Ensure easy cleaning and maintenance of the cultivation container
Challenging to access for cleaning
Walls are not designed to withstand impacts
Exposed PIR insulation and small edges or crevices present a potential hygiene risk
Design Challenge: Ensure safe operation when opening and closing the container
The electric lid presents a possible risk of entrapment
The existing rail system can lead to derailment of a fully loaded crop container
Design Challenge: Reduce energy loss
Current design results in 100 W heat loss per °C of indoor–outdoor temperature difference
A significant portion of the loss is caused by thermal bridges in the current design
The Final Design:
A comprehensive redesign of the controlled environment module that solves all the aforementioned challenges efficiently and conveniently.
Manual operation for opening and closing enhances safety
Improved crop accessibility
Minimized energy loss
Facilitated safe operation and access to the irrigation system
Enhance ease of cleaning and hygiene maintenance
How to open the CEM?
Manual opening
Gas springs facilitate opening and support of the hatch
Designed for safe overhead clearance and accessible handle operation
Introduction of the trolley
To allow users to work all around the container and transport crops for off-site tasks like evaluation, inspection, or disposal, a trolley has been implemented.
Relocation of the irrigation system
Facilitates access from a kneeling position
The revised position improves ease of transporting water and fertilizers by removing the need to pump dirty water upward
Designed for improved cleaning
The climate chamber is equipped with its own drainage, facilitating easy cleaning and rinsing.
The wall construction ensures there are no edges where dirt can accumulate and shields the insulation material from damage.
User-based verification using virtual reality
To evaluate the improvements of the new design within the limited timeframe, user tests were performed using virtual reality
Software used:
