2nd July 2023 – (Hong Kong) Smart farming has been gaining more attention in recent years, with some schools incorporating smart hydroponics as part of the learning experience. Towngas, a public utility in Hong Kong, has been actively developing smart energy and has developed an Internet of Things (IoT) control system to support hydroponic farming, which they provide to schools for free. Pat Heung Central Primary School in Yuen Long is the first school to adopt the system, building a 200-square-foot smart hydroponic greenhouse and incorporating STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and cross-curricular learning through smart farming.
The IoT control system installed in the greenhouse collects data on the temperature, humidity, nutrient concentration, pH value and oxygen content of the room, and adjusts the humidity and temperature inside the greenhouse while replenishing water and nutrients. The hydroponic room is also equipped with a solar power supply system to maintain the operation of the IoT system and monitor power generation and consumption remotely, making the use of energy more environmentally friendly and efficient.
The smart greenhouse was originally set up at Towngas’ Yuen Long charity farm to improve production efficiency and donate more farm produce to charity. The Principal of Pat Heung Central Primary School, Ms Irene Lai Yuen-shan, noticed the system during a visit to the farm and was prompted to set up a similar greenhouse in the school. The greenhouse was designed and built over two years, during which Towngas provided technical support and set up the IoT system.
Students can use the IoT control system to monitor the plant growth around the clock, which is a diversified learning activity for them to develop their interest in farming. The completion of the greenhouse means that students can not only learn about hydroponics but also learn to program and operate the IoT system, applying the STEM knowledge they learned from books to their daily lives.
Primary four student Tsang expressed his eagerness towards the extra-curricular farming session every week, saying, “The automated system makes farming very convenient as I do not have to water every day.” Another primary four student Lee added, “In the future, I hope to continue to learn more about smart farming and invent a robot to help farmers apply fertiliser and water.”
Mr Daniel Fung Man-kit, the Head of Strategy & Innovation and Commercial – Hong Kong Utility of Towngas, said that he was delighted that the creativity of his colleagues at Towngas could be brought to schools to help promote STEM education. He added, “More importantly, the project not only helps students gain STEM knowledge but also raises their awareness of nature conservation and sustainable development. In the future, I hope that this system will not only grow fresh, tasty and organic produce but also nurture generations of scientists, engineers and other talent with problem-solving ability.” Mr Fung also hoped that Towngas could provide this smart system to more schools in the future to nurture more future stars.