The present disclosure relates to a modular unit for growing crops through hydroponics or similar means and a grow column for use with the unit, as well as a system for growing crops through hydroponics or similar means including these units.
To meet the demands of a growing world population, the agricultural industry has consistently sought to improve the efficiency of growing edible crops. To this end, numerous modern growing techniques such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and nutrient film technique (NFT) have been developed with the aim of growing crops without the large amount of soil and land required for conventional agriculture. These techniques have resulted in the development of vertical indoor farming, where plants or other crops are grown indoors in vertically stacked layers under artificial lighting. By using the vertical space above the ground, this arrangement further increases the amount of crops that can be grown in a set area compared to conventional farming, and also allows crops to be grown on an industrial scale closer to urban areas. This has the added environmental benefit of reducing the ‘food miles’ travelled to reach the consumer. Indoor farming is also less susceptible to seasonal variation and poor weather conditions, providing a more reliable crop yield than possible through conventional farming.
Despite these benefits, vertical indoor farming has found limited usage, owing mainly to the large cost and complexity of the operating equipment currently available. Commercially available indoor farming systems able to produce crops on a large scale for commercial sale are expensive to install and labour intensive to manage and operate. Further, these systems are often optimized for one specific crop, and are unable to be modified to produce different growing conditions for another crop without substantial effort. The system is thus unable to convert to growing a new crop without significant cost, effort and time to convert the system into a set-up suited to growing the new crop variety.
In the other hand, smaller systems, built into shipping containers or similarly sized units, provide a lower cost alternative, however these systems are difficult to scale up a level large enough to provide commercially viable crop yields as multiple containers on a single site create complexity in harvesting as well as requiring complicated power and water distribution arrangements which are often inefficient. The complexity of harvesting also means that these systems require high amounts of labour, adding to the costs required.
Currently used vertical growing systems, both for small and large scale production, usually rely on grow walls or towers in which the crops are grown in at least one channel containing a suitable media for growing crops. Typically, these channels are either on one face of the wall or tower or on opposing faces. Nutrient-rich water is fed to the crops by drip nozzles arranged over the channels.
The present invention seeks to provide a vertical indoor farming system that solves at least some of these problems by providing a modular system of modular units allowing easily changeable growing conditions as well as efficient scalability from small to commercial scale production. It also seeks to provide more efficient water and power distribution throughout the system and easier planting and harvesting compared to existing vertical growing systems.
According to a first aspect, there is provided a unit for growing crops, comprising; a housing, an access point such as blinds or a door located in at least one side of the housing, at least one light integrated into an interior of the housing, at least one container of a first type for growing crops or at least one container of a second type, an adjustable framework within the housing which is adapted to at least partially receive the at least one container of a first type or a second type, wherein said at least one container is removably located, a fluid inlet which allows fluid communication into the interior of the housing from a fluid source remote to the unit, a manifold located in an upper portion of the housing, including a first and second set of outlets, wherein the first set of outlets is capable of directing fluid from the inlet to the at least one container of a first type and the second set of outlets is capable of directing fluid from the inlet to the at least one container of a second type, and a fluid outlet which allows fluid communication from the at least one container out of the interior of the housing.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, there is no piping between the at least one container of a first or second type and the manifold and/or framework so as to allow said at least one container to be removed and reinserted by a user.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, the unit further comprises a ventilation system for controlling the flow of air into and out of the unit.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, the ventilation system includes an air intake located in a lower portion of the housing and an exhaust vent located in an upper portion of the housing on an opposing side of the unit to the air intake.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, the housing includes: at least one side wall including an internal cavity which is capable of fluid communication with the air intake and an inner surface of the at least one side wall includes a plurality of openings; wherein air enters the unit through the air intake and travels through the internal cavity and the plurality of openings to enter the interior of the housing.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, the diameter of the openings varies along a vertical direction of the side wall to allow an even flow of air across the interior of the unit.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, the ventilation system includes blower fans built into the housing.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, the ventilation system includes a filtering element such as a HEPA filter.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, the ventilation system can be configured to prevent air exiting the housing.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, the fluid outlet allows fluid communication with the fluid source to be recycled.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, the manifold is configured to release water into the at least one container of the first or second type for growing crops solely under gravitational force.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, the at least one light is an LED.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, the at least one container of a first type is in the form of a vertically oriented growing column.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, the at least one vertically oriented growing column can be rotated around its long axis.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, each of the at least one growing columns comprise at least one stackable segment, each segment including at least one opening in which a pot for growing crops can be removably located.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, there are a plurality of segments and the segments further include an interior cavity which allows fluid communication between adjacent segments and a channeling element located within the interior cavity which channels fluid towards the at least one opening and pot in the segment.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, at least one light is in the form of a light column around which a plurality of growing columns are arranged.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, at least one light is located along at least one inner edge of the interior of the housing, the inner edge being substantially parallel to the at least one growing column.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, additional lighting elements are provided in the interior sides of the housing.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, there is a plurality of growing columns, and the growing columns are located on a rotatable carousel including a carousel manifold located above the growing columns and in fluid communication with the columns; wherein the manifold directs fluid into the carousel manifold.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, the at least one growing column is located around a periphery of the rotatable carousel.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, the rotatable carousel is motorised.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, the rotatable carousel includes a set of gear teeth around a lower surface at its periphery, and a motorised worm gear is used to rotate the carousel.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, the base of each growing column includes gear teeth which interact with the worm gear to cause rotation of the columns when the rotatable carousel moves.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, the gear at the base of each growing column has a suitable ratio such that each growing column will have different orientations after consecutive full rotations of the carousel.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, the at least one container of a second type is in the form of a horizontally mounted drawer or tray.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, the unit further comprises a removable central partition which attaches to the adjustable framework, the central partition being capable of at least partially receiving containers of the second type.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, each of the at least one horizontally mounted drawers includes an overflow outlet such that the drawer can only be filled with a fluid to a predetermined height and drainage outlets at a bottom surface of the drawer.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, each of the at least one horizontally mounted drawers includes a light on an underside of the drawer.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, each of the at least one horizontally mounted drawers includes a removable connection to a busbar located in the housing to allow electrical communication between the busbar and the each horizontally mounted drawer.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, the horizontally mounted drawers are aligned so that they face at least one of the access points such that an operator can easily add or remove crops from the drawers.
In certain embodiments of the first aspect, the housing includes openings located on at least one exterior surface for receiving forks from a forklift or similar vehicle for transporting the unit.
According to a second aspect, there is provided a modular system for growing crops, comprising at least one grow module, the module comprising: a housing, an access point such as blinds or a door located in at least one side of the housing, at least one light integrated into an interior of the housing, at least one container for growing crops, an adjustable framework within the housing on which the at least one container can be removably located, a fluid inlet which allows fluid communication into the interior of the housing from a water source remote to the module, a manifold located in the housing in fluid communication with the inlet, a fluid outlet which allows fluid communication out of the interior of the housing, a water control module, comprising the water source and a pump, and a support system attached to the at least one module.
In certain embodiments of the second aspect, the grow module is a unit according to the first aspect.
In certain embodiments of the second aspect, the system further comprises at least one stack base unit, comprising a connection to a power source and a pump; wherein the stack base unit is attached to the support system; and wherein fluid and electrical communication is possible between each stack base unit and a plurality of grow modules through the support system
In certain embodiments of the second aspect, the support system contains a plurality of module bases, the module bases shaped to receive the grow module.
In certain embodiments of the second aspect, the support system contains couplings for allowing fluid and electrical communication between the fluid inlet of the grow module and the stack base unit and/or water control module when the grow module is located on the module base.
In certain embodiments of the second aspect, the couplings are in the form of spring loaded valves such that fluid and electrical communication through the coupling is prevented when the grow module is not located on the module base.
In certain embodiments of the second aspect, the stack base unit or grow module includes a transformer to convert mains power to a suitable DC voltage for use by the at least one grow module.
In certain embodiments of the second aspect, the pump in each stack base unit is a positive displacement pump.
In certain embodiments of the second aspect, the pump in the water control module is a positive displacement pump.
In certain embodiments of the second aspect, the water control module includes tanks containing nutrient and pH altering components for maintaining the pH and nutrient composition of water in the water source.
In certain embodiments of the second aspect, the water control module includes a logic control system which takes readings of the electroconductivity and pH level of the water source and adds nutrients or pH altering components based on a predetermined level.
In certain embodiments of the second aspect, the logic control system also transmits scheduling information to the at least one stack base unit for timing pumping water to the grow modules and operating the at least one light within the housing.
In certain embodiments of the second aspect, the support system is arranged so that a plurality of grow modules located in vertically adjacent module bases are fed water and electricity from a single stack base unit located at the bottom of the grow modules.
According to a third aspect, there is provided a grow column for a unit for growing crops, the column comprising a plurality of stacked segments, wherein each segment comprises a first end, a second end, a side wall extending between the first and second end to form a cavity, at least one opening located in the side wall, at least one pot removably located within the opening so that the pot is in fluid communication with the cavity, a channeling element located at the first end, wherein fluid entering the first end is diverted towards the at least one opening, and interlocking connection elements at the first and second ends which couple adjacent segments together; wherein each segment is composed of a plurality of segment walls which connect to form the side wall.
In certain embodiments of the third aspect, the channeling element acts as the interlocking connection element so that the channeling element of a first segment connects the first segment to the second end of a second segment.
According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a unit including at least one growing column according to either 48 or 49, comprising a housing and/or an access point which is transparent or semi-transparent to allow viewing of the at least one growing column.
In certain embodiments of the fourth aspect, the unit further comprises: a pump; a conduit; a fluid outlet; a tank; wherein the fluid outlet is in fluid communication with the tank; and wherein the pump is able to convey fluid from the tank to the at least one growing column through the conduit.
In certain embodiments of the fourth aspect, the at least one growing column is capable of rotation, and wherein a light is provided in an inner edge of the housing. Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are a part of this disclosure and which illustrate, by way of example, principles of the inventions disclosed.
The present invention provides a modular system for growing crops. In some embodiments, the modular system may be used to grow mushrooms or other fungi, in further embodiments, the system may be used to breed insects or other organisms for consumption.
The system comprises grow modules connected to each other via a support system and a water control module. Typically, each system will grow a single type of crop at a time, and a farm or other indoor growing operation may have a number of systems. Multiple systems may be used to grow different crops and/or increase production of the first crop. In some embodiments, the support system may be attached to stack base units which are in turn attached to the grow modules.
The water control module provides water for the system and preferably includes a large holding tank for storing water as well as reservoirs of nutrients and pH altering components. In most situations, the pH altering components will be acidic as water tends to become more basic over time. The water control module includes a logic controller which receives information about the water level, electroconductivity, and pH of the water in the holding tank from sensors and releases nutrients and pH altering components into the holding tank to maintain a predetermined composition. The electroconductivity is measured as it gives an indirect reading of how nutrient rich the water is. In preferred embodiments, this predetermined composition is optimized for the crop being grown. In some embodiments, a library of compositions for a range of crops is stored in a central server or cloud service and transmitted to and stored by the logic controller when selected by an operator. Ideally, the library is constantly updated and revised based on user data using machine learning or other appropriate algorithm. The water control module also includes pumps for passing water either directly to the grow modules or through a series of stack base units, preferably positive displacement pumps such as, but not limited to, peristaltic pumps. Filters, preferably both ultrafiltration filters and UV filters are located between the holding tank and the conduits for communicating the fluid to the modules and/or stack base units.
The water control module further includes a flushing capability to automatically empty and refill the holding tank periodically. This is important both in the event that the water becomes contaminated and in normal usage, as electroconductivity measurements do not take into account the composition of the nutrients in the water and the nutrients are replaced with salts over time.
In some embodiments, stack base units receive water from the water control module into a holding tank. The water is then transferred to the grow modules by pumping it through the support system at predetermined intervals. In preferred embodiments, the water is pumped using positive displacement pumps. The stack base unit is in electrical communication with mains power and includes a transformer which converts factory or mains power to DC to power the lighting, ventilation and any motors in the grow modules. The stack base unit receives scheduling information from the logic controller in the water control module with regards to timing for watering intervals, lighting, motor operation and ventilation. The timings are predetermined to optimize growth of the crop being grown and are preferably stored in the central server and transmitted to the logic controller at the same time as the water composition. The DC power required may vary in different embodiments of the grow modules. Examples of suitable voltages include 24V or 48V DC, though it will be understood that other voltages may also be required in other embodiments.
In other embodiments, the water control module directs water directly to the grow modules without stack base units being present in the system. In these embodiments, the functions of the stack base unit may be assumed partially or in full by the water control module, which may include some of the features of the stack base unit. Alternatively or additionally, the grow modules may include features which partially or totally perform the functions of the stack base unit. For example, some or all of the grow modules may include a transformer and related electrical equipment to allow the conversion of mains power to a suitable voltage and current for use in the grow module.
The support system includes a plurality of module bases. Each module base is shaped to receive a bottom surface of a grow module, and in preferred embodiments includes spring loaded valves through which fluid and electrical communication is possible between a stack base unit and the received grow module. In these embodiments, the valve acts to prevent communication through the module base when the grow module is removed from the base. Advantageously, the support system does not include any pumps or electronics, only acting as a conduit between grow modules and stack base units. Instead, the water is pumped from the water control module or stack base unit (if present) with enough pressure to travel through the support system conduits, and gravitational forces control the movement of water through the modules.
In some embodiments, the module bases are arranged in a grid, with stack base units located underneath the bottom row of module bases. Each stack base unit supplies water and electrical power to the column above it. In some embodiments, it is envisioned that approximately thirty bases are provided in one support system, though it will be understood that in other embodiments, there may be more or fewer module bases supplied.
The grow module contains a housing, containers for growing crops and a manifold. An access point is provided in the housing for an operator to harvest, inspect or plant crops. This access point may be for example a door or blind. In preferred embodiments, the housing is substantially cuboid in shape and the edges of the housing are chamfered or rounded. The manifold is located in an upper portion of the housing above the containers, and receives water pumped from the stack base unit or directly from the water control module through the support system. The manifold then transfers the water to the containers by gravity drip. Drain outlets at a lower portion of the containers allow excess water to be collected and channeled back to the stack base unit and/or water control module for re-use in the system. This is also driven entirely by gravity.
The grow module further includes a ventilation system. Preferably, this system includes an inlet, possibly including a control means such as louvers which can be operated to increase or decrease the flow of air into the system. The inlet may also include a mesh to filter out particulates and prevent pests from entering the system. The ventilation system may further include exhaust fans for allowing air to leave the system. Louvers may also be provided on the exhaust to control the air flow out of the module. In some cases, it may be advantageous to trap air inside the module, such as during germination or when growing mushrooms. In these cases, the ventilation system can be configured to prevent air from leaving the system, the timing of which is controlled by the stack base unit acting on information transmitted from the water control module. In these embodiments, the access point is configured to be airtight.
In preferred embodiments, the module is arranged such that the ventilation inlet is located in a lower part of the housing, below where the containers are located. The inlet allows the intake of air into a chamber below the containers and includes a blower fan which pressurises this lower chamber. In these embodiments, the side walls of the housing are hollow, and the interior cavity of the side walls in fluid connection with the lower chamber. Openings are provided in the interior surface of these side walls so that air travels through the openings and into the main interior of the module where the containers for growing plants are located. The openings may be located such that air travels into the interior of the module at a location beneficial to the crops being grown, such as above each horizontally mounted tray to maximise airflow to the plants being grown. In preferred embodiments, the diameter of the openings is varied such that there is an even airflow across the module, for example by providing openings of larger diameter in a direction away from the air intake source, i.e. for embodiments where the inlet is below the main interior where the containers are located, the diameter of the openings may increase in a vertical direction away from the inlet. It will be understood that the term diameter in this circumstance is used generally, and is intended to refer to the surface area of the openings, rather than any limitations on the particular shape of the openings.
By placing the ventilation intake on a first side, preferably the front facing side where an access point and/or interface is located, and the exhaust on an opposing side, preferably a rear side facing the rack when mounted as part of a system, the system adopts a layout similar to the ‘hot aisle/cold aisle’ approach for data server racks. Much like for server racks, the hot aisle/cold aisle layout conserves energy and reduces the cooling costs, more effectively managing the heat created from the modules than otherwise would be achievable.
Lighting is also located within the interior of the housing. Typically, this will be in the form of LED lighting for heat and power efficiency, and may be located in the middle of the interior or at the corners of the housing depending on the type of container. The interior may also have a reflective interior surface coating to reflect light and maximise growth. In preferred embodiments, the LED lighting is in the form of strips which are able to be removed and replaced by an operator depending on requirements. The LEDs are preferably optimized to provide light spectra adapted for the crop being grown. In embodiments where the containers, preferably vertical growing columns, are rotated while in an interior of the housing, lighting elements may only be required in one or two of the corners as the rotation of the containers allows the crops being grown to be exposed to the same amount of light with a reduced number of required lighting elements. In other embodiments, lighting elements may be provided on the containers, preferably horizontally mounted containers, so as to provide light to adjacent containers.
In some embodiments, the light spectra and intensity of the lighting within the housing may be changeable over time. For example, as plants grow larger, higher light intensity may be required. Plants may also require different light spectra to control growth phases, for instance, a change in light spectra and intensity may cause a plant to begin fruiting. In preferred embodiments, the timing of these aspects is controlled by the water control module. In some embodiments, the water control module receives predetermined timings optimized for the crop being grown from a cloud or other suitable central server.
It will be understood that the containers within the housing may take a number of forms. Preferred embodiments include containers in the form of either horizontally mounted drawers or vertical grow columns. In particularly preferred embodiments, the housing includes a framework which is capable of mounting either form of container. Other embodiments may include different containers suitable for hydroponic growth.
In a preferred form of the containers, the containers are horizontally mounted drawers. The drawers have an overflow outlet located at a side wall of the drawer and drain holes on a bottom surface. The drawers are also filled with a media suitable for growing crops, such as rock wool. These drawers are positioned so that they can slide in a direction facing the access point for easy inspection and harvesting.
In a system containing these drawers, water drips from the manifold into the containers, filling each container up to the level set by the overflow outlet and allowing the water to slowly drain from the containers. Water can flow one container to another, filling all containers in turn. This may be accomplished by either locating the overflow outlet in such a way to flow into containers below the first, by providing a valve assembly in each container capable of stopping the flow of water from the first container to the second while it is being filled and draining it when filling stops, or a combination of the two. This also has the further advantage of allowing a user to remove a drawer from the system without interrupting the flow of water throughout the remaining drawers, as water from a drawer above the removed drawer will instead be directed to the drawer below the removed drawer. Similarly, if the user wishes to add drawers to the system, then water will flow from a drawer above the inserted drawer into the inserted drawer which will in turn fill the drawer below.
In another preferred form of the containers, the containers are vertical grow columns. These columns are connected to the manifold at an upper end and feature a hollow interior space through which water can pass from the manifold. The columns are connected at a lower end to a drain outlet which is fluidly connected to the water control module. The grow columns have openings extending at an acute angle from the long axis of the column in which crops can be located. In some embodiments, these openings are located in protrusions which extend from the body of the column in the same direction as the opening. Preferably, the crops are located in pots which are shaped to be removably mounted in the openings. When an operator wants to harvest the crops, they can simply remove the pots from the openings and replace them with a new pot containing seeds or seedlings. The pots also contain a suitable media for the crop being grown, such as rock wool.
In preferred embodiments, the grow columns are made up of modular segments, each containing at least one opening for growing plants. These segments can be removed individually for cleaning or other maintenance and can be constructed to a range of heights by varying the number of segments. This is advantageous for optimizing the system for different crop types, some of which may require more space to grow.
Modules that include grow columns may also feature a rotating carousel on which the grow columns are located. The rotating carousel may include a base which may be powered by an electric motor off the power supplied by the stack base unit or by another power source. The electric motor may be connected to a worm gear which cooperates with gear teeth along a periphery of the rotating carousel to allow movement. Further gear teeth may be provided around a periphery of each grow column so that the columns are also rotated relative to the carousel. Preferably, the column gear teeth have a different ratio to the carousel teeth so that the column is in a different orientation with each rotation of the carousel. The rotating carousel allows an operator to stand at an access point and rotate the base and columns to reach and harvest every plant from the same location.
The carousel may also include an second open carousel manifold above the growing columns. Fluid (typically water) can be directed into this open carousel manifold when the carousel is installed in the module. The location of the carousel manifold above the columns provides a number of substantial benefits over conventional systems using drip emitters. Firstly, no pumps are required within the module reducing the cost and complexity. Secondly, a problem with the current drip emitters is clogging due to salt build-up over use. This is a problem because the nutrients added to the water contain a lot of salts. By providing a plurality of large diameter outlets which drip into the containers by gravity, the diameter of the inlet into the module can be made far larger than that of the equivalent drip nozzles as the water can flow into the carousel manifold without fear of overwatering the plants. This reduces the incidence of clogging, and careful design of the drip holes in the carousel manifold can also provide a greater range of possible flow rates than possible for drip emitters due to the risk of clogging at certain flow rates. Additionally, the carousel manifold is open so to allow fluid to flow from the stationary manifold into the rotating carousel manifold regardless of the current position of the carousel. The module's manifold thus does not require any physical connections to the carousel or the growing columns.
The rotation of the carousel and columns provide a number of benefits. The rotation provides a sun and shade cycle which results in stronger plant growth as the plants. This also prevents tip burn which occurs when plants grow too close to the lighting. In preferred embodiments, a full rotation of the carousel will take 5 hours, though it will be appreciated that the optimum time may differ depending on the crop being grown. Activation of the motor is controlled from the stack base unit based on scheduling information transmitted from the water control module.
As previously mentioned, preferred embodiments are capable of mounting both horizontally mounted drawers as containers, or vertical growing columns. This may be achieved by creating a housing with common elements to both systems. This may include connection points in the form of notches or channels to attach either a rotatable carousel when installing vertical growing columns or a central partition when installing horizontally mounted drawers. The housing may also include a ventilation/power system common to both types of containers.
The manifold, which may also be referred to as a header or a header tank, is capable of receiving fluid (for example water) from a fluid source external to the module such as through the large holding tank and water control module. Such a manifold may include a first set of outlets which direct fluid towards the rotatable carousel when installed in the module (specifically, the manifold directs fluid to a second carousel manifold above the growing columns) and a second set of outlets which direct fluid to the uppermost horizontally mounted drawers when they are installed in the module. The horizontally mounted drawers may include a valve or valve assembly to direct fluid to a drawer below when a certain amount of fluid has filled the drawer. Each set of outlets may be blocked or otherwise prevented from allowing fluid to pass through when the other type of container is installed. For example, outlets that direct fluid into horizontally mounted drawers may be blocked when installing vertical growing columns in the module and vice versa. As a result, no component in the grow module is required to hold water and water is able to flow into the module, through the manifold to a first or second type of container(s), and then to a common drainage system.
The common drainage system located in a lower region of the housing may collect fluid from the bottommost drawer or the bottom of each growing column and direct it to a drainage outlet. By arranging the manifold, containers and drainage outlet in this manner, it is possible to rely on gravitational force to move water through the module.
One advantage of the system as described is that in a commercial farming operation, numerous systems will be used to grow one or more crops for sale. In contrast to existing growing operations, the water source is decentralized, with each array including its own water control module. This provides protection against pathogens or similar contaminations to the water supply, as if they occurred in conventional systems, the entire crop would be destroyed. Decentralizing the water supply means that in the event of contamination, only one array will be affected.
Another advantage is that each module is designed to be harvested by one operator at one location. In some embodiments, the system is designed for an operator on a scissor lift to position themselves in front of an access point and harvest the crop as previously described. In other embodiments, a forklift or automated guided vehicle is used to remove the module from the support system and bring it to a harvesting location where the operator can harvest and replant as previously described. In larger operations using multiple systems, an operator can easily move from one system to the next following the same procedure.
A further advantage of the system is that the crop being grown can be easily modified. When a crop is harvested, an operator can simply replant a different crop in the containers and change the setting on the water control module to adjust watering and lighting for the new crop. In this way, no major alterations are required to the system when converting to another crop. This is particularly advantageous when changing from one type of growing container to another, where the containers and some internal components may be substituted without totally replacing the unit or system. In the case that the user has a number of modules in the system, each module may be removed and the internal components substituted before placing the module back into the system without disrupting or requiring movement or alteration of the overall system.
The present invention will be better understood by the following non-limiting embodiments.
In these embodiments, part of the framework may be removable so as to allow alternate framework to be installed, the alternate framework being suited for another type of container. For example, in the embodiment of
Additionally, in some embodiments, the module may include a ventilation system wherein air is brought in through an intake which allows fluid communication with a cavity inside the side walls of the housing. The side walls include openings which allow air flow over the crops being grown. Preferably, the openings are located such that the drawers sit between adjacent rows of openings to maximise air flow over the crops being grown. The central partition is in fluid communication with exhaust openings in the top so that the air flow moves more or less horizontally from the openings in the side walls to the openings in the central partition and out through the exhaust of the module.
The rotation of these growing columns is advantageous because it allows the crops being grown to receive the required amount of light with a reduced number of required light sources relative to systems where the columns are stationary. In this way, the heat generated by the light sources inside the module and hence the required power (including for cooling the module) is reduced.
The segments may vary depending on which crops the column is optimised for.
Views of the embodiment of segment wall 89B as shown in
As previously discussed, one possible advantageous feature is to provide a module capable of being converted between one type of container and another. In these embodiments, a large number of elements will be common to both configurations. One such module, with the containers removed, is shown in
The module base 92 is hollow, and includes an air intake 96 as well as an interface panel 97. The interface panel may be used to control the operation of the module and may also include a drainage outlet for situations where the module is not used as part of a larger system. The module base may also include spaces for at least one electrical box to facilitate electrical communication with the interior of the module. The air intake 96 may include a blower fan to bring air into the hollow interior of the module base 93.
The side walls 92 are hollow, and have openings on a lower edge which correspond with openings in the module base 93 so air which is brought into the module base 93 travels into the hollow interior of the side walls. The blower fans pressurise the hollow of the module base so that air is forced to travel into the hollow interior of the side walls. An inner surface of the side walls 98 include small openings 99 through which air travels into the main interior of the module where crops can be grown. The inner surface also includes on the inwards facing side tracks or substantially horizontal protrusions to receive horizontally mounted drawers or similar within the module. The openings 99 in the side walls vary in size in a vertical direction so that openings closer to the module top 94 are larger than those closer to the module base 93. In this way, an even air flow is produced into the interior of the module throughout the entire height of the interior of the module. The module top 94 is also hollow and includes an exhaust on an opposing side of the module and openings in a surface facing the interior of the module so that air travels from the interior of the module through the module top 94 and out of the exhaust.
In some embodiments, the side and rear walls 92 are vacuum moulded and the corner pieces 95 are made of aluminium. In some embodiments, the corner pieces also hold up the module top 94. In further embodiments, the side walls 92 may in fact be comprised of two separate walls sandwiched together so as to form a hollow interior when assembled as part of the module. The module top 94 may also include further electrical boxes and/or access panels 910 to allow maintenance of the module.
A cross-sectional isometric view and an isometric view of an embodiment of a module base 93 are shown in
In
In some circumstances, users may like to use growing modules to both grow crops but also or alternatively as a display or decoration. In other cases, users may desire to grow crops on a smaller scale than in the previous embodiments. To meet these needs, alternative embodiments optimized for these cases are also envisioned.
Some of these embodiments may include a unit with a cuboid shape which is longer in height than in width or depth. The cross-sectional area in the horizontal plane is relatively smaller than in the previously described embodiments, and so may include fewer containers relative to the previous embodiments (or may include a single container). In some embodiments, a tank may be located below the container(s). The tank is connected to a pump which is able to convey liquid to an upper portion of the unit in fluid communication with the container(s). Unlike the other embodiments, the door and part of the housing around the growing column may be transparent, and may be made of glass or any other suitable material. This allows users to inspect or otherwise view the crops being grown. In these embodiments, lighting may be provided in a substantially vertical direction along at least one inner side or edge of the housing.
One such embodiment is shown in
The side walls 105 which surround the first or upper chamber 101 are transparent or at least partially transparent to allow viewing of the plants. In some embodiments, one of these side walls may include or comprise a door or other access point. These side walls enclose the upper chamber so that the ventilation system can maintain a hygienic environment. At least one side wall in the second or lower chamber may include switches, buttons, or other controls in the form of a control panel 106 for altering at least one of the speed of rotation of the growing column, the water module/pump timing, ventilation parameters, lighting conditions, or other variables related to the growing conditions for the crops being grown. The lower chamber may also include a second access point 107 for maintenance or replacement of the interior components. The lighting (not shown) may be provided in the form of an LED strip along an inner edge of the first or upper chamber. The rotation of the column allows crops being grown around the column to receive the same amount of lighting from this strip. It will be understood that in other embodiments, different lighting arrangements may be used.
Further, it is envisioned that multiple of these units may be brought together to form a wall or display. In these cases, it is envisioned that one of the units may be designated a ‘master’ and connections made between the timing and control circuits of each unit so that changes made to the growing conditions (such as, but not limited to the pump timing, ventilation parameters, rotation speed, lighting conditions) on this master unit will also be applied to the remaining units.
An isometric view of a further embodiment is shown in
Unlike other display hydroponic systems, the container for growing crops, preferably in the form of one or two growing columns, is enclosed within the housing so that ventilation and air flow can be controlled. This is not typically used for display systems as the light requirements of the plants being grown (in particular in lobbies or other similar indoor display environments) necessitates having the plants open to the environment. This is avoided in some embodiments by providing rotating columns and a light source, preferably an LED strip in an inner edge of the housing adjacent the rotating column, to provide the required amount of light. By providing greater control over the ventilation and air flow, healthier and/or more aesthetically pleasing plants may be grown in the display system. Further, the closed system provides a more hygienic growing environment for the crops relative to existing systems with an open system. Further, this may reduce or prevent insects, for example aphids or flies, from entering the system and damaging or reducing the visual quality of the plants.
The vertical columns can be adapted for different crops such as hops or tomatoes through minor alterations. For example, lattices may be provided above each protrusion to assist in growing. Conversely, the protrusions may be provided only on an upper segment so that vines may grow down from the protrusions. In other embodiments, the crops may be plants or flowers chosen for their pleasing aesthetic qualities, rather than those for consumption or sale.
In this specification, the word ‘crop’ is intended to convey a vast number of growable products and should not be seen to limit the use of the invention to any specific plant or species. The term ‘crop’ may refer to plants, fungi or other organisms used for a variety of purposes such as for human or animal consumption or production of pharmaceutical or other vendible products.
In the foregoing description of certain embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes other technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose.
In this specification, the word “comprising” is to be understood in its “open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limited to its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of”. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words “comprise”, “comprised” and “comprises” where they appear.
The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.
In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the invention(s), and alterations, modifications, additions and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.
Furthermore, invention(s) have described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention(s). Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realize yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2019900263 | Jan 2019 | AU | national |
2019904910 | Dec 2019 | AU | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/AU2020/050059 | 1/30/2020 | WO | 00 |