Center for Mushroom Research and Education
Edible mushroom production requires 1 MWh of energy and generates 1400 pounds of CO2 per ton. Mushroom could significantly improve food security and human health, and support local economy if the production process were more efficiently controlled. The goal of this research is to use Internet of Things (IoT) technology and big data analysis to accurately measure and control environmental factors during mushroom production and significantly improve the process efficiency. Specifically, the objectives are to:
- develop IOT based smart lab growth chambers,
- develop mechanized substrate processing automation system;
- improve mushroom production with resource and energy calculations; and
- integrate systems developed in Objectives 1 to 3 in three containers.
Enabled by real time IoT-based data collection, machine learning and optimization algorithms, the project will develop and demonstrate an efficient automated substrate preparation process to produce high-value mushrooms at the University of Houston (UH). The new process will generate continuous densified substrate with improved fresh air circulation during fungal colonization of substrate yielding mushroom in half the time (25 days) compared to traditional methods (50 days). We will evaluate mass and energy balances for the new process and compare it with existing processes to demonstrate the improvements in efficiencies and economics. The proposed methods for producing mushrooms will provide economic benefit to small-scale mushroom growers and to the environment. It will enable more sustainable food security for our society.