The invention relates to a horticultural and/or agricultural greenhouse for cultivating crops therein.
Such a horticultural and/or agricultural greenhouse is known from EP 2 941 952 A2. The known greenhouse is provided close to the upper side with at least one horizontally suspended fabric screen which defines a cultivation space for cultivating crops therein under the fabric screen and a ridge space separated from the cultivation space. The fabric screen comprises at least one passage between the ridge space and the cultivation space. The greenhouse further comprises a ventilation system with air displacing means for displacing air in the cultivation space of the greenhouse. At least one of the air displacing means is situated close to the passage in the fabric screen and is configured to draw in and subsequently displace air from both the ridge space and the cultivation space. The ventilation system is arranged within the passage of the fabric screen and is connected to the fabric screen.
A disadvantage of the known horticultural and/or agricultural greenhouse is that providing the passage in the fabric screen and providing the edges of the passage with proper reinforcements is difficult.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome or to ameliorate the disadvantages of the known greenhouse, or to provide an alternative greenhouse.
According to a first aspect, the invention provides a horticultural and/or agricultural greenhouse for cultivating crops therein, comprising:
Because of the use of the ventilation device adapter according to the invention, the ventilation device, for example, can be secured to one of the transverse frames, such that the ventilation device at least is enabled to displace air between the roof space and the cultivating space. The screen of the greenhouse can be arranged between a transverse frame and the ventilation device adapter, or between two transverse frames with the ventilation device adapter being arranged at a side of the screen and substantially transverse to the two transverse frames. Because of the ventilation device adapter, it is no longer necessary to provide a passage within the fabric screen and/or to provide reinforcements at the passage edges. It, therefore, is easier to assemble the greenhouse, and in particular to install and to connect the fabric screen in comparison with the known greenhouse.
In an embodiment, the ventilation device adapter is configured for being secured to one of the transverse frames, wherein the ventilation device adapter extends over substantially the frame length and substantially parallel to the respective transverse frame, wherein the ventilation device adapter is provided between the respective transverse frame and the fabric screen. Since the ventilation device adapter advantageously extends over substantially the frame length of the transverse frame to which the ventilation device adapter is secured, and is provided between the transverse frame and the fabric screen, the fabric screen can be secured to the ventilation device adapter over substantially the whole width of the fabric screen.
In an embodiment, the ventilation device adapter is configured for being secured to two adjacent frames, wherein the ventilation device adapter extends substantially transverse to the two transverse frames. Advantageously, the fabric screen is divided into two screen portions, wherein a screen portion is provided at each side of the ventilation device adapter. This is advantageous as there is no need to provide a passage for the ventilation device within the fabric screen. Additionally, it can be advantageous that the width of the fabric screen is reduced because of the fabric screen being divided into two screen portions, which makes it easier to transport and/or to install the fabric screen.
In an embodiment, the ventilation device adapter comprises a base beam extending substantially over the frame length of the respective transverse frame or between two adjacent transverse frames, wherein the base beam is provided with at least one passage and the ventilation device is in air communication with the at least one passage. Light, such as sun light, entering the greenhouse and being blocked by a ventilation device, as is the case in the known horticultural and/or agricultural greenhouse, results in a shadow in the cultivation space. Such shadow can be detrimental to the crops being placed within the cultivation space. Because of the base beam, the space occupied by the ventilation device adapter at the level of the fabric screen is limited to the width of the base beam. The amount of light being blocked by the ventilation device, therefore, is reduced.
In an embodiment the base beam is a U-shaped beam, which U-shaped beam has two parallel legs connected to each other by a center piece. In an embodiment thereof the at least one passage is provided in the center piece of the U-shaped beam. Preferably the ventilation device is in air communication with the at least one passage in order to draw air from the roof space. During use, air is drawn from the roof space and moved to the cultivation space, whereby air is drawn through the at least one passage in the center piece of the U-shaped beam. Because of the U-shape of the base beam, the base beam substantially functions as an air duct, such that air is sucked into the U-shaped beam over an area that is larger than the at least one passage in the center piece. As a result, air is removed from the roof space over a larger area, thereby improving the flow properties of air above the fabric screen.
In an embodiment the ventilation system comprises a suction tube having an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air channel extending between the air inlet and the air outlet, and the ventilation device comprises a fan connected to the suction tube at the air outlet thereof for drawing air into and through the suction tube, wherein the air inlet of the suction tube is positioned at or near the ventilation device adapter. In an embodiment thereof the suction tube is interconnected to the ventilation device adapter. An advantage of this embodiment is that the fan is positioned at a distance from and below the fabric screen by means of the suction tube. As the fan is located below the fabric screen and, therefore, closer to a bottom surface within the greenhouse, the shadow caused by the fan blocking light entering the greenhouse is kept to a minimum.
In an embodiment, when the ventilation device adapter comprises a base beam extending substantially over the frame length of the respective transverse frame or between two adjacent transverse frames, wherein the base beam is provided with at least one passage and the ventilation device is in air communication with the at least one passage, the suction tube is connected to the base beam, preferably the center piece of the U-shaped beam, of the ventilation device adapter, such that the at least one passage and the air inlet of the suction tube are positioned adjacent to each other. According to this embodiment air is removed from the roof space, drawn into the suction tube directly and guided towards the fan of the ventilation device. This is advantageous, since air withdrawn from the roof space enters the cultivation space at the desired location, therewith preventing air leaks and undesired entering of air from the roof space into the cultivation space. Additionally, it can be advantageous that the base beam, preferably the U-shaped beam merges into the suction tube.
In an embodiment the suction tube is converging from the air inlet to the air outlet in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ventilation device adapter. In an embodiment thereof the suction tube is converging from the air outlet to the air inlet in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the ventilation device adapter. Due to the suction tube being convergent, the area occupied by the suction tube at the air inlet near the fabric screen is smaller than the area occupied by the suction tube at the air outlet remote from, and in particular below, the fabric screen. As a result, the shadow due to the suction tube blocking light that has entered the greenhouse at the roof space and travelling towards the bottom surface of the greenhouse, is kept to a minimum.
In an embodiment, when the ventilation system comprises a suction tube having an air inlet, an air outlet and an air channel extending between the air inlet and the air outlet, and the ventilation device comprises a fan connected to the suction tube at the air outlet thereof for drawing air into and through the suction tube, wherein the air inlet of the suction tube is positioned at or near the ventilation device adapter, the fan comprises a fan housing connected to the suction tube at the air outlet thereof, a rotation shaft arranged rotatable within the fan housing, and a number of fan blades attached to the rotation shaft and extending radially from the rotation shaft. In an embodiment thereof the ventilation device comprises an air blender provided between the air outlet of the suction tube and the fan, wherein the air blender is configured for providing an air blend from air from the roof space and/or from the cultivating space to the fan. For example when the temperature and/or humidity of the air within the cultivation space is as desired, it may be sufficient to just circulate the air within the cultivation space without adding air from the roof space. Otherwise, it may be necessary to draw air from the roof space into the cultivation space in order to adapt the temperature and/or humidity of the air within the cultivation space. By providing the air blender between the suction tube and the fan, the amount of air to be drawn from the roof space and/or the cultivation space can be regulated.
In an embodiment, the air blender comprises a blender housing with a first air inlet for connection with the air outlet of the suction tube, a second air inlet for enabling air from the cultivating space to enter the air blender, an air outlet for enabling air to exit the air blender, and an air channel extending between the first air inlet, the second air inlet and the air outlet.
In an embodiment, the ventilation system is provided with a heat exchanger arranged for exchanging thermal energy with the air displaced within the cultivation space and/or between the roof space and the cultivation space. In a further embodiment, the fan is arranged at or near the air outlet of the air blender, and the heat exchanger is arranged at or near the first air inlet of the air blender, at or near the second air inlet of the air blender, at or near the air outlet of the air blender upstream of the fan, and/or downstream of the fan. An advantage of this embodiment is that the air within the greenhouse can be effectively dehumidified and the time period during which ventilation by means of the air vents is necessary becomes shorter, whereby it is possible to dose with a higher level of CO2 for a longer period of time. Additionally, it is possible to adjust the temperature within the greenhouse such that, for example, the temperature within the greenhouse during the night can be adjusted to a predetermined temperature.
In an embodiment, when the ventilation device adapter comprises a base beam extending substantially over the frame length of the respective transverse frame or between two adjacent transverse frames, wherein the base beam is provided with at least one passage and the ventilation device is in air communication with the at least one passage, the ventilation device adapter comprises an additional beam arranged below and substantially parallel to the base beam, wherein the additional beam is configured for allowing a second screen to be secured thereto. An advantage of this embodiment is that an additional fabric screen can be provided for at least partially darkening and/or thermally shielding the greenhouse.
In an embodiment the greenhouse comprises multiple ventilation devices, and the ventilation device adapter is configured for receiving the multiple ventilation devices. An advantage of this embodiment is that it is possible to regulate air conditions within the cultivation space of the greenhouse evenly.
In an embodiment the greenhouse comprises multiple ventilation device adapters, each configured for receiving at least one ventilation device. This embodiment advantageously provides the possibility of regulating air conditions within the cultivation space of the greenhouse evenly.
According to a second aspect, the invention provides a ventilation system for use in a horticultural and/or agricultural greenhouse according to the first aspect of the invention.
According to a third aspect, the invention provides a ventilation device adapter for use in a horticultural and/or agricultural greenhouse according to the first aspect of the invention, or in a ventilation system according to the second aspect of the invention.
In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method for climate control in a cultivating space in a horticultural and/or agricultural greenhouse, preferably a horticultural and/or agricultural greenhouse according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: by the ventilation device, displacing air within the cultivation space; by the ventilation device, displacing air between the roof space and the cultivation space; or by the ventilation device, displacing air within the cultivation space and between the roof space and the cultivation space.
The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied, individually, wherever possible. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims, can be made subject of divisional patent applications.
The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached drawings, in which:
An agricultural and/or horticultural greenhouse 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown partially in
As shown in
A screen 20 is provided between two adjacent transverse frames 6-10, as shown in
How the screens 20 may be incorporated into the horticultural and/or agricultural greenhouse 1, for example, is shown in Dutch patent publication NL 2001036.
The horticultural and/or agricultural greenhouse 1 further comprises a ventilation system 30 for arranging multiple ventilation devices 50 at the greenhouse 1, in particular at one of the transverse frames 6-10 thereof. As shown in
Further, two suction tubes 36 are arranged at the U-shaped base beam 31. Each of the suction tubes 36 has an air inlet 37, an air outlet 38 and an air channel extending between the air inlet 37 and the air outlet 38 and being arranged within the respective suction tube 36. The air inlet 37 of each of the suction tubes 36 is located adjacent to one of the passages 35 of the U-shaped base beam 31, such that air passing the respective passage 35 immediately enters the air inlet 37 and therewith the air channel of the respective suction tube 36.
Each of the of the suction tubes 36 converges in a first direction D from the air outlet 38 to the air inlet 37 and in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the greenhouse 1, as shown in
The U-shaped base beam 31, being part of the ventilation device adapter, is provided between the respective transverse frame 6-10 and the screen 20 suspended to the respective transverse frame 6-10, as shown in
As shown in
The ventilation device 50 further comprises a fan 65 arranged downstream of the air blender 60 and in air communication with the blending space 62 thereof. The fan 65 comprises a substantially cylindrical fan housing 66 with a substantially circular fan space 67 defined therein. A non-shown rotation shaft and non-shown fan blades attached to the rotation shaft and extending radially therefrom are provided within the fan space 67. When the fan 65 is activated, air is drawn into the air blender 60 from the roof space and/or the cultivating space, which air is blended and blown into the cultivating space.
As shown in
An agricultural and/or horticultural greenhouse 100 according to a further embodiment of the invention is partially shown in
The greenhouse 100 differs from the greenhouse of
Furthermore, the ventilation system 130 further comprises an additional beam 170 which is provided below and substantially parallel to the base beam 131. By means of the additional beam 170, it is possible to provide an additional non-shown fabric screen within the greenhouse 100.
An agricultural and/or horticultural greenhouse 200 according to a further embodiment of the invention is partially shown in
The greenhouse 100 differs from the greenhouse of
[52] As schematically shown in
It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the scope of the present invention.
In particular, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that multiple ventilation device adapters can be provided within a horticultural and/or agricultural greenhouse. In that case, the ventilation device adapters are provided at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the greenhouse.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2020907 | May 2018 | NL | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/NL2019/050278 | 5/9/2019 | WO | 00 |