WO2010008335A1

WO2010008335A1 - Cultivation system

Info

Publication number: WO2010008335A1
Application number: PCT/SE2009/000362
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Johansson
Original assignee: Nypro Ab
Priority date: 2008-07-13
Filing date: 2009-07-10
Publication date: 2010-01-21
Also published as: EP2299801A4; SE535207C2; SE0801678A1; EP2299801A1

Abstract

The present invention concerns a cultivation system (1) comprised of an endless cultivation track (2) that contains at least one V-shaped loop (6), at least one source of light (7), at least one device (9) for irrigating the cultivation trays (10) and at least one control system (8). The invention is unique because its cultivation track (2) contains supports (4) which are equipped with at least two spacers (14) which allow an airflow around the lower areas of the cultivation trays (10) and that the cultivation track (2) may be enclosed in a transportable unit (3) such as for example a container.

Description

Cultivation System

The present invention concerns a device and a procedure for the cultivation of plants. More specifically, the present invention regards a cultivation system in accordance with the claims.

Background of the Invention The cultivation of different types of plants in a controlled environment has long been known. A greenhouse is the classic example of this, where temperature, humidity, light and other parameters can be controlled. In the Nordic Countries and other places with limited growing conditions, the growth of plants can be accomplished with the aid of artificial light in a controlled environment such as a greenhouse or similar environment. An optimal use of available space and a minimization of handling costs are necessary to achieve profitability from commercial greenhouse cultivation. Antiquated methods are to a large extent still used for cultivation, whereby the desired plants are grown in a greenhouse by placing them in adjacent boxes, which is an inefficient alternative from a commercial perspective. This method does not utilize the available space in a cost efficient manner. In order to utilize the available space in a greenhouse in a more efficient manner, in length as well as height, many different types of cultivation tracks for growing plants have been developed. For example patent SE 457643 describes a cultivation track for farm, forestry and gardening products. The movable cultivation track is comprised of several supports fastened at a distance from one another that are able to swing within a frame, which are coupled together via chains or the like. This design allows for an endless serpentine-shaped track. On or in these supports are placed filled pots or other receptacles in which plants that are to be grown are to be held. The cultivation track has an adjustable speed and is equipped with mountings for artificial light. The cultivation track described in the patent document includes a zone in which a dark zone can be created for plants that need a period of rest. This dark zone is, however, problematic because the zone is a horizontal length of the cultivation track which is covered with sheet metal. The design takes up a lot of space and is expensive to manufacture. In addition, a build-up of plant residues occurs in the dark zone's covering sheet metal as well as in the space below the sheet metal. This causes problems with cleaning and maintenance, because it is difficult to access the areas above and below the covering sheet metal and keep them clean. Furthermore, the cleaning procedure causes shut downs which are unfavorable for plant growth in the cultivation system.

The serpentine-shaped cultivation track forms from a side view a number of essentially V- shaped loops and the artificial light is arranged to primarily light from the top the transported plants inside of the respective V-shaped loops. An optimal return from the artificial lighting is achieved thanks to the fact that the serpentine loops are V-shaped and that the artificial light is designed to illuminate from the top the interior of the divergent tracks in their V-loop.

In order to streamline the insertion and removal of cultivation trays from the cultivation track, and carry out an efficient irrigation of cultivated plants, a device and a procedure for use of the device have been developed. The design, as described in the Swedish Patent SE527520, entails a more efficient insertion and removal of the cultivation trays to and from the cultivation track. In addition, this allows for more efficient irrigation of plants grown in the cultivation trays. The device has however proved difficult to integrate in a transportable cultivation system in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, a time- consuming work must be carried out both for an adequate irrigation of the cultivated plants, and for insertion and removal of the cultivation trays in the cultivation track.

The known type of cultivation track and its accompanying irrigation system have proven to be excellent for growing plants not intended to be replanted before further cultivation. However, it has become apparent during the cultivation of plants for replanting such as forest seedlings that their roots strive to grow out through the bottom of each plant box in the cultivation trays and then the roots become entangled in each other. This entanglement of the plants leads to a time-consuming process that must be carried out to separate the plants. Furthermore, the plants' root system may become deformed because of the roots growing out of the container. Deformed roots lead to inferior plant quality and inferior future trees. Although the above mentioned cultivation track with its accompanying handling and irrigation device meets its stated objectives very well, it is not designed to be transported easily from one place to another. Transport of the existing cultivation track requires extensive buildings to be supplied and made available to accommodate the cultivation system. Moreover, comprehensive dismantling and assembly work to move the cultivation system from one location to another must be performed. These problems are especially great when cultivating in extreme climates such as the Arctic and Antarctic. Furthermore, this problem also exists when transporting the cultivation system to jungle areas, nature preserves and/or national parks where the cultivation of for example endangered plants and the like is to be carried out. It is often difficult or inappropriate (prohibited) to erect buildings in jungle areas and national parks. Currently there is no portable equipment which can be used for temporary cultivation in these areas. A further problem with existing cultivation systems is that none of these systems are transportable and specially adapted to create an environment that is separate from the surrounding environment. The need to separate the cultivation track from what is cultivated is great in several areas. It is for example often necessary during research and experimental cultivation to be able to a large extent to control environmental conditions. It is for example, necessary to achieve great precision and accuracy in the control of environmental conditions when cultivating somatic embryos. Today there are no quickly transportable cultivation tracks designed for this purpose.

A further problem with existing cultivation systems is present with space flight and possible future colonization of the moon, Mars and other planets and their associated moons if any. For example, NASA sees this as a major problem and is actively seeking effective solutions to the growing operations outside the earth's atmosphere. However, no solutions to this problem exist yet. One of the problems is to create an environment where plants can be grown for both food and/or to generate oxygen. It is clear that there are major problems with cultivation in space or on other planets. One problem is to create a controlled environment (air, water, light, heat, etcetera) in which the plants can grow. Another problem is that plants must be kept in place if natural and/or artificial gravity does not exist, and that irrigation must also be accomplished in a way that meets crop needs in such an environment. An additional problem is to create protection against harmful cosmic radiation which is normally hindered by Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field. It is obvious that there is a need for equipment with which plants can, in an effective manner, be grown in places other than on Earth and in Earth's atmosphere.

An additional problem is consumers' growing demand and desire to acquire information about the origin of their vegetables. This is the case is such countries where religion and customs, dictate that plants must be grown in a specific way if they are to be approved as eatable food. Furthermore, there is an increasing demand for locally-grown food products grown locally in an environmentally sound manner. There is an increasing demand for locally grown vegetables such as lettuce in the vicinity of, for example, shopping malls or similar. An even further problem is to create a flexible cultivation system that can quickly be adapted to be used to grow plants and the like which require different types of growing conditions. One such example is the situation where forest seedlings and vegetables and the like can be grown with the same cultivation systems. Different types of plants require different types of conditions in regards to lighting, climate and the like for optimal growth to occur.

With reference to the above problems, it is clear that there is a need for a substantially improved cultivation system and its accompanying containment.

Brief Summary of the Concept of the Invention

One objective of the present invention is to achieve a considerable improvement in the above mentioned drawbacks. This is achieved by using a device in accordance with the patent claims' characteristic parts. Another aim of the present invention is to make it possible to quickly and easily move the cultivation system from one place to another. A further objective is to allow for a controlled cultivation environment which can be controlled in an efficient manner. A still further objective of the present invention is to achieve a system with which the cultivation system can possibly be used in outer space.

An additional aim of the present invention is to achieve a cultivation track with a substantially improved dark zone compared with existing designs of cultivation tracks equipped with dark zones. An even further object of the present invention is to provide a cultivation system with a significantly improved possibility to recycle water. One of the aims of the present invention is to provide a cultivation system which can quickly be set-up and used for the cultivation of plants which require different types of growing conditions, such as forest plants and vegetables.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will be described in detail in the following text with reference to the enclosed schematic drawings that in an exemplifying purpose show the current preferred embodiments of the invention.

Figure 1 shows the present cultivation system contained in a transportable container or the like.

Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of a supporting organ with a cultivation tray. Figure 3 shows a variant of a load bearer and a system for recycling water. Figures 4A - C show a cultivation track which has been equipped with a dark zone which preferably comprises one-third of the track's length.

With reference to the drawings a cultivation system 1 according to the present invention is shown. The cultivation system 1 includes a cultivation track 2 which is preferably enclosed in a transportable unit 3 such as for example a container, a transportable building or other for the purpose suitable transportable unit. Figure 2 does not show the details of the enclosing unit so that the enclosed cultivation track 2 can be seen. The transportable unit is however, comprised of walls, ceilings and floors, thereby encompassing the cultivation track 2. The cultivation track 2 need not in alternative embodiments be contained in a transportable unit and can thereby be placed in the open. Alternatively, the cultivation track may be fully or partially enclosed by a non-transportable unit.

The cultivation track 2 in accordance with the present invention may be a further developed variant of the previously known type of cultivation track described in the Swedish Patent SE467643. The cultivation track 2 is comprised of a number, between a framework hinged fastened and at a distance from each other, arranged upholding supports 4 (cultivation shelves) which are connected to each other via chains 5 or similar. These upholding supports 4 are attached to the chains 5 preferably by some earlier known type of quick coupler or other for the purpose suitable fastener (bolted joint) that allows for quick and easy changes of the supports 4. The type of support 4 and cultivation tray 10 used are dependent on the type of plant to be grown. Different types of plants have different requirements in order to achieve optimal growth. The design allows for an endless serpentine-shaped track. The serpentine- shaped cultivation track forms from a side view at least two essentially V-shaped loops 6. The cultivation track is equipped with at least one light source 7 for generating artificial light to bring growing light to the cultivation track. The light is mainly designed to illuminate the conveyed plants inside of each respective V-shaped loop from above. An optimum return from the artificial lighting is obtained thanks to that the serpentine loops are V-shaped and that the artificial light is designed to illuminate the interior of the divergent tracks in their V- loop from the top.

The operation of the cultivation track requires that it is equipped with at least one power drive unit (not shown in the figures) which transmits torque that drives the endless track. To control the speed of the endless track, lighting, temperature, humidity and other parameters, the cultivation system is equipped with at least one control system 8. The control system consists of previously known techniques so it is therefore not described in more detail in this patent application. The cultivation system includes at least one irrigation device 9 to bring water and nutrients to the plants. The irrigation device 9 may consist of an irrigation device in accordance with an irrigation device found in Swedish Patent SE 527520 or other earlier known for the purpose suitable device that can be temporarily connected to the cultivation track 2. The support 4 holds one or more cultivation trays 10 which rest on the supports 4.

Figure 2 shows one embodiment of a support 4, which supports a number cultivation trays 10, chiefly intended for use in connection with the cultivation of forest plants and similar plants. The supports 4 are in each end with at least one holder 12 jointly coupled with an endless chain 5 or similar to the cultivation track 2. The supports 4 include a V-shaped profile 13. The support 4 contains, as opposed to the supports in the cultivation track in patents SE467643 and SE527520, at least two spacers 14 which also simultaneously function as a holding body for the cultivation trays 10. Moreover, the supports 4 are equipped with at least one hole 15 preferably at least twenty holes on each side of the V-shaped profile 13. The holes 15, the spacers 14 and the endless cultivation track's motion, allow for circulation of air in accordance with the arrows 16 through the V-shaped profile 13 and around the lower parts of the. containers 11 on the underside of the cultivation trays 10 where the roots of the cultivated plants are located. The air flow dries the containers' 11 bottom edge and the nearest located enclosed growing medium. This has the unexpected technical effect on the cultivated plants roots not tending to grow out of (through) the holes in the containers in the growing trays. This is an especially important advantage regarding plants that are to be replanted after their initial cultivation. This type of cultivation is more cost-efficient and a better quality root system in grown plants is achieved, thanks to that the plant roots are not intertwined.

The spacers 14 each includes at least one V-shaped segment 17 which is arranged to be partially inserted between the two containers 11 in the cultivation tray 10. The V-shaped segments 17 prevent the cultivation trays 10 from sliding off the spacers 14.

The spacers 14 also make it possible for light to reach the bottom of the cultivation trays. In order to allow illumination of the underside of the cultivation trays, the cultivation system can include at least one artificial lighting device (not shown in the figure) which emits a light directed upward or angled directed upward. The emitted light dries up the lower parts of the containers 11 and the nearest enclosed growing medium. This will prevent the roots growing out through the holes in the containers in the cultivation trays. This type of cultivation is more cost-efficient and a better quality root system in grown plants is achieved, thanks to the plant roots not growing in an intertwined manner.

'Q> To enable the effective management of irrigation of forest seedlings and the like, the cultivation system is equipped with an irrigation device 9 for the supply of liquid to the cultivation trays 10. The device includes a function that automatically detects the moisture level in the cultivation trays 10. This can be accomplished by measuring weight or by the soil's water conductivity (which changes according to its moisture content) being examined. One type of device that can be used for this consists of the device and procedure in accordance with the patent document SE527520, therefore this system is not described in this patent application. The supports (cultivation shelves) can contain space for an arbitrary number of cultivation trays 10. The number of cultivation trays 10 is dependent on the size of cultivation trays 10 and cultivation track's width. Furthermore, the cultivation trays' 10 size, number and design is dependant on the type of plant to be grown. The cultivation trays contain a large number of small containers 11 whose lower areas contain holes (not shown in the figures). Through these holes water can flow into and out of the containers 11 in connection with irrigation. Irrigation is achieved by immersion of at least the lower areas of the cultivation trays 10 in a trough of water with a device in accordance with patent SE527520 or other for the purpose suitable irrigation device.

With reference to Figure 3 a schematic variant is show of an irrigation system 9 for the cultivation track. The framework with support for several components, chains and the like which connects a support 4 with other supports has not been included in the figure. The irrigation system is equipped with a function for dispersing, collecting and recycling of nutrient solutions 19 (water and nutrients). This embodiment is chiefly intended to be used for growing plants 20 such as lettuce and herbs. In the figure is seen a support 4 from the front which in its end holds a number of plants 20 in pots 21, or other for the purpose suitable containers, submerged in holes on the upper side of the support 4. In this embodiment the upholding supports 4 lack the holes 15. Toward one end 22 of the support 4 is added a nutrient solution from a tank 23 (with a pumping system) via at least one nozzle 24 or the like. The nozzle 24 is connected via at least one pipe 25, hose or similar to the tank 23. In the other end 25 of the support 4 is a reservoir 26 for collection of excess nutrient solution. The support 4 is mounted so that it has a slight slope along the support's longitudinal direction. This slope leads to excess nutrient solution draining down along the support's 4 length to at least one reservoir 26.

On at least one position along the track's length the reservoir 26 is made to (maneuvered) rotate around its center of rotation 27 (bearing) so that the nutrient solution in the reservoir is

1- transferred to a collection chute 28 or the like. This affect on the reservoir can be accomplished with a control device 29. The control device 29 in the figure consists of a compression cylinder 30 which via an arm 31 affects the reservoir 26 to rotate around its center of rotation 27. Preferably the compression cylinder is pneumatically driven and of a double-acting type.

Via the collection chute 28 the collected nutrient solution drains into the tank 23 for nutrient solution 19. Thereafter, the process may restart with the nutrient solution once again being added to the plants located on the support and redundant nutrient solution being collected in the reservoir and so on. Figure 4 even shows the holder 12 that is jointly connected to the endless chains (not shown in the figure) on the cultivation track. Preferably the holders 12 can be quickly released from the endless chains so that a quick change of the supports can be made possible.

Figures 4 A - 4C show illustrative and schematic embodiments of the cultivation track in which it is provided with a dark zone 33 which preferably consists of one third of the track's length. The dark zone 33 is essentially separated from the rest of the cultivation track. This separation is accomplished by the track being led through a first opening 34 into an enclosing housing 35 or the like which separates the dark zone from the ambient light such as the light from the artificial lighting. In the dark zone, the loops are preferably essentially vertical as shown in Figure 4A. Alternatively, loops can be drawn horizontally in accordance with Figures 4B and 4C. These vertical loops or horizontal loops save space in the dark zone. The dark zone is ended by the track being led out from this zone through a second opening 36 in the housing. The dark zone's climate is regulated by means of some type of climate control device 37 of a previously known design therefore it is not described in more detail in this patent application. The space in the dark zone is mainly cooled. The dark zone allows for more vital plants and is beneficial for plant growth. The dark zone is especially favorable for growing lettuce, herbs and the like. The horizontal loops as illustrated in Figures 4B and 4C have unexpectedly presented a simpler design of the cultivation track out from the dark zone and resulted in an improved use of energy in the climate control device.

The transportable unit 3 may be of previously known type of container such as the example shown in the figure. Alternatively, the transportable unit 3 may consist of a movable building or any other for the purpose suitable transportable entity. It is conceivable that the transportable unit may consist of several connectable entities. The cultivation track can thus

B be moved in several separate units which can be linked together at the place where they are to be connected.

If the transportable unit consists of a container it may consist of a standard 20 foot ISO container which has been adapted to the purpose of containing the cultivation track. In alternative embodiments other types of enclosing entities may be used. The container's length, width and height are not restrictive for the present invention and may vary greatly within the scope of the present invention. Thus, other sizes of standard containers may be used as well as specially designed encompassing entities suitable for the purpose.

To illustrate (show) the enclosed cultivation track, such as for example during placement of the cultivation system in the vicinity of a shopping mall or similar, at least one side of the enclosure can fully or partially be made of a transparent material such as glass, polymeric materials or the like.

In the specific application where the cultivation system is utilized in outer space, it is clear that the enclosure is completely sealed. Alternatively, the cultivation track in the enclosure can in turn be enclosed in a completely sealed enclosure, such as some kind of spaceship, space station or the like. It is conceivable that the enclosure can be moved in a number of separate units which are connected at the site where the cultivation track is to be utilized.

In order to allow for adjustments in the framework and the rapid assembly and disassembly of the cultivation track for maintenance and the like, the framework is held together by connectors with which the cultivation track can be quickly assembled and taken apart respectively. Such a suitable connector is described in the Swedish Patent SE526962.

Even if some preferred embodiments have been described in detail, different alternatives and modifications within the scope of the invention will be apparent to persons skilled in the field and all those are deemed to fall within the scope of subsequent patent claims. For example, the equipment (system) may include functions for the generation of electrical energy such as solar panels or small wind turbines.

<q Advantages of the Invention

By utilizing the present invention a transportable cultivation systems in an enclosure which can essentially be moved quickly and easily from one place to another is achieved. Furthermore, the advantage of cultivation in a controlled environment is achieved. In addition, it is possible to achieve a controlled growing environment with great precision for growing plants. The design achieves the important advantage that the cultivated plants roots do not become entangled whereby their cultivation becomes more cost-efficient and a better quality in the plants' root system is achieved. Another advantage of the present invention is that the cultivation track can be easily adapted to the type of plants to be cultivated with it. An additional advantage of the present invention is that it can be used outside the Earth's atmosphere such as in a spaceship, a space station or the like, and also on other celestial bodies than the Earth.

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Claims

1. Cultivation system (1) comprised of an endless cultivation track (2), with at least several upholding supports (4), that hold one or more cultivation trays (10), said trays resting on the supports (4), said track containing at least one V-shaped loop (6), at least one source of artificial light (7), at least one device (9) for irrigating the cultivated plants and at least one control system (8) characterized by that the cultivation system is adaptable and may be optimized according to the needs of the different types of plants to be grown by the supports (4) and the type of irrigation device (9) being able to be changed (replaced, exchanged, substituted) and that the cultivation system includes at least one dark zone (33).

2. Cultivation system (1) according to claim 1 characterized by that the supports (4) are equipped with at least two spacers (14) which allow an airflow around the lower areas of the cultivation trays (10).

3. Cultivation system (1) according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by that the supports (4) are equipped with several holes (15) which improve airflow around the lower parts of the cultivation trays (10).

4. Cultivation system (1) according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by that the cultivation system is designed to be quickly transportable from one cultivation location to another thanks to that the cultivation system is enclosed in a transportable unit (3).

5. Cultivation system (1) according to claim 1 characterized by that the light source (7) is artificial and is placed in the space between V-shaped loops (6).

6. Cultivation system (1) according to claim 2 characterized by that the spacers (14) consist of a V-shaped segment (17) designed to be partially inserted between two containers (11) in the cultivation tray (10).

7. Cultivation system (1) according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by that the cultivation system contains at least one lighting unit which emits light toward the underside of the cultivation trays (10).

8. Cultivation system (1) according to claim 4 characterized by that the transportable unit (3) consists of a standardized container such as a twenty foot ISO container.

. Cultivation system (1) according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by that the cultivation system (1) is intended to be used in outer space beyond the Earth's atmosphere.

10. Cultivation system (1) according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by that the cultivation system (1) is intended to be used on other celestial bodies such as the Moon or Mars.

11. Cultivation system (1) according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by that the dark zone contains at least two essentially vertical loops.

12. Cultivation system (1) according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by that the dark zone contains at least two essentially horizontal loops.