WO2002085103A1 - Hydroponic feeder and cooler - Google Patents

Hydroponic feeder and cooler Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002085103A1
WO2002085103A1 PCT/CA2001/000531 CA0100531W WO02085103A1 WO 2002085103 A1 WO2002085103 A1 WO 2002085103A1 CA 0100531 W CA0100531 W CA 0100531W WO 02085103 A1 WO02085103 A1 WO 02085103A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
liquid
reservoir
walls
pool
conduit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2001/000531
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Clayton Boulter
Original Assignee
Clayton Boulter
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Clayton Boulter filed Critical Clayton Boulter
Priority to KR10-2003-7013526A priority Critical patent/KR20040004588A/en
Priority to JP2002582697A priority patent/JP2004520847A/en
Priority to CNA018231608A priority patent/CN1505470A/en
Priority to EP01921088A priority patent/EP1387610A1/en
Priority to CA002444532A priority patent/CA2444532A1/en
Priority to MXPA03009544A priority patent/MXPA03009544A/en
Priority to PCT/CA2001/000531 priority patent/WO2002085103A1/en
Publication of WO2002085103A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002085103A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G31/00—Soilless cultivation, e.g. hydroponics
    • A01G31/02—Special apparatus therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
    • B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
    • B01F23/232—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using flow-mixing means for introducing the gases, e.g. baffles
    • B01F23/2321—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using flow-mixing means for introducing the gases, e.g. baffles by moving liquid and gas in counter current
    • B01F23/23211—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using flow-mixing means for introducing the gases, e.g. baffles by moving liquid and gas in counter current the liquid flowing in a thin film to absorb the gas
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
    • B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
    • B01F23/234—Surface aerating
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
    • B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
    • B01F23/234—Surface aerating
    • B01F23/2341—Surface aerating by cascading, spraying or projecting a liquid into a gaseous atmosphere
    • B01F23/23412—Surface aerating by cascading, spraying or projecting a liquid into a gaseous atmosphere using liquid falling from orifices in a gaseous atmosphere, the orifices being exits from perforations, tubes or chimneys
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G31/00—Soilless cultivation, e.g. hydroponics
    • A01G2031/006—Soilless cultivation, e.g. hydroponics with means for recycling the nutritive solution
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/90—Heating or cooling systems
    • B01F2035/98—Cooling
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D11/00—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D23/00—General constructional features
    • F25D23/06—Walls
    • F25D23/061—Walls with conduit means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
    • F25D2400/10—Refrigerator top-coolers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D31/00—Other cooling or freezing apparatus
    • F25D31/002—Liquid coolers, e.g. beverage cooler
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
    • Y02P60/20—Reduction of greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions in agriculture, e.g. CO2
    • Y02P60/21—Dinitrogen oxide [N2O], e.g. using aquaponics, hydroponics or efficiency measures

Definitions

  • This invention relates to apparatuses and methods for feeding and watering plants and, in particular, to apparatuses and methods for feeding, cooling and providing an aerated solution to the roots of plants grown hydroponically.
  • the growing of plants hydroponically involves supplying an aqueous solution to the roots of the plants, for example by spraying solution onto the roots or by suspending the roots in a medium saturated with the solution.
  • the solution is principally water with fertilizers and other nutrients added.
  • Optimal growth, or even survival of the plants requires that the roots be provided with an air enriched solution and kept within a specified temperature range. Typically this is a lower temperature range than required for the portion of the plant above the roots. This parallels the situation in nature where the roots of the plant are in the cooler ground, whereas the upper portions of the plant are in the air which is usually warmer than the ground when the plant is growing.
  • hydroponic growing operations typically include a cooler to cool the aqueous solution before it is fed to the roots of the plant.
  • This cooler is usually separate from the reservoir used to store the solution.
  • the solution should be aerated to optimize plant growth. Again a separate aerator is normally required. All of this equipment can be complex to set up and relatively expensive to install.
  • United States Patent Number 4159595 to Dalle shows a tank used to hold a quantity of liquid and which is equipped with a float to maintain a constant level. The liquid is subsequently heated, or alternatively cooled, while flowing along a hose.
  • United States Patent Number 5813168 to Glendening discloses an environmentally controlled green house. There are hydroponic plant beds disposed on top of the exchangers. Australian Patent Number 9187730 discloses a method of growing plants by hydroponics where the root system is kept relatively cool.
  • United States Patent Number 5634294 to Rohosa discloses a method of growing plants where a blower is connected to a network of pipes and continuously injects air under pressure.
  • United States Patent Number 4577435 to Springer discloses a micro-climate temperature control apparatus for heating and/or cooling of plants. The cooling is accomplished by tubes.
  • United States Patent Number 4527353 shows another distribution system for nutrients including a tank and a float to maintain the level of liquid.
  • an apparatus for supplying an aqueous liquid for plants includes a reservoir having inside walls.
  • a fan located in the opening to direct air into the reservoir and thereby aerate the liquid.
  • the apparatus of one preferred embodiment has a top, the conduit being near the top of the reservoir and the reservoir having a pool of liquid below the conduit, whereby the liquid flows over the walls and flows downwardly to the pool of liquid. The walls are cooled, thereby cooling the liquid.
  • a method for treating an aqueous liquid for plants includes the steps of providing a reservoir for the liquid and providing a pool of the aqueous liquid in the reservoir. The reservoir is cooled, thereby cooling the aqueous liquid.
  • the method includes the step of regulating the depth of the pool of liquid, the reservoir having walls extending above the pool of liquid, the liquid being directed along the walls and flowing downwardly into the pool.
  • the walls are cooled, thereby cooling the liquid.
  • Air may be forced into the reservoir above the pool of liquid to aerate the liquid.
  • Figure 1 is a side, partly diagrammatic view, of an apparatus for supplying an aqueous liquid for plants, according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 is a side view, partly broken away, of the reservoir unit thereof;
  • Figure 3 is a diagrammatic, isometric view of the reservoir unit thereof.
  • Figure 4 is an isometric view of the combined tray and control unit thereof.
  • FIG. 1 this shows an apparatus 10 for supplying an aqueous liquid 12 contained in a reservoir 14 to roots 16 of a plant 18.
  • the reservoir has a top 20, a bottom 22 and inside, side walls 24.
  • a conduit in this case a spray bar 30, near the top of the reservoir, for discharging liquid so the liquid flows along the inside walls of the reservoir as indicated by arrows 32.
  • the walls are generally vertical in this example and there are four walls forming the front 80, back 82 and sides 84 and 86 of the unit as labeled in Figure 3.
  • the reservoir comprises a modified, chest-type freezer unit 40, as shown in Figure 2, typically used for domestic storage of frozen foods.
  • a modified, chest-type freezer unit 40 typically used for domestic storage of frozen foods.
  • Such a unit is used because it is economical, reliable and capable of storing a pool of liquid 12 as shown in Figure 1.
  • the side walls, as well as the top and bottom of the freezer are insulated.
  • the walls have an inner shell 44, an outer shell 46 and insulating material 48 therebetween.
  • the outer shell is of painted steel and the inner shell is of plastic or rust resistant metal.
  • the walls are cooled with freon filled tubes as is conventional.
  • the freezer unit 40 provides an enclosed reservoir for the apparatus.
  • Top 20 can be opened in the conventional manner on hinges 46 to give access to the interior. When closed however the interior of the reservoir is substantially sealed apart from fan 22 discussed below.
  • Modifications to the freezer unit 40 are minimal and include an opening 50, formed in the back of this particular freezer unit, which receives the fan 52, best shown in Figure 1.
  • the fan is located above top surface 54 of the pool of aqueous solution 12 in the reservoir.
  • the fan in this particular example is a computer cooling fan, although alternative fans could be substituted.
  • the fan blows air into the freezer unit as indicated by arrows 60 in Figure 1.
  • the level of liquid in the reservoir is maintained by a float mechanism 64 shown in figure
  • This includes a float 66 mounted on an arm 68 which is operatively connected to a valve in tray 70.
  • the float mechanism may be similar to those used for toilet tanks to control the water level.
  • the valve in this embodiment receives water from a domestic water and supply and opens or closes to maintain the level of liquid 12 in the reservoir.
  • a pump 70 connected to a riser pipe 72.
  • the pipe in turn is connected to spray bar 30 which, in this embodiment, extends part way along front 80 and back 82 of the freezer unit 40 and along side 84.
  • the spray bar is adjacent top 20 of the unit and sprays liquid on inside walls 24. It may be seen in Figure 3 that the liquid drapes downwardly on the side walls to the pool of liquid 12. This cools the liquid since the walls are cooled by internal freon-filled tubes.
  • conduit 90 which is connected to riser pipe 72 to supply liquid to roots 16 of the plant 18 and other such plants.
  • Spray head 92 sprays the water onto the roots 16.
  • a drip tray 94 which catches liquid dripping off of the roots and returns the liquid to the reservoir via conduit 98.
  • the freezer has a standard compressor and heat exchanger assembly 100 which cools the walls of the freezer unit. Power is supplied from a standard electrical outlet 102 to the compressor and the controls in tray 70 via electrical cables 104 and 106.
  • the tray 70 is shown in better detail in Figure 4.
  • the controls valve are mounted inside housing 120. There is also a cavity 130 for receiving various supplies such as fertilizers.
  • the tray also houses temperature controller 140 and food meter 142. Probe 144 for the food meter is mounted on bar 146 connected to the tray by wing nuts 148 in this example. Temperature probe 150 is also mounted on the bar.
  • the reservoir 14, comprising freezer unit 40 in this embodiment is partially filled with an aqueous solution containing fertilizers and other substances customarily used in hydroponic operations.
  • the apparatus can be used or adapted for soil-based growing operations as well. Portions of the inside walls 24 are exposed below the spray bar 30, allowing the liquid to flow down the exposed walls as indicated at 32 in Figure 1, cooling the liquid.
  • the depth of the pool of liquid 12 is regulated by the float mechanism 64. Water is admitted through conduit 130 when the level drops below a preset amount. The liquid is pumped upwardly by pump 70 to the spray bar 30. The pump also pumps the liquid through the riser 72 through conduit 90 to spray head 92. The liquid is sprayed onto the roots 16. Excess liquid drips into tray 94 and is pumped back to the reservoir through conduit 9.
  • the water in the reservoir is aerated by fan 52. This does away with the need for a separate aerator unit.
  • the invention provides a unified reservoir, aerator and cooling apparatus for the liquid applied to the roots of the plant.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydroponics (AREA)

Abstract

An apparatus and method for supplying an aqueous liquid for plants utilizes a reservoir (14) having inside walls. There is a conduit (30) for discharging the liquid so the liquid flows along walls of the reservoir. There is a cooler (100) for cooling the walls so the liquid flowing along the walls is thereby cooled. For example, the reservoir may comprise a converted chest-type freezer unit. There may be an opening in the walls of the reservoir and the fan (52) located in the opening to direct air into the reservoir and aerate liquid therein.

Description

HYDROPONIC FEEDER AND COOLER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to apparatuses and methods for feeding and watering plants and, in particular, to apparatuses and methods for feeding, cooling and providing an aerated solution to the roots of plants grown hydroponically.
The growing of plants hydroponically involves supplying an aqueous solution to the roots of the plants, for example by spraying solution onto the roots or by suspending the roots in a medium saturated with the solution. The solution is principally water with fertilizers and other nutrients added. Optimal growth, or even survival of the plants, requires that the roots be provided with an air enriched solution and kept within a specified temperature range. Typically this is a lower temperature range than required for the portion of the plant above the roots. This parallels the situation in nature where the roots of the plant are in the cooler ground, whereas the upper portions of the plant are in the air which is usually warmer than the ground when the plant is growing.
Thus hydroponic growing operations typically include a cooler to cool the aqueous solution before it is fed to the roots of the plant. This cooler is usually separate from the reservoir used to store the solution. In addition, the solution should be aerated to optimize plant growth. Again a separate aerator is normally required. All of this equipment can be complex to set up and relatively expensive to install.
United States Patent Number 4159595 to Dalle shows a tank used to hold a quantity of liquid and which is equipped with a float to maintain a constant level. The liquid is subsequently heated, or alternatively cooled, while flowing along a hose.
United States Patent Number 5813168 to Glendening discloses an environmentally controlled green house. There are hydroponic plant beds disposed on top of the exchangers. Australian Patent Number 9187730 discloses a method of growing plants by hydroponics where the root system is kept relatively cool.
United States Patent Number 5634294 to Rohosa discloses a method of growing plants where a blower is connected to a network of pipes and continuously injects air under pressure.
United States Patent Number 4577435 to Springer discloses a micro-climate temperature control apparatus for heating and/or cooling of plants. The cooling is accomplished by tubes.
Other patents relating to thermal control of hydroponic systems include European Patent Number 500484 and United States Patent Number 4780989. The latter shows a nutrient tank. Water is heated in the tank. The European patent shows a tank with a float.
United States Patent Number 4527353 shows another distribution system for nutrients including a tank and a float to maintain the level of liquid.
An aerated leachate tank is disclosed in United States Patent No. 4992942.
The prior art however does not reveal a simple, economical unit which can function simultaneously to store the aqueous solution, cool it and aerate it.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved economical, reliable unit capable of conditioning aqueous solutions for the roots of plants, whether grown hydroponically or in soil.
It is also an obj ect of the invention to provide an improved unit which can simultaneously store and cool such aqueous solutions. It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved unit which inhibits algae growth by using an opaque container.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved unit which can also aerate the solution without requiring a separate piece of equipment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There is provided, according to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for supplying an aqueous liquid for plants. The apparatus includes a reservoir having inside walls.
There is a conduit for discharging the liquid so the liquid flows along the walls of the reservoir. There is a cooler for cooling the walls so the liquid flowing along the walls is thereby cooled.
Preferably there is an opening in the walls of the reservoir and a fan located in the opening to direct air into the reservoir and thereby aerate the liquid.
The apparatus of one preferred embodiment has a top, the conduit being near the top of the reservoir and the reservoir having a pool of liquid below the conduit, whereby the liquid flows over the walls and flows downwardly to the pool of liquid. The walls are cooled, thereby cooling the liquid.
There is provided, according to another aspect of the invention, a method for treating an aqueous liquid for plants. This method includes the steps of providing a reservoir for the liquid and providing a pool of the aqueous liquid in the reservoir. The reservoir is cooled, thereby cooling the aqueous liquid.
Preferably the method includes the step of regulating the depth of the pool of liquid, the reservoir having walls extending above the pool of liquid, the liquid being directed along the walls and flowing downwardly into the pool. The walls are cooled, thereby cooling the liquid. Air may be forced into the reservoir above the pool of liquid to aerate the liquid.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a side, partly diagrammatic view, of an apparatus for supplying an aqueous liquid for plants, according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a side view, partly broken away, of the reservoir unit thereof;
Figure 3 is a diagrammatic, isometric view of the reservoir unit thereof; and
Figure 4 is an isometric view of the combined tray and control unit thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring first to Figure 1 , this shows an apparatus 10 for supplying an aqueous liquid 12 contained in a reservoir 14 to roots 16 of a plant 18. The reservoir has a top 20, a bottom 22 and inside, side walls 24. There is a conduit, in this case a spray bar 30, near the top of the reservoir, for discharging liquid so the liquid flows along the inside walls of the reservoir as indicated by arrows 32. The walls are generally vertical in this example and there are four walls forming the front 80, back 82 and sides 84 and 86 of the unit as labeled in Figure 3.
In this particular example the reservoir comprises a modified, chest-type freezer unit 40, as shown in Figure 2, typically used for domestic storage of frozen foods. Such a unit is used because it is economical, reliable and capable of storing a pool of liquid 12 as shown in Figure 1. The side walls, as well as the top and bottom of the freezer are insulated. The walls have an inner shell 44, an outer shell 46 and insulating material 48 therebetween. Typically the outer shell is of painted steel and the inner shell is of plastic or rust resistant metal. These are not modified from a standard freezer unit. The walls are cooled with freon filled tubes as is conventional. Thus the freezer unit 40 provides an enclosed reservoir for the apparatus. Top 20 can be opened in the conventional manner on hinges 46 to give access to the interior. When closed however the interior of the reservoir is substantially sealed apart from fan 22 discussed below.
Modifications to the freezer unit 40 are minimal and include an opening 50, formed in the back of this particular freezer unit, which receives the fan 52, best shown in Figure 1. As may be seen, the fan is located above top surface 54 of the pool of aqueous solution 12 in the reservoir. The fan in this particular example is a computer cooling fan, although alternative fans could be substituted. The fan blows air into the freezer unit as indicated by arrows 60 in Figure 1. There are also openings extending through the walls, between the freon filled tubes, for the conduits carrying the nutrient solution.
The level of liquid in the reservoir is maintained by a float mechanism 64 shown in figure
3. This includes a float 66 mounted on an arm 68 which is operatively connected to a valve in tray 70. Alternatively the float mechanism may be similar to those used for toilet tanks to control the water level. The valve in this embodiment receives water from a domestic water and supply and opens or closes to maintain the level of liquid 12 in the reservoir.
There is a pump 70 connected to a riser pipe 72. The pipe in turn is connected to spray bar 30 which, in this embodiment, extends part way along front 80 and back 82 of the freezer unit 40 and along side 84. As discussed above, the spray bar is adjacent top 20 of the unit and sprays liquid on inside walls 24. It may be seen in Figure 3 that the liquid drapes downwardly on the side walls to the pool of liquid 12. This cools the liquid since the walls are cooled by internal freon-filled tubes.
There is a conduit 90 which is connected to riser pipe 72 to supply liquid to roots 16 of the plant 18 and other such plants. Spray head 92 sprays the water onto the roots 16. There is a drip tray 94 which catches liquid dripping off of the roots and returns the liquid to the reservoir via conduit 98.
The freezer has a standard compressor and heat exchanger assembly 100 which cools the walls of the freezer unit. Power is supplied from a standard electrical outlet 102 to the compressor and the controls in tray 70 via electrical cables 104 and 106.
The tray 70 is shown in better detail in Figure 4. The controls valve are mounted inside housing 120. There is also a cavity 130 for receiving various supplies such as fertilizers. The tray also houses temperature controller 140 and food meter 142. Probe 144 for the food meter is mounted on bar 146 connected to the tray by wing nuts 148 in this example. Temperature probe 150 is also mounted on the bar.
In operation, the reservoir 14, comprising freezer unit 40 in this embodiment, is partially filled with an aqueous solution containing fertilizers and other substances customarily used in hydroponic operations. Note however that the apparatus can be used or adapted for soil-based growing operations as well. Portions of the inside walls 24 are exposed below the spray bar 30, allowing the liquid to flow down the exposed walls as indicated at 32 in Figure 1, cooling the liquid.
The depth of the pool of liquid 12 is regulated by the float mechanism 64. Water is admitted through conduit 130 when the level drops below a preset amount. The liquid is pumped upwardly by pump 70 to the spray bar 30. The pump also pumps the liquid through the riser 72 through conduit 90 to spray head 92. The liquid is sprayed onto the roots 16. Excess liquid drips into tray 94 and is pumped back to the reservoir through conduit 9.
The water in the reservoir is aerated by fan 52. This does away with the need for a separate aerator unit. Thus the invention provides a unified reservoir, aerator and cooling apparatus for the liquid applied to the roots of the plant. It will be understood by someone skilled in the art that many of the details provided above are by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is to be interpreted with reference to the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. An apparatus for supplying an aqueous liquid for plants, comprising:
a reservoir having inside walls;
a conduit for discharging the liquid so the liquid flows along walls of the reservoir; and
a cooler for cooling the walls so the liquid flowing along walls is thereby cooled.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim l,wherein the reservoir has a top, the conduit being near the top of the reservoir and the reservoir having a pool of liquid below the conduit, whereby the liquid flows over the walls and downwardly to the pool of liquid.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the walls are generally vertical.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the walls are insulated.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reservoir is enclosed.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a converted freezer unit.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the freezer unit is a chest-type freezer unit.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, including an opening in the walls of the reservoir and a fan located in the opening to direct air into the reservoir to aerate the liquid.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, including a pump operatively connected to the conduit for pumping liquid from the pool of liquid to the conduit.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, including means for regulating the depth of the pool of liquid.
11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the means for regulating includes a float mechanism.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the conduit extends about at least a portion of the top of the reservoir.
13. An apparatus as claimed in claimed 12, wherein the conduit has a plurality of spaced-apart apertures for discharging the liquid.
14. A method for treating an aqueous liquid for plants, comprising the steps of:
providing a reservoir for the liquid;
providing a pool of the aqueous liquid in the reservoir; and
cooling the reservoir and thereby cooling the aqueous liquid.
15. A method as claimed in claim 14, including the step of regulating the depth of the pool of liquid, the reservoir having walls extending above the pool of liquid, the liquid being directed along the walls and flowing downwardly into the pool.
16. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the liquid is pumped from the pool to a position above the pool and then directed along the walls, the walls being cooled and thereby cooling the liquid.
17. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein air is forced into the reservoir above the pool of liquid to aerate the liquid.
18. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the liquid is conducted from the reservoir to plants.
19. A method as claimed in claim 18 , wherein the liquid is conducted from the plants back to the reservoir.
20. An apparatus for conditioning an aqueous liquid for plants, comprising:
a chest-type freezer unit having an interior, a top, a bottom, side walls and an opening in the side walls;
a fan mounted within the opening for directing air into the unit;
a spray bar extending about the interior of the freezer unit adjacent the side walls and adjacent the top thereof;
a conduit for supplying the aqueous liquid to the spray bar;
means for regulating a pool of liquid in the interior of the freezer unit, whereby the side walls extend above the pool of liquid so liquid discharged from the spray bar flows over the walls and downwardly to the pool;
a discharge conduit for conducting liquid from the freezer unit to plants; and
an intake conduit for returning liquid from the plants to the freezer unit.
21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the means for regulating is a float mechanism.
22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the fan is above the pool of liquid.
PCT/CA2001/000531 2001-04-19 2001-04-19 Hydroponic feeder and cooler WO2002085103A1 (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR10-2003-7013526A KR20040004588A (en) 2001-04-19 2001-04-19 Hydroponic feeder and cooler
JP2002582697A JP2004520847A (en) 2001-04-19 2001-04-19 Aqueous solution supply device and cooling device for hydroponics
CNA018231608A CN1505470A (en) 2001-04-19 2001-04-19 Hydroponic feeder and cooler
EP01921088A EP1387610A1 (en) 2001-04-19 2001-04-19 Hydroponic feeder and cooler
CA002444532A CA2444532A1 (en) 2001-04-19 2001-04-19 Hydroponic feeder and cooler
MXPA03009544A MXPA03009544A (en) 2001-04-19 2001-04-19 Hydroponic feeder and cooler.
PCT/CA2001/000531 WO2002085103A1 (en) 2001-04-19 2001-04-19 Hydroponic feeder and cooler

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KR (1) KR20040004588A (en)
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WO (1) WO2002085103A1 (en)

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FR2887470A1 (en) * 2005-06-24 2006-12-29 Air Liquide Procedure and apparatus for dissolving a gas in a liquid, especially oxygen in water, uses nozzles to inject liquid into chamber partly filled with gas
WO2020033024A1 (en) * 2018-08-07 2020-02-13 Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd. Hydroponic nutrient aeration and flow control device and system

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US4945676A (en) * 1987-10-02 1990-08-07 Erwin Sick Gmbh Optik-Elektronik Method and apparatus for supplementing the feed solution of hydrocultures with desalinated water
EP0500484A1 (en) 1991-02-19 1992-08-26 Premel Cabic Process and device for controlling the temperature for a culture of vegetables
US5634294A (en) 1991-11-08 1997-06-03 Rohoza; Alex Method of enhancing the growth of plants
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US3713218A (en) * 1970-05-14 1973-01-30 E Laike Device for the cooling and preliminary treatment of milk fresh from the cow
US4159595A (en) 1975-01-07 1979-07-03 Commissariat A L'energie Atomique Installation for cultivating plants
US4577435A (en) 1981-08-17 1986-03-25 Springer Edward A Micro-climate temperature control apparatus
US4527353A (en) 1983-04-04 1985-07-09 Newby John C Irrigation/fertilization control and distribution system
US4780989A (en) 1986-04-30 1988-11-01 Mears Structures, Inc. Hydroponic assembly
US4945676A (en) * 1987-10-02 1990-08-07 Erwin Sick Gmbh Optik-Elektronik Method and apparatus for supplementing the feed solution of hydrocultures with desalinated water
EP0500484A1 (en) 1991-02-19 1992-08-26 Premel Cabic Process and device for controlling the temperature for a culture of vegetables
US5634294A (en) 1991-11-08 1997-06-03 Rohoza; Alex Method of enhancing the growth of plants
US5813168A (en) 1993-04-29 1998-09-29 Mccolliberry Farms, Inc. Environmentally controlled greenhouse

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2887470A1 (en) * 2005-06-24 2006-12-29 Air Liquide Procedure and apparatus for dissolving a gas in a liquid, especially oxygen in water, uses nozzles to inject liquid into chamber partly filled with gas
WO2020033024A1 (en) * 2018-08-07 2020-02-13 Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd. Hydroponic nutrient aeration and flow control device and system
US10588276B2 (en) 2018-08-07 2020-03-17 Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd. Hydroponic nutrient aeration and flow control device and system
CN111010864A (en) * 2018-08-07 2020-04-14 弗劳莱特控制有限公司 Hydroponic nutrient aeration and flow control device and system
EP3627986A4 (en) * 2018-08-07 2021-01-06 Hydra Unlimited, LLC Hydroponic nutrient aeration and flow control device and system
CN111010864B (en) * 2018-08-07 2021-09-14 许德拉无限有限责任公司 Hydroponic nutrient aeration and flow control device and system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2444532A1 (en) 2002-10-31
KR20040004588A (en) 2004-01-13
CN1505470A (en) 2004-06-16
JP2004520847A (en) 2004-07-15
MXPA03009544A (en) 2004-12-06
EP1387610A1 (en) 2004-02-11

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