Energy Performance Simulation of a Home Cultivator

Home Cultivators (HCs) are emerging devices for food cultivation within residential environments, with increasing potential for self-sufficiency. Therefore, the current state of the art remains limited, with few established references. In this study, environmental simulations were conducted in Rhinoceros 3D and Grasshopper using Ladybug and Honeybee plugins (Radiance module) to assess the lighting and energy performance of a home cultivator oriented towards the south and north. Analyzed parameters include energetic variables (e.g., direct sunlight, cumulative radiation) and vegetative growth indicators (e.g., Photosynthetically Active Radiation, illuminance). This research project aimed to investigate several energy-related aspects concerning an HC and its cells in a NeoVernacular Kitchen context through computational simulations. To better understand the relationship between in-house lighting conditions and plant growth, a plugin named AiPlantcare was utilized to support the simulation process, enabling a more accurate assessment of light quality and energy efficiency. Results indicate that the south-facing side receives up to 44.9% more natural light and energy than the north, despite requiring shading strategies. In contrast, the north side offers greater stability but lacks sufficient resources for autonomous cultivation. CAD-based simulations provide a valuable tool for integrating cultivation systems into residential environments in the early design phase.