FI20205971A1

FI20205971A1 - An independent aeroponic farming unit and method for independent aeroponic farming

Info

Publication number: FI20205971A1
Application number: FI20205971A
Authority: FI
Inventors: Sami Tuominen; Raine Hermans; Markku Peittola
Original assignee: Aeropod Oy
Priority date: 2020-10-05
Filing date: 2020-10-05
Publication date: 2022-04-06
Also published as: WO2022074288A1; EP4225018A4; FI129795B; EP4225018A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an independent aeroponic farming unit for growing tuber plants or root vegetable plants having an aerial shoot and underground root part, the unit comprises a aeroponic cultivation system comprising a plant support base for supporting the plant, a growing chamber, the growing chamber walls being non-transparent and one or more growing liquid spraying system arranged to spray growing liquid to the growing chamber. The unit comprises further first local energy production device connected to the spraying system. The present invention further relates to a method for independent aeroponic farming.

Description

AN INDEPENDENT AEROPONIC FARMING UNIT AND METHOD FOR INDEPENDENT AEROPONIC FARMING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an independent aeroponic farming unit and more particularly to an independent aeroponic farming unit according to preamble of claim 1. The present invention further relates to a method for independent aeroponic farming and more particularly to a method for independent aeroponic farming according to preamble of claim 13.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Aeroponic farming is the process of growing plants in an air or mist environment without the use of soil or an aggregate medium, known as geoponics. Aeroponic farming differs from conventional hydroponic farming, known as aquaponics. Unlike hydroponics, which uses a liquid nutrient solution as a growing medium and essential minerals to sustain plant growth, aeroponics is conducted — without a growing medium. Accordingly, in aeroponic farming the roots or root part of the plant is not placed or immersed in any solid or liquid growing medium. The basic principle of aeroponic growing is to grow plants suspended in a closed or semi-closed environment by spraying the dangling roots or the plant with an atomized or sprayed, nutrient rich water solution, meaning growing liquid. The leaves and crown, often called the aerial shoot, extend above and outside the closed environment. The roots of the plant are separated by the plant support structure to which the plant is supported such that the roots extend from the plant support structure to the closed environment. Often, foam or other elastic material SQ is compressed around the lower stem or the plant and inserted into an opening in S 25 — the plans support structure. The closed environment is arranged to be dark by o providing a growing chamber having non-transparent chamber walls. 0 During the aeroponic growing process the roots of the plant are sprayed 7 with the growing liquid at certain intervals in the growing chamber which provides E the closed and dark environment. = 30 One of the problems associated with the prior art is that during the 3 growing process the roots of the tubers or root vegetables may become S deteriorated if they remain direct contact with the growing liguid continuously or N if they are without the growing liguid for a while. In other words during the aeroponic growing process the roots of the plant must be sprayed with the growing liquid at certain intervals otherwise the plants will deteriorate. A failure in energy supply prevent spraying the growing liquid and maintaining required temperature suitable for plants and thus the plants will deteriorate. One of the problems associated with the prior art is that locations which are suitable for farming do not have connection to the electrical grid. The electrical grid is an interconnected network for delivering electricity from producers to consumers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an independent aeroponic cultivation unit and a method for aeroponic farming so as to solve or at least alleviate the prior art disadvantages. The objects of the invention are achieved by an aeroponic cultivation unit which is characterized by what is stated in independent claim 1. The objects of the present invention are further achieved by a method for aeroponic farming which is characterized by what is stated in independent claim 13. The preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the idea of providing an independent aeroponic cultivation unit for growing tuber plants or root vegetable plants having an aerial shoot and underground root part. The independent aeroponic farming unit comprises an aeroponic cultivation system comprising a plant support base for supporting the plant, the plant support base comprises a support opening arranged to support the plant such that the plant extends through the plant support base via the support opening and such that the aerial shoot is arranged on a first side of the plant support base and the root part is arranged on a second side the plant support base. The aeroponic cultivation system further comprises a growing N 25 chamber provided on the second side of the plant support base, the growing N chamber comprising growing chamber walls defining a closed chamber space, the > growing chamber walls being non-transparent. The independent aeroponic 2 farming unit further comprises one or more growing liguid spraying system I arranged to spray growing liquid to the growing chamber and a local energy supply & 30 arrangement. The aeroponic cultivation system is independent. In other words the K aeroponic cultivation system operates without a constant connection to the D electrical grid. S In one embodiment the local energy supply arrangement comprises N a first energy storage device connected to the spraying system for supplying energy — overlongtime interval. The first energy storage device enables spraying the plants during a power failure.

In one embodiment the local energy supply arrangement comprises a second energy storage device arranged to maintain a temperature of the growing chamber.

This prevents the plants to deteriorate during a power failure.

In one embodiment the local energy supply arrangement comprises a first energy storage device connected to the spraying system and a second energy storage device arranged to maintain a temperature of the growing chamber.

This increases an energy storing capacity of the farming unit.

In one embodiment the second energy storage device comprises growing liquid in the lower liquid space.

This improves efficiency of the second energy storage.

In one embodiment the local energy supply arrangement comprises a firstlocal energy production device connected to the spraying system.

This improves reliability of the energy supply.

In an alternative embodiment the local energy supply arrangement comprises a second local energy production device arranged to adjust temperature of growing liquid.

This improves energy efficiency.

In a further embodiment the local energy supply arrangement comprises a first local energy production device connected to the spraying system and a second local energy production device arranged to adjust temperature of growing liquid. This improve efficiency and reliability of the energy supply.

In one embodiment the aeroponic cultivation system further comprises S a growing lamp; or a thermal adjustment device; or a sterilisation unit; a control N unit; or any combination thereof. This improves efficiency of the aeroponic 2 cultivation system. 3 In one embodiment the first local energy production device comprises E 30 a magnetic generator; or a wind energy generator; or a geothermal energy station; > or a hydropower generator; or a solar energy generator; or a fluid energy = generator; or a hydrogen generator; or a fuel cell; or any combination thereof. This 2 further increases efficiency of the energy production, S In one embodiment the second local energy production device comprises a magnetic generator; or a wind energy generator; or a geothermal energy station; or a hydropower generator; or a solar energy generator; or a fluid energy generator; or a hydrogen generator; or a fuel cell; or any combination thereof. This further increases reliability of the energy production.

In one embodiment the local energy supply arrangement comprises an electric power generator and a thermal energy generator. This further increases reliability of the energy production.

In an alternative embodiment the independent aeroponic farming unit comprises the local energy supply arrangement and a connection to the electrical grid. This increases flexibility of the energy production.

In one embodiment the first energy storage device further comprises a hydrogen storage; or a water reservoir; or a geothermal reservoir; or a chemical energy storage; or a thermal energy storage; or any combination thereof. This increases reliability of the energy supply.

In one embodiment the second energy storage device further comprise a hydrogen storage; or a water reservoir; or a geothermal reservoir; or a chemical — energy storage; or a thermal energy storage; or any combination thereof. This further increases reliability of the energy supply.

In one embodiment the local energy supply arrangement comprises a thermal energy storage and a chemical energy storage. This further increases reliability of the energy supply.

In one embodiment the independent aeroponic farming unit according comprises a shelter for shielding the aeroponic cultivation system. This decreases energy required for a thermal adjustment.

In one embodiment the first local energy production device is attached to the shelter (900); or the second local energy production device is attached to the shelter (900); or the first and the second local energy production device are S attached to the shelter. This further increases reliability of the energy supply.

N [n an alternative embodiment the first local energy production device 2 is attached to the aeroponic cultivation system; or the second local energy 3 production device is attached to the aeroponic cultivation system ; or the first and E 30 — the second local energy production device are attached to the aeroponic cultivation > system. This further increases reliability of the energy supply.

= In an alternative embodiment the first local energy production device 2 ia arranged on ground; or the second local energy production device is arranged S on ground; or the first and the second local energy production device are arranged onthe ground. This increases flexibility of the location of the energy supply.

In one embodiment the independent aeroponic farming unit comprises atleast two the aeroponic cultivation systems. This increases a capacity of the unit.

In one embodiment the growing chamber further comprises a partitioning wall arranged to divide the closed chamber space into an upper growing space and a lower liquid space. The upper growing space is provided 5 between the plant support base and the partitioning wall for enclosing the root part of the plant, and the lower liquid space being provided between the partitioning sheet and a bottom wall of the growing chamber for retaining growing liquid.

Accordingly, in the present invention, the closed chamber space inside the growing chamber is divided into upper growing space for enclosing the root — partofthe plant and to a lower liquid space for retaining growing liquid. Therefore, the root part and thus the tuber or root vegetables may be prevented from reaching or lying in the growing liquid during the aeroponic growing process and temperature in the growing chamber remains steady when outside temperature changes. This enhances the growing process and enables controlling the growing environment of the root part in more detail.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises one or more growing liquid nozzles arranged to spray growing liquid to the upper growing space of the growing chamber. The growing liquid nozzles may be arranged to the growing chamber walls or inside the growing chamber and arranged to spray growing liquid to the upper growing space or in the upper growing space. Thus, in this embodiment the growing liquid nozzles are arranged to the upper growing space or to the lower liquid space.

In another embodiment, the system comprises one or more growing liquid nozzles arranged to the upper growing space and arranged to spray growing liquid to the upper growing space of the growing chamber for providing growing S liguid to the root part of the plant.

N In a further embodiment, the system comprises one or more growing 2 liquid nozzles having a nozzle head open into the upper growing space and 3 arranged to spray growing liquid to the upper growing space of the growing E 30 chamber. Accordingly, in thisembodiment, the growing liquid nozzles are arranged > to chamber walls or to the partitioning wall of the growing chamber such that the = nozzle head of the growing liguid nozzle is open into the upper growing space. S Accordingly, the growing liguid nozzle may be arranged outside the growing S chamber or embedded into the chamber walls or to the partitioning wall.

In one embodiment, the system further comprises growing liguid reservoir provided to the lower liguid space and arranged to retain growing liguid.

Accordingly, the growing chamber and the growing liquid reservoir inside the growing chamber retains growing liquid which is sprayed to the upper growing space. Thus, no separate container or continuous flow of growing liquid is needed.

In one embodiment, the growing chamber walls are arranged to provide — the growing liquid reservoir. The growing chamber walls itself form the growing liquid reservoir in the lower liquid space. Thus, the growing chamber walls are made of waterproof material or comprise waterproof sealing layer.

In another embodiment, side walls and the bottom wall of the growing chamber are arranged to provide the growing liquid reservoir. Accordingly, the — growing chamber reservoir is provided at the bottom or lower part of the growing liquid chamber or to the lower liquid space inside the growing chamber.

In a further embodiment, the lower liquid space is provided with a separate growing liquid reservoir arranged below the partitioning wall. Accordingly, in this embodiment there is separate waterproof growing liquid reservoir or container arranged or provided to the lower liquid space. In this embodiment, the growing chamber walls do not necessarily need to be waterproof.

The growing liquid reservoir enables holding or storing coating liquid inside the aeroponic cultivation system. Thus, there is no need for separate container for the growing liquid and further there is no need for providing continuous supply of growing liquid to the aeroponic cultivation system.

In one embodiment, the system comprises a liquid circulation arrangement arranged to supply growing liquid from the growing liquid reservoir to one or more of the growing liquid nozzles. Accordingly, the growing liquid in the growing liquid reservoir in the lower liquid space is supplied to the one or more growing liquid nozzles and further sprayed to the upper growing space. Therefore, 3 the growing liquid may be circulated from lower liquid of the growing chamber to the upper growing space by spraying to be utilized for the growing process.

2 In another embodiment, the system comprises a liquid circulation 3 arrangement arranged to supply growing liquid from the growing liquid reservoir E 30 in the lower liquid space to one or more of the growing liquid nozzles arranged in > the upper growing space. Accordingly, the one or more growing liquid nozzle are = arranged into the upper growing space and the growing liguid is supplied from the S lower liguid space to the upper growing space and to the one or more growing S liguid nozzles in the upper growing space with the circulation arrangement. In the upper growing space the growing liquid is further sprayed with the one or more growing liguid nozzles.

In one embodiment, the liquid circulation arrangement is arranged inside the growing chamber.

In this embodiment, the circulation of the growing liquid is carried out inside the growing chamber.

Thus, the growing liquid does not leave the inside the of the growing chamber when it is circulated from the lower liquid space to the upper growing space with the circulation arrangement and with the growing liquid nozzles.

This provides a compact and simple structure for the system and for the growing chamber.

The number of lead-throughs through the growing chamber walls may be minimized.

In another embodiment, the liquid circulation arrangement is arranged outside the growing chamber.

In this embodiment, the growingliquid is discharged from the growing chamber outside the chamber space and further supplied to the one or more growing liquid nozzle with the circulation arrangement.

The growing liquid nozzles further spray the growing liquid to the upper growing space for carrying out the aeroponic growing process.

This enables easy maintenance of the circulation arrangement.

Further, the growing chamber may be kept free of equipment.

The circulation arrangement enables efficient use of growing liquid.

In one embodiment, the system comprises a growing liquid inlet arrangement arranged to supply growing liquid into the growing chamber.

The inlet arrangement enables adding growing liquid to the system and thus the growing liquid may be added to the system or to the growing liquid reservoir when needed.

In one embodiment, the growing liquid inlet arrangement is connected to the growing chamber and arranged to the supply growing liquid to the lower liquid space of the growing chamber.

Thus, in this embodiment, the growing liquid S inlet arrangement is arranged supply growing liquid to the growing liquid chamber N or directly to the growing liguid reservoir in the lower liguid space. 2 In another embodiment, the growing liquid inlet arrangement is 3 connected to one or more of the growing liquid nozzles and arranged to the supply E 30 growing liquid to one or more of the growing liquid nozzles.

In this embodiment, > the newly added growing liquid is brought to the growing chamber via the growing = liguid nozzles.

Thus, the system may be provided simpler as a separate inlet to the 2 growing chamber may be avoided.

S In a further embodiment, the growing liquid inlet arrangement is connected to the liquid circulation arrangement and arranged to the supply growing liquid to the growing chamber via one or more of the growing liquid nozzles.

Also in this embodiment, the newly added growing liquid may be brought to the system via the growing liquid nozzles and separate inlet to the growing chamber may be avoided.

In one embodiment, the growing chamber is provided with a surface lever sensor arranged to measure the surface level of the growing liquid in the lower liquid space.

The surface level sensor measures the amount of the growing liquid in the lower liquid space or in the growing liquid reservoir.

Thus, the need for new growing liquid to the system via the inlet arrangement may be defined.

In another embodiment, the growing chamber is provided with a surface lever sensor arranged to measure the surface level of the growing liquid in the lower liquid space.

The surface level sensor is connected to the growing liquid inlet arrangement for automatically supplying growing liquid.

Thus, the system may automatically take new growing liquid based on the measured amount of growing liquid in the lower growing liquid space or in the growing liquid reservoir.

In one embodiment, the aeroponic growing system further comprises a discharge connection provided between the upper growing space and the lower liquid space.

The discharge connection being arranged to discharge excessive growing liquid sprayed into the upper growing space from the upper growing space to the lower liquid space or to the growingliquid reservoir in the lower liquid — space.

Accordingly, the excessive growing liquid is discharged from the upper growing space in which the root part of the plant is arranged.

Thus, the growing liquid does not accumulate to the upper growing space but may be transported to the lower liquid space from which it may be circulated to the growing liquid nozzles.

Further, the root part of the plant is not retained in the growing liquid and prevented from deteriorating.

S Preferably, the discharge connection is provided inside the growing N chamber.

However, the discharge connection may also be provided between the 2 upper growing space and the lower liquid space outside the growing chamber. 3 In another embodiment, the aeroponic growing system further E 30 comprises a discharge connection provided to the partitioning wall between the > upper growing space and the lower liquid space.

The discharge connection being = arranged to discharge excessive growing liguid sprayed into the upper growing 2 space from the upper growing space to the lower liguid space or to the growing S liquid reservoir in the lower liquid space.

In this embodiment, the growing liquid — is discharged from the upper growing space via or through the partitioning wall between the upper growing space and the lower liquid space.

Thus, the excessive growing liquid may drop from the root part of the plant on the partitioning wall and flow via or through the partitioning wall to the lower liquid space. Therefore, no separate discharge connection needs to be provided outside the growing chamber.

In one embodiment, the partitioning wall is made of liquid permeable fabric material, net material, or grid material allowing excessive growing liquid flow through the partitioning wall from the upper growing space to the lower liquid space. In this embodiment, the partitioning wall comprises holes or grid or net holes or is made of porous material allowing or some other liquid permeable — material allowing growing liquid flow through the partitioning wall material from the upper growing space to the lower liquid space. Thus, no separate discharge connection is needed. Accumulation of excessive growing liquid in the upper growing space is prevented.

In another embodiment, the partitioning wall is made of liquid impermeable plate material or liquid impermeable fabric material and provided with flow openings allowing excessive growing liquid flow through the partitioning wall from the upper growing space to the lower liquid space. In this embodiment, the excessive growing liquid is guided through the flow openings in the partitioning wall form the upper growing space to the lower liquid space for discharging the excessive growing liquid from the upper growing space. This provides a controlled discharge of the growing liquid.

In a further embodiment, the partitioning wall is made of liquid impermeable plate or liquid impermeable fabric material, and the system comprises a flow connection provided or extending between the upper growing — space and the lower liquid space allowing excessive growing liquid flow from the S upper growing space to the lower liguid space. Preferably, the discharge N connection is provided inside the growing chamber. However, the discharge 2 connection may also be provided between the upper growing space and the lower 3 liquid space outside the growing chamber. This allows also controlled discharge of I 30 — the excessive growing liquid.

> The present invention further relates to a method for aeroponic farming = of tuber plants or root vegetable plants having an aerial shoot and underground S root part in an aeroponic cultivation. The independent aeroponic farming unit 2 comprises an aeroponic cultivation system comprising a plant support base for — supporting the plant, the plant support base comprises a support opening arranged to support the plant such that the plant extends through the plant support base via the support opening and such that the aerial shoot is arranged on a first side of the plant support base and the root part is arranged on a second side of the plant support base, and a growing chamber provided on the second side of the plant support base, the growing chamber comprising growing chamber walls defining a closed chamber space, the growing chamber walls being non-transparent, the growing chamber enclosing the root part of the plant. The independent aeroponic farming unit further comprises a local energy supply arrangement. The method comprises supplying energy from the local energy supply arrangement to the aeroponic cultivation system ;planting tuber plants or root vegetable plants having an aerial shoot and underground root part in the aeroponic cultivation system; and using energy supplied from the local energy supply arrangement to the aeroponic cultivation system for spraying growing liquid to the root part of the plant..

In one embodiment the method comprises charging the first energy storage device by energy generated by the firstlocal energy production device. This — increase reliability of energy supply.

In one embodiment the method step planting tuber plants or root vegetable plants having an aerial shoot and underground root part in the independent aeroponic cultivation system is after the step charging the first energy storage device.

In one embodiment the method further comprises connecting the first energy storage device to supply energy to the liguid spraying system from the first local energy production device in case of failure in the energy supply.

This further increases reliability of energy supply.

In one embodiment the method further comprises maintaining a temperature in the growing chamber with growing liquid.

S This further increases energy efficiency.

N In one embodiment not all the growing liquid is absorbed by the root 2 part of the plant. Thus, there will remain excessive growing liquid in the upper 3 growing space. The excessive growing liquid is discharged from the upper growing E 30 — space such that the root part and tubers or root vegetables are not immersed to > subjected to static liquid growing liquid. This excessive growing liquid is collected = to the lower liguid space inside the growing chamber.

2 In one embodiment the system further comprises a partitioning wall S arranged to divide the closed chamber space into an upper growing space and a lower liquid space. The upper growing space is provided between the plant support base and the liquid permeable partitioning wall for enclosing the root part of the plant, and the lower liquid space is provided between the liquid permeable partitioning sheet and a bottom wall of the growing chamber for retaining growing liquid.

In one embodiment, the method comprises taking growing liquid from the lower liquid space and spraying the growing liquid taken from the lower liquid space in the upper growing space to the root part of the plant.

Thus, the collected growing liquid is reused and sprayed again into the upper growing space.

In another embodiment, the method comprises spraying growing liquid in the upper growing space to the root part of the plant with one or more growing liquid nozzles, and circulating growing liquid from the lower growing liquid space to the one or more growing liquid nozzles to be sprayed to the root part of the plant.

Thus, the same growing liquid may be circulated in the system for providing efficient aeroponic farming.

In one embodiment, discharging excessive growing liquid from the — upper growing space comprises draining the excessive growing liquid through the partitioning wall.

The partitioning wall is made of liquid permeable fabric material, net material, or grid material allowing excessive growing liquid flow through the partitioning wall from the upper growing space to the lower liquid space.

Thus, the growing liquid may penetrate the partitioning wall such that the excessive growing liquid flow through the liquid permeable partitioning wall.

The liquid permeable partitioning wall discharges excessive growing liquid from the upper growing space but also enables moisture to penetrate from the lower liquid space to the upper growing space maintaining high humidity in the upper growing space between the spraying intervals of growing liquid.

In one embodiment, discharging excessive growing liquid from the S upper growing space comprises draining the excessive growing liguid through the N partitioning wall.

The partitioning wall is made of liguid impermeable plate 2 material or liquid impermeable fabric material and provided with flow openings 3 allowing excessive growing liquid flow through the partitioning wall from the E 30 — upper growing space to the lower liquid space.

Thus, the excessive growing liquid > is discharged in controlled manner via the flow openings from the upper growing = space to the lower liguid space. 2 In another embodiment, discharging excessive growing liquid from the S upper growing space comprises draining the excessive growing liquid via a flow — connection provided or extending between the upper growing space and the lower liquid space allowing excessive growing liquid flow from the upper growing space to the lower liquid space. The flow connection may be provided inside or outside the growing chamber, and provided to transport growing liquid in controlled manner. The flow connection may comprise discharge channel for transporting the excessive growing liquid. The flow connection may also comprise discharge device such as a pump or the like arranged assist or carry out the discharging.

In one embodiment, the method also comprises adding new growing liquid to the system via a growing liquid inlet arrangement. During the aeroponic farming process the root part of the plant absorbs growing liquid which is sprayed to the rot part in the upper growing space. Therefore, new growing liquid needs to be added to the system for maintaining process as the growing liquid is circulated in the system.

In another embodiment, the method comprises adding new growing liquid to the lower liquid space via a growing liquid inlet arrangement or to the liquid reservoir in the lower liquid space of the growing chamber. In this embodiment, the new growing liquid is added directly to the lower liquid space of the growing chamber and spray nozzles and the circulation arrangement may be kept simple.

In a further embodiment, the method comprises adding new growing liquid to the system by supplying new growing liquid to the one or more growing liquid nozzles via a growing liquid inlet arrangement. Thus, the new growing liquid is added directly to the growing liquid nozzles and it sprayed to the upper growing space. Thus, no separate inlet for the new growing liquid is needed.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises measuring surface level of the growing liquid in the lower liquid space and adding new growing liquid based on the surface level measurement. Accordingly, the addition of the new S growing liguid into the system is carried out based on the measurement amount of N growing liguid in the system and in the lower liguid space or growing liguid 2 reservoir. 3 In one embodiment, spraying of the growing liquid in the upper growing I 30 space is carried out intermittently. > In another embodiment, spraying of the growing liquid in the upper = growing space is carried out intermittently at predetermined intervals and a 2 predetermined time in each interval. S Accordingly, the spraying is carried such that the necessary amount of growing liquid or nutrients is provided to the root part of the plant.

In one embodiment, the method comprises:

a) growing stage, the growing stage comprising: - illuminating the aerial shoot of the plant a first predetermined illuminating period in a day with the one or more growing lamp, - providing a first predetermined concentration of nitrogen in the growing liquid, and - spraying the growing liquid having the first predetermined concentration of nitrogen in the upper growing space to the root part of the plant intermittently at first predetermined intervals for spraying a first amount of the growing liquid to the root part of the plant in a day; and b) a production stage, the production stage comprising: - illuminating the aerial shoot of the plant a second predetermined illuminating period in a day with one or more growing lamp, the second illuminating period being shorter than the first predetermined illuminating period; - providing a second predetermined concentration of nitrogen in the — growing liquid, the second predetermined concentration being less than the first predetermined nitrogen concentration, and - spraying the growing liquid having the second predetermined concentration of nitrogen in the upper growing space to the root part of the plant intermittently at second predetermined intervals for spraying a second amount of — the growing liquid to the root part of the plant in a day, the second amount of growing liquid being less than the first amount of growing liquid.

Accordingly, method comprises two different stages for growing and producing tuber or root vegetables. Composition of the growing liquid, illuminating the aerial shoots, spraying of the growing liquid and thus circulating the growing liquid in the system are altered between the two successive stages for producing S tubers or root vegetables. N In one embodiment the method comprises any of previously disclosed 2 an independent aeroponic farming unit. 3 An advantage of the invention is that it enables aeroponic farming in E 30 areas which do not have access to the electrical grid. Furthermore, the invention > enables keeping the humidity and the temperature in the growing space during = failure in energy supply.

S S

N BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is described in detail by means of specific embodiments with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which Figure 1 shows schematically an aeroponic growing system according one embodiment to the present invention; Figure 2 shows schematically a side view of the aeroponic growing system of figure 1; Figure 3 shows schematically an end view of the aeroponic growing system of figure 1; Figure 4A show schematically a support structure of an aeroponic cultivation system according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4B show schematically an upper support structure of an aeroponic cultivation system according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figures 5 show schematically a plant support base of an aeroponic cultivation system according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows schematically a growing chamber of an aeroponic cultivation system according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figures 7, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 10, show different embodiments of the growing chamber and growing liquid arranged of an aeroponic cultivation system according to the present invention ; Figure 11 shows one embodiment of energy network of the farming unit; Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of energy network of the farming unit; and Figure 13 shows one embodiment of the farming unit.

A

R DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION © Figure 1 shows schematically one embodiment of an aeroponic 2 cultivation system 2. The aeroponic cultivation system 2 comprises a plant support I base 4 to which plants 50 are supported. The aeroponic cultivation system 2 & 30 further comprises an upper plant support 8, 10 provided above, or on a first side, K of the plant support base 4. The aeroponic cultivation system 2 further comprises D growing chamber 6 provided under, or on a second side, of the plant support base N 4.

N The plant support base 4 comprises a plant support surface and may be — provided as plant support plane or plant support plate or plant support layer.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the plant support base 4 is arranged substantially horizontally. The upper plant support 8, 10 is provided in vertical direction above the plant support base 4. The growing chamber 6 is provided in vertical direction under the plant support base 4.

It should be noted, that in alternative embodiments the plant support base 4 may be arranged in angle to the horizontal direction or inclined or even in vertical direction. Therefore, the upper plant support 8, 10 is provided on the first side of the plant support base 4 and the growing chamber 6 is provided on the second side of the plant support base 4.

The upper plant support 8, 10 and the growing chamber 6 are arranged on opposite sides the plant support base.

Figure 2 shows schematically a side view of the aeroponic cultivation system 2 of figure 1, plants 50 supported to the aeroponic cultivation system 2 and the structure of the growing chamber 6 inside the growing chamber 6.

The plant 50 comprise an aerial shoot 52, or stem. The aerial shoot 52 means upper part of the plant 50 growing on or above ground and receiving light in natural growing environment. The plant 50 further comprises a root part 54, or roots. The root part 54 means lower part of the plant growing underground and not receiving light in natural growing environment. Accordingly, the root part 54 is growing in the soil of the ground in natural growing environment and the aerial shoot 52 extends from the ground.

As shown in figure 2, the root part of the plant comprises tubers 56 which may be potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes or the like. Further, the plant 50 may be root vegetable plants and the root part 54 may be formed as a root vegetable.

The aeroponic cultivation system 2 or method for aeroponic farming S according to the present invention are most suitable for tuber plants and root N vegetable plants. However, the aeroponic cultivation system 2 and method may 2 also be used for farming any other plants having the root part 54 and the aerial 3 shoot 52.

I 30 The plant support base 4 comprises one or more support openings or > receptacles providing a through-hole through plant support base 4. The support = openings extend through the plant support base from the first side to the second 2 side of the plant support base 4.

S The plant support base 4 is arranged to support the plant 50 such that — the plant extends through the plant support base 4 via the support opening 40 and such that the aerial shoot 52 is arranged on the first side of the plant support base

4 and the root part 54 is arranged on a second side the plant support base.

Thus, in figure 2, the aerial shoot 52 extends from the plant support base 4 above the plant support base 4 and the root part 54 extends from the plant support base 4 under the plant support base 4. The upper plant support 7, 8, 10 is provided on the first upper side of the plant support base 4 for supporting the aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50. Accordingly, the upper plant support 7, 8, 10 comprises support members 7, 8, 10 arranged to support aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50. In the embodiments of figures, the upper plant support 7, 8, 10 is connected, attached or supported to the aeroponic cultivation system 2 or the plant support base 4 or the growing chamber 6. Accordingly, the upper plant support 7, 8, 10 is integral part of the aeroponic cultivation system 2. In alternatively embodiments, the upper plant support 7, 8, 10 is a separate structure which is provided separate from the plant support base 4 and — the growing chamber 6 and separate from other structures of the aeroponic cultivation system 2. The separate upper support 7, 8, 10 is in some embodiments surrounding the plant support base 4 and/or the growing chamber 6. Thus, the upper plant support 7, 8, 10 is supported and extending from or standing on a floor or ground.

Alternatively, the upper plant support 7, 8, 10 is arranged above the plant support base 4 and/or the growing chamber.

Thus, the upper plant support 7,8, 10 is attached or supported to a ceiling or other structures of building or room (not shown). The aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50 extends from the plant support base 4 and is arranged to an aerial growing space or aerial growing environment 24. Properties of the aerial growing space 24 may be controlled during aeroponic S farming.

N In the embodiments of the figures, the upper plant support and the 2 aerial growing space 24 are formed as open structures.

Accordingly, light, humidity 3 and gases may enter the aerial growing space 24 from the surroundings of the E 30 — aeroponic cultivation system 2. In alternative embodiments, the upper plant > support 7, 8, 10 is provided as upper chamber or is arranged to form the upper = chamber (not shown). The upper chamber provides a closed upper chamber 2 having closed aerial growing space 24 into which the aerial shoot 52 of the plant S extends from the plant support base 4. The plant support base 4 forms one wall, — for example a bottom wall, of the upper chamber.

The aerial shoot 52 grows inside the closed upper space 24.

The growing chamber 6 is provided under the plant support base 4, or on the second side of the plant support base 4. The growing chamber 6 comprises growing chamber walls 12, 13 forming a closed growing chamber. The growing chamber 6 further comprises growing chamber door 3, as shown in figure 1. The growing chamber door 3 may be arranged in closed position and open position. In the closed position of the growing chamber door 3, the growing chamber 6 forms a closed chamber space inside the growing chamber 6. In the open position of the growing chamber door 3, the inner growing chamber space is accessible via opening of the growing chamber door 3.

The plant support base 4 forms the growing chamber top wall or atleast part of the growing chamber top wall. Thus, the root part 54 of the plant 50 extends from the plant support base 4 and the support opening thereof into the closed growing chamber 6, as shown in figure 2.

The growing chamber 6 is provided and arranged directly below or adjacent the plant support base 4.

The growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4 define a closed chamber space inside the growing chamber 6. The growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4 are further made of non-transparent material or they comprise a layer of non-transparent material. Accordingly, the growing chamber walls 12, 13 4 provide a dark atmosphere inside the growing chamber 6 such that light cannot enter inside growing chamber 6 from surroundings of the aeroponic cultivation system 2. Thus, the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4 are non-transparent.

The growing chamber 6 and the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4 may be formed from any suitable material. Preferably, the growing chamber is made of waterproof material or comprises a waterproof layer and/or light barrier layer or S some other suitable material layers.

N [In one embodiment, the growing chamber 6 and the growing chamber 2 walls 12, 13, 4 are at least partly made of microfiber cellulose material, 3 biocomposite material or some other composite material or biodegradable E 30 material. Biocomposite materials are composite material formed by a matrix > (resin) and a reinforcement of natural fibers. Microfibre cellulose materials comprise nanostructured cellulose comprising nanosized cellulose fibrils. Typical S fibril widths are 5-20 nanometers with a wide range of lengths, typically several 2 micrometers.

The growing chamber 6 may be a moulded element such that the side walls 12, bottom wall 13 and possibly also the plant support base 4 form one integral element. The growing chamber 6 is provided with thermal insulation 14 for insulating the inner space of the growing chamber 6 thermally from the surroundings of the aeroponic cultivation system 2. In the embodiment of figure 2, the thermal insulation 14 is provided to the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4. The thermal insulation 14 may be a characteristic of the material of the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4. Thus, the thermal insulation is integral part of the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4. Alternatively, the thermal insulation or thermal insulation layer 14 is — provided to the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4. In one embodiment, the thermal insulation 14 is a separate insulation layer provided on the inner surface or outer surface or inside the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4. In another embodiment, the thermal insulation 14 or thermal insulation layer is provided inside the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4 between the inner surface and outer surface of the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4. As shown in figure 2, the growing chamber 6 and the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4 define a closed growing chamber space inside the growing chamber

6. The growing chamber further comprises a partitioning wall 16 arranged inside the growing chamber 6. The partitioning wall 16 is arranged to divide the closed growing chamber space into an upper growing space 20 and a lower liquid space

21. The partitioning wall 16 is arranged between the plant support base 4 and the bottom wall 13 of the growing chamber 6 such that the partitioning wall 16 divides the growing chamber space to the upper growing space 20 and the lower liquid space in the direction between the plant support base 4 and the bottom wall 13 of the growing chamber 6. S The partitioning wall 16 extends between the side walls 12 of the N growing chamber 6. The partitioning wall 16 is preferably supported or connected 2 to side walls 12. 3 In the embodiment of figure 2, the partitioning wall 16 extends in E 30 horizontal direction. Further, the partitioning wall 16 extends parallel to the plant > support base 4. = Figure 2 shows one embodiment of the partitioning wall 16. The 2 partitioning wall 16 is a grid sheet, net sheet or fabric sheet comprising pores, holes S or meshes extending through the partitioning wall 16 in thickness direction. Accordingly, the partitioning wall is made of liquid and gas permeable material or with liquid or gas permeable structure. Accordingly, the partitioning wall 16 comprises a structure or is made of material allowing excessive growing liquid 22 flow through the partitioning wall 16 from the upper growing space 20 to the lower liquid space 21. Accordingly, the excessive growing liquid may be collected to the lower liquid space 21 and the root part 54 may be prevented from being in contact — with excessive growing liquid.

Further, the humidity in the upper growing space 21 may be kept under 100%. Heat stored in growing liquid 22 moves through the partitioning wall 16 to the upper growing space 20 in case of a temperature of growing liquid 22 is higher than a temperature in the upper growing space 20. This is useful especially during an energy failure.

In an alternative embodiment the partitioning wall 16 is made of liquid impermeable plate or liquid impermeable fabric material.

The partitioning wall 16 is provided with a flow opening open to the lower liquid space 21 and extending between the upper growing space 20 and the lower liquid space 21. The partitioning wall 16 may be further inclined relative to the horizontal direction towards the flow opening such that the excessive growing liquid falling on the partitioning wall 16 in the upper growing space 20 flows via the flow opening to the lower liquid space 21. The partitioning wall 16 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction towards the flow opening.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, — the growing liquid is prevented from penetrating or flowing through partitioning wall 16 as it is made of and provided as liquid impermeable material and structure.

Thus, the growing liquid flows to the lower liquid space 21 or the liquid reservoir 200 via the flow opening.

Accordingly, the upper growing space 20 is provided between the plant support base 4 and the partitioning wall 16 for enclosing the root part 54 for of the S plant 50. N The lower liguid space 21 is provided between the partitioning sheet 2 16 and a bottom wall 13 of the growing chamber 6 for retaining growing liquid 22. 3 The side walls 12 and the bottom wall 13 or the growing chamber walls E 30 12, 13, 4 are made of waterproof or liquid proof material such that the growing > chamber 6 forms a container for storing or retaining growing liquid 22. Growing = liquid is further sprayed to the root part 54 of the plant 50. In the present invention, S the lower liguid space 21 is arranged to retain or store growing liguid 22. Thus, S growing liguid 22 is stored inside the growing chamber 6 below the partitioning wall 16 and in the lower liquid space 21 between the partitioning wall 16 and the bottom wall 13 of the growing chamber 6.

Accordingly, the side walls 12 are made or provided waterproof at least on the area or height between the bottom wall 13 and the partitioning wall 16. The bottom wall 13 is made waterproof.

Waterproof is provided by a separate waterproof barrier or layer or it is a property of the material of the side walls 12 and the bottom wall 13. Figure 3 shows schematically a side end view of the aeroponic cultivation system 2 of figure 2. In the embodiment of figures 2 and 3, the upper plant support comprises vertical support elements 7, 8, 9 and horizontal support elements 10, 11 — for supporting the aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50. The aerial shoot 52 may be attached or connected to the upper plant support for supporting and keeping the aerial shoot 52 in upright position.

As the root part 54 is not in soil or ground, the root part cannot provide necessary support for the aerial shoot 52. It should be noted that the upper plant support may be implemented in — various ways for supporting the aerial shoot 52. Thus, the present invention is not restricted to any special configuration of upper plant support.

Figure 4A shows schematically a front side view of the upper plant support 7, 8, 10 or aerial growing space 24 according to one embodiment of the aeroponic cultivation system 2. The aerial growing space 24 is provided with one or more growing liguid spraying system 501. In one embodiment the one or more growing liquid spraying system 501 comprises a one or more growing liquid nozzles 75 for spraying growing liquid 22, to the aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50 on the aerial growing space 24, a pump 78 arranged to pump and supply growing liquid 22 from a separate growing liquid S reservoir 79 to the growing liguid nozzles 75 via a spraying channel 77. N In an alternative embodiment the pump 78 is arranged to pump and 2 supply growing liquid 22 from the lower liquid space 21. 3 In an alternative embodiment the growing liquid nozzles 75 are E 30 connected to irrigation liquid source.

The irrigation liquid source may be an > irrigation liquid container or community water system. = The one or more growing liguid nozzles 75 having nozzle head 76 for 2 spraying growing liguid.

The one or more growing liguid nozzles 75 or the nozzle S heads 76 thereof are arranged to spray growing liquid in horizontal direction, — vertical direction, in an angle to the vertical and horizontal direction or in horizontal and vertical directions.

The growing liquid nozzles 75 are arranged to atomize growing liquid into droplets.

The growing liquid nozzles 75 may be attached or supported to the upper plant support 7, 8, 10. Alternatively, the growing liquid nozzles 75 are separately supported or supported to the structures of a building or a room.

Further alternatively, the growing liquid nozzles 75 may be attached or supported to the plant support base 4.

The aerial growing space is further provided with one or more humidity sensors 62 arranged to measure humidity in the aerial growing space 24. The humidity sensor 62 may be any know humidity sensor. The humidity sensor 62 is preferably connected directly or indirectly to the growing liquid nozzles 75 for controlling and adjusting the growing liquid nozzles 75 spraying of irrigation liquid based on the measurements with the humidity sensor 62. Thus, the measurements with the humidity sensor 62 is utilized for adjusting operation of the growing liquid nozzles 75.

The humidity sensor 62 may be attached or supported to the upper plant support 7, 8, 10. Alternatively, the humidity sensor 62 is separately supported or supported to the structures of a building or a room. Further alternatively, the humidity sensor 62 may be attached or supported to the plant support base 4.

The upper support structure or the aerial growing space 24 is further provided with illuminators or lamps or light sources 32, 34 arranged to subject the aerial shoots 52 to light.

The aerial growing space 24 may comprise first light sources 32 arranged above the aerial shoots 52 and arranged to direct light downwards towards the aerial shoots 52 and the plant support base 4 from above. The aerial S growing space 24 may further comprise second light sources 34 arranged to direct N light in horizontal direction towards the aerial shoots 52. The light sources 32, 34 2 are arranged such that the aerial shoots 52 are illuminated from all directions. The 3 aerial growing space 24 may also be provided with reflectors (not shown) for E 30 reflecting light from the light sources 32, 34 such that the aerial shoots are > illuminated form all directions.

= The light sources may be LEDs (light emitting diode), gas discharge S lamps, such sodium vapor lamps, or the like.

S The light sources 32, 34 may be attached or supported to the upper plant support 7, 8, 10. Alternatively, the light sources 32, 34 are separately supported or supported to the structures of a building or a room. Further alternatively, the light sources 32, 34 may be attached or supported to the plant support base 4.

The aerial growing space 24 is further provided with one or more light sensors 60 arranged to measure light in the aerial growing space 24. The light sensor 60 may be photosensor or photodetector arranged to measure photons. The light sensor 60 is preferably connected directly or indirectly to the light sources 32, 34 for controlling and adjusting the light sources 32, 34 based on the measurements with the light sensor 60. Thus, the measurements with the light sensor 60 is utilized for adjusting operation of the light sources 32, 34.

The light sensor 60 may be attached or supported to the upper plant support 7, 8, 10. Alternatively, the light sensor 60 is separately supported or supported to the structures of a building or a room. Further alternatively, the light sensor 60 may be attached or supported to the plant support base 4.

The aerial growing space 24 is further provided with one or more temperature sensors 61 arranged to measure temperature in the aerial growing space 24. The temperature sensor 61 may be attached or supported to the upper plant support 7, 8, 10. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 61 is separately supported or supported to the structures of a building or a room. Further alternatively, the temperature sensor 61 may be attached or supported to the plant support base 4.

The aerial growing space 24 is further provided with one or more cameras 39 arranged to record or photo or video record the aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50. The photo or video recordings or images may further be used for analysing the condition of the plant 50. The camera 39 may be attached or supported to the upper plant support 7, 8, 10. Alternatively, the camera 39 is S separately supported or supported to the structures of a building or a room. N Further alternatively, the camera 39 may be attached or supported to the plant 2 support base 4.

3 In the embodiment of figures 4A and 4B, the upper plant support E 30 comprises vertical support elements 5, 7, 8, 9 and horizontal support elements 10, = 11, 15, 17. The sensors 60, 61, 62 and camera 39, light sources 32, 34 and the growing liquid nozzles 75 or atleast some of them are supported to the upper plant 2 support.

S As shown in figure 4B, the upper plant support is provided with a support gird 35 comprising support grid holes 36. The support grid 35 is attached to the vertical and/or horizontal support elements 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 17 or other support elements of the upper plant support. The aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50 is supported to the support grid 35 such that the aerial shoot 52 is arranged into the support grid hole 36 or through the support grid hole 36, as shown in figure 4B. Thus, the support grid 35 supports the aerial shoot 52 and the surrounds the aerial shoot52.

The support grid 35 preferably extends parallel to the plant support base 4 or the top surface of the plant support base 4.

The support grid 35 is arranged in the aerial growing space 24 above or on the first side of the support base 4. The support grid 35 is further arranged at a distance from the plant support base 4.

The support grid 35 may be made of any suitable material such that it provides necessary rigidity for supporting the aerial shoot 52.

Figure 5 shows schematically a top view one embodiment of the plant support base 4. The plant support base 4 is a plane or plate like element and forms — the top wall of the growing chamber 6.

Accordingly, the plant support base 4 is made of non-transparent material for preventing light from entering the growing chamber 6. Further, the plant support base 4 is preferably made of waterproof material for preventing moisture escaping through the plant support base 4 from the growing chamber 6 and moisture from entering the growing chamber 6 through the plant support base

4.

As shown in figure 5, the plant support base 4 comprises one or more support opening 40 arranged to support the plant 50. The plant is placed through the support opening 40 such that the plant extends through the plant support base —4 via the support opening 40 and such that the aerial shoot 52 is arranged on the S first side of the plant support base 4 to the aerial growing space 24 and the root N part 54 is arranged on the second side the plant support base 4 inside the growing 2 chamber 6. The support opening 40 extends through the plant support base 4, from 3 the first side to the second side of the plant support base 4. E 30 The support opening is further provided with a support sleeve 41 > arranged into the support hole 40 between the aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50 and = the inner surface 43 of the supporthole 40, as shown in figure 5. The support sleeve S 41 comprises or provides a sleeve opening 42 through which the plant 50 is placed. S The outer surface 44 of the support sleeve 41 is placed against the inner — surface 41 of the support hole 40. The plant 50 or the aerial shoot 52 is placed against the support sleeve 41 defining the sleeve opening 42. The support sleeve

41 is made of resilient material such as foam rubber or foam plastic or the like resilient material.

The resilient characteristic of the support sleeve 41 enables the support sleeve 41 to be compressed when the plant 50 grows without harming the plant 50. Further, the resilient characteristic enables the support sleeve 41 to be tightly pressed and sealed against the inner surface 43 of the support hole 40 and against the aerial shoot 52 of the plant such that light is prevented from entering the growing chamber 6 via the support hole 40. Further, the support sleeve 41 may be omitted and a separate and detachable plant holder (not shown) may be installed to the support hole 40. The plant 50 is installed to the plant holder such that the aerial shoot 52 is arranged on the first side of the plant support base 4 in the aerial growing space 24 and the root part 54 is arranged on the second side the plant support base 4 in the growing chamber 6. Figure 6 shows schematically one embodiment of the growing chamber — 6. The growing chamber 6 comprise the bottom wall 13, the top wall 4 and side walls 12 extending between the bottom wall 13 and the top wall 4. The top wall 4 is provided as the plant support base 4 or at least part of it.

Accordingly, the plant support base 4 forms the top wall of the growing chamber 6 or the plant support base 4 forms at least part of the top wall of the growing chamber 6. The growing chamber 6 is provided with one or more growing liquid nozzles 70, 71. The growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 are arranged to spray growing liquid to the upper growing space 20 of the growing chamber 6 to the root part 54 of the plant 50. The growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 are arranged to atomize and spray atomized growing liquid to the upper growing space 20. The growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 may be any kind of known spray nozzles.

S The growing liguid nozzle 70 comprises a nozzle head 71 from which N the growing liguid is discharged out of the growing liguid nozzle 70. The growing 2 liquid nozzle 70 or the nozzle head 71 thereof is arranged to spray growing liquid 3 in horizontal direction and/or parallel to the plant support base 4, as shown in E 30 figure 6. However, in some embodiment, the growing liquid nozzles 70 or the > nozzle heads 71 thereof are arranged to spray growing liquid in vertical direction = upwards or downwards or transversely or perpendicularly to the plant support 2 base 4, as shown in figure 8A.

Further alternatively, the growing liguid nozzles 70 S or the nozzle heads 71 thereof may be arranged to spray growing liquid in an angle — between vertical and horizontal direction.

The growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 are supported to the top wall or the plant support base 4. Thus, the growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 are supported to the structures of the growing chamber 6. In the embodiment of the figures, the one or more growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 are arranged or placed to the upper growing space 20 and arranged — to spray growing liquid to the upper growing space 20 of the growing chamber 6. In an alternative embodiment, the one or more growing liquid nozzles 70 may be arranged outside the upper growing space 20 such that the nozzle head 71 opens into the upper growing space 20 and/or is arranged to spray growing liquid to the upper growing space 20 of the growing chamber 6. Thus, the growing liquid nozzle 70 may be arranged at least partly to the lower liquid space 21 or embedded to side wall 12 or the top wall 4 of the growing chamber 6. The growing chamber 6 comprises a first chamber temperature sensor 64 arranged to the upper growing space 20 and arranged to measure temperature in the upper growing space 20. The growing chamber 6 is further provided with a second chamber temperature sensor 65 provided to the lower liquid space 21 and arranged to measure temperature of the growing liquid 22 in the lower liquid space 21. Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

The growing chamber 6 and the lower liquid space 21 is provided with a separate growing liquid reservoir 200. The separate growing liquid reservoir 200 is arranged to store the excessive growing liquid 22 flowing from the upper growing space 20. The separate growing liquid reservoir 200 is made of waterproof material for keeping the growing liquid 22 inside.

The separate growing liquid reservoir 200 may have an open top wall enabling the excessive growing liquid to — enter from the upper growing space 20. S Figure 7 shows another embodiment, in which the thermal adjustment N device 100 is arranged in connection with or to the growing liguid source 92 or 2 container.

Accordingly, the thermal adjustment device 100 is arranged to adjust 3 the temperature of the growing liquid in the growing liquid source 92. Accordingly, E 30 temperature the growing liquid supplied to the growing liquid nozzles 70 via the > supply channel 73 is adjusted upstream of the growing chamber 6 or the growing = liguid nozzles 70 and before spraying the growing liguid into the closed chamber 2 space 20. Accordingly, the growing liquid may be maintained or adjusted to desired S temperature in the growing liquid source 92. The first temperature sensor 64 may be connected to the power source 110 or the thermal adjustment device 100. Thus, the thermal adjustment device

100, and further the temperature of the growing liquid in the growing liquid source 92, may be controlled based on the measurement results of the first temperature sensor 64 or based on the first and second temperature sensor 65. The other elements of the embodiment of figure 7 correspond the embodiment of figure 6. Figure 8A shows one embodiment of the one or more growing liquid spraying system 501. The one or more growing liquid spraying system 501 comprise a liquid circulation arrangement 80, 81. The liquid circulation arrangement comprises a circulation pump 80 arranged to the lower liquid space — 21 or to the separate growing liquid reservoir 200 and arranged to pump and supply growing liquid 22 from the lower liquid space 21 or the separate growing liquid reservoir 200 to the growing liquid nozzles 70 via a circulation channel 81. The circulation channel 81 is connected between the circulation pump 80 and the one or more growing liquid nozzles 70. The growing liquid nozzles 70 are arranged into the upper growing space 20. Furthermore, in the embodiment of figure 8A, the liquid circulation arrangement 80, 81, the circulation pump 80 and the circulation channel 81 is arranged inside the growing chamber 6. In the present invention, the aeroponic cultivation system 2 comprise thermal adjustment device 100 arranged to adjust the temperature of the growing liquid 22 in the system 2. The thermal adjustment device 100 may be a heat exchanger, heating device, cooling device or combined heating and cooling device implemented as any known type of device for controlling temperature of liquid material.

The thermal adjustment device 100 may comprise heater, such as electric heater or liquid heater, and/or cooler, such as electric cooler or liquid cooler.

The S thermal adjustment device 100 may comprise a heat exchanger arranged exchange N temperature between the growing liquid 22 in the aeroponic cultivation system 2 2 and a working fluid.

Adjusting the temperature of the working fluid, liquid or gas, 3 or flow rate of the growing liquid 22 and/or the working fluid in the heat exchanger E 30 100, the temperature of the growing liquid may be adjusted.

The thermal > adjustment device 100 may also be a heat transfer element or thermoelement. = Accordingly, the thermal adjustment device 100 may be any known S kind of device or element arranged to adjust temperature of the growing liguid 22 S in the aeroponic cultivation system 2. The thermal adjustment device 100 may be arranged to heat the growing liguid in the one or more aeroponic cultivation systems or in the lower liquid space 21 or in the separate growing liquid reservoir 200. Thus, the thermal adjustment device 100 may be heater arranged to heat the growing liquid 22 in the aeroponic cultivation system 2. Alternatively, the thermal adjustment device 100 may be arranged to cool the growing liquid in the aeroponic cultivation system 2 or in the lower liquid space 21 or in the separate growing liquid reservoir 200. Thus, the thermal adjustment device 100 may be cooler arranged to cool the growing liquid 22 in the system 2. Further alternatively, the thermal adjustment device 100 may be arranged to heat and cool the growing liquid in the aeroponic cultivation system 2 or in the lower liquid space 21 or in the separate growing liquid reservoir 200. Thus, the thermal adjustment device 100 may be or comprise a heater and cooler, heat transfer element or a heat exchanger arranged to heat and cool the growing liquid 22 in the system 2. It should be noted, that the system may also comprise two thermal adjustment devices 100. A first thermal adjustment device 100 is a heater arranged to heat arranged to heat the growing liquid in the aeroponic cultivation system 2 or in the lower liquid space 21 or in the separate growing liquid reservoir 200. A second thermal adjustment device 100 arranged to heat the growing liquid in the aeroponic cultivation system 2 or in the lower liquid space 21 or in the separate growing liquid reservoir 200. Further it should be noted, that the thermal adjustment device or devices 100 may be provided to the lower liquid space 21 or to the growing liquid reservoir for adjusting the temperature of the growing liquid 22. Alternatively, the thermal adjustment device or devices 100 may be provided to or in connection with the circulation arrangement 80, 81 or in connection thereof for adjusting the temperature of the growing liquid 22 to the S sprayed by the growing liguid nozzles 70. Thus, the thermal adjustment device or N devices 100 may be provided to or in connection with the circulation pump 80 or 2 the circulation channel 81. 3 Further alternatively, the thermal adjustment device or devices 100 E 30 may be provided to or in connection with the growing liquid nozzle(s) 70 for > adjusting the temperature of the growing liquid 22 to the sprayed by the growing = liguid nozzles 70. 2 The thermal adjustment device or devices 100 are arranged to adjust S the temperature of the growing liquid 22 in the aeroponic cultivation system 2. Accordingly, the temperature inside the growing chamber 6 and thus in the upper growing space 20 is controlled by controlling the temperature of the growing liquid

22. This enables efficient and simple temperature control in the aeroponic cultivation system 2 and in the growing chamber 6. Further, the growing liquid 22 inside the growing chamber 6 provides temperature balancing effect decreasing temperature variations inside the growing chamber 6 and in the upper growing space 20 in the which the root part 54 of the plant 50 is.

In the embodiment of figure 8A, the liquid circulation arrangement 80, 81 is arranged inside the growing chamber 6. Accordingly, the circulation pump 80 is arranged to the lower liquid space 21. The growing liquid nozzles 70 are also arranged inside the growing chamber 6 to the upper growing space 20. The circulation channel 81 extends inside the growing chamber 6 from the lower liquid space 21 to the upper growing space 20. The circulation channel 81 further extends inside the growing chamber 6 between the circulation pump 80 and the growing liquid nozzles 70.

In the embodiment of figure 8A, the thermal adjustment device or devices 100 are arranged inside the growing chamber 6 for adjusting the temperature of the growing liquid 22.

Figure 8B shows an alternative embodiment. In this embodiment, the liquid circulation arrangement 80, 81 is arranged outside or is arranged to extend outside the growing chamber 6. As shown in figure 8B, the circulation pump 80 is arranged outside the growing chamber 6. The aeroponic cultivation system 2 and the growing chamber 6 is provided with a circulation outlet 82 extending from the growing chamber 6 to the circulation pump 80. The circulation outlet 82 is arranged between the lower liquid space 21 or the growing liquid reservoir and the circulation pump 80 for supplying growing liquid outside the growing chamber

6. The growing liquid nozzles 70 are arranged inside the growing chamber 6 to the S upper growing space 20. The circulation channel 81 extends outside the growing N chamber 6 from the circulation pump 80 to the upper growing space 20. The 2 circulation channel 81 further extends outside the growing chamber 6 between the 3 circulation pump 80 and the growing liquid nozzles 70.

E 30 The circulation channel 81 further extends through the growing > chamber wall or the plant support base 4 and is connected to the growing liquid = nozzles 70.

2 A Temperature sensor 151 is provided in connection with the liguid S circulation arrangement 80, 81. The thermal adjustment device or devices 100 are — be provided to or in connection with the circulation arrangement 80, 81 and outside the growing chamber 6 for adjusting the temperature of the growing liquid

22 to the sprayed by the growing liquid nozzles 70. Further, the thermal adjustment device or devices 100 are provided to or in connection with the circulation channel 81, as shown in figure 8B. Figure 9A shows a further embodiment, in which the one or more growingliquid spraying system 501 comprising the liquid circulation arrangement 80, 81 is arranged inside the growing chamber 6. Accordingly, the circulation pump 80 is arranged to the lower liquid space 21. The growing liquid nozzles 70 are also arranged inside the growing chamber 6 to the upper growing space 20. The circulation channel 81 extends inside the growing chamber 6 from the lower liquid — space 21 to the upper growing space 20. The circulation channel 81 further extends inside the growing chamber 6 between the circulation pump 80 and the growing liquid nozzles 70. In the embodiment of figure 9A, the aeroponic cultivation system 2 comprise a first thermal adjustment device 101 arranged inside the growing chamber 6 and to or in connection with the lower liquid space 21 for adjusting the temperature of the growing liquid 22 in the lower liquid space 21 or in the liquid reservoir 200. The first thermal adjustment device 101 is provided as a heating device for heating the growing liquid 22 in the lower liquid space 21. The aeroponic cultivation system 2 further comprise a second thermal adjustment device 102 arranged inside the growing chamber 6. The second thermal adjustment device 102 is arranged to or in connection with the circulation pump 80 and arranged to adjust the temperature of the growing liquid when it is pumped or circulated from the lower liquid space 21 to the growing liquid nozzles 70 in the upper growing space 20. In the embodiment of figure 9A, the first thermal adjustment device 101 S is heating device and the second thermal adjustment device 102 is a cooling device. N In alternative embodiment, the first thermal adjustment device 101 is 2 cooling device and the second thermal adjustment device 102 is a heating device. 3 In the embodiment of figure 9A, the growing liquid inlet arrangement E 30 90 is arranged to supply growing liquid 22 into the growing chamber 6. In this > embodiment, the growing liquid inlet arrangement 90 is connected to the growing = chamber 6 and arranged to the supply growing liguid to the lower liguid space 21 S of the growing chamber 6. Thus, the growing liguid inlet arrangement 90 is S connected to the lower liguid space 21 or to the separate growing liguid reservoir

200. Figure 9B shows a further embodiment, in which the one or more growing liquid spraying system 501 comprising the liquid circulation arrangement 80, 81 arranged outside the growing chamber 6. The liquid circulation arrangement substantially corresponds the embodiment of figure 8B. In the embodiment of figure 9B, the system 2 comprises a second thermal adjustment device 102 arranged inside the growing chamber 6. The second thermal adjustment device 102 corresponds the first thermal adjustment device 101 of figure 9A. The system 2 further comprises a first thermal adjustment device 101 arranged outside the growing chamber 6. The first thermal adjustment device 101 is arranged to or in connection with the circulation pump 80 and arranged to adjust the temperature of the growing liquid when it is pumped or circulated from the lower liquid space 21 to the growing liquid nozzles 70 in the upper growing space

20. In the embodiment of figure 9B, the first thermal adjustment device 101 is a heating device and the second thermal adjustment device 102 is a cooling device. In alternative embodiment, the first thermal adjustment device 101 is a cooling device and the second thermal adjustment device 102 is a heating device. Figure 9B shows a further alternative embodiment, the growing liquid inlet arrangement 90 is arranged to supply growing liquid 22 into the growing chamber 6. In this embodiment, the growing liquid inlet arrangement 90 is connected to the growing chamber 6 and arranged to the supply growing liquid to the lower liquid space 21 of the growing chamber 6. Thus, the growing liquid inlet arrangement 90 is connected to the lower liquid space 21 or to the separate — growing liquid reservoir 200. S In one embodiment water and nutrients are supplied along the same N inlet channel 90. 2 Figure 10 shows an embodiment which is a combination of embodiment 3 of figures 7 and 9B. E 30 In this embodiment, the system 2 further comprises the first thermal > adjustment device 101 provided in connection with or to the inlet arrangement. = Further, the first thermal adjustment device 101 is provided to or in connection 2 with the growing liguid supply channel 73 connected to the one or more growing S liquid nozzles 70. Thus, the first thermal adjustment device 101 is arranged to adjust temperature of the growing liquid in the supply channel 73. Thus, the first thermal adjustment device 101 is arranged to adjust temperature of the growing liquid 22 sprayed from the growing liquid nozzles 70 to the closed chamber space 20 or to the upper growing space 20. Further, the first thermal adjustment device 101 is arranged to adjust the temperature of the growing liquid upstream of the growing liquid nozzles 70 and/or before spraying the growing liquid with the growing liquid nozzles 70 to the closed chamber space 20. The growing liquid inlet arrangement comprises a growing liquid source or container 92 and pump 93 provided to the growing liquid inlet arrangement for adding new growing liquid to the aeroponic cultivation system 2 by supplying growing liquid to the lower liquid space 21 or to the separate growing liquid reservoir 200 from the growing liquid container 92. In one embodiment water and the nutrient may be mixed in the container 92. In an alternative embodiment water and the nutrient may be added as mixed to the water container 92. A water source may also be a connection to municipal water network.

In the embodiment of figure 10, the first thermal adjustment device 101 is arranged downstream of the supply pump 93 and between the supply pump 93 and the growing chamber 6 or the growing liquid nozzles 70. Alternatively, the first thermal adjustment device 101 may arranged upstream of the supply pump 93 and between the growing chamber source 92 and the supply pump 93. In the embodiment of figure 10, the second thermal adjustment device 102 is provided to or in connection with the circulation arrangement 80, 81. Further, the second thermal adjustment device 102 is provided to or in connection with the circulation channel 81. Alternatively, the second thermal adjustment device 102 may be provided to or in connection with the circulation pump 80. In S the embodiment of figure 10 a fluid energy generator 906 is arranged in connection N with the growing liguid supply channel 73. 2 In one embodiment the fluid energy generator 906 uses the operative 3 fluid energy of liquid in the growing chamber source 92 as a driving source to I 30 generate energy to the spraying system 501. > In alternative embodiment the fluid energy generator 906 uses the = operative fluid energy of water in a water supply network as a driving source to 2 generate energy to the spraying system 501. S In one embodiment the fluid energy generator 906 generates continuously energy to the spraying system 501. In an alternative embodiment the fluid energy generator 906 generates energy to the spraying system 501 in case of electric power shortage.

The embodiment of figure 10 may also comprise a sterilization unit 600. The sterilization unit 600 is arranged in connection with the growing liquid supply channel 73.

In a preferred embodiment the sterilization unit 600 uses ozone for sterilization. Ozone is efficient media for sterilization and ozone is able to sterilize liquids containing some particles.

The embodiment of figure 10 may also be modified by arranging the circulation arrangement 80, 81 inside the growing chamber 6, as in figures 8A and 9A The embodiment figure 10 allows adjusting temperature both the circulated growing liquid and the new added growing liquid when they are sprayed to the growing chamber 6.

It should be noted that, embodiments of figures 6 and 7 may also be combined with embodiments of figures 9A and 9B for using two thermal adjustment devices 101, 102.

Figure 11 shows one embodiment of energy network of the farming unit

500. In this embodiment the farming unit 500 comprises a local energy supply arrangement 1000 comprising a first local energy production device 110 and a first energy storage device 120 for deliver energy over long time interval.

The firstlocal energy production device 110 and the first energy storage device 120 are connected together with a second energy conductor 125. In this embodiment a first energy conductor 115 conducts energy from the first local energy production device 110 to a first energy network 200 and a second energy network 300. A third energy conductor 135 connects the first energy storage S device 120 to the first energy conductor 115. N The farming unit 500 further comprises a control unit 700 which may 2 be computer, computation unit or device comprising at least one processor and a 3 memory. One or more of the following are connected to the control unit 700: E 30 temperature sensors 61 humidity sensors 62 surface level sensors 67, cameras 39, > growing liquid nozzles 70, the growing liquid nozzles 75, light sensors 60, = circulation arrangement or circulation pump 80, growing liguid inlet arrangement, 2 and thermal adjustment devices 100, 101, 102 for controlling the aeroponic S cultivation system 2 and operation and farming method.

In one embodiment the control unit 700 switches the energy storage device 120 to deliver energy in case of failure in energy supply.

The control unit 700 may turn off or reduce energy consumption of devices in second energy network 300 which are not crucial and thus the first energy storage device 120 is able to keep the plant 50 alive longer time. Typically, the lights 32, 34, the sterilization unit 600 and the camera 39 are not crucial for the plant 50 and thus those are in the second energy network 300.

The first local energy production device 110 generates energy in the vicinity of the aeroponic cultivation system 2. Typically a distance between the first local energy production device 110 and the aeroponic cultivation system 2 is less than 5 km. The first local energy production device 110 is connected to the aeroponic cultivation system 2 with a first energy conductor 125.

The local energy production device 110 further comprises a magnetic generator 901; or a wind energy generator 902; or a geothermal energy station 903; or a hydropower generator 904; or a solar energy generator 905; or a fluid energy generator 906; or a fuel cell 907; or any combination thereof. The local — energy production device 110 may generate electric power or kinetic power or thermal energy or any combination thereof.

The magnetic generator 901 is a machine that converts mechanical power into electric power. Typically, fossil fuels or renewable biomass or hydrogen may be used to generate mechanical power.

The wind energy generator 902 convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power and convert mechanical power into electric power.

Geothermal energy is thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth. The geothermal energy station 903 generates geothermal heat or electric power by geothermal energy.

The hydropower generator 904 converts energy from flowing water S into electric power. N The solar energy generator 905 uses sunlight to heat water or convert 2 sunlight into electric power either directly using photovoltaics, or indirectly using 3 concentrated solar power. The concentrated solar power systems use lenses or E 30 mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam. > Photovoltaics converts light into electric current using the photoelectric effect. = The fluid energy generator 906 uses fluids under pressure to generate, 2 control, and transmit power. S The fuel cell 907 is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy of a fuel and an oxidizing agent into electricity through a pair of redox reactions. Fuel cells can produce electricity continuously for as long as fuel and oxygen are supplied. Fuel cells often use hydrogen as a fuel and oxygen as an oxidizing agent. During the aeroponic growing process the roots of the plant 50 must be sprayed with the growing liquid at certain short intervals otherwise the plants will deteriorate. Typically, failure in energy supply lasts at least for hours or even days and thus the first energy storage device 120 must be able to deliver energy that time. In other words the energy storage device 120 replaces energy supply to at least the spraying system 501 during failure in energy supply of the local energy production device. The first energy storage device 120 is arranged for deliver energy over long time interval. The first energy storage device 120 further comprises a hydrogen storage 701; or a water reservoir 702; or a geothermal reservoir 703; or a chemical energy storage 704; or a thermal energy storage 705; or any combination thereof.

The hydrogen storage 701 is a tank for compressed hydrogen.

In the water reservoir 702 water is in uphill reservoir during periods of low demand to be released for generation when demand is high or the first or second local energy production device 110,112 has a failure.

Thermal energy can be collected to the geothermal reservoir 703 whenever thermal energy is available and be used whenever needed, such as in the opposing season. For example, heat from solar collectors or waste heat from air conditioning equipment can be gathered in hot months for space heating use when needed, including during winter months. Or the natural cold of winter air can be stored for summertime air conditioning. The thermal energy can serve heating. Some systems use a heat pump to help charge and discharge the storage.

The thermal energy storage 704 comprises material as a storage media.

S In one embodiment the thermal energy storage 704 comprises the growing liguid N 22 as a storage media; 2 An example of chemical energy storage 705 is a large rechargeable 3 battery. Another example of chemical energy storage 705 is a fossil or renewable I 30 fuel tank.

> Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of energy network of the = farming unit. In this embodiment the farming unit 500 comprises a local energy S supply arrangement 1000 comprising a first local energy production device 110 S for generating electric power and a second local energy production device 112 for generating thermal energy. The first local energy production device 110 generates electric power to the to the first energy network 200 and the second energy network 300. For instance, the first local energy production device 110 comprises a magnetic generator 901; or a wind energy generator 902; or a hydropower generator 904; or a solar energy generator 905; or a fuel cell 906; or any combination thereof to generate electric power. The local energy supply arrangement 1000 further comprises a first energy storage device 120. The first energy storage device 120 comprises the chemical energy storage 705 for storing electric power.

In this embodiment the local energy supply arrangement 1000 comprises the second local energy production device 112 comprising the geothermal energy station 903 or the solar energy generator 905 to heat water. The local energy supply arrangement 1000 further comprises a second energy storage device 122. The second energy storage device 122 comprises the thermal energy storage 704. Thermal energy is used in the thermal adjustment devices 100,101,102.

The firstlocal energy production device 110 and the first energy storage device 120 are connected together with a second energy conductor 125. In this embodiment a first energy conductor 115 conducts energy from the first local energy production device 110 to a first energy network 200 and a second energy network 300. A third energy conductor 135 connects the first energy storage device 120 to the first energy conductor 115.

The second local energy production device 112 and the first energy storage device 122 are connected together with a fifth energy conductor 127. In this embodiment a fourth energy conductor 117 conducts energy to the thermal adjustment devices 100,101,102. A sixth energy conductor 137 connects the second energy storage device 122 to the fourth energy conductor 117.

S It should be noted that, embodiment of figure 11 may also be combined N with embodiments of figures 12 for using the control unit 700.

2 Figure 13 shows one embodiment of the farming unit 500. In this 3 embodiment the farming unit 500 further comprises a shelter 900. The shelter 900 E 30 — protects the aeroponic cultivation system 2 from weather. For instance, the shelter > 900 may comprise a building or a cave.

In one preferred embodiment at least a part of the shelter 900 is S transparent.

S The farming unit 500 comprises a local energy supply arrangement 1000 comprising a first local energy production device 110 and a first energy storage device 120 for delivering energy over long time interval.

The first energy storage device 120 further comprises a hydrogen storage 701; or a water reservoir 702; or a geothermal reservoir 703; or a chemical energy storage 704; or a thermal energy storage 705; or any combination thereof. In one embodiment the first local energy production device 110 is fixed to the shelter 900. Typically, the solar energy generator 905 is fixed to the shelter

900. In an alternative embodiment the first local energy production device 110 is on the ground in the vicinity of the shelter 900. The firstlocal energy production device 110 and the first energy storage — device 120 are connected together with a second energy conductor 125. In this embodiment a first energy conductor 115 conducts energy from the first local energy production device 110 to the aeroponic cultivation system 2.A third energy conductor 135 connects the first energy storage device 120 to the first energy conductor 115. In one embodiment the farming unit 500 comprises at least two aeroponic cultivation systems 2. It should be noted that, embodiments of figure 11 and 12 may also be combined with embodiments of figures 13. Based on the above mentioned, it should be noted that different embodiments of figures 1 to 10 may combined in any possible suitable manner for implementing the present invention. Therefore, the growing chamber 6, the partitioning wall 16, discharge connection 90, the upper growing space 20, the lower liguid space 21, the circulation arrangement 80, 81, 82, the liguid inlet arrangement 90, the growing liquid nozzles 70 and the thermal adjustment devices 100, 110, 101, disclosed above and in figurers 1 to 10 may be combined in any S suitable manner for forming the aeroponic cultivation system 2 according to the N present invention. 2 The present invention further provides a method for aeroponic farming 3 of tuber plants or root vegetable plants 50 having an aerial shoot 52 and I 30 underground root part 54 in an aeroponic cultivation system 2. > The aeroponic cultivation system 2 utilized in the method preferably = corresponds the above in relation to figures 1 to 13 disclosed aeroponic cultivation 2 system 2. S The method comprises supplying energy from the local energy arrangement 1000 to the aeroponic cultivation system 2; planting tuber plants or root vegetable plants 50 having an aerial shoot 52 and underground root part 54 in the aeroponic cultivation system 2; and using energy supplied from the first local energy supply arrangement 1000 to the aeroponic cultivation system (2) for spraying growing liquid (22) to the root part (54) of the plant (50). . The method further comprises charging the first energy storage device 120 by energy generated by the first local energy production device 110.

The method further comprises charging the second energy storage device 122 by energy generated by the second local energy production device 112.

In one embodiment of the method the step planting tuber plants or root vegetable plants 50 having an aerial shoot 52 and underground root part 54 in the independent aeroponic cultivation system 2 is after the step charging the first energy storage device 120.

The method further comprises connecting the first energy storage device 120 to supply energy to the liquid spraying system 501 in case of the first local energy production device 110 has a failure.

Excessive growing liquid 2 2 falls or drops down on the partitioning wall 16 dividing the growing space inside the growing chamber 6 to the upper growing space 20 and the lower liquid space 21.

In one embodiment the method further comprises maintaining a temperature in the growing chamber 6 with growing liquid 22.

In other words the lower liquid space 21 is arranged in contact with the upper growing space 20. Growingliquid 22 in the lower liquid space 21 is a thermal energy storage. Maintaining temperature in the growing chamber 6 means that growing liquid 22 slows a temperature change in the growing chamber 22 if temperature outside of the growing chamber 22 changes. Growing liquid 22 in the S lower liguid space 21 is the second energy storage device 122. N The method comprises discharging the excessive growing liguid from 2 the upper growing space 20 to the lower liquid space 21. The method further 3 comprises collecting the excessive growing liquid 22 discharged from the upper I 30 growing space 20 to the lower liquid space 21. > Collecting the excessive growing liquid 22 to the lower liquid space 21 = comprises also storing the excessive growing liguid to the lower liguid space 21 or 2 the separate growing liguid reservoir 200 provided to the lower liguid space 21. S In one embodiment, the excessive growing liquid is discharged from the — upper growing space 20 to the lower liquid space 21 through water or liquid permeable partitioning wall.

Accordingly, the method comprises discharging excessive growing liquid 22 from the upper growing space 20 comprises draining the excessive growing liquid 22 through the partitioning wall 16. The partitioning wall being made of liquid permeable fabric material, net material, or grid material allowing excessive growing liquid 22 flow through the partitioning wall 16 from the upper growing space 20 to the lower liquid space 21.

In an alternative embodiment of the method, the excessive growing liquid is discharged from the upper growing space 20 to the lower liquid space 21 via one or more flow openings provided to the partitioning wall 16.

Therefore, the method comprises discharging excessive growing liquid 22 from the upper growing space 20 comprises draining the excessive growing liquid 22 through the partitioning wall 16. The partitioning wall 16 is made of liquid impermeable plate material or liquid impermeable fabric material and provided with flow openings 99 allowing excessive growingliquid 22 flow through — the partitioning wall 16 from the upper growing space 20 to the lower liquid space

21.

In a further embodiment of the method, the excessive growing liquid is discharged from the upper growing space 20 to the lower liquid space 21 via one or more discharge connections provided between the upper growing space 20 and the lower liquid space 21.

In one embodiment, the method comprises taking growing liquid 22 from the lower liquid space 21 or from the separate growing liquid reservoir 200 and spraying the growing liquid 22 taken from the lower liquid space 21 or from the separate growing liquid reservoir 200 in the upper growing space 20 to the root part 54 of the plant 50.

S In an alternative embodiment, the method comprises spraying growing N liguid 22 in the upper growing space 20 to the root part 54 of the plant 50 with one 2 or more growing liquid nozzles 70, 71, and circulating growing liquid 22 from the 3 lower growing liquid space 21 or from the separate growing liquid reservoir 200 E 30 to the one or more growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 to be sprayed to the root part 54 > ofthe plant 50. Accordingly, the excessive growing liquid 22 collected to the lower = liguid space 21 or to the separate growing liguid reservoir is circulated back to the 2 growing liguid nozzles 70 to be sprayed again to the upper growing space 20.

S In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises adding new growing liquid 22 to the system 2 via the growing liquid inlet arrangement 90.

In another embodiment, the method comprises adding new growing liquid 22 to the lower liquid space 21 or to the separate growing liquid reservoir 200 via the growing liquid inlet arrangement 90. In a further embodiment, the method comprises adding new growing liquid 22 to the system 2 by supplying new growing liquid 22 to the one or more growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 via a growing liquid inlet arrangement 90. In this embodiment, the new growing liquid is supplied directly to the one or more growing liquid nozzles 70 or to the growing liquid circulation arrangement 80, 81 to be further supplied to the growing liquid nozzles 70.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises measuring surface level of the growing liquid 22 in the lower liquid space 21 or of the separate growing liquid reservoir 200 and adding new growing liquid 22 based on the surface level measurement. Accordingly, when surface level of the growing liquid 22 in the lower growing space 21 or in the separate growing liquid reservoir decreases and lowers under a predetermined level, new growing liquid is added to the system 2 via the growing liquid inlet arrangement automatically.

In one embodiment, the method comprises spraying the growing liquid 22 in the upper growing space 20 intermittently or intermittently at predetermined intervals and a predetermined time in each interval.

The spraying may be carried out for example 6 to 8 seconds once at a time in every 10 to 30 minutes.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise measuring humidity in the upper growing space. The spraying with the growing liquid nozzles 70 may be carried out based on the humidity measurement in the upper growing space 20. Thus, the S spraying may be carried out automatically, when the humidity decreases under a N predetermined value, for example under 98% of relative humidity.

2 The aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50 is illuminated with one or more 3 growing lamp 32, 34 during the farming. Illuminating is carried out such that it I 30 replicates sun light. Thus, the aerial shoot 52 may be illuminated between 8 to 16 > hours a day for replicating day light.

= In some embodiments, the method further comprises adjusting the S temperature inside the growing chamber during the farming process.

S In one embodiment, the method comprises adjusting the temperature in the upper growing space by utilizing one or more thermal adjustment devices. The temperature is adjusted by heating or cooling or by heating and cooling.

In one embodiment, the method comprises adjusting the temperature growing liquid 22 for adjusting the temperature inside growing chamber 6 and/or in the upper growing space 20. In this embodiment, the temperature of growing liquid in the lower liquid space 22 is adjusted by heating or cooling or by heating and cooling. Alternatively or additionally, the temperature of growing liquid sprayed from the growing liquid nozzles 70 and/or circulated in the liquid circulation arrangement 80, 81 is adjusted by heating or cooling or by heating and cooling.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise measuring temperature in the upper growing space 20 or inside the growing chamber 6.

The adjusting of the temperature with the thermal adjustment devices is carried out based on the temperature measurement in the upper growing space 20 or inside the growing chamber 6. Thus, the adjusting of the temperature may be carried out automatically, when the temperature decreases under a predetermined — lower value or exceed a predetermined upper. Preferably the temperature is kept under for example under 24 °C and under 20 °C when tubers are formed.

The method comprises for farming tuber plants or root vegetables may comprise growing stage and a production stage. In the growing stage the plant grows from seedling and in production stage the plant produces tubers or root vegetables.

The growing stage comprises illuminating the aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50 a first predetermined illuminating period in a day with the one or more growing lamp 32, 34. The first predetermined illuminating period in the growing stage is between 12 to 22 hours a day.

The growing stage further comprises providing a first predetermined S concentration of nitrogen in the growing liquid 22, and spraying the growingliguid N 22 having the first predetermined concentration of nitrogen in the upper growing 2 space 20 to the root part 54 of the plant 50 intermittently at first predetermined 3 intervals for spraying a first amount of the growing liquid 22 to the root part 54 of E 30 — the plant in a day. In the growing stage, the growing liquid is sprayed 8 to 12 > seconds once in a first interval of 12 to 30 minutes. = The production stage comprises illuminating the aerial shoot 52 of the 2 plant 50 a second predetermined illuminating period in a day with one or more S growing lamp 32, 34. The second illuminating period is shorter than the first predetermined illuminating period. The second predetermined illuminating period in the growing stage is between 8 to 16 hours a day.

The production stage further comprises providing a second predetermined concentration of nitrogen in the growing liquid 22. The second predetermined concentration is less than the first predetermined nitrogen concentration. The production stage also comprises spraying the growing liquid 22 having the second predetermined concentration of nitrogen in the upper growing space 20 to the root part 54 of the plant 50 intermittently at second predetermined intervals for spraying a second amount of the growing liquid to the root part 54 of the plant in a day. The second amount of growing liquid 22 is less than the first amount of growing liquid 22. In the production stage, the growing liquid is sprayed 4 to 8 seconds once in a second interval of 8 to 25 minutes.

The thermal adjustment device 100 may be connected to a power source 110 for adjusting the operation and/or temperature of the growing liquid. The power source 110 may be electric power source for operating the electric heater or cooler, or a liquid power source for providing heated or cooled working fluid to the heat exchanger 100 Initiating the production stage in the farming method further initiates the production of tubers or root vegetables due to the changes in the farming environment.

The invention has been described above with reference to the examples shown in the figures. However, the invention is in no way restricted to the above examples but may vary within the scope of the claims.

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Claims

1. An independent aeroponic farming unit (500) for growing tuber plants or root vegetable plants (50) having an aerial shoot (52) and underground root part (54), the unit (500) comprises a aeroponic cultivation system (2) comprising: - a plant support base (4) for supporting the plant (50), the plant support base (4) comprises a support opening (40) arranged to support the plant (50) such that the plant extends through the plant support base (4) via the support opening (40) and such that the aerial shoot (52) is arranged on a first side of the — plant support base (4) and the root part (54) is arranged on a second side the plant support base (4); - a growing chamber (6) provided on the second side of the plant support base (4), the growing chamber (6) comprising growing chamber walls (12, 13, 4) defining a closed chamber space (20, 21), the growing chamber walls (12, 13,4) being non-transparent;- one or more growing liquid spraying system (501) arranged to spray growing liquid (22)to the growing chamber (6), characterized inthatthe unit (500) comprises: - a local energy supply arrangement (1000)

2. An independent aeroponic farming unit (500) according to claim 1, characterized in that the local energy supply arrangement (1000) comprises: - a first energy storage device (120) connected to the spraying system (501) for supplying energy over long time interval; or o 25 - a second energy storage device (122) arranged to maintain a O temperature of the growing chamber (6); or S - a first energy storage device (120) connected to the spraying system (501) and a second energy storage device (122) arranged to maintain a 8 temperature of the growing chamber (6). E 30

3. An independent aeroponic farming unit (500) according to claim 1 or = 2, characterized in that the aeroponic cultivation system (2) further S comprises: S - a growing lamp (32, 34); or -athermal adjustment device (100,101,102); or -asterilisation unit (600); or

- a control unit (700); or - any combination thereof.

4. An independent aeroponic farming unit (500) according to any one ofclaims1to3,characterized in that the growing chamber (6) comprises: - a partitioning wall (16) arranged to divide the closed chamber space (20, 21) into an upper growing space (20) and a lower liquid space (21); - the upper growing space (20) being provided between the plant support base (4) and the partitioning wall (16) for enclosing the root part (54) of — the plant (50); and - the lower liquid space (21) being provided between the partitioning sheet (16) and a bottom wall (13) of the growing chamber (6) for retaining growing liquid (22).

5. An independent aeroponic farming unit (500) according to claim 4, characterized inthat: - the partitioning wall (16) is made of liquid permeable fabric material, net material, or grid material allowing excessive growing liquid (22) flow through the partitioning wall (16) from the upper growing space (20) to the lower liquid space (21); or - the partitioning wall (16) is made of liquid impermeable plate material or liquid impermeable fabric material and provided with flow openings (99) allowing excessive growing liquid (22) flow through the partitioning wall (16) from the upper growing space (20) to the lower liquid space (21); or - the partitioning wall (16) is made of liquid impermeable plate or liquid S impermeable fabric material, and the system (2) comprises a flow connection (99) N provided or extending between the upper growing space (20) and the lower liguid 2 space (21) allowing excessive growing liquid (22) flow from the upper growing 3 space (20) to the lower liquid space (21). I 30 > 6. An independent aeroponic farming unit (500) according to any one = of claims 2- 5, characterized in that the second energy storage device S (122) comprises growing liguid (22) in the lower liguid space 21.

NM

7. An independent aeroponic farming unit (500) according to any one ofclaims1to6,characterized in thatthe local energy supply arrangement

(1000) comprises: - afirstlocal energy production device (110) connected to the spraying system (501); or - a second local energy production device (112) arranged to adjust temperature of growing liquid (22); or - a first local energy production device (110) connected to the spraying system (501) and a second local energy production device (112) arranged to adjust temperature of growing liquid (22)

8. An independent aeroponic farming unit (500) according to claim 7, characterized inthat: - the first local energy production device (110) further comprises a magnetic generator (901), or a wind energy generator (902), or a geothermal energy station (903), or ahydropower generator (904), a or solar energy generator — (905), or a fluid energy generator (906), or a hydrogen generator (907), or a fuel cell (908), or any combination thereof; or - the second local energy production device (112) further comprises a magnetic generator (901), or a wind energy generator (902), or a geothermal energy station (903), or a hydropower generator (904), a or solar energy generator (905), or a fluid energy generator (906), or a hydrogen generator (907), or a fuel cell (908), or any combination thereof; or - the first local energy production device (110) and the second local energy production device (112) further comprise a magnetic generator (901), or a wind energy generator (902), or a geothermal energy station (903), or a hydropower generator (904), a or solar energy generator (905), or a fluid energy 3 generator (906), or a hydrogen generator (907), or a fuel cell (908), or any , combination thereof. 2 3

9. An independent aeroponic farming unit (500) according to any one I 30 ofclaims2to8, characterized in that: > - the first energy storage device (120) further comprises a hydrogen = storage (701), or a water reservoir (702), or a geothermal reservoir (703), or a 2 chemical energy storage (704), or a thermal energy storage (705), or any S combination thereof; or - the second energy storage device (122) further comprises a hydrogen storage (701), or a water reservoir (702), or a geothermal reservoir (703), or a chemical energy storage (704), or a thermal energy storage (705), or any combination thereof; or - the first energy storage device (120) and the second energy storage device (122) further comprise a hydrogen storage (701), or a water reservoir (702), or a geothermal reservoir (703), or a chemical energy storage (704), or a thermal energy storage (705), or any combination thereof.

10. An independent aeroponic farming unit (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in thatthe unit (500) comprises a shelter — (900) for shielding the aeroponic cultivation system (2).

11. An independent aeroponic farming unit (500) according to claim 10, characterized inthat: - The first local energy production device (110) is attached to the shelter (900); or the second local energy production device (112) is attached to the shelter (900); or the first and the second local energy production device (110,112) are attached to the shelter (900); or - the first local energy production device (110) is attached to the aeroponic cultivation system (2); or the second local energy production device (112) is attached to the aeroponic cultivation systems(2) ; or the first and the second local energy production device (110,112) are attached to the aeroponic cultivation system (2); or - The first local energy production device (110) is arranged on the ground; or the second local energy production device (112) is arranged on the ground; or the first and the second local energy production device (110,112) are 3 arranged on the ground. 2

12. An independent aeroponic farming unit (500) according to any one 3 of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the unit (500) comprises at least I 30 two the aeroponic cultivation systems (2). a

13. A method for independent aeroponic farming of tuber plants or root 2 vegetable plants (50) having an aerial shoot (52) and underground root part (54) S in an independent aeroponic farming unit (500), characterized in thatthe — aeroponic farming being carried with the unit (500) comprises: - a local energy supply arrangement (1000); and

- an aeroponic cultivation system (2) comprising: - a plant support base (4) for supporting the plant (50), the plant support base (4) comprises a support opening (40) arranged to support the plant (50) such that the plant (50) extends through the plant support base (4) via — the support opening (40) and such that the aerial shoot (52) is arranged on a first side of the plant support base (4) and the root part (54) is arranged on a second side of the plant support base (4), and - a growing chamber (6) provided on the second side of the plant support base (4), the growing chamber (6) comprising growing chamber — walls (12, 13, 4) defining a closed chamber space (20, 21), the growing chamber walls (12, 13, 4) being non-transparent, the growing chamber (6) enclosing the root part (54) of the plant (50); and that the method comprises: - supplying energy from the local energy supply arrangement (1000) to the aeroponic cultivation system (2); - planting tuber plants or root vegetable plants (50) having an aerial shoot (52) and underground root part (54) in the aeroponic cultivation system (2); and - using energy supplied from the local energy supply arrangement (1000) to the aeroponic cultivation system (2) for spraying growing liquid (22) to the root part (54) of the plant (50).

14. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that the aeroponic farming being carried out with an independent aeroponic farming unit o 25 (500) according to any of claims 1-11.

S N 15. A method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that 2 the method further comprises: 3 - charging the first energy storage device (120) with energy generated I 30 in the firstlocal energy production device (110). a

16. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, S characterized in that the step planting tuber plants or root vegetable O plants (50) having an aerial shoot (52) and underground root part (54) in the independent aeroponic cultivation system (2) being carried out after the step charging the first energy storage device (120).

17. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized inthat the method further comprises: - connecting the first energy storage device (120) to supply energy to — the liquid spraying system (501) from the first local energy production device (110) in case of failure in the energy supply.

18. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized inthat the method further comprises: - maintaining a temperature in the growing chamber (6) with growing liquid (22).

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