NZ783545A - Vertical farming apparatus and a method of vertical farming - Google Patents
Vertical farming apparatus and a method of vertical farmingInfo
- Publication number
- NZ783545A NZ783545A NZ783545A NZ78354521A NZ783545A NZ 783545 A NZ783545 A NZ 783545A NZ 783545 A NZ783545 A NZ 783545A NZ 78354521 A NZ78354521 A NZ 78354521A NZ 783545 A NZ783545 A NZ 783545A
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- gutters
- containers
- vertical farming
- irrigation
- frame
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000009313 farming Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 87
- 238000003973 irrigation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 87
- 230000002262 irrigation Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 87
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 50
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 50
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 claims description 151
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims description 80
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 20
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 claims description 9
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 240000009088 Fragaria x ananassa Species 0.000 claims description 5
- 235000015097 nutrients Nutrition 0.000 description 14
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 12
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 12
- 235000013399 edible fruits Nutrition 0.000 description 9
- 239000002609 media Substances 0.000 description 9
- 235000013311 vegetables Nutrition 0.000 description 8
- 240000008415 Lactuca sativa Species 0.000 description 7
- 235000012045 salad Nutrition 0.000 description 7
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 5
- 241000238631 Hexapoda Species 0.000 description 4
- 101700015817 LAT2 Proteins 0.000 description 3
- 230000003247 decreasing Effects 0.000 description 3
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 238000003306 harvesting Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000029553 photosynthesis Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010672 photosynthesis Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005265 energy consumption Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005070 ripening Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002786 root growth Effects 0.000 description 2
- KISFEBPWFCGRGN-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium;2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)ethyl sulfate Chemical compound [Na+].[O-]S(=O)(=O)OCCOC1=CC=C(Cl)C=C1Cl KISFEBPWFCGRGN-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 239000008400 supply water Substances 0.000 description 2
- 240000002922 Armillaria mellea Species 0.000 description 1
- 240000004160 Capsicum annuum Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000008534 Capsicum annuum var annuum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000008821 Menyanthes trifoliata Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000004443 Ricinus communis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229940035295 Ting Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000004927 clay Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052570 clay Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000295 complement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002361 compost Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent Effects 0.000 description 1
- 201000010099 disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003337 fertilizer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000012055 fruits and vegetables Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000001963 growth media Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011490 mineral wool Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010451 perlite Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019362 perlite Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001737 promoting Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004936 stimulating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000021012 strawberries Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910052902 vermiculite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010455 vermiculite Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019354 vermiculite Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000002351 wastewater Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000036642 wellbeing Effects 0.000 description 1
Abstract
vertical farming apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a frame for supporting plant troughs or pots, a base for supporting the frame, an array of gutters supported by the frame, the array of gutters comprising an upper formation of gutters above a lower formation of gutters, a plurality of containers for housing plants, where each container is supported by and arranged to drain into a gutter in the array of gutters; and an irrigation system that is arranged to irrigate the containers; wherein the lower formation of gutters is arranged in a tiered configuration such that each gutter in the lower formation is at least partially offset in a first horizontal direction from the other gutters in the lower formation and is at least partially offset in a first horizontal direction from the gutters in the upper formation; said apparatus further comprising a supply system that is arranged to supply gaseous carbon dioxide, air and mixtures of carbon dioxide and air to the containers interchangeably. rs for housing plants, where each container is supported by and arranged to drain into a gutter in the array of gutters; and an irrigation system that is arranged to irrigate the containers; wherein the lower formation of gutters is arranged in a tiered configuration such that each gutter in the lower formation is at least partially offset in a first horizontal direction from the other gutters in the lower formation and is at least partially offset in a first horizontal direction from the gutters in the upper formation; said apparatus further comprising a supply system that is arranged to supply gaseous carbon dioxide, air and mixtures of carbon dioxide and air to the containers interchangeably.
Description
A vertical farming apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a frame for supporting plant troughs or
pots, a base for supporting the frame, an array of gutters ted by the frame, the array of
gutters sing an upper formation of gutters above a lower formation of s, a plurality of
containers for housing plants, where each container is supported by and arranged to drain into a
gutter in the array of gutters; and an irrigation system that is arranged to irrigate the containers;
wherein the lower formation of gutters is arranged in a tiered configuration such that each gutter
in the lower formation is at least partially offset in a first horizontal direction from the other
gutters in the lower formation and is at least partially offset in a first horizontal direction from the
gutters in the upper formation; said tus further comprising a supply system that is arranged
to supply gaseous carbon dioxide, air and mixtures of carbon dioxide and air to the ners
interchangeably.
NZ 783545
VERTICAL FARMING APPARATUS AND A METHOD OF AL FARMING
Field of the Invention
The present ion relates to a vertical farming apparatus and, in particular, to a vertical
farming apparatus comprising a frame, gutters, containers, an irrigation system and a supply
system for suppling gas.
Background of the Invention
The use of vertical, hydroponic and intensive growth farming systems for the g of
certain crops, and in particular, fruit, salads and vegetable produce, has grown over recent
years. These systems often aim to improve the farming and cultivation of fruits or
vegetables by increasing growth of the produce, improving yield of the produce, making the
ting of the produce easier and/or reducing the costs of the produce by, for example,
reducing the land usage or labour requirements. Additionally, these farming systems may
allow for the production of certain vegetables, salads and fruits in es and nments
where it would be challenging to grow them ically using traditional or standard
farming s.
One system used in this field involves placing the fruit, salads or vegetable plants on tables
within a grow house or glasshouse or placing the plants in s that are suspended from
the roof of the grow house or glasshouse. This advantageously makes harvesting produce
easier and quicker as the plants and their produce are raised off the ground. However, such
systems do not substantially reduce the production costs of the fruit and vegetable produce,
as they do not typically increase the y of plants per unit area and therefore reduce the
land usage.
Another system that is sometimes used to grow fruit, salads and vegetables is to stack plant
pots or troughs in vertical columns with spacers in between each pot or trough. Stacking the
plant troughs or pots vertically significantly ses the plant density per unit area, thereby
reducing land usage and its associated costs. However, there are a number of significant
drawbacks associated with stacking plants in vertical columns. First, the sunlight received
by the plants in the lower portion of the column is often considerably less than the sunlight
received by the plants in the upper portion of the , as the trough or pots and plants
above block their sunlight. This can cause varying levels of growth and ripening in a single
column. Secondly, vertical columns are usually watered and fed by watering the topmost
plant. The water and fertiliser is then allowed to trickle or seep downwards through each
layer of the column sequentially via gravity. This can result in asymmetric growth of plants in
a column due to the uneven and top heavy distribution of water and nutrients. Thirdly, the
spacers that allow one plant pot or trough to be d on top of another typically impede
sunlight and airflow around the plants. To me the problem of the spacer, x
systems are used to simulate airflow and circulation around the plants in the column.
s and aspects of the present invention seek to alleviate at least these problems with
the prior art.
Summary of the ion
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a al g
tus, the apparatus comprising:
a frame for supporting plant troughs or pots,
a base for supporting the frame,
an array of gutters supported by the frame, the array of gutters comprising an upper
formation of gutters above a lower formation of gutters,
a plurality of containers for housing plants, where each container is supported by and
arranged to drain into a gutter in the array of gutters; and
an irrigation system that is arranged to irrigate the containers;
wherein the lower formation of gutters is arranged in a tiered configuration such that
each gutter in the lower formation is at least partially offset in a first horizontal direction from
the other s in the lower formation and is at least partially offset in a first horizontal
direction from the gutters in the upper formation;
said tus further comprising a supply system that is arranged to supply
gaseous carbon dioxide, air and mixtures of carbon dioxide and air to the containers
interchangeably.
In this way, an apparatus or system for vertically g crops such as fruit, salads and
vegetable plants is provided. In use, fruit, salads or vegetable plants are potted within a
growth substrate in the containers that are supported by an array of gutters.
The vertical farming apparatus of the present invention comprises several features that
istically combine to provide the optimal environment for plants housed within the
containers to grow.
Firstly, the tiered configuration ensures that each of the containers receives te light
for plants to grow as discussed above. The tiered configuration and horizontal offsets of the
lower formation of the array of gutters means that, in use, the plants supported on the
gutters have vertical access to sunlight for sed levels of photosynthesis. This
improves the growth and well-being of the crop and can result in an ed yield.
Furthermore, since the tiered configuration also involves a al offset the plant density
per unit area is increased when ed with table top crops or conventional farming
methods. onally, the tiered configuration raises the crop off the ground thereby
improving the ease and speed of harvesting and inspecting the crop and protecting the crop
from cold or damp ground.
Secondly, the irrigation system tes the plants housed within the containers in use to
ensure that the plants have the required amounts of water and nutrients. In this way, the
water, nts and food that is supplied to the plants can be closely controlled and
monitored to provide the plants with the optimum environment.
Thirdly, the supply system is configured or arranged to supply both gaseous carbon e,
air and mixtures thereof to the plants housed within the containers in use. In use, it is
beneficial to supply gaseous carbon dioxide to the plants housed within the ners such
that the plants have the required components for photosynthesis, which improves growth
and crop yield. It is also beneficial to supply gas to the plants housed within the containers
as, in use, the air turbulence moves the stems and leaves of the plant, which strengthens the
structure of the crop, thereby improving growth and the ability to support ripening fruit.
Additionally, the airflow across the leaves of the plant can cause temperature differentials to
form across the leaves of the plant, which stimulate the plants l day/night cycle by
opening the stoma, thereby promoting photosynthesis. The airflow can also be used to
passively or actively heat the plants to their preferred temperature, which can also stimulate
the plants and promote growth.
Accordingly, through the combination of the above beneficial s, the vertical farming
apparatus can provide an optimal environment for growing plants, which can increase yields
of the fruit, salads or vegetables, reduce disease, accelerate growth, reduce energy
consumption and reduce land usage. Or,,in other words, a key advantage of the present
invention is that the vertical farming apparatus provides all of the main requirements for
farming a crop with improved yield and reduced land usage.
In preferred embodiments, the supply system is ured to supply gases to each of the
containers ly. More preferably, the supply system is configured to supply gases to
each of the containers individually. In this way, the supply system is ured to supply the
gases in close proximity to the containers, rather than a supply system that es gases
to the general vicinity of the vertical farming apparatus. Since the containers are supplied
with gas directly or individually, the gas supply can be tuned to suit the individual need of the
plants within each of container of plants on a specific gutter, thereby helping to provide a
more optimal environment to the plants whilst simultaneously reducing the energy
consumption of the supply system.
Preferably, the supply system comprises a plurality of gas conduits for supplying the gases
to the containers. In use, the gas conduits supply gases to the plants housed within the
containers.
Preferably, each of the gas conduits is supported by the frame. In this way, the gas conduits
can be oned proximate to the ners and this can reduce the number of
components surrounding or associated with the vertical farming apparatus.
Preferably, each of the gas ts extends in a direction substantially parallel with the
longitudinal axis of the gutters in the array of gutters. It is preferable for the gas conduits to
extend in this direction in order to supply the gases more evenly along the length of the
containers and gutters.
Preferably, each gas conduit is associated with a gutter in the array of gutters. Associated
with is taken to mean that a specific gas conduit is ed to supply gas to a specific
container.
Preferably, the each gas conduit is located underneath a gutter. Locating the gas conduit
eath the gutter has been found to be a beneficial position for the gas conduit such
that it does not block light but is also close enough to the container such that it can supply
the gasses to the ners and the plants housed therein in use.
Preferably, the gas conduits are lay flat tubes. The use of lay flat tubes is advantageous as
they are relatively inexpensive and can be ed and ed at many different levels of
gas permeability. In this way, the lay flat tubes can be swapped to suit the gas
requirements, i.e. carbon dioxide consumption, of the crops.
Preferably, the gas conduits comprise micro holes for the egress of gas from the gas
conduit. Micro holes have been found to be beneficial to ensure an even and continuous
egress of gas from the gas conduits along the length of the gas conduit.
Preferably, the supply system is arranged to control the carbon dioxide level around the
array of ners. ably, the supply system comprises a sensor that is configured to
detect the levels of carbon dioxide proximate the containers. Preferably, the supply system
comprises one or more sensors that are each configured to detect the levels of carbon
dioxide proximate one or more containers .
Preferably, the supply system comprises a sensor that is configured to detect the airflow
proximate the containers. Preferably, the supply system ses one or more sensors
that are each configured to detect the airflow proximate one or more containers .
ably, the supply system ses a sensor that is configured to detect the
temperature proximate the containers. Preferably, the supply system comprises one or
more sensors that are each configured to detect the temperature proximate one or more
containers .
Preferably, each of the sensors of the supply system is arranged to provide a signal to a
controller that is arranged to control the supply system in response to the signal. In this way,
the supply system ses an environment control system that is arranged to control the
carbon dioxide levels, airflow and/or temperature of the plants housed within the containers
in use. The vertical farming apparatus of the present invention can therefore provide a
controlled and optimal environment for the plants housed within the containers in use.
Preferably, the supply system is arranged to provide heat to the containers and the plant
housed within the containers in use. That is, the air dispensed by the supply system is
heated prior to it entering the gas ts. By g the plants in this way, the heat can
be focused on the areas where it is needed most, i.e. in close proximity near the plants. This
is much more energy and cost efficient than tradition methods of heating an entire
glasshouse. The heated airflow from the supply system can also beneficially stimulate the
plants, for example, by opening their stoma in the morning. In this preferred embodiment,
typically air is heated and then pumped into the gas conduits of the supply system.
Preferably, the supply system is arranged to supply pressurised carbon dioxide, pressurised
air or a pressurised mixture of carbon dioxide and air. By supplying pressurised gases, the
amount of carbon e and/or d) air supplied can be more accurately controlled and
distributed to the containers.
Preferably, the irrigation system is configured to irrigate each of the containers directly.
More preferably, the irrigation system is configured to irrigate each of the containers
individually. In this way, the tion system is configured to be in close proximity to the
containers such that each container is irrigated by its own portion of the irrigation. In other
words, the irrigation system of this preferred ment does not se an overhead
system, such as a ler system, that sprays all of the containers together. Rather, the
tion system of this preferred embodiment comprises multiple components, such as
irrigation conduits, that each irrigate a different container individually. Since the containers
are irrigated directly, the irrigation and flow of liquid nutrients can be tuned to suit the
individual need of the plants within a specific container or on a specific gutter, thereby
helping to provide a more optimal environment to the plants whilst simultaneously reducing
the liquid consumption.
Preferably, the irrigation system comprises a plurality of tion conduits for irrigating the
conduits. In use, the irrigation conduits te the plants housed within the containers.
Preferably, the irrigation conduits extend in a direction substantially el with the
longitudinal axis of the gutters in the array of gutters. It is preferable for the irrigation
conduits to extend in this direction in order to supply liquid nutrient evenly along the length of
the containers and gutters.
Preferably, each tion conduits is associated with a gutter in the array of gutters.
Associated with is taken to mean that a specific irrigation conduit is arranged to irrigated a
specific container.
Preferably, the associated irrigation conduit is located above its respective container. In this
way, liquid nutrient that is dispensed from the irrigation conduit during use can irrigate the
plants housed within the ners via gravity, thereby reducing energy and wastage.
Preferably, multiple tion conduits are associated with each gutter in the array of gutters.
In this context, multiple conduits are arranged to irrigate a specific container. Having
multiple conduits is cial for ensuring that the whole length and width of the container is
evenly irrigated as the multiple irrigation conduits can compensate for differences between
the other conduits.
Preferably, each of the associated irrigation conduits are located above their respective
containers. In this way, liquid nutrient that is dispensed from the irrigation conduits during
use can ted plants housed within the containers via gravity, thereby reducing energy
and wastage from spraying. That is, the location of the irrigation conduits ensures even
delivery along the length and width of the containers.
Preferably, each of the irrigation conduits is supported by the frame. In this way, the
tion conduits can be positioned proximate to the containers and this can reduce the
number of components nding or associated with the al farming apparatus.
Preferably, the irrigation system is arranged such that the amount of liquid dispensed from
each irrigation conduit can be controlled independently. This control is typically achieved by
the provision of a controller within the irrigation system that it is arranged to control the
pressure and volume of the liquid nutrient flowing through the irrigation conduits.
ably, the tion system comprises a sensor that is configured to detect the humidity
ate the containers. Preferably, the irrigation system comprises one or more sensors
that are each configured to detect the humidity proximate one or more containers .
Preferably, the irrigation system comprises a sensor that is configured to detect the re
content of the medium or substrate that is within the containers in use. Preferably, the
irrigation system ses one or more sensors that are each configured to detect the
moisture t of the medium or substrate that is within one or more containers in use.
Preferably, each of the sensors of the irrigation system is arranged to provide a signal to a
controller that is arranged to control the irrigation system in response to the signal. In this
way, the irrigation system comprises an environment control system that is arranged to
control the humidity and/or irrigation of the plants housed within the containers in use. The
vertical farming apparatus of the present invention can therefore provide a controlled and
optimal environment for the plants housed within the containers in use.
Preferably, each irrigation conduit is pressure compensated. ably, the pressure
compensation is provided by a flow system that is arranged to allow a set flow of liquid
nutrient to flow once a pressure threshold has been met.
Preferably, each container in the array of ners ses a lid. ably, each
container in the array of containers comprises a lid with one or more openings for plants to
extend through. The openings allow sunlight to reach the plant before it has grown through
the opening. The lids act to protect the substrate and root structure of the plant by, for
example, helping to control the moisture and humidity of the ate and root ure by
limiting evaporation. Thus, the lids can reduce the water consumption of a plant grown in
the vertical farming apparatus.
Preferably, the lid reversibly attaches to the container. In this way, the lid can be removed to
plant or tend to the plants, to add substrate or maintain the plants.
Preferably, the lid is arranged to accept and accommodate the irrigation ts in
embodiments of the irrigation system comprising irrigation conduits. The lid acts as a cover
to protect the plants and, as such, the lids can block some of the liquid nutrient being
dispensed from overhead irrigation systems. In this preferred embodiment, this problem is
me by positioning the irrigation conduit between the lid and the container or, in other
words, the irrigation conduit extends through the space defined by the container and its lid.
This positioning of the irrigation conduit improves the efficiency with which liquid nutrient is
dispensed and the lid and container inhibit wastage of the liquid such that more is supplied
to the substrate and plant in use.
Preferably, the irrigation ts extend wise over the containers and, thus, it is
preferable that the lids comprise apertures, in addition to the gs, in order to accept
and accommodate the irrigation conduits running eath the lid.
The vertical farming apparatus and frame can be r comprise the following optional
features.
Preferably, each gutter in the array of gutters comprises a raised surface that is arranged to
support one or more plant troughs or pots and a drainage surface below the raised surface
that is arranged to accept drainage from the one or more plant troughs or pots that are
supported by the raised surface in use. The gutters may advantageously comprise a raised
surface for supporting the plant troughs or pots in use and a drainage e below the
raised surface. In use, the drainage surface is below the bottom of the container. Therefore,
when the plants are irrigated the liquid nutrient drains through the container and onto the
drainage surface of the gutter. This advantageously helps keep plants from being
waterlogged and thereby es root growth and helps t root rot.
The irrigation system may optional comprise a fluid reservoir for storing liquid nutrient. The
irrigation system may optional comprise a pump or the irrigation system can be gravity fed.
Each gutter in the array of gutters may have ntially the same ions as each of
the other gutters in the array of gutters. By having each gutter in the array of gutters with the
same dimensions the containers supported by the gutters can, in use, be moved between
any or each gutter. Accordingly, the plants can be easily rearranged to sort by, for example,
growth or ng.
The offset in the first horizontal direction of each gutter to the other gutters in the lower
formation of gutters may be equal to or greater than the width of said each gutter. Having an
offset equal to or greater than the gutter may increase the amount of direct sunlight that
plants supported by the lower formation of gutters receive with the off of slightly
decreasing plant density per unit area. Accordingly, it is envisaged that such an
embodiment would be used predominantly for crops that require more direct sunlight.
Alternatively, the offset in the first horizontal direction of each gutter to the other gutters in
the formation of gutters may be less than the width of said each gutter. Decreasing the
horizontal offset to be below the width of the gutter may increase plant density per unit area
with the trade-off of slightly decreasing the amount of direct ht that the plants
ted by the lower formation of gutters receive. Accordingly, it is envisaged that such
an embodiment would be used predominantly for crops that prefer shady conditions and/or
where land usage is a key factor
The gutters in the array of gutters may be all aligned in a second horizontal direction. The
second horizontal direction may be perpendicular to the first horizontal direction in which the
gutters in the lower formation are offset. Aligning the gutters in the second horizontal
direction may help to reduce the footprint of the apparatus and thereby se plant
density in use.
A gutter in the upper formation of gutters may be centrally aligned with the frame along both
the first horizontal direction and the second horizontal direction. Alternatively, the gutter in
the upper ion of gutters may be centrally aligned with the frame along only one of said
ntal directions. A first gutter in the upper formation of gutters may be centrally aligned
with a second gutter in the upper formation along one or both of the first and second
horizontal directions. Alternatively or additionally, a gutter in the upper formation of gutters
may be centrally aligned with an uppermost gutter in the lower formation of gutters along one
or both of the first and second horizontal directions.
Both the frame and the array of gutters may be symmetrical along a plane orthogonal to the
first horizontal direction. In this way, the frame and array of gutters may se a plane of
symmetry. Both the frame and the array of gutters may be rical along a plane
orthogonal to the second horizontal direction. The frame and array of gutters may be
symmetrical along both planes. The frame may be an A-frame. The frame may be less than
2.5 metres tall. In this way, crops grown on the apparatus may be harvested without the
need for sophisticated equipment suitable for g at height and the associated safety
systems required.
The tiered configuration of the lower formation of s may resembles a V-shape or
n. In this way, the offset in the first ntal direction between the gutters above
and/or below any gutter in the lower formation is equal. The upper and lower formation of
gutters may le a rocket shape.
Each gutter may be rectilinear. In this way, the plants grown thereon may be arranged
rectilinearly such that harvesting and other labour intensive activities are able to be carried
out efficiently.
The frame may comprise a first sub-frame and a second sub-frame and each gutter in the
array of gutters may be supported by both the first sub-frame and second sub-frame
simultaneously. The first sub-frame and the second sub-frame may not be connected or
attached except by the gutters.
Each gutter in the array of gutters may be removable from frame. In this way, the gutters
and containers that they support in use may be moved to a different position on the frame
and cleaned. Furthermore, the gutters may have a shorter life span than the frame and
making the gutters removable may increase the lifespan of the tus as whole.
The gas conduits may be arranged that is arranged to supply s carbon dioxide to two
or more gutters in the array of gutters in a series configuration. Having a conduit arranged in
a series configuration may reduce the complexity of the system to supply the carbon dioxide.
Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may comprises two or more gas conduits that are
arranged to supply gaseous carbon e to two or more gutters in the array of gutters in a
parallel configuration. Having conduits ted in a parallel configuration may mean that
it is easier to ensure an even pressure of the gaseous carbon dioxide inside the two or more
conduits in use and, therefore, a more even supply of carbon dioxide to the gutters in the
array of gutters.
The irrigation lines may be arranged to supply water to two or more s in the array of
s in a series configuration. Having a conduit arranged in a series uration may
reduce the complexity of the system to water and/or feed the plants in use.
Alternatively or additionally, two or more irrigation lines may be arranged to supply water to
two or more gutters in the array of gutters in a parallel configuration. Having irrigation lines
connected in a parallel configuration may mean that it is easier to ensure an even water
pressure inside the two or more irrigation lines in use and, therefore, a more even supply of
water to the gutters in the array of gutters.
The tus may comprise a system for collecting and treating the drainage from the array
of gutters. The collected and treated water may be supplied to the tion lines for
resupply to the gutters. In this way, waste water may be reduced.
The frame may se a curved support member with curved portions arranged in a tiered
configuration that support at least the lower formation of gutters. The frame may further
comprise an upper support member that is supported by the curved support member. The
upper support members may support one or more of the gutters of the upper formation of
gutters.
The frame may comprise a vertical support member that extends from the base and
ts at least the upper formation of gutters.
The frame may comprise one or more ntal support members that extend from the
al support member. Each horizontal support member may support a gutter from the
lower formation of gutters.
The frame may comprise an insect habitat support for supporting a habitat for insects. The
apparatus may comprise a habitat for insects. The habitat may only be suitable for insects
that are deemed beneficial to the crop that is being farmed in use.
The apparatus may be ed and/or configured for vertically farming strawberries.
However, the farming of other crops is also envisaged.
In use, the containers may contain a growing or growth medium or substrate therein. The
growing medium may be inert and may have zero ionic charge, which has been found to aid
plant growth. The growing medium may comprise a clay ball substrate. Additionally or
alternatively, the growing medium may se any other known growing substrate such as
perlite, vermiculite, mineral wool or coir. The growing medium may be free draining. The
growing medium may be recycled or reused.
Alternatively, the containers may be configured and arranged for the onic growing of
plants.
Typically, the vertical farming apparatus will be positioned within a grow room in use. The
grow room may comprise a transparent or semi-transparent outer surface. The grow room
may comprise a light diffusing outer e. The grow room may be a green house, a poly
tunnel, or any other known le structure. The grow room may be configured to control
the heat, ty and air movement therein.
According to a second aspect there is provided one or more containers for housing
strawberry plants and a supply system that is arranged to supply gaseous carbon e, air
and mixtures of carbon dioxide and air to the ners.
There second aspect of the invention may comprise any of the preferred features of the first
aspect especially those relating to the gas system gas conduits, containers, lid, irrigation
system and irrigation conduits.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is ed a vertical farming
, the method comprising:
providing a frame for supporting gutters;
providing gutters on the frame;
ing containers on the gutters;
providing an irrigation system for irrigating ;
supplying gaseous carbon dioxide to the containers via a supply system; and
providing an airflow around the containers using the supply system.
In use, the containers will comprise plants a substrate. The irrigation system will irrigate the
plants and the supply of gaseous carbon dioxide will and airflow will provide the advantages
as discussed in relation to the first aspect.
Preferably, the airflow creates temperature differentials around the containers. This is
beneficial for g and/or stimulating the plants.
In this specification, a vertical g system and a vertical farming apparatus are used
interchangeably and are taken to have the same meaning.
Detail Description of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1a is a schematic view of a first vertical farming apparatus in accordance with the
present invention;
Figure 1b is a schematic view of the first vertical farming tus of Figure 1a with an
ative layout of the gas conduits;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a second vertical farming apparatus in
accordance with the present ion;
Figure 3 is an end cross-sectional view of a portion of the third vertical farming apparatus of
Figure 1a; and
Figure 4 is an end cross-sectional view of a portion of a fourth vertical g apparatus in
accordance with the present invention; and
Figure 5 is an end cross-sectional view of a portion of a fifth vertical farming apparatus in
accordance with the present invention;
Figure 1a is a schematic of a vertical farming apparatus 2 in accordance with the present
invention. The vertical farming apparatus 2 comprises a frame 4 for supporting the plants 5
that are to be , e.g. strawberries and bell peppers, in a tiered configuration. The
ure of frames in accordance with the present invention are discussed in detail below in
relation to Figures 2 to 5.
To support the plants 5, the apparatus 2 comprises an array of gutters 6 that are also in a
tiered configuration, where each gutter 6 in the array of gutters 6 supports a container 8 for
housing the plants 5. Accordingly, the containers 8 and the plants 5 housed therein are also
arranged in a tiered configuration. In this embodiment, the containers 8 are plant troughs
and it is envisaged that other suitable containers such as plant pots, plant bags or
hydroponic systems could be used. The tiered configuration of the s 6 is cial as
the horizontal offset allows the plants 5 on the lower levels of the tiered configuration to
receive more sunlight as the upper levels block less sunlight from reaching them compared
to a vertical configuration.
The containers 8 each comprise a lid 9. The lids 9 have a ntially triangular top
n, with a series of apertures (not shown) in the faces of the sides of the triangle. The
series of res allow the plants 5 to grow unimpeded. The lids 9 assist in regulating the
ions of the medium or substrate (e.g. soil and compost) in which the plants 5 are
growing in the containers 8 as they provide a enclosed environment bar the apertures and
openings. For example, the lids 9 can help regulate humidity by reducing evaporation from
the substrate or medium. In other embodiments, the containers 8 are provided without lids
9, for example, where the containers 8 are grow bags.
The vertical farming tus 2 further comprises an irrigation system 11. The irrigation
system 11 may comprise a pump (not shown) and/or reservoir for supplying a liquid nutrient,
such as water or liquid plant food to tion conduits 13. In this embodiment, the irrigation
system 11 comprises irrigation conduits 13 for irrigating plants 5 that are housed within the
containers 8. Other embodiments are envisaged where the plants 5 are d by
lers, for example.
The irrigation conduits 13 extend above the containers 8 and are arranged to supply liquids,
such as water, liquid nutrient or plant food, to the plants 5 housed within the containers 8. In
this embodiment, two tion conduits 13 extend above each container 8 and gutter 6 in a
direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the containers 8 and gutters 6. It
has been found that two irrigation conduits 13 is particularly beneficial for providing an even
supply along the length of the container and across the width of the container 8. However,
other numbers of irrigation conduits 13 per container 8 are envisaged.
The irrigation conduits 13 are housed between the lid 9 and the container 8, with each
container 8 and lid 9 being associated with two irrigation conduits 13. The irrigation
conduits 13 extend through openings 15 in either end of the lid 9 to connect to the remainder
of the irrigation system 11, such as the pump and/or reservoir. In this embodiment, the size
of the rectangular openings 15 is designed to be complementary in size to the irrigation
conduits 13 such that the lids 9 act to hold the irrigation conduits 13 in place and prevent
them from moving and disturbing the plants. The tions conduits 13 can be ted to
the remainder of the irrigation system in series or, as is preferred, in parallel. In the parallel
configuration, the amount of liquid supplied to each irrigation conduit 13 is controllable by a
controller (not shown) such that the amount of liquid supplied by the irrigation conduit 13 can
be ured for each container 13 individually. Positioning the irrigation conduits 13
n the container 8 and the lid 9 has been found to be particularly beneficial as the lid 9
can act a barrier to prevent wastage.
The vertical farming apparatus 2 further comprises a supply system 17 that is arranged to
supply, s carbon dioxide, air and mixtures of gaseous carbon dioxide and air to the
containers 8 and plants 5 housed therein. In this ment, the supply system 17
ses gas conduits 19 that are located underneath each of the gutters 6 and are
ed to the underside of each gutter 6. The gases are typically pumped into the gas
conduits 19 form a reservoir. Thus, each gutter 6 has a gas conduit 19 associated with it.
The gas conduits 19 can be positioned anywhere on the frame 4 that is suitable for
supplying gases to the plants 5 within its associated container 8. In this embodiment, the
gas conduit 19 is eath the gutter 6 and container 8 as the gases supplied by the
supply system 17 are typically heated by a heater (not shown) prior to being dispensed. In
other envisaged embodiments the gas conduits 19 are located above the container 8 and lid
9 or between the container 8 and 9.
The supply system 17 is arranged such that the gaseous carbon dioxide, air or a mixture
thereof can be interchangeably pumped in the gas conduits 19. That is, the supply system
17 can be controlled such that the gas dispensed by it is lled. In this way, the gas
dispensed can be controlled based on the needs or conditions of the plants 5.
The gas conduits 19 in this embodiment are lay flat tubes, but other types of tubing or
conduits are also envisaged. The gas conduits 19 comprise micro holes along their length
and width that allows the gas being dispensed from the gas conduits 19 to be evenly
sed along the length and width of the container 8.
Figure 1b s the first vertical farming apparatus 2 with an alternative arrangement of
gas conduits 19. In this embodiment, in addition to the gas conduits 19 under each gutter 6,
additional are provided n the lower containers 8. These additional gas conduits 19
are centrally aligned with the frame 4 such that they are all parallel and lie on the same
plane. In this embodiment, the gas conduits 19 are supported on supports 21 that extend
from the frame 4.
As such, the lower gutters 6 and their associated containers 8 have the supply system 17
and gas conduit 19 between them such that they share the gas t 19 in addition to the
gas conduit 19 underneath the gutter. Or, in other words, these additional gas conduits 19
supply gas to two containers each. This can be particularly advantageous for supplying air
and carbon dioxide to the containers 8 simultaneously. For example, the centrally d
gas conduits 19 can provide air to generate an airflow or heat the plants and the gas
conduits 19 underneath the gutters 6 can provide carbon e to the plants. The amount
of gas dispensed from these so-called shared gas conduits 19 can be increased to
sate for that fact that they need to supply le containers 8 with gases.
Figures 2 to 5 each depict part of a vertical farming system 102, 202, 302, 402 in
accordance with the present invention. In particular, the Figures 2 to 5 each depict a frame
104, 204, 4 and 404 of the vertical farming systems 102, 202, 302, 402, where the frame
104, 204, 4 and 404 is supporting an array of gutters 106, 206, 306, 406. The array of
s 106, 206, 306, 406 support containers 118, 218, 318, 418 for housing plants. The
other components of the vertical farming system 102, 202, 302, 402, such as the irrigation
system 11 and the supply system 17, have been omitted from Figures 2 to 5 for clarity.
These components of the vertical farming apparatus have been discussed in detailed above
and can be d to the frames 104, 204, 4 and 404 from Figures 2 to 5.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a second al farming apparatus 102. The
irrigation system and supply system of the present ion are omitted for y. The
second vertical farming apparatus 102 comprises a frame 104 on which an array of gutters
106 is supported. The frame 104 comprises a first sub-frame 104a and a second sub-frame
104b that are substantial identical in shape, size and configuration and are separate and not
directly connected to one another.
The first sub-frame 104a and the second sub-frame 104b each comprise two legs 108a,
108b that act as a base for supporting the frame 104 on a surface. The legs 108a, 108b
resemble rods or poles. In use, the each of legs 108a, 108b extend in a vertical ion
that is perpendicular to the ground. Each of the four legs 108a, 108b comprises a pin 110a,
110b for inserting into the ground to removeably fix the frame 104 in position. Other
methods of attaching the frame to the ground are envisaged such as tie-lines or providing
apertures for receiving fixings. The legs 108a, 108b may be extendable to allow their height
to be adjusted such that the sub-frames 104a, 104b and therefore the frame 104 can be
levelled on uneven surfaces. Furthermore, it is envisaged that the legs 108a, 108b may
optionally comprise wheels or castors such that the frame 104 may be wheeled along the
surface to move the frame 104.
Each sub-frame 104a, 104b r comprises a lower support member 112a, 112b. The
lower support members 112a, 112b are beam-like or rod-like and are ed to both their
respective legs 108a, 108b of the base. The lower support members 112a, 112b extend in a
direction ntially perpendicular to their respective legs 108a, 108b and in a horizontal
direction substantially parallel to the surface on which the base is supported. The lower
support members 112a, 112b are longer than the gap n the legs 108a, 108b such
that they extend to the sides of their respective ame 104a, 104b.
Two gutters 114 are supported by the lower support members 112a, 112b and extend
between the lower support s 112a, 112b. The gutters 114 are supported by
ng ends of the lower support members 112a, 112b and extend in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis for the first lower support member 112a to
the second lower support member 112b. The gutters 114 resemble trays and comprise a
raised surface 114a that in use supports a plant trough 118. The plant troughs 118 are
removeable from the gutters 114.
The gutters 114 further comprise a drainage surface 114b beneath the raised surface 114a.
In use, the drainage e 114b receives and collects drainage from the plant troughs 118
above. Raising the plant trough 118 from the drainage surface 114b of the gutter 114 using
the raised e 114a helps to improve root growth and drainage from the plant trough
Both sub-frames 104a, 104b comprise a vertical support member 116a, 116b that is beamlike
or rod-like and that extend from the middle of its respective lower support member 112a,
112b, i.e. the al support members 116a, 116b extend from a position equally distanced
between the two ends of lower support member 112a, 112b and their supported gutters 114.
The al support members 116a, 116b extends in a direction el with the legs 108a,
108b of the frame 104. At the top of each vertical support member 116 another gutter 114
for supporting a plant trough 118 is provided.
Each sub-frame 104a, 104b, r comprises a middle t member 120a, 120b, and
an upper support member 122a, 122b that both extend from their respective vertical support
members 116a, 116b in a direction substantially parallel with the lower support members
112a, 112b and perpendicular to the al support members 116a, 116b.
The middle support members 120a, 120b and the upper support members 122a, 122b are
similar to the lower support members 112a, 112b in that are beam-like or rod-like and that
each support member 112a, 112b, 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b supports two gutters 114 at
positions adjacent to or proximate their ends. The lower t members 112a, 112b, the
middle support members 120a, 120b and the upper support members 122a, 122b are offset
vertically from one another by at least the height of the plant trough 118 supported by the
gutter 114. In the arrangement depicted in Figures 1a and 1b, the vertical offset n
the support s 112a, 112b, 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b is imately the height of the
plant that will be grown in the plant trough 118. Accordingly, different frames 104 may be
designed and proportioned for different crops.
The middle support members 120a, 120b are longitudinally shorter than the lower support
members 112a, 112b and the upper support members 122a, 122b are longitudinally shorter
than the middle support members 120a, 120b. This disparity in length gives the gutters 114
ted by the t members 112a, 112b, 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b a tiered
configuration that resembles a V-shape or a chevron. Or, in other words, the gutters 114
supported by one support member 112a, 112b, 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b are horizontally
offset from the gutters 114 supported by another supported member 112a, 112b, 120a,
120b, 122a, 122b. The six gutters 114 supported by the support members 112a, 112b,
120a, 120b, 122a, 122b may be a lower formation of gutters 114 and the gutter 114
supported by the vertical support members 116a, 116b may be an upper formation of gutters
114. Other s of gutters are envisaged. Although only one gutter 114 is shown as the
upper formation, more than one gutter may be provided, as shown in Figure 3. Together,
the lower formation and upper formation form an array of gutters. Each gutter 114 in the
array of gutters is horizontally offset from each other gutter 114 in the array of the gutters.
One key aspect is achieving this horizontal offset n the gutters 114, and plant troughs
118, to allow vertical access to sunlight for the plants contained within the plant troughs 118
in use. Other frame designs can be used to achieve this and are envisaged.
The frame 104 is symmetrical about two planes. In total, the frame 104 of the second
vertical farming tus 102 is shown to support seven plant troughs 118 thereon.
One of the sub-frames 104a, 104b may be positioned vertically lower than the other.
Alternatively or additionally, the gutters 114 may be arranged such that the drainage e
114b falls away from the raised surface 114a along a length of the gutter 114. In this way,
water draining into a gutter 114 may travel along a length of the gutter by gravity.
Figure 3 is an end sectional view of a portion of a third vertical g tus 202.
The third vertical farming apparatus 202 is shown positioned on the ground 224. The third
al farming apparatus 202 is also shown to support seven plant troughs 218 thereon, in
the same arrangement and orientation as the first vertical farming apparatus 102 shown in
Figure 1a and 1b. In this depiction, plant pots 226 and strawberry plants 228 are shown in
position in the plant s 218.
Although the third vertical farming apparatus 202 is shown to support seven plant troughs
218 thereon in the same arrangement and orientation and the first vertical farming
apparatus, the frame is different. The frame includes two sub-frames 204a (second subframe
not shown) that include a curved frame member 230 which performs the roles of all
frame members of the first vertical farming apparatus 102 except the vertical support
members 116a, 116b. As such, the curved frame member 230 is configured to support six
plant troughs 218 thereon, three on each side. The sub-frame 204a includes a vertical
support member 216a which extends vertically from an upper central portion of the curved
frame member 230 and ts a single plant trough 218 thereon.
The frame 204 is symmetrical about two planes. The use of a single curved frame member
230 reduces the need for joins or attachments between frame members, which may simplify
construction and improve longevity.
Figure 4 is an end cross-sectional view of a portion of a fourth vertical g apparatus
302. The fourth vertical farming apparatus is similar in structure and design to the first
vertical farming apparatus except that it does not se any lids. As such, the description
of the fourth vertical farming apparatus 302 also applies to the first vertical farming
apparatus 2. The fourth vertical farming apparatus includes a curved frame member 330
that is similar to the curved frame member 230 of the first vertical farming apparatus 202.
Although similar, the curved frame member 330 of the first vertical farming apparatus 302 is
configured to support five plant troughs 318, two on each side and one on top.
Furthermore, the frame 304 includes an upper member 332 configured to support a plant
trough 318 directly above the plant trough 318 ted on top of the curved frame member
330. The upper member 332 has a substantially inverted U-shaped and is attached at each
end to the curved frame member 330. The upper member 332 includes a cross member
334 that extends between the two legs of the inverted U-shape and supports the plant
trough 318 thereon. This upper member 332 may be orated into the first vertical
farming apparatus 102 or the second vertical farming apparatus 202 to provide another plant
trough directly above and in line with the uppermost plant trough shown in Figure 1a, Figure
1b and Figure 2 tively.
Figure 5 is an end sectional view of a fourth vertical farming apparatus 402. The
fourth vertical farming tus 402 includes a frame 404 configured to support six plant
troughs 418 in a similar arrangement to the third vertical farming tus shown in Figure
4. The frame 404 includes a generally inverted U-shaped frame member 430 that is shown
to have two legs ing to the ground 424 and is also shown to support an uppermost
plant trough 418 at the other end thereof.
The frame 404 also es a lower t member 412, a middle support member 420
and an upper support member 422 similar to those of the first vertical farming apparatus
shown in Figure 1a. Each of the support members 412, 420, 422 are oriented horizontally.
The upper support member 422 extends between the two legs of the U-shaped frame
member 430 and supports a plant trough 418 n the two legs, immediately below the
uppermost plant trough 418. The upper support member 422 is shown to have a length that
is substantially the same as a width between the two legs of the U-shaped frame member
430 such that it does not extend substantially beyond the two legs.
The middle support member 420 has a greater length than the upper support member 422
and s a first distance either side of the legs of the U-shaped frame member 430.
Plant troughs 418 are shown to be supported outside of each leg of the U-shaped frame
member 430 adjacent to the U-shaped frame member 430. The lower support member 412
has a greater length than the upper support member 422 and the middle support member
420 and extends a second distance, greater than the first distance, either side of the legs of
the U-shaped frame member 430. Plant troughs 418 are shown to be supported adjacent to
the ends of the lower support member 412 and therefore outside of each leg of the U-
shaped frame member 430 and spaced from the ed frame member 430.
The support members 412, 420, 422 support plant s 418 in a substantially inverted V-
shape or chevron shape, below the uppermost plant trough 418. Furthermore, the support
members 412, 420, 422 may be releasably attached to the U-shaped frame member 430
such that their relative ons may be adjusted. This may be advantageous because
plants generally se in size as they grow and therefore require a greater g.
Although six or seven plant troughs are shown in the Figures, it is ged that any
number of plant troughs may be provided. The frames may be ed with more or less
support members depending on the number of troughs to be supported. The apparatus, and
therefore the plant troughs, may have any longitudinal length. Although some of the figures
depicts a rectilinear apparatus, the apparatus may be curved to fit a curved room or the like.
Furthermore, although some degree of spacing and scale may be inferred from the Figures,
it is envisaged that any le spacing or apparatus size may be provided, which may be
dependent on the crop being . The apparatus may also comprise irrigation lines,
conduits for conveying gaseous carbon dioxide to the plants and/or any other feature
described herein.
Claims (25)
- Claims 1. A vertical farming apparatus, the apparatus sing: a frame for supporting plant troughs or pots, a base for supporting the frame, an array of gutters ted by the frame, the array of gutters comprising an upper formation of gutters above a lower formation of gutters, a plurality of containers for housing plants, where each container is supported by and arranged to drain into a gutter in the array of s; and an irrigation system that is arranged to te the containers; wherein the lower formation of gutters is arranged in a tiered configuration such that each gutter in the lower formation is at least partially offset in a first horizontal direction from the other gutters in the lower ion and is at least partially offset in a first horizontal direction from the gutters in the upper formation; said apparatus further comprising a supply system that is arranged to supply gaseous carbon dioxide, air and mixtures of carbon dioxide and air to the ners interchangeably.
- 2. The vertical farming apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the supply system is configured to supply gases to each of the containers directly.
- 3. The vertical farming apparatus of Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the supply system comprises a plurality of gas conduits for supplying gases to the containers.
- 4. The vertical farming tus of Claim 3, wherein each of the gas conduits is supported by the frame.
- 5. The vertical farming apparatus of Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein each of the gas conduits s in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the gutters in the array of gutters.
- 6. The vertical farming apparatus of any one of Claim 3 to 5, wherein the each gas conduit is arranged to be.
- 7. The vertical farming tus of any one of Claims 3 to 6, wherein the gas conduits are lay flat tubes.
- 8. The al farming tus of any one of Claims 3 to 7, wherein the gas conduits comprise micro holes for the egress of gas from the gas conduit.
- 9. The vertical farming apparatus of any one preceding claim, wherein the supply system is arranged to control the carbon dioxide level around the array of containers.
- 10. The vertical g apparatus of any one ing claim, wherein the supply system is arranged to provide heat to the containers and the plant housed within the containers in use.
- 11. The vertical farming tus of any one preceding claim, wherein the supply system is arranged to supply pressurised carbon dioxide, rised air or a pressurised mixture of carbon dioxide and air.
- 12. The vertical farming apparatus of any one preceding claim, wherein the irrigation system is configured to irrigate each of the containers directly.
- 13. The vertical farming apparatus of any one preceding claim, wherein the irrigation system comprises a plurality of irrigation conduits for irrigating the conduits.
- 14. The vertical farming apparatus of Claim 13, wherein the irrigation conduits extend in a direction substantially el with the longitudinal axis of the gutters in the array of gutters.
- 15. The vertical farming apparatus of Claim 13 or Claim 14, wherein each irrigation conduits is ated with a gutter in the array of gutters.
- 16. The vertical farming apparatus of any one of Claim 15, wherein the associated irrigation conduit is located above its respective container.
- 16. The vertical farming apparatus of any one of Claim 15, wherein multiple irrigation conduits are ated with each gutter in the array of gutters.
- 18. The vertical g apparatus of any one of Claims 13 to 16, wherein each of the irrigation conduits is supported by the frame.
- 19. The vertical farming apparatus of any one of Claims 13 to 18, wherein the tion system is ed such that the amount of liquid dispensed from each irrigation conduit can be lled independently.
- 20. The vertical farming apparatus of any one of Claims 13 to 19, wherein each tion conduit is pressure compensated.
- 21. The vertical farming apparatus of any one preceding claim, n each container in the array of containers comprises a lid with one or more openings for plants to extend through.
- 22. The vertical farming apparatus of Claim 21, wherein the lid is arranged to accept and accommodate the irrigation conduits of Claims 13 to 20.
- 23. A vertical farming apparatus, said apparatus comprising one or more containers for housing strawberry plants and a supply system that is arranged to supply gaseous carbon dioxide, air and mixtures of carbon e and air to the containers.
- 24. A vertical farming method, the method comprising: providing a frame for supporting gutters; providing gutters on the frame; providing containers on the gutters; providing an tion system for irrigating plants; supplying gaseous carbon dioxide to the containers via a supply ; and providing an airflow around the containers using the supply system.
- 25. The method of Claim 24, wherein the airflow creates temperature differentials around the containers.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB2107294.7 | 2021-05-21 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ783545A true NZ783545A (en) | 2021-12-24 |
Family
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