DE202014101488U1 - Device for hydroponic cultivation - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for hydroponic cultivation, which device (1) comprises: one or more spaces (2) for receiving one or more seeds, one or more sources (3) of artificial light which is (are) arranged, photosynthetically active radiation ( PAR) for said one or more rooms (2), characterized in that the device (1) further comprises a control unit (4) for setting the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) of the artificial light based on the growth phase of those to be built in the device Plant (s) has.

Description

background

The invention relates to a hydroponic cultivation apparatus comprising: one or more rooms for receiving one or more seeds, one or more artificial light sources arranged, photosynthetically active radiation for said one or more rooms to create.

Hydroponics means the cultivation of plants without soil. Plants are cultured using a liquid solution of water and nutrients.

Indoor hydroponic horticultural devices have been developed for the cultivation of, for example, vegetables and herbs in consumer environments such as homes, restaurants, and commercial kitchens, etc.

As there is a need for easy and convenient horticulture, removable hives or trays or cartridges containing growth medium are mostly used in said indoor hydroponic horticultural devices. The plants are allowed to grow in said growth medium. These boxes or trays can be easily placed in and removed from the cultivating devices. Nevertheless, there is a need in the art for even more convenient indoor gardening devices.

Short description

Viewed in a first aspect, the device further comprises a control unit for adjusting the photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) of the artificial light due to the growth phase of the plant (s) to be grown in the device.

In this case, a simple and convenient device for hydroponic cultivation can be achieved.

The device for hydroponic cultivation is characterized by what is stated in the characterizing parts of the independent patent claim. Some other embodiments are characterized by what is stated in the other claims. Inventive embodiments are also disclosed in the specification and drawings of this patent application. The inventive content of the patent application may also be defined otherwise than in the following claims. The inventive content can also be composed of several separate inventions, in particular if the invention is examined in the light of expressed or implicit subtasks or in terms of advantages or benefit groups achieved. Some definitions contained in the following claims may therefore be unnecessary because of the separate inventive ideas. Features of the various embodiments of the invention may be applied to other embodiments within the scope of the basic inventive idea.

Brief description of the figures

Some embodiments illustrating the present disclosure are described in more detail in the accompanying drawings. Show it

1 a schematic side view of an example of hydroponic internal cultivation in the partial cross section,

2a and 2 B schematic perspective views of in 1 shown device for hydroponic internal cultivation, and

3a to 3d schematic side views of an example of a device for hydroponic internal cultivation.

For the sake of clarity, some embodiments are shown in simplified form in the figures. Similar parts are designated in the figures with the same reference numerals.

Detailed description

1 is a schematic view of an example of a device for hydroponic internal cultivation in the partial cross section and 2a . 2 B Fig. 3 are schematic perspective views of the same device.

In hydroponic planting without soil in a liquid solution of water and nutrients, an artificial medium is used to provide mechanical support for the seed to be pre-germinated and any resulting seedling or adult plant. Thus, a seed to be pre-germinated and grown can be embedded in a seed cartridge, which is usually made of a material that is sufficiently strong to hold the seed. Moreover, the material should have porosity and water retention properties which allow the flow of a liquid nutrient solution to plant roots but which prevent the roots from being continually submerged in the solution, such continuous immersion Makes roots susceptible to putrefaction. In the following, the said material is referred to as "growth medium".

The plant may be selected, for example, from leafy vegetables, vegetable fruits or flowers.

The term "leafy vegetables" as used herein refers to plants whose leaves and stems are used as food. This term includes green vegetables or leafy vegetables such as lettuce (eg, cut salad, batavia salad, asparagus salad, iceberg lettuce and romaine lettuce), spinach (eg baby spinach and New Zealand spinach), Pak Choi, Tatsoi, Mizuna, Komatsuna, Shiso, Swiss chard and herbs such as rocket (eg wild rocket), basil (eg vanilla basil, cinnamon basil, lemon basil, red basil, Thai basil and shrimp basil), thyme, parsley, mint (eg Mint, peppermint and apple mint), rosemary, coriander, marjoram, oregano, sage etc.

The term "vegetable fruits" as used herein refers to plants that are used like vegetables but are botanically fruits. Non-limiting examples of such plants include tomato, cucumber, paprika, and chili peppers.

Flowers suitable for growing by the present method include, but are not limited to, annual flowers such as violets (eg, violet, fragrant and wild pansy), American saffron, cornflower and calendula.

The device 1 has one or more rooms 2 to take one or more seeds 8th and one or more sources 3 artificial light arranged (is), photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) for said one or more rooms 2 to create.

In petrified culture, an artificial medium can be used to provide mechanical support for the seed to be pre-germinated 8th and to give any resulting seedling or adult plant.

Thus, any seed to be pre-germinated and grown by the present method can be placed in a seed cartridge 5 be embedded, as in 1 will be shown. The seed cartridge 5 can generally be made of a material that is strong enough to hold the seed 8th is. Moreover, the material should have porosity and water retention properties that allow the flow of a liquid nutrient solution to plant roots, but which prevent the roots from being immersed in the solution all the time, such continued dipping making the roots susceptible to putrefaction.

The shape and dimensions of the seed cartridge 5 can vary, but typically it is a cylinder. The cartridge can be made of a variety of different materials, which a person skilled in the art understands easily. However, mineral wool or mineral fibers such as rockwool or mineral wool, which comprise, for example, basalt or pearlite, is a preferred material. Another preferred material is peat moss because of its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Other organic materials such as wood fibers, linen fibers, coconut fibers, etc. may also be used.

If desired, the top surface of the seed cartridge may have an opaque or opaque cover. One of the purposes of the cover is to prevent the growth of algae and mold on the seed cartridge when exposed to light and moisture. Another purpose is to maintain a suitable moisture in the seed cartridge and thus to prevent the drying of the seed during germination. These aspects are especially important when seeds are grown with a long germination time. The cover can be made from a water-dispersible material, such as a tissue paper, that does not inhibit the growth of the developing plant.

The shape of the seed cartridge 5 allows introduction into a hydroponic culture device 1 like a domestic hydroponic cultivator. The device 1 has at least one opening 2 on, looking for the inclusion of the cartridge 5 suitable. The opening 2 may be a mere opening or it may be an opening of a cavity or depression. The opening 2 supports the cartridge 5 when growing (a) plant (s).

According to one embodiment, the seed cartridge 5 in a basket 23 to be introduced, which is releasable in the opening 2 can be arranged. The basket 23 has an open structure that allows the hydroponic solution in the seed cartridge 5 can get into it. The basket 23 can the treatment of the seed cartridge 5 , for example their introduction to the device 1 and the separation thereof, facilitate.

The cultivation of plants from seeds 8th can be divided into different phases.

In this context, the first phase is referred to as "germination," which is a process in which the seed evolves into a seedling. Usually, germination starts when a seed is watered. As a result, become hydrolytic enzymes are active and begin to break down food reserves stored in the seed such as starch, proteins or oils into energy for the growth process and metabolically useful chemicals. In addition, the decrease in water leads to swelling and breaking of the seed coat. The first part of the seedling emerging from the seed coat is the root, followed by the shoot and finally the cotyledons (ie cotyledons). By that time, the seed's food reserves are typically depleted and the future energy needed for further growth is provided by photosynthesis. In this context, the germination phase ends with the appearance of the cotyledons. A typical, non-limiting example of the duration of the germination phase is from about seven to about ten days.

The second phase of plant growth is referred to as the "seedling phase" and, in this context, it extends from the emergence of the cotyledons to the seedling height of approximately a few centimeters, e.g. B. three centimeters. For example, the exact amount may vary depending on the plant species, as one skilled in the art will readily understand. In any case, all seedling areas are full of nutrients and are often considered a culinary delight.

The next stages of growth in the life of a plant are called "a vegetative phase" and "a strong vegetative phase". The difference between these two growth phases is based on growth rates. During the early vegetative phase, d. H. the resting phase, the growth rate of the plant is slow. During the strong vegetative phase, however, the growth rate increases rapidly exponentially. During these two phases, plants are very active in photosynthesis to grow as much as possible before the beginning of the next phase, which is either a flowering phase, a generative phase or a maintenance phase, depending on the plant to be grown. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art in which appropriate phases a plant is to be grown.

Sometimes it can be difficult to draw precise boundaries between the strong vegetative phase, the flowering phase and the generative phase. For example, different parts of a plant may be in different stages of growth, and depending on the species, the first weeks of the flowering phase may in fact be a vegetative phase with rapid elongation and growth of roots and leaves.

In this context, the term "generative phase" refers to a growth phase in which the energy of the plant is primarily directed to the development of fruits. Thus, incorporating this phase into the present process, it is particularly applied to vegetable-type fruits such as tomato, cucumber, paprika and chilli pepper.

In this context, the term "maintenance phase" refers to a stationary phase in which the plant no longer becomes significantly longer. This phase can also be called an "entertainment" or "harvest phase".

In this context, the term "maintenance phase" refers to a stationary phase in which the plant no longer becomes significantly longer. This phase can also be called an "entertainment" or "harvest phase".

The present hydroponic culture device 1 can be used for all said phases or only some of these. In other words, the device can 1 may be used only in the germination phase or may have the phases from germination to seedling phase, early vegetative phase, strong vegetative phase or flowering or maintenance phase. Accordingly, the present device 1 used to obtain germinated seeds, shoots, seedlings or adult plants. In any case, the starting material is a plant seed 8th preferably in a seed cartridge 5 located.

Plants need energy for their growth and development. The energy is derived from sunlight through photosynthesis, which is a process whereby chlorophyll, i. H. green pigment found in plants, uses light energy to convert water and carbon dioxide into simple sugars and oxygen. These simple sugars are then used to make more complex sugars and starches, which are used as energy reserves or structural components of the plant. For photosynthesis, plants can use sunlight in the wavelength range of 400 to 700 nanometers, which more or less corresponds to the light range that is visible to the human eye. This portion of the spectrum is known as Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR), and represents only 37% of solar energy, while 62% of solar energy is at the infrared wavelength (> 700 nm) and the remaining 1% at the ultraviolet wavelength (FIG. 200 to 400 nm).

In plants, chlorophyll a is the main pigment involved in photosynthesis, while chlorophyll b acts as an accessory pigment, broadening the light spectrum absorbed during photosynthesis. Chlorophyll a has an absorption maximum at a wavelength of about 400 to 450 nm and at 650 to 700 nm; Chlorophyll b to 450 to 500 nm and to 600 to 650 nm. The blue Spectrum, ie about 400 to 500 nm, more specifically about 420 to about 480 nm, is mainly responsible for vegetative leaf growth. The red spectrum, ie about 600 to 700 nm, more specifically about 640 to about 690 nm, is particularly important for germination and root development. In addition, red light in combination with blue light promotes flowering.

On the other hand, plants do not absorb well in the green-yellow area, but reflect. For this reason, plants look green to the human eye.

According to the above, in the present device 1 one or more sources of artificial light 3 , for example light emitting diodes (LEDs) 6 , which are designed to stimulate plant growth and development by emitting an electromagnetic spectrum suitable for photosynthesis. Although plants do not readily absorb green light, the green spectrum, ie, about 500 to 600 nm, more specifically, about 510 to about 540 nm, can be used, particularly in the vegetative growth and maintenance phases of the present process, to reflect the green color reflected by the plants to intensify and so improve the aesthetics.

In part, chlorophyll b absorbs yellow-orange light. Thus, if appropriate, the plant lights used in the present process may also have the yellow spectrum, ie about 560 to about 620 nm, sources of artificial light 3 , or at least some of them, can be in a light unit 11 be provided, which is positioned over the plants to be grown at a first distance D. The light unit 11 is in a support structure 12 arranged from the lower part 20 the device 1 can be removed. The support structure 12 can create a shadow that prevents the light from harming the environment.

In a preferred embodiment, the source 3 artificial light a variety of LEDs 6 on. Separate LEDs 6 For each of the spectral regions of light in any desired combination in the device 1 be used. In a more preferred embodiment, each plant is grown under a red light emitting LED, a blue light emitting LED, and a green light emitting LED whose mutual proportional irradiation levels can be adjusted according to the growth phase and / or needs of the plant to be cultivated , The spectral properties of the lights can be set either linearly or stepwise.

In addition to a suitable spectral range, the source must 3 artificial light also provide sufficient light intensity to meet the requirements of the plant. In this respect, PAR is usually quantified as μmol photons m ^-2 s ^-1 (micromoles of photons per square meter, per second), which is a measure of the photosynthetic photon current density (PPFD). In the southern hemisphere, full sunlight at noon in the summer is about 2000 PPFD and in winter about 1000 PPFD. Typically, plants require a PPFD of about 200 to about 700 μmol m ^-2 s ^-1 for their growth and development. To be more specific, many leafy vegetables such as lettuce, salads and herbs need a PPFD of about 200 to about 400 μmol m ^-2 s ^-1 , while many vegetable like fruits such as tomato, chilli and paprika need a PPFD of about 400 to about 700 μmol m ^{. 2} s ^-1 need. In particular, typical illumination conditions inside are approximately 15 μmol m ^-2 s ^-1 . Thus, sufficient light intensity provided by the artificial light source is important for growing healthy and vigorous adult plants with delicious taste or rich flowering. However, many of the currently available indoor horticultural devices do not meet the requirement for sufficient light intensity.

In the present device, a PPFD of about 100 to about 400 μmol m ^-2 s ^{-1 is used} for several leafy vegetables, depending on the growth phase and / or the requirements of the plant to be grown. In some preferred embodiments, a PPFD of about 40 to about 140 μmol m ^-2 s ^-1 in the seed phase, a PPFD of about 190 to about 370 μmol m ^-2 s ^-1 in the seedling phase, a PPFD of about 210 to about 410 μmol m ^-2 s ^-1 in the early vegetative phase, a PPFD of about 230 to about 450 μmol m ^-2 s ^-1 in the strong vegetative phase, a PPFD of about 240 to about 460 μmol m ^-2 s ^-1 in the eventual flowering phase, and / or a PPFD of about 30 to about 140 μmol m ^-2 s ^-1 in the maintenance phase.

Another parameter affecting the growth and development of the plants is the "duration of light", which refers to a time during 24 hours in which the plants are exposed to light. Typically, but not necessarily, the duration of light in the present cultivation process may vary from 12 to 24 hours, depending on various sizes such as the plant species and the growth stage in question. In some preferred embodiments, the duration of the light may be from about 16 to about 24 hours in the seed phase, from about 16 to about 24 hours in the seed phase, from about 16 to about 24 hours in the seed phase, from about 16 to about 24 hours in the seed phase, from about 16 to about 24 hours in the high vegetative phase, from about 16 to about 24 hours in the flowering phase (if any) and / or from about 12 to about 16 hours in the maintenance phase. Not- Restrictive examples of plants that require a long exposure to light include tomato, chilli pepper, paprika, and medicinal cannabis.

In the present invention, transition from one growth phase to another requires adjustments in the lights, as discussed above. The settings can be made manually or automatically in various ways. For example, automatic adjustment may be based on measuring the height of the seedling or growing plant by machine vision, 3D measurements, infrared measurements, chlorophyll measurements, ultrasound measurements, mass measurements, etc. In some preferred embodiments, the setting in the lights is based on the use of extension parts 10 , which will be discussed in more detail later in this description.

The setting in the lights is from a control unit 4 controlled. The control unit 4 has a known processor. A computer program code is executed in the processor, and the source 3 of artificial lights is controlled by the computer program code.

The computer program code may be from an internal memory of the control unit 4 getting charged. The computer program code may be from a separate external storage means such as a memory stick of the control unit 4 be transmitted. It can also be transmitted via a telecommunications network, for example by the control unit 4 Connected to the Internet via a wireless access network. The control unit 4 can also be remotely controlled via a telecommunications network. Thus, a user can use the device 1 For example, by means of a mobile phone or personal computer, and on the other hand, the user may obtain information about selected quantities of the growth process and / or the device 1 receive. Therefore, the control unit 4 a transmitting / receiving unit 9 exhibit.

The control unit 4 can also be a user interface 21 over which the device 1 user can manually control the functions of the device. Manual adjustment may be particularly desirable for educational purposes. Thus, the effect of different light conditions on plant growth can be studied. The user interface 21 can a switchboard in the device, for. B. in the support structure 12 or the lower part 20 , and / or a remote control device via which the user the device 1 at a distance from the device 1 can control.

As the plants grow, they need more space between the support structure 12 and the lower part 20 , According to one embodiment, the device 1 one or more intelligent extension parts 10 on that between the support structure 12 and the lower part 20 can be attached to change the first distance D. In this way, the user of the device 1 easily bring the said space for the plants.

The intelligent extension parts 10 can be manufactured in different lengths and two or more intelligent extension parts 10 can also be attached to each other one by one. Thus, the first distance D can be adjusted according to the needs of the plants. This effect is in 3a to 3d shown.

The intelligent extension part 10 can be an identifier 18 and the control unit 4 can be an identifier 19 comprising the said identifier 18 can identify. So can the control unit 4 the intelligent extension part 10 identify that at the device 1 is appropriate. Through this identification, the control unit 4 Adjust the photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) with respect to the optimal spectral range and light intensity. The function of the identifier 18 Can be based on wired or wireless solutions. The identification means 18 For example, it may have only one component that changes current or voltage in a wire connected to the identification means 19 , an RFID tag, etc. is connected.

According to a preferred embodiment, the intelligent extension part 10 Fasteners on which quickly and without tools on their counterparts in the support structure 12 and the lower part 20 can be attached.

According to one embodiment, the intelligent extension part 10 at least one light unit 22 the extension part for emitting an electromagnetic spectrum suitable for the plants. The light unit 22 The extension part is especially useful when the plants are tall and densely leafy. In such cases leaves or fruits, etc., which are located in the inner parts of the plant stand, could have no light unit 22 Extension part lack adequate lighting. The spectral range and the light intensity of the light unit 22 The extension part can be controlled by the control unit 4 be set.

The plants need not only light for their growth but also water and nutrients. Therefore, the device has 1 an irrigation system 13 on which is arranged water and nutrients, ie a hydroponic solution, the seed 9 or the plant to be grown. It is also possible to deliver water without nutrients.

According to one embodiment, a pump 14 arranged the hydroponic solution periodically from a container 15 for hydroponic solution to the seed cartridges 5 or to pump the plants to be grown. The hydroponic solution is then allowed back into said container 15 flow away. This cycle of ebb and flow is repeated a few times, eg. B. two or four times a day, depending on the sizes such as temperature, growth phase and specific requirements of the plant to be grown. In some preferred embodiments, irrigation is repeated from once every two days to once per day during the germination phase, from one to two times per day during the seedling phase, from two to six times per day during the early vegetative phase, from six to ten times per Day during the vigorous vegetative phase, from six to ten times a day during the flowering phase (if any) and / or from three to six days during the maintenance phase.

The ebb and flow arrangement has several advantages. For example, the roots of the plants are not permanently submerged in water, minimizing the risk of putrefaction. Because the pump 14 In addition, only a few times a day is active, the device is 1 quieter than many currently available home gardening devices. The operation of the pump 15 can for example by the control unit 4 and / or the user interface 21 be set linearly or stepwise.

The irrigation system 13 may include an alarm that alerts, for example, by a sound or light indicator, when it is time, water and / or nutrients to the container 15 add.

According to one embodiment, it flows back into the container 15 effluent hydroponic solution through the pump 14 , In other words, the pump 14 arranged to allow a reflux of the hydroponic solution. That way, the pump can 14 be cleaned of small particles of nutrients and the growth medium that the pump 14 otherwise could clog.

In indoor gardens, the formation of algae and mold is a particular problem. In the present device 1 This problem can be avoided in several ways.

According to one embodiment, the device 1 a UV light source 16 which is located on the irrigation system 13 to radiate. UV light kills any in the container 15 formed algae or mold.

According to another embodiment, the material of the outer walls 17 the lower part or at least the walls of the irrigation system 13 Made from a material that is opaque to light, which is essential for the growth of algae or mold. Thus, possible problems caused by algae or mold can be avoided. In one idea, the coverage is opaque for at least one wavelength region of the blue spectrum, ie, about 400 to 500 nm, and the red spectrum, ie, about 600 to 700 nm.

Thus, the said walls form structures which prevent the light essential for the propagation of algae and mold into the irrigation system 13 penetrate.

3a to 3d Fig. 2 are schematic side views of an example of a hydroponic in-house cultivating apparatus. In the device 1 becomes the first distance D by intelligent extension parts 10 set.

The device 1 is in 3a in the germination phase of plant growth, during which the seed develops into a seedling. In the in 3a to 3d shown embodiment are no intelligent extension parts 10 in the device 1 during the germination phase. Instead, the support structure 12 with the source of artificial light 3 right at the bottom 20 attached to the device. Thus, the first distance D is at its minimum.

• – rotes Licht 30 μmol m^–2s^–1
• – blaues Licht 60 μmol m^–2s^–1 und
• – grünes Licht 0 μmol m^–2s^–1.

According to one idea, the source of artificial light provides a following light intensity during the germination phase:

• - red light 30 μmol m ^-2 s ^-1
• - blue light 60 μmol m ^-2 s ^-1 and
• - green light 0 μmol m ^-2 s ^-1 .

In addition, according to an idea, plants are watered once every two days during the germination phase.

The device 1 is in 3b in the seedling phase of plant growth, during which the seed develops into a shoot. In the device 1 is between the support structure 12 and the lower part 20 an intelligent extension part 10 arranged during the seedling phase. Thus, the first distance D is greater than in the germination phase.

• – rotes Licht 120 μmol m^–2s^–1
• – blaues Licht 170 μmol m^–2s^–1 und
• – grünes Licht 40 μmol m^–2s^–1.

According to one idea, the source of artificial light provides a following light intensity during the seedling phase:

• - red light 120 μmol m ^-2 s ^-1
• - blue light 170 μmol m ^-2 s ^-1 and
• - green light 40 μmol m ^-2 s ^-1 .

In addition, according to an idea, plants are watered twice a day during the seedling phase.

The device 1 is in 3c shown in the vegetative phase of plant growth, while the size and length of the plant (s) visually by the user of the device 1 to be appreciated. According to the estimate, extension parts may be used 10 the device 1 added. In the device 1 are between the support structure 12 and the lower part 20 two intelligent extension parts 10 arranged during the vegetative phase. Thus, the first distance D is greater than in the seedling phase.

• – rotes Licht 120 μmol m^–2s^–1,
• – blaues Licht 170 μmol m^–2s^–1 und
• – grünes Licht 40 μmol m^–2s^–1.

According to one idea, the source of artificial light provides a following light intensity during the vegetative phase:

• - red light 120 μmol m ^-2 s ^-1 ,
• - blue light 170 μmol m ^-2 s ^-1 and
• - green light 40 μmol m ^-2 s ^-1 .

Besides, according to an idea, plants are irrigated about eight times a day.

The device 1 is in 3d during the maintenance phase of plant growth, during which the plant is kept alive, but its growth is kept as slow as possible. In this way, the plant can be kept in good condition for a long time.

In the device 1 are between the support structure 12 and the lower part 20 two intelligent extension parts 10 arranged during the maintenance phase. Thus, the first distance D is the same as in the vegetative phase. The user can use the user interface 21 from the vegetative phase to the maintenance phase.

• – rotes Licht 20 μmol m^–2s^–1,
• – blaues Licht 20 μmol m^–2s^–1 und
• – grünes Licht 20 μmol m^–2s^–1.

According to one idea, the source of artificial light provides a following light intensity during the maintenance phase:

• - red light 20 μmol m ^-2 s ^-1 ,
• - blue light 20 μmol m ^-2 s ^-1 and
• - green light 20 μmol m ^-2 s ^-1 .

Besides, according to an idea, plants are irrigated about eight times a day.

The light intensity and the spectrum as well as the irrigation in the above phases are controlled by the control unit 4 controlled as discussed earlier in this specification.

In addition, both the light and the irrigation can be put into a so-called holiday mode, which supplies the plant to be grown with a sufficient amount of light and water, so that it stays alive but does not grow significantly.

An advantage of the present device is that high yields can be obtained with a small CO ₂ footprint. Thus, the present device is ecologically healthy. This is at least partly due to the fact that the present device does not require heating, cooling or addition of CO ₂ . The most effective greenhouses in the world are capable of producing lettuce with a yield of about 80 to 100 kg m ^-2 . The present device, in turn, can produce about 60 kg of m ^-2 lettuce with energy consumption as low as one tenth of the energy consumption of the world's most effective greenhouses mentioned above. Thus, the present device can be used for decentralized food production in urban areas.

In general, the shape and size of the device may vary. In one embodiment, the device is 1 a garden on a table top that is particularly suitable for home use. In some other embodiments, the device is 1 a multilayer stacked system that is particularly suitable for use in environments where greater yield is desired. Non-limiting examples of such environments include restaurants and commercial kitchens.

The invention is not limited only to the embodiments described above, but many variations are possible within the scope of the inventive idea defined in the following claims. Within the scope of the inventive concept, the attributes of various embodiments and applications may be used in conjunction with or as a substitute for the attributes of another embodiment or application.

The drawings and the related description are merely illustrative of the idea of the invention. The details of the invention may vary within the scope of the inventive idea defined in the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

contraption

2

room

3

Source of artificial light

4

control unit

5

seed cartridge

6

LED

7

growth medium

8th

seed

9

Transceiver unit

10

intelligent extension part

11

light unit

12

support structure

13

irrigation system

14

pump

15

Container for hydroponic solution

16

UV-light source

17

outer wall

18

signature means

19

identifying means

20

lower part

21

User interface

22

Light unit of an extension part

23

basket

D

first distance

Claims (9)

Contraption ( 1 ) for hydroponic cultivation, which device ( 1 ): one or more rooms ( 2 ) for receiving one or more seeds, one or more sources ( 3 ) of artificial light, which is arranged, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) for said one or more rooms ( 2 ), characterized in that the device ( 1 ) a control unit ( 4 ) for adjusting the photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) of the artificial light due to the growth phase of the plant (s) to be grown in the device. Device according to protection claim 1, characterized in that the space ( 2 ), a seed cartridge ( 5 ), which seed cartridge ( 5 ) a growth medium ( 7 ) and at least one in said growth medium ( 7 ) arranged seeds ( 8th ) having. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the source ( 3 ) artificial light a variety of LEDs ( 6 ) having. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit ( 4 ) is a remote-controlled control unit. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a part of said one or more sources ( 3 ) of artificial light in a light unit ( 11 ) provided by a support structure ( 12 supported at a first distance (D) above said one or more spaces ( 2 ) for receiving one or more seeds, which device further comprises an intelligent extension part ( 10 ), which in said supporting structure ( 12 ) can be arranged to change the said first distance (D), which intelligent extension part ( 10 ) an identification means ( 18 ), and that the control unit ( 4 ) an identification means ( 19 ) for identifying said identifier ( 18 ), which control unit ( 4 ) is arranged to adjust the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on the basis of said identification. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an irrigation system ( 13 ), which is arranged to give a hydroponic solution to the seed ( 8th ) or the plant to be grown by the ebb and flow phenomenon. Device according to protection claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a pump ( 14 ), which is arranged to work in two phases: in a flow phase, the pump ( 14 ), a flow of the hydroponic solution from a container ( 15 ) for hydroponic solution to the room (s) ( 2 ) and in a low-tide phase the pump ( 14 ), a reflux of the hydroponic solution from the space (s) ( 2 ) through the pump ( 14 ) back into the container ( 15 ) for hydroponic solution. Device according to protection claim 5, characterized in that it comprises an irrigation system ( 13 ), which is arranged, the seed ( 8th ) or the plant to be grown by the ebb and flow phenomenon, and that the irrigation system ( 13 ) is arranged to be controlled on the basis of said identification. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a UV light source ( 16 ), which is arranged on the irrigation system ( 13 ) to radiate.

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