Patent Application
20140137468
This invention pertains to the field of greenhouses, and more specifically to the field of solar greenhouses and even more specifically to the field of modular solar greenhouses and even more specifically to field of remotely sensed and controlled modular solar greenhouses.
The prior art has put forth several devices in the field of solar greenhouses. Among these are:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,462,390 to Robert B. Holdridge et al describes a modular solar greenhouse with elevated overhead heat storage material and movable insulation barriers and method and system for solar heating of attached living space using thermostat-controlled air circulation for harvesting heat.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,593 to Kashyap K. B. Bhatt describes a portable solar greenhouse comprising a closed chamber having windows, racks and trays, and wherein solar collection devices power irrigation pumps.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,173,212 to Carl E. Whitcomb describes a self-contained solar greenhouse having rectangular floor, parallel sides and a quonset type roof structure.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,259 to William M. Allen describes a solar greenhouse for growing plants comprising peripheral walls and a removable roof.
None of these references describe the present invention. All references cited are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that they are not inconsistent with the disclosure herein.
The present invention provides a modular solar self-contained greenhouse comprised of any of a variety of components, collectively referred to as portable solar modular greenhouse, hereinafter sometimes referred to as PSMG, or greenhouse. These components include: an expandable small footprint greenhouse structure comprising one or more connected modules, transparent or translucent multi wall siding comprising polyethylene panels such as SolaWrap™ for light capture with insulation, magnetized sectional insulation for glazing control and cold weather gardening, LED lights comprising low wattage lights such as 9 watt or lower wattage LED light strips in blue and red. These lights can be mounted vertically along the inside of the greenhouse, or can be mounted on the ceiling of the greenhouse, temperature sensitive ventilation (both powered and unpowered), extruded hollow aluminum T-track, or T-slot frame, integrating water pipe, electrical wiring and mechanical tracks, flat shipment easily moveable through a common doorway with easy pull-up hinged assembly, photovoltaic panels both rooftop and remote ground mount for operations and backup power, expandable battery options for night and emergency usage, expandable rainwater collection/diversion with emergency drinking water purification, solar-powered storage water recirculation with filtering, self-watering drip irrigation system (requires external cold water if collected water too warm), integrated composting worm bin (receives drip irrigation drainage/provides “tea” for watering), photosensitive (optionally daylight only) and timer control of lights and pumps, wireless remote monitoring and control of all greenhouse operations, Cloud storage of data logs, foldable and lockable stability legs and hooks for high wind stability, skateboard quality polyurethane lockable casters attached to the bottom of the PSMG, removable base for floor protection, interior ceiling grid supporting vertical gardening hooks, steel encased insulated floor comprising two galvanized steel panels sandwiching rigid foam wherein the current insulation value is R-5 with a fiber insulator between the overlapping two panel edges to minimize thermal bridging, removable interior side shelves to accommodate 6-pack “Nursery Style” seed starter pots, drain controlled tray with removable planter/window box liners, interior lights, each PSMG is capable (with different capacity options) of producing 5V USB, 12V DC, and 110V AC. The “Garden Genie” is a hardware and software system that can collect and manage data in a modular greenhouse environment and send and receive that data via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or CAT5 to a nearby router for use in a local computer or mobile device, and beyond to an online aggregator web site. Data managed includes one or more of the following:
Power for the lights and water are supplied by a battery which stores electricity from the solar panels, or from AC grid current, if necessary.
In an embodiment, the systems of this invention include a combination of two or more of any devices or components described above.
In an embodiment, the systems of this invention include a combination of three or more of any devices or components described above.
In an embodiment, the systems of this invention include a combination of four or more of any devices or components described above.
In an embodiment, the systems of this invention include a combination of five or more of any devices or components described above.
In an embodiment, the systems of this invention include a combination of six or more of any devices or components described above.
In an embodiment, two or more modular systems of this invention are combined together to comprise a meta-system.
The present invention provides a portable solar modular greenhouse, hereinafter sometimes referred to as PSMG, or greenhouse. The greenhouse of the present invention is designed to meet the individual needs of the user, by incorporating appropriate components to design a greenhouse to accommodate a variety of uses and situations. The greenhouse of the present invention can be designed to be self-sustaining in a disaster situation or for developing country situations; it can be sized to fit on a small patio of a high-rise apartment building. The design can be small to allow the user to lean into the unit to harvest and tend the plants, or it can be large enough to walk in. The modules can be grouped together to afford more growing space and to generate auxiliary power. The present greenhouse comprises one or more of the following components: an expandable small footprint greenhouse structure comprising one or more connected modules, transparent or translucent multi wall siding comprising polyethylene panels such as SolaWrap™ for light capture with insulation, magnetized sectional insulation for glazing control and cold weather gardening, LED lights comprising low wattage lights such as 9 watt or lower wattage LED light strips in blue and red. These lights can be mounted vertically along the inside of the greenhouse, or can be mounted on the ceiling of the greenhouse, temperature sensitive ventilation (both powered and unpowered), extruded hollow aluminum T-track, or T-slot frame, integrating water pipe, electrical wiring and mechanical tracks, flat shipment easily moveable through a common doorway with easy pull-up hinged assembly, photovoltaic panels both rooftop and remote ground mount for operations and backup power, expandable battery options for night and emergency usage, expandable rainwater collection/diversion with emergency drinking water purification, solar-powered storage water recirculation with filtering, self-watering drip irrigation system (requires external cold water if collected water too warm), integrated composting worm bin (receives drip irrigation drainage/provides “tea” for watering), photosensitive (optionally daylight only) and timer control of lights and pumps, wireless remote monitoring and control of all greenhouse operations, Cloud storage of data logs, foldable and lockable stability legs and hooks for high wind stability, skateboard quality polyurethane lockable casters attached to the bottom of the PSMG, removable base for floor protection, interior ceiling grid supporting vertical gardening hooks, steel encased insulated floor comprising two galvanized steel panels sandwiching rigid foam wherein the current insulation value is R-5 with a fiber insulator between the overlapping two panel edges to minimize thermal bridging, removable interior side shelves to accommodate 6-pack “Nursery Style” seed starter pots, drain controlled tray with removable planter/window box liners, interior lights, each PSMG is capable (with different capacity options) of producing 5V USB, 12V DC, and 110V AC. The “Garden Genie” is a hardware and software system that can collect and manage data in a modular greenhouse environment and send and receive that data via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or CAT5 to a nearby router for use in a local computer or mobile device, and beyond to an online aggregator web site. Data managed includes one or more of the following:
In an embodiment, the systems of this invention include a combination of two or more of any devices or components described in this invention.
In an embodiment, two or more modular systems of this invention are combined together to comprise a meta-system.
As mentioned earlier, the modules can be customized to meet the user's needs. For example, for a disaster relief or developing country situation, one module can be designed to functions as an internet cafe module. For off-grid living there might be a Solarator™ (solar alternative to backup power generator) and refrigeration module. For mobile applications, the Solarator and refrigeration might be on a truck chassis or trailer of a vehicle.
The solar collector for use with the PSMG can collect solar energy to power not only the PSMG, but also for personal home use. In emergency situations, the PSMG can also integrate with other stand-alone collectors to become a charging station for cell phones, Portable refrigeration and even electric vehicles.
Optionally, My Worm Farmer™, is a large version of the worm composting bin being outside of the PSMG or perhaps a smaller version underneath a kitchen sink. The worm composter comprises a semi-porous container such as bamboo having a semi-porous shelf above a main tray to allow drip irrigation. Compost and at least one worm are placed into the container on top of the tray with the worm being under the compost. Water from the drip irrigation system is allowed to pass over the compost. Water that drips over the compost flows through the compost and the worms and washes nutrients and other organic matter into the main tray, thus creating “compost tea.” The worm is hermaphroditic and will reproduce, thus creating more worms. Worm casings and other compost create excellent potting medium for growing plants.
The rainwater redirection system ensures that rainwater is channeled away from your terrace or deck to hydrate thirsty plants through the automatic watering system. The irrigation reservoir can also provide emergency water when needed.
Rainwater is harvested from roof runoff into a gutter that extends to the corners of the structure. Water is then directed through the central channel of the T-slot frame into a food grade collapsible plastic bladder. One suitable bladder is 90 gallons in capacity, but is maintained at a level of about 53 gallons. In an embodiment, float sensors detect the volume of water. When the water in the bladder falls below 53 gallons, the bladder is manually filled from a hose connected to a water source. The bladder is housed in an insulated box to thermally control the temperature of the water and to prevent freezing. When the Garden Genie senses that the soil around the plants is dry, turns on the pump and water is directed from the bladder through an irrigation system to hydrate the plants.
The integrated automatic drip system uses kitchen scraps and paper to create nutritious compost tea to keep your plants hydrated and nourished.
PSMG is a modular greenhouse designed for both urban and rural environments. In various embodiments, it can be used not only to grow plants but also to create compost, collect and purify rainwater, and generate solar power, all with remote monitoring that allows tracking of the humidity, temperature, light level, and more.
In one embodiment, a PSMG is 48″ wide by 32″ deep by 82″ tall and can fit on a deck just 5 to 6 feet wide. Because it is modular, units can be joined to create a larger greenhouse. The durable, lightweight aluminum frame creates minimal impact on terraces and deck. The unique T-track or T-slot design allows for additional shelves and additional components. A cross-section of the T-slot frame is shown in
In an embodiment the frame which supports the skin system can be collapsible. In an embodiment, the sides, ceiling and floor of the PSMG can be designed so that the user need only lift up on the uppermost component to erect the basic structure of the device.
PSMG is easy to use and self-sufficient. Its sliding panels open automatically as needed to ensure that plants don't get too hot. The remote monitoring features help maintain the correct conditions for plants. With all these features, it is easy to grow all kinds of plants, from mushrooms to cacti. Ornamental flowers, herbs or even food can easily be grown using the PSMG.
Food, energy, water, and community are themes behind the development of PSMG. Although the greenhouse is targeted to take advantage of limited urban space, the technologies integrated into PSMG address issues of urban food production, emergency preparedness, education, and community building even in remote areas.
PSMG support community gardening and production of energy. Community solar (e.g., 10,000 10 kW arrays spread over 50 km versus one centralized 100 MW array) and develop turn-key modular rain-water-collecting, water purifying, vermiculture composting, remote monitoring, solar power generator greenhouses designed for both urban and rural environments. The greenhouse modules will be closet sized but can be locked together to become DC micro grid or net metered AC small community arrays. Some features may require multiple modules. This invention is appealing to those interested in food supply chain security, disaster recovery, and specialty crop growth.
The systems of this invention are useful for germinating and growing plants using soil or in soilless growing. The systems of this invention are used with seeds or plants and optionally sunlight, water and plant food to grow plants.
Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/796,412 filed Nov. 9, 2012, of Greg M. Ching et al, entitled “Modular Solar Greenhouse Devices, Systems and Methods for Growing Plants that Address Food, energy, Water and Community Concerns.”
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61796412 | Nov 2012 | US |
