Virtual validation of an automated greenhouse irrigation model based on a systems engineering approach

Abstract

In the context of multidisciplinary complex systems design, modelling is a key aspect -- It allows designers to validate designs at early design stages -- Consequently, reducing the uncertainty regarding if the product fulfils the initial requirements, so they can go through the remaining development stages knowing that have found an optimal solution -- In this work, a virtual prototype of an automated greenhouse irrigation system is modelled and compared with the real system implementation, finding some differences and similarities between both system testing approaches -- The intrinsic dependence of experimentation and modelling is also discussed, as sometimes experimental data is needed to feed virtual models