Evaluation of smart irrigation systems in hot-arid climates for green roofs and walls: case of Doha, Qatar
Smart and Sustainable Built Environment
ISSN: 2046-6099
Article publication date: 4 April 2022
Issue publication date: 5 July 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to develop recommendations for optimal Internet of things (IoT) based solutions for a smart precision irrigation automation platform using morphological thinking (MT). The smart irrigation system (SIS) can be applied for green roof and green wall (GRGW) design by studying the relationships and configurations that will be analyzed, listed and synthesized, representing “solutions spaces” and their possibilities.
Design/methodology/approach
The research examines studying various cases of SIS; and assessing and analyzing the identified case studies through a decision support system (DSS) considering several factors regarding IoT, plant characteristics, monitoring, irrigation system and schedule, climate, cost and sensors used.
Findings
To develop recommendations for optimal IoT-based solutions for a smart precision irrigation automation platform.
Originality/value
The research paper analyzes and proposes a simultaneous solution to two conflicting problems. On the one hand, the paper proposes to apply greening of walls and roofs in hot arid regions, which will achieve greater environmental comfort. However, this is extremely difficult to implement in hot arid regions, since there is an objective problem – a lack of water. At the same time, the paper proposes the most rational approaches to organizing an irrigation system with the lowest water consumption and the highest efficiency for landscaping. Accordingly, this paper focuses on evaluating different types of SIS about the hot-arid climate in Qatar. The study aims to develop recommendations for optimal IoT-based solutions for a smart precision irrigation automation platform, which can be applied for green wall and roof design.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Qatar University for creating an environment that encourages scientific research and Qatar University internal student graduate grant [QUST-1-CENG-2021-12] for offering funding for this research. The authors also acknowledge the National Priorities Research Program (NPRP) [NPRP-07-1406-2-507] from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of the Qatar Foundation) lead by Dr. Fodil Fadli titled “the design, development and use of innovative bio-green facades: towards improved urban microclimates and enhanced building thermal performance in Qatar” for offering some of its measurement tools, instruments and background technology. This research study was developed as part of a PhD thesis related to green roofs. Finally, the authors thank the anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments, which contributed to the improvement of this paper. The authors are solely responsible for the statements made herein.
Citation
Zaina, S.M., Fadli, F. and Hosseini, S.M. (2022), "Evaluation of smart irrigation systems in hot-arid climates for green roofs and walls: case of Doha, Qatar", Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, Vol. 11 No. 2, pp. 346-367. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-11-2021-0201
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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