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Wednesday, May 01, 2019 Matt D. Connecticut

Entry 58 of 210  
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Carbon Dioxide Set-Up

Adding carbon dioxide can have several different options each with different required equipment. The set-up I have selected is a compressed bottle system since it is easy to set-up and does not produce any unwanted by products compared to a generator system. The down fall is the need for continual bottle changes but for my given situation this system offers the most advantages.

Growing on the Bottle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsoPJ7TtaIM

Controller
A control is better option than simply using a timer system that runs the bottle for a predetermined duration at regular intervals. A control will help regulate the carbon dioxide level to help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that is wasted. The ideal control will also be equipped with what is called “fuzzy logic” that uses a processor to learn the environment to best maintain a stable ppm of carbon dioxide.

Controlling CO2 Levels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KvvNMhhzq8
Fuzzy Logic Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_4uP6ZdTBU

Regulator
This attaches to the bottle are regulates the release and flow rate of carbon dioxide. This needs to be properly secured to the bottle to avoid uncontrolled carbon dioxide leaks.

Sensor
Sensor placement is important and since carbon dioxide is heavier than air it will sink. This sensor is placed just under the plant leaf height to allow for an accurate reading of the carbon dioxide levels the plant is exposed to.

CO2 Sensor Placement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdL_HfXEl1U

Bottle
Everything is attached to the compressed carbon dioxide gas bottle. These come in a variety of sizes and for the cold frame this is the most common size of 20 pounds. However, I will be up sizing to a 50 pound bottle when I am enriching the entire structure.
 



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