EP3054762A1 - System for growing produce in greenhouses with assisted complementary solar energy - Google Patents
System for growing produce in greenhouses with assisted complementary solar energyInfo
- Publication number
- EP3054762A1 EP3054762A1 EP14852223.8A EP14852223A EP3054762A1 EP 3054762 A1 EP3054762 A1 EP 3054762A1 EP 14852223 A EP14852223 A EP 14852223A EP 3054762 A1 EP3054762 A1 EP 3054762A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- greenhouse
- sun
- support structure
- reflective
- panels
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
- A01G9/24—Devices or systems for heating, ventilating, regulating temperature, illuminating, or watering, in greenhouses, forcing-frames, or the like
- A01G9/243—Collecting solar energy
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S90/00—Solar heat systems not otherwise provided for
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S20/00—Solar heat collectors specially adapted for particular uses or environments
- F24S20/60—Solar heat collectors integrated in fixed constructions, e.g. in buildings
- F24S20/61—Passive solar heat collectors, e.g. operated without external energy source
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S23/00—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors
- F24S23/70—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors
- F24S23/77—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors with flat reflective plates
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
- F24S30/40—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement
- F24S30/45—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement with two rotation axes
- F24S30/455—Horizontal primary axis
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S20/00—Solar heat collectors specially adapted for particular uses or environments
- F24S20/20—Solar heat collectors for receiving concentrated solar energy, e.g. receivers for solar power plants
- F24S20/25—Solar heat collectors for receiving concentrated solar energy, e.g. receivers for solar power plants using direct solar radiation in combination with concentrated radiation
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S23/00—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors
- F24S23/70—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors
- F24S2023/87—Reflectors layout
- F24S2023/878—Assemblies of spaced reflective elements in the form of grids, e.g. vertical or inclined reflective elements extending over heat absorbing elements
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
- Y02A40/10—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in agriculture
- Y02A40/25—Greenhouse technology, e.g. cooling systems therefor
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/20—Solar thermal
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
- Y02E10/44—Heat exchange systems
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
- Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
- Y02P60/12—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries using renewable energies, e.g. solar water pumping
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a system for growing produce in greenhouses. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for growing produce in at least one greenhouse with assisted complementary solar energy, as well as to a corresponding method of growing such produce.
- Greenhouses are typically covered by a transparent material which allows natural light produced by the sun to enter the greenhouse and activate the photosynthesis process for growing plants.
- the intensity of natural light itself never changes.
- the sun's "height" usually expressed as the angle it makes with the horizon, does vary throughout the year.
- the sun rises to a lower angle.
- the light rays produced by the sun during these months therefore have to cross a longer distance in the atmosphere.
- Greenhouses are generally oriented along a north-south axis so as to provide maximum exposure to the light rays of the sun.
- the light rays produced by the sun during these winter months penetrate into the greenhouses by the south vertical wall.
- the total light energy that can enter a greenhouse is generally limited by the height of the south vertical wall, and to some dilution which occurs along the greenhouse floor.
- Another aspect which reduces the natural light energy received in greenhouses is fewer hours of daylight that take place during the winter months. For most northern latitudes, the reduction of daylight hours follows a curve having its lowest points in December and January.
- the Applicant is also aware of the some of the disadvantages that may be associated with such conventional systems: a) some use the concentration of sun light on a focal point of a solar panel so as to create electrical energy, thus reducing the total light energy available for a larger area; b) some direct natural light into a size-restricted opening or inlet, thus reducing the total light energy available for a larger area; c) some are unsuitable for greenhouses which require relatively even light coverage over a larger surface area; d) some may not be suitable for use when the sun's height is reduced during the colder months of the year in northern latitudes; e) etc.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a system which, by virtue of its design and components, satisfies some of the above-mentioned need and which is thus an improvement over other relate systems, devices and/or methods known in the prior art.
- a system for growing produce in greenhouses comprising:
- At least one greenhouse for housing the produce to be grown, the at least one greenhouse being positioned, shaped and sized for receiving direct sun rays from the sun;
- At least one reflector assembly proximate to the at least one greenhouse and being positioned, shaped and sized for redirecting indirect sun rays by-passing the least one greenhouse, towards at least one targeted area within the at least one greenhouse, so as to provide said at least one greenhouse with assisted complementary solar energy.
- the at least one erect support structure may be substantially perpendicular with respect to a ground surface, or it may be substantially slanted with respect to the ground surface, in which case it can be inclined towards the at least one greenhouse. Also, in some embodiments, a given side of the at least one erect support structure facing the at least one greenhouse, and the at least one reflective surface, may be substantially coplanar.
- the at least one reflective surface may be inclined at an operative angle (e) with respect to a vertical plane so as to redirect sun rays towards the at least one targeted area within the at least one greenhouse at a given effective angle ( ⁇ ).
- the operative angle (e) of the at least one reflective surface ranges between about 30 degrees and about 40 degrees with respect to the vertical plane, whereas the effective angle ( ⁇ ) can ultimately range between about 0 degrees and about 90 degrees.
- the at least one reflective surface may be displaceable along at least one degree of freedom (translation, rotation, tilting, horizontally, vertically, etc.) with respect to the at least one erect support structure in order to redirect sun rays into the at least one greenhouse at optimal angles.
- the at least one erect support structure may include a solid structure, or a truss structure, and optionally, may be mountable onto a base, in which case, the at least one erect support structure thereof can be moveable along at least one degree of freedom (translation, rotation, tilting, etc.) with respect to said base, and such movement can be done in relation to a movement of the sun.
- the base can be moveable along at least one degree of freedom with respect to a ground surface, and can be moveable in relation to a movement of the sun.
- the at least one reflective surface is positioned on a northern side of the at least one greenhouse, and the at least one reflective surface faces southward.
- the at least one reflective surface may have a height based on at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of: a) a width of the at least one greenhouse; b) a desired light penetration angle; c) a height of a side of the at least one greenhouse; and d) limitations imposed by local by-laws.
- the at least one reflective surface may have a length being substantially equal to a length of the at least one greenhouse, but the length of the at least one reflective surface may be based on a side orientation of the sun, and/or on a correction factor for compensating a misalignment of the at least one greenhouse.
- the at least one reflective surface may also include at least one row of reflective panels extending along a length of said at least one reflective surface, and according to a particular embodiment, the at least one row of reflective panels are parallel to a north-facing wall of the at least one greenhouse.
- the reflective panels may be operatively mountable to the at least one erect support structure, and may be moveable via an actuating mechanism along at least one degree of freedom with respect to said at least one erect support structure.
- the actuating mechanism may include at least one servo-motor.
- the reflective panels may be independently actuated with respect to each another, or alternatively, they may be dependently actuated with respect to each another.
- the reflective panels may also be synchronously actuated with respect to each another.
- the reflective panels are operatively tiltable with respect to the at least one erect support structure via a corresponding axle; a lowermost row of reflective panels is located higher than a given height of the produce to be grown inside the at least one greenhouse; the reflective panels are selected from the group consisting of flat panels, folded panels, curved panels, concave panels and convex panels; and the reflective panels may be moveable in relation to a movement of the sun.
- the present system may comprises a sun-tracker for tracking a movement of the sun, and reflective panels of the at least one reflector assembly may be operatively actuated based on signals received from the sun-tracker.
- the at least one erect support structure may also be selectively orientated based on signals received from the sun-tracker.
- the at least one targeted area may include: a) at least one roof area of the at least one greenhouse; b) at least one floor area of the at least one greenhouse; c) at least wall area of the at least one greenhouse; d) at least intermediate area of the at least one greenhouse; e) other portions of the at least one greenhouse; f) etc.
- the at least one targeted area may variable in size, in location and/or in shape, via an operation of the at least one reflector assembly. Also, the at least one targeted area may include a plurality of different targeted areas via a corresponding operation of different reflective panels of the at least one reflector assembly.
- the at least one greenhouse may comprise a roof configured for allowing indirect sun rays redirected from the at least one reflector assembly to penetrate through said roof.
- the roof may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of a translucid material, a translucent material, a transparent material and/or a perforated material.
- the at least one greenhouse may be oriented along an east-west axis.
- an interior portion of a northern upright wall of the least one greenhouse may be provided with a reflective material to reflect sun rays back into the at least one greenhouse.
- a given portion of a southern upright wall of the at least one greenhouse may be made of a material for configured for allowing sun rays to penetrate therethough, and into the at least one greenhouse, in which case, the material of the given portion of the southern upright wall may be selected from the group consisting of a translucid material, a translucent material, a transparent material and/or a perforated material.
- a reflector assembly to be used proximate with at least one greenhouse for growing produce, the reflector assembly being positioned, shaped and sized for redirecting indirect sun rays by-passing the least one greenhouse, towards at least one targeted area within the at least one greenhouse, and the reflector assembly comprising: at least one erect support structure, separate from the at least one greenhouse; and
- At least one reflective surface operatively mountable onto the at least one erect support structure, for reflecting indirect sun rays towards the at least one targeted area within the at least one greenhouse.
- a kit with components for assembling the above-mentioned system and/or reflector assembly is also provided.
- a method of assembling components of the above-mentioned kit and/or set there is also provided a method of growing produce with the above-mentioned system, greenhouse and/or reflector assembly. More particularly, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of growing produce in greenhouses, the method comprising the steps of:
- Step b) may comprise the step of redirecting sun rays with at least one of the above-mentioned reflector assembly.
- a plant (ex. farm, etc.) provided with the above-mentioned system, greenhouse and/or reflector assembly, and/or commercialized with the above-mentioned method(s).
- Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a system including at least one greenhouse and at least one reflector assembly, according to an optional embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 2 is another side elevational view of a system including at least one greenhouse and at least one reflector assembly, according to another optional embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 3 is a graph showing a theoretical solar energy received in a greenhouse for different lighting systems.
- Figure 4 is a curve showing representative values of light received on a sunny day as a function of time for different lighting systems.
- Figure 5 is a curve showing representative values of light received on a cloudy day as a function of time for different lighting systems.
- Figure 6 is a side elevational view of at least one greenhouse receiving solar energy from natural sunlight (i.e. "direct sun rays"), according to an optional embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 7 is a side elevational view of at least one greenhouse receiving solar energy from natural sunlight (i.e. "direct sun rays") and at least one reflector assembly (i.e. "indirect sun rays”), according to an optional embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of a reflector assembly according to another optional embodiment of the present invention, the reflector assembly being shown containing at least one row of reflective panels, the panels being shown juxtaposed against one another, in a given intermediate configuration.
- Figure 9 is another perspective view of what is shown in Figure 8, the panels being now shown separate from one another, in another intermediate configuration, to better illustrate how the panels are configured to be displaceable along a plurality of different degrees of freedom, including being slidably moveable along a given support axle, and being tiltable along separate horizontal and vertical axes.
- the present invention was primarily designed for growing produce via solar energy inside a given structure, such as a greenhouse and/or the like, it may be used with other objects and/or in other types of applications, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, expressions such as “growing”, “produce”, “solar energy”, “greenhouse”, “inside”, “structure”, etc., used herein should not be taken so as to limit the scope of the present invention and include all other kinds of objects and/or applications with which the present invention could be used and may be useful (ex. for heating the given structure via a radiant heating with the reflector assembly, etc.).
- sun-tracker (or simply “tracking system)
- roof area of the greenhouse (as possible "targeted area")
- operative angle i.e. angle between reflective surface and vertical plane
- effective angle i.e. angle between reflected sun rays and ground
- a. horizon angle i.e. angle between direct sun rays and the horizon
- the present system (1 ) allows for the use and enhancement of natural light and solar energy for growing produce (3), such as fruits, vegetables, flowers and other plants, in a given structure, such as a greenhouse (5) for example, during all months of the year, and particularly during the winter months in a northern environment, without resorting to artificial lights, for example.
- produce (3) such as fruits, vegetables, flowers and other plants
- a given structure such as a greenhouse (5) for example, during all months of the year, and particularly during the winter months in a northern environment, without resorting to artificial lights, for example.
- a reflector assembly (1 1 ) for reflecting solar energy (7) against a greenhouse (5) comprising: a) an erect support structure (15) disposed adjacent to the greenhouse (5); and b) a reflective surface (17) being mountable to the support structure (15) and positioned, shaped, and sized for reflecting solar energy (7) against a targeted area (13) of the structure.
- the structure is a greenhouse (5) having a roof made of a transparent material.
- the solar energy (7) is reflected through the top of the greenhouse (5).
- the targeted area (13) can be the floor area (41 ) of the greenhouse or some part thereof, and the solar energy (7) can be reflected through the top of the greenhouse (5) and onto the floor area (41 ) of the greenhouse (5).
- the greenhouse (5) is oriented along an east-west axis.
- the support structure (15) includes a reflecting wall having a reflective surface (17), the reflecting wall being positioned on a northern side of the greenhouse (5). Further optionally, the reflecting wall is oriented so as to face in a southerly direction. Yet further optionally, the length of the reflecting wall (or reflective surface (17)) is substantially equal to a length of the greenhouse (5).
- the angle (e) of the reflective surface (17) with respect to a vertical plane (23) is adjusted to obtain an optimal reflected angle (or effective angle (e)) of the solar energy (7) penetrating the greenhouse (5) by the roof (49). Such an angle can be about 30° to about 40°.
- the ref lective surface (17) is angled so that the solar energy (7) can penetrate perpendicularly through the roof (49), thereby avoiding reflecting a part of the solar energy (7) away from the greenhouse (5).
- the reflective surface (17) is pivotally mountable to the support structure (15) so as to pivot in response to a movement of the sun.
- the reflector assembly (1 1 ) can have a plurality of reflector rows (31 ) disposed substantially horizontally, each reflector row (31 ) having a plurality of reflectors (33) disposed adjacent to one another along the reflector row (31 ).
- Each of the reflectors (33) and/or reflector rows (31 ) can be rotated and/or pivoted by suitable motors in response to the movement of the sun.
- the lowest reflector row (31 ) can be positioned at a height greater than the height of the produce (3) to be grown (or greater than the height of an object intended to receive the reflected solar energy (7), etc.).
- the inside of a north upright wall (51 ) of the greenhouse (5) is made of a reflective material (53) in a way to reflect inside the structure, the natural sunlight (7d) that has penetrated laterally by a south wall (55), for example.
- the present system (1 ) has a sun-tracker (39) for tracking the position of the sun and/or light rays.
- the sun-tracker (39) can output a signal to a corresponding processor so as to control the orientation of the support structure (15) and/or reflector assembly (1 1 ).
- a method for reflecting solar energy (7) against a greenhouse (5) comprising the steps of: a) determining an angle (a) of the sun (9) relative to the horizon; and b) orientating one or more reflectors (33) so as to reflect the solar energy (7) against a targeted area (13) of the greenhouse (5).
- a system for capturing solar energy comprising: a) a structure (ex. greenhouse, etc.) having a targeted area (13) for receiving solar energy (7); b) a substantially erect support structure (15) disposed adjacent to the structure (ex. greenhouse, etc.); and a reflector assembly (1 1 ) being mountable to the support structure (15) and positioned, shaped, and sized for reflecting solar energy (7) against the targeted area (13) of the structure (ex. greenhouse, etc.).
- a system (1 ) for reflecting solar energy (7) against a structure such as a greenhouse (5) an example of which is shown in Figures 1 and 2.
- the present system (1 ) can be any assembly or configuration of components, such as the ones described below, which allows for the solar energy (7) of the sun (9) to be redirected, thrown back, shifted, etc. towards the structure so as to impact the structure or some part thereof.
- solar energy refers to the radiant light and heat produced by the sun (9) and directed towards the earth.
- the term “against” refers to the ability of the present system (1 ), and of its reflector assembly (1 1 ), to direct the solar energy (7) so that it impacts the structure or some part thereof.
- the structure is a greenhouse (5) in most optional embodiments.
- the solar energy (7) can be directed against the greenhouse (5) such that it penetrates into the greenhouse (5) and toward the floor area (43) of the greenhouse (5) where the plants to be cultivated are located.
- the solar energy (7) can be reflected against a wall area (45) of the greenhouse (5), such as a "green" wall for example, which contains plants. It can thus be appreciated that the solar energy (7) can be reflected against any desired part of the structure, or away from the structure, as desired.
- the structure can be a greenhouse (5). It is appreciated that the present system (1 ) is not limited to being used only with a greenhouse (5), and thus the term "greenhouse", is meant in its broadest sense. Indeed, the structure can be any edifice, building, architecture, complex, or other construction where it is desirous to have solar energy (7) directed thereagainst.
- the greenhouse (5) has a roof (49) made of a transparent material. Such a transparent material can be plastic or glass sheeting, for example. This allows for the solar radiation (7) to be reflected against the top of the greenhouse (5) and through its roof (49), thereby advantageously allowing the solar radiation (7) to penetrate the greenhouse (5) and impact the plants growing therein.
- the interior surface of a northern vertical wall (51 ) of the greenhouse (5) can be covered in, or made from, a reflective material (53).
- a reflective material 53
- the greenhouse (5) can be oriented along an east-west axis, as shown in Figure 2.
- greenhouses are typically oriented along a north-south axis to maximize interception of the light generated by the sun (9) as it travels over the width of the greenhouse (5).
- the orientation of the greenhouse (5) along an east-west axis allows for an increased exposure time to the solar energy (7) of the sun (9) as it rises in the east and sets in the west.
- the present system (1 ) has at least one erect support structure (15), an example of which is shown in Figures 1 and 2.
- the support structure (15) can be any construction that extends in an upright manner (ex. vertically, slanted, etc.) from the ground surface (19) and which is positioned in proximity to the greenhouse (5).
- the support structure (15) can extend perpendicular to the ground surface (19), or at some angle with respect to a vertical plane (23).
- the support structure (15) can also be mounted to a base (25) so that it can move, rotate, pivot, etc. so as to track the movement of the sun (9).
- the support structure (15) can take many different shapes and configurations to achieve the above-mentioned functionality.
- the support structure (15) can be a solid wall.
- the support structure (15) can be a truss tower.
- the support structure (15) can include a reflecting wall having at least one reflective surface (17).
- the reflective surface (17) can be any face of the reflecting wall which is oriented towards the greenhouse (5) and which allows for the solar radiation (7) to be reflected against the greenhouse (5).
- the reflecting surface (17) can be positioned on a northern side of the greenhouse (5), or of a group of greenhouses (5), when it or they are oriented along an east-west axis, such that the reflective surface (17) faces southward.
- Such a configuration advantageously allows the reflective surface (17) to intercept the solar energy (7) which by-passes the greenhouse (5) so as to reflect and/or redirect it towards the greenhouse (5).
- the length (29) of such a reflective surface (17) can vary.
- the length (29) of the reflective surface (17) is substantially equal to the length (L) of the greenhouse (5) when oriented along an east-west axis.
- Such a length (29) can be adjusted or corrected based on the following non-limitative list of factors: a) to compensate for the side orientation of the sun (9) which varies throughout the day; b) correction for the misalignment of the greenhouse (5) along the east-west axis; c) etc.
- the height (27) of the reflective surface (17) i.e. the distance it extends away from the ground surface
- the height (27) of the reflective surface (17) is determined according to at least some of the following factors: a) the width (W) of the greenhouse (5); b) the desired light penetration angle (e); c) the height of a side wall (51 ,55) of the greenhouse (5); d) limitations imposed by local rules or by-laws; e) etc.
- the support structure (15) is inclined relative to a vertical plane at an angle (e).
- the angle (e) of the support structure (20) and/or of reflective surface (17) with respect to the vertical plane (23) is adjusted to obtain an optimal solar energy penetration angle (e) into the greenhouse (5) by the roof (49).
- such a process of adjustment can provide the angle (e) with values between about 30° and about 40°
- the reflective surface (17) is angled so that the solar energy (7) can penetrate perpendicularly through the roof (49), thereby advantageously avoiding reflecting a part of the solar energy (7) away from the greenhouse (5) and optimizing the amount of solar energy (7) received by the plants.
- the present system (1 ), also referred to herein as "reflector system” (1 ), has a reflector assembly (1 1 ), an example of which is shown in Figures 1 and 2.
- the reflector assembly (1 1 ) can be fixedly or removably mounted to some part of the support structure (15), thus allowing it to be displaced in response to the movement of the sun (9), for example.
- the reflector assembly (1 1 ) is positioned so that it can reflect the solar energy (7) against the targeted area (13) of the greenhouse (5).
- the targeted area (13) can be any space or surface on or within the greenhouse (5). In most embodiments, but not necessarily all, the targeted area (13) can be the floor area (43) of the greenhouse (5) or some part thereof. This advantageously allows the solar energy (7) to be reflected towards the plants growing in proximity to the floor area (43) of the greenhouse (5), for example. It can thus be appreciated that the reflector assembly (1 1 ) can take many different shapes and configurations to achieve such functionality.
- the reflector assembly (1 1 ) has one or more rows (31 ) of reflective panels (33), hereinafter referred to also as "reflector rows” (31 ).
- the reflector rows (31 ) can extend substantially horizontally along the length of the reflector assembly (1 1 ), and can extend along a length (29) that is substantially equal to the length (L) of the greenhouse (5), or which extends beyond the length (L) of the greenhouse (5), for example.
- the reflector rows (31 ) can be substantially parallel with the north-facing wall (55) of the greenhouse (5).
- Each reflector row (31 ) may advantageously allow them to reflect an optimized amount of solar energy (7) against the greenhouse (5).
- Each reflector row (31 ) can be connected to the support structure (15) via an axle (37) or other similar device which allows the reflector rows (31 ) to pivot along a horizontal axis and/or a vertical axis so as to advantageously maintain a constant penetration angle (e) of the reflected solar energy (7) into the greenhouse (5) even as the height of the sun (9) changes during the day.
- Such an axle (37) or support can be made of steel so as to better support the reflector rows (31 ) both while stationary and while pivoting.
- Each reflector row (31 ) can have one or more reflective panels (33) (or simply “reflectors” (33)) for reflecting the solar energy (7) against the greenhouse (5).
- the reflectors (33) can be disposed adjacent to one another in both a horizontal direction, and/or a vertical direction.
- Each reflector (33) can be made of a base covered by any suitable reflecting material.
- Each reflector (33) can also be made of a structural material having the desired reflection capabilities.
- the shape and orientation of each reflector (33) can vary, as required. Indeed, in most embodiments, the reflectors (33) can be substantially flat panels, but reflectors (33) which are folded, curved, concave, and/or convex in one or more axes are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
- each reflector (33) is mounted to an actuating mechanism (35) which can control its orientation and maintain its position when not rotating.
- actuating mechanism (35) advantageously allows for the individual and automatic control of the orientation of the reflective face of each reflector (33) so that the reflective face can continuously optimize the solar energy (7) it reflects towards the greenhouse (5). It can thus be appreciated that both the reflectors (33) and the reflector rows (31 ) on which they are mounted can be independently and automatically positioned to as to optimize the solar energy (7) directed against the greenhouse (5).
- each reflector (33) is oriented on each reflector row (31 ) can be different from the angle of other reflectors (33) in the same reflect row (31 ), and/or from the angle of other reflectors (33) in other reflector rows (31 ).
- Such a configuration may advantageously allow the reflector assembly (1 1 ) to reflect solar energy evenly against the entire targeted area (13) (e.g. floor) of the greenhouse (5) and/or portion(s) thereof.
- the present system (1 ) has a tracking system, or simply "sun-tracker” (39), for tracking the movement of the sun (9).
- a tracking system (39) can follow the height of the sun (9) and its lateral position that also changes during the day, and output a signal to control the orientation of the support structure (15), reflector rows (31 ) and/or reflectors (33).
- the signal outputted by the tracking system (39) can command servo-motor(s) to pivot or rotate the reflector rows (31 ) along a horizontal axis and/or a vertical axis of the reflective surface (17).
- Such a tracking system (39) also allows for the control of the support structure (15), reflector rows (31 ) and/or the reflectors (33) when not being used.
- the tracking system (39) can automatically disable the pivoting of the reflector rows (31 ) during nighttime.
- the tracking system (39) can command the reflectors (33) to orient themselves to face away from the greenhouse (5), so as to stop reflecting the solar energy into the greenhouse (5) if the energy level becomes too high (e.g. noon during summer time).
- the tracking system (39) can command the reflector rows (31 ) to face downward in case of violent wind, ice storm, or other problematic situation.
- Figures 8 and 9 illustrate another possible embodiment for the reflector assembly (1 1 ), and corresponding reflective surface (17), wherein for a same given row (31 ) of reflective panels (33), said panels can be configured to be displaceable along a plurality of different degrees of freedom, including a rotating (pivoting, tilting, etc.) movement along a horizontal axis so as to move up and down, for example, in order to compensate for the vertical movement of the sun (9) during the day, and/or a rotating (pivoting, tilting, etc.) movement along a vertical axis from side to side, for example, in order to compensate for a lateral movement of the sun (9) during the day.
- a rotating (pivoting, tilting, etc.) movement along a horizontal axis so as to move up and down, for example, in order to compensate for the vertical movement of the sun (9) during the day
- a rotating (pivoting, tilting, etc.) movement along a vertical axis from side to side for example, in
- Contrasting Figures 8 and 9 further exemplifies how the reflective panels (33) can be configured to be displaceable via a sliding movement along a corresponding support axle (37) (whether it be a common axle (37) for all panels (33), or a separate support axle (37) for each panel (33)), for example, so as to selectively vary an effective width/length (29) of the reflective surface (17) of the reflector assembly (1 1 ), depending on the particular applications for which the present system (1 ) is intended for, and the desired end results.
- the above-mentioned positioning/adjustment of the reflective panels (33), via corresponding actuating mechanism(s) (35), along at least two different axes (for example, a horizontal axis, and a vertical axis), enables to compensate the reflector assembly (1 1 ) for the vertical angle of the sun (9), and for the lateral angle of the sun with respect to an axis of the greenhouse (5) and/or with respect to an axis of the support structure (15) which supports the reflective panels (15).
- the present system (1 ) could ultimately be used without a sun-tracker (39) if a proper positioning/adjustment program (ex. a computer program, etc.) was employed for the reflective panels (33).
- the program could be based, for example, on time and day/date of the year, on the corresponding latitude where the system (1 ) is being used, and other parameters, etc.
- the present system (1 ) and corresponding parts can be made of substantially rigid materials, such as metallic materials, hardened polymers, composite materials, cementitious mixture, and/or the like, as well as possible combinations thereof, depending on the particular applications for which the system (1 ) is intended, and the desired end results.
- the present system (1 ) can provide a multiplication of the solar energy (7d,7i) penetrating into the greenhouse (5) when compared to the solar energy (7d) that would penetrate into the greenhouse (5) in the absence of such a system (1 ).
- a reflector assembly (1 1 ) installed outside of the north-facing side (51 ) of the greenhouse (5) that is oriented along an east-west axis, reflects the solar energy (7i) inside the greenhouse (5) that would have otherwise passed above the greenhouse (5).
- the reflective surface (17) of the reflector assembly (1 1 ) allows for this reflected solar energy (7i) to penetrate into the greenhouse (5) at a suitable angle (e) via the roof (49) so as to distribute the solar energy (7) evenly within the greenhouse (5).
- the intensity of natural light without clouds measured on the ground can be around 120,000 lux, "lux" being a measure of luminous flux per unit area.
- the light intensity on the floor of a greenhouse (5) using artificial lighting is around 20,000 lux, which roughly corresponds to the intensity of natural light on a cloudy day. It can thus be appreciated that natural light can have a greater intensity than artificial lighting, and it would therefore be desirous to optimize use of natural light.
- the light intensity on a desk of an office is between 400 and 600 lux, and about 300 lux in a manufacturing area.
- the amount of sunlight (7) which can reach the floor of the greenhouse (5), shown schematically in Figure 1 as vertical sunlight vector SV, is thus limited by at least the following factors: a) the height of the vertical walls (51 ,55) of the greenhouse, b) the width (W) of the greenhouse, and c) the angle (a) that the sun makes with the horizon.
- the solar energy (7) measurement on the floor is about 12,000 joules/cm2/day in January, and 60,000 joules/cm2/day in July, representing roughly the same ratio of variation as the height of the sunlight vector SV discussed above for these two periods of the year.
- artificial lightning in the greenhouse 52 may supply as much as six times less energy than natural lighting from the sun. We can say therefore that the energy produced by eight hours of artificial light is roughly equal to the solar energy produced by about 1 .3 hours of sunlight in the summer.
- all the lamps used for the artificial lighting create shade which reduces the natural light penetration all day long, thus reducing productivity. In fact, lamp shading decreases natural sunlight, and thus, total daily energy.
- the possible addition of solar energy (7) can be better appreciated.
- the solar energy (7) received in the greenhouse (5) for example, can be represented by the sunlight vector SV.
- the solar energy (7) received can be approximated as being about 1/6 of the intensity of natural light without clouds measured on the ground in the summer months, which can be around 120,000 lux.
- the sunlight vector SV in January corresponds to a solar energy (7) value of about 120,000 lux/6, or 20,000 lux.
- the solar energy received in the greenhouse (5) during January over an eight-hour day would be roughly equivalent to 20,000 lux x (1 SV + 1 SV) x 8 hours, which equals about 320,000 lux/day.
- the solar energy (7) received in the greenhouse (5) during January over an eight-hour day would be roughly equivalent to 20,000 lux x (1 SV + 2SV) x 8 hours, which equals about 480,000 lux/day.
- FIG. 3 better shows the contrast in solar energy between the above-described techniques during the months of December and January.
- the bar described as “sun” represents the solar energy received in the greenhouse (5) when no reflector assembly (1 1 ) or artificial lighting is used, and has a value of about 16,000 lux.
- the bar described as “sun+reflector 1 H” represents the solar energy received when the reflector assembly (1 1 ) is located a height of one sunlight vector SV from the top of the greenhouse (5), and has a value of about 310,000 lux.
- the bar described as “sun+reflector 2H” represents the solar energy received when the reflector assembly (1 1 ) is located a height of two sunlight vectors SV from the top of the greenhouse (5), and has a value of about 480,000 lux.
- the bar described as “sun+artificial light” represents the solar energy received when no reflector assembly (1 1 ) is used, and only artificial lighting is employed. This bar has a value of about 300,000 lux.
- the use of the present system (1 ) (and of its reflector assembly (1 1 )), at any suitable height from the top of the greenhouse (5), may advantageously provide for a multiplication or addition of the solar energy (7) received within the greenhouse (5) when compared to using no reflector system (1 ), and even when compared to using artificial lighting.
- Figure 4 provides approximate curves for the sunlight received on a sunny eight-hour day when no reflector system (1 ) is used, when a reflector system (1 ) one sunlight vector SV in length from the top of the greenhouse (5) is used, and when natural sunlight is combined with artificial lighting.
- Figure 5 provides similar approximate curves for a cloudy day, and it should be noted that the artificial lighting during a cloudy day is on for about sixteen hours. As can be seen from the curves of both Figures 4 and 5, the use of the present reflector system (1 ) may advantageously prolong the period of the day when plant growth is most productive.
- the use of the reflector system (1 ) may allow the plants to receive an equivalent amount of solar energy (7) at around 08:00 that is received by the plants at around noon with the use of natural light alone, or with the use of natural light and artificial lighting.
- the use of the reflector system (1 ) may allow the plants to receive an equivalent amount of solar energy (7) at around 16:00 that is received by the plants at around noon with the use of natural light alone, or with the use of natural light and artificial lighting.
- the solar energy (7) received by the greenhouse (5) has a major increase because of the solar energy (7) reflected by the reflector system (1 ) from the moment of sunrise to the moment of sunset.
- the reflector system (1 ) may thus advantageously allow for high speed growing of the plants to start earlier in the day (i.e. during the morning) and finish later in the day (i.e. around sunset).
- the reflector system (1 ) represents an important improvement on the previous art when used to grow fruits, vegetables and other plants in cold environments all year long.
- the reflector system (1 ) disclosed herein can be used to input natural light and solar energy (7) into a greenhouse (5).
- the reflector system (1 ) is able to capture the solar energy (7) of the light (7i) which would otherwise by-pass the greenhouse (5), and reflect this solar energy (7i) into the greenhouse (5), as can be better appreciated by comparing Figures 6 and 7.
- Such an addition and/or multiplication of solar energy (7d,7i) can be particular advantageous during the winter months at northern latitudes, where there is often not enough sunlight to grow crops.
- the reflector assembly (1 1 ) and/or reflective surface (17) allows for an even, equal, and wide distribution of solar energy (7), thus preventing light concentration to a point where there is a risk of harmful heating.
- Such an even distribution of solar energy (7) may advantageously aid in the growth of plants throughout the year, including during traditional non-growing seasons.
- the reflector system (1 ) can be adapted to suit any conventional greenhouse (5) covered by a transparent material, and which receives direct light (7d) and/or reflected light (7i). Indeed, according to the needs of a user, the reflector system (1 ) could be used for applications other than greenhouses (5), such as outside growing operations or solar heating, for example.
Abstract
Description
Claims
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US201361889785P | 2013-10-11 | 2013-10-11 | |
PCT/CA2014/050991 WO2015051470A1 (en) | 2013-10-11 | 2014-10-14 | System for growing produce in greenhouses with assisted complementary solar energy |
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EP3054762A1 true EP3054762A1 (en) | 2016-08-17 |
EP3054762A4 EP3054762A4 (en) | 2017-06-07 |
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EP14852223.8A Withdrawn EP3054762A4 (en) | 2013-10-11 | 2014-10-14 | System for growing produce in greenhouses with assisted complementary solar energy |
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US (1) | US20160282015A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3054762A4 (en) |
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CN110574592A (en) * | 2019-10-11 | 2019-12-17 | 延安大学 | Greenhouse illumination detection and control system and control method |
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CN106406405A (en) * | 2016-12-22 | 2017-02-15 | 刘震 | Timing cycle greenhouse temperature supply agriculture control device |
CN108849093B (en) * | 2018-07-07 | 2021-03-05 | 杭州林迪德瑞科技有限公司 | Energy-saving vegetable culture system and method |
WO2023240286A2 (en) * | 2022-06-10 | 2023-12-14 | Sensei Ag Holdings, Inc. | Sunlight reflecting greenhouse trusses |
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DE29600982U1 (en) * | 1996-01-20 | 1996-04-04 | Wenzel Joachim | Column device with an adjustable mirror |
US8528541B2 (en) * | 2005-01-31 | 2013-09-10 | Seesean, Inc. | Solar collection apparatus and methods |
CA2585756A1 (en) * | 2007-04-16 | 2008-10-16 | Jacques Robinson | Light reflector for solar panels |
US8408199B1 (en) * | 2007-06-19 | 2013-04-02 | Paul M. Klinkmon | Solar reflector, collecting window and heat storage |
FI20085893A0 (en) * | 2008-09-23 | 2008-09-23 | Asko Myntti | Greenhouse |
ITMI20101924A1 (en) * | 2010-10-21 | 2012-04-22 | Ventury Di Achille Grignani | SOLAR HEATER IN MODELABLE FRAME OF THE FRAME AND PLURALITY OF MIRRORS PLANES INDIVIDUALLY ADJUSTABLE TOWARDS A SUPPORT FOR AN OBJECT TO BE HEATED |
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2014
- 2014-10-14 US US15/028,596 patent/US20160282015A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-10-14 WO PCT/CA2014/050991 patent/WO2015051470A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-10-14 CA CA2926841A patent/CA2926841C/en active Active
- 2014-10-14 EP EP14852223.8A patent/EP3054762A4/en not_active Withdrawn
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN110574592A (en) * | 2019-10-11 | 2019-12-17 | 延安大学 | Greenhouse illumination detection and control system and control method |
CN110574592B (en) * | 2019-10-11 | 2021-07-30 | 延安大学 | Greenhouse illumination detection and control system and control method |
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CA2926841C (en) | 2018-03-27 |
EP3054762A4 (en) | 2017-06-07 |
US20160282015A1 (en) | 2016-09-29 |
CA2926841A1 (en) | 2015-04-16 |
WO2015051470A1 (en) | 2015-04-16 |
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