WO2014148653A1

WO2014148653A1 - Controller apparatus for controlling cultivation environment of cultivation crop in plant factory and method therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2014148653A1
Application number: PCT/KR2013/002251
Authority: WO
Inventors: 김상옥; 김병오; 김동식; 강구연
Original assignee: (주)유양디앤유
Priority date: 2013-03-19
Filing date: 2013-03-19
Publication date: 2014-09-25
Also published as: KR101321337B1; CN105050383A

Abstract

The present embodiment provides a controller apparatus comprising: a data reception unit for receiving, in each predetermined time unit, environment information on some or all of the temperature, the humidity, the CO₂ concentration, and the illuminance within a plant factory, which are collected using a plurality of sensors; a control signal generation unit for extracting a rate of change in the environment information during a predetermined time unit, and generating a control signal for controlling a cultivation environment of a crop on the basis of the rate of change in the environment information and an optimal cultivation condition for cultivating a predetermined crop; an electric power information reception unit for receiving electric power information on some or all of the amount of electric power consumed at a time zone during which the control signal is generated and during the process of controlling the cultivation environment of the crop; and an electric power adjustment unit for predicting the amount of electric power which is necessary at each time zone on the basis of electric power information, and controlling an operation of an electric power production device for producing electric power in order to produce electric power in excess of the amount of electric power predicted as being necessary at the corresponding time zone.

Description

Controller device and method for controlling cultivation environment of plant factory cultivated crops

The present embodiment relates to a controller device and a method for controlling the cultivation environment of plant plantation crops. More specifically, while producing a controller device for receiving the environmental information inside the plant factory in a predetermined time unit, based on the rate of change of the environmental information during the predetermined time unit and the optimum cultivation conditions for growing the predetermined crop The present invention relates to a controller device and a method for generating a control signal for controlling the operation of the crop cultivation environment and the power production device.

The contents described in this section merely provide background information on the present embodiment and do not constitute a prior art.

In general, plant cultivation is achieved by feeding fertilizers and water to seeds planted in the soil and taking advantage of photosynthesis in the plants by sunlight. However, this method of cultivation not only affects the production of climate change, but also creates cost and environmental problems due to the use of fertilizers and pesticides. In addition, because it takes a long time to grow plants, the production cannot keep up with the demand of consumers.

Recently, a plant factory that can continuously cultivate crops regardless of weather conditions by optimally controlling environmental conditions such as temperature, light, CO2, and culture fluids affecting the growth of crops in the facility and automating the work process. Crop cultivation method is being activated. However, crop cultivation methods using existing plant factories control the cultivation environment of crops at predetermined time units regardless of changes in the external environment. In case of rapid change, there is a problem that much time and power are consumed in optimizing the growing environment of crops due to inability to take immediate action.

According to the present embodiment, a controller device is configured to receive environmental information in a plant factory at predetermined time units, while the controller device is preset when it is determined that the rate of change of environmental information for a predetermined time unit exceeds a minimum change rate. Reduce the time unit by a predetermined range. After that, by comparing the rate of change of environmental information and the optimal cultivation conditions for growing crops for a newly set time unit, a control signal is generated to control the growing environment of crops. The main objective is to reduce the time and power spent optimizing the growing environment of crops by performing immediate environmental control.

In addition, the crop is controlled by receiving the amount of power consumed in the process of controlling the time of generation of the control signal and the growing environment of the crop, and predicting the required amount of power per time zone to control the power production of the power generating device. The main purpose is to efficiently produce the required power in the process.

The present embodiment is a controller device for controlling the cultivation environment of crops cultivated in a plant factory, wherein a part or all of the temperature, humidity, CO2 and illuminance inside the plant factory collected using a plurality of sensors A data receiver configured to receive the environmental information in a predetermined time unit; Extracting the rate of change of the environmental information for the predetermined time unit, and generating a control signal for controlling the cultivation environment of the crop based on the rate of change of the environmental information and the optimal cultivation conditions for cultivating the preset crop A control signal generator; A power information receiver configured to receive power information of some or all of the power consumed in the process of controlling the time of generation of the control signal and the cultivation environment of the crop; A controller comprising a power control unit for predicting the amount of power required for each time zone based on the power information, and controls the operation of the power production device for generating power so that power exceeding the required power amount expected in the corresponding time zone is retained. Provide the device.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present embodiment, in the method for the controller device to control the cultivation environment of the crop being cultivated in the plant factory, the temperature, humidity, CO2 and the inside of the plant factory collected using a plurality of sensors Receiving environmental information of some or all of the illuminance on a predetermined time unit; Extracting the rate of change of the environmental information for the predetermined time unit, and generating a control signal for controlling the cultivation environment of the crop based on the rate of change of the environmental information and the optimal cultivation conditions for cultivating the preset crop Process of doing; Receiving power information of a part or all of the amount of power consumed to control the cultivation environment of the crop using the time period when the control signal is generated and the control signal; Predicting the amount of power required for each time zone based on the power information, and controlling an operation of a power production device that generates power so that power exceeding the amount of power expected for the corresponding time period is retained. Provides a way to control the growing environment.

According to this embodiment, while manufacturing a controller device for receiving the environmental information inside the plant factory in a predetermined time unit, the controller device is determined that the rate of change of the environmental information for the predetermined time unit exceeds the minimum change rate The set time unit is reduced by a predetermined range. After that, by comparing the rate of change of environmental information and the optimal cultivation conditions for growing crops for a newly set time unit, a control signal is generated to control the growing environment of crops. In this case, it is possible to reduce the time and power consumed to optimize the growing environment of crops by performing immediate environmental control.

In addition, the crop is controlled by receiving the amount of power consumed in the process of controlling the time of generation of the control signal and the growing environment of the crop, and predicting the required amount of power per time zone to control the power production of the power generating device. In the process, there is an effect that can efficiently produce the required power.

1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a controller device for controlling a growing environment of crops and a power production device controlled through the same according to the present embodiment.

2A and 2B are exemplary views illustrating a case of controlling a growing environment of crops using the controller device according to the present embodiment.

3 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a process in which the controller device according to the present embodiment receives power information and controls the operation of the power generation device based on the power information.

4 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a process of controlling the operation of the air conditioner or heater according to the temperature change rate by the controller device according to the present embodiment.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a growing environment of a crop being grown in a plant factory by the controller device according to the present embodiment.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through exemplary drawings. In adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as much as possible even though they are shown in different drawings. In addition, in describing the present invention, when it is determined that the detailed description of the related well-known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, in describing the component of this invention, terms, such as 1st, 2nd, A, B, (a), (b), can be used. These terms are only to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, order, etc. of the components are not limited by the terms. Throughout the specification, when a part is said to include, 'include' a certain component, which means that it may further include other components, except to exclude other components unless otherwise stated. . If a component is described as being "connected", "coupled" or "connected" to another component, that component may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but between components It will be understood that may be "connected", "coupled" or "connected".

A plant factory refers to a system that produces agricultural products throughout the year throughout the facility, such as industrial products using high technology such as environmental control and automation, and is a fully controlled type that completely cultivates crops with only artificial lighting. It is divided into a solar combined use type that grows crops by using sunlight and artificial lighting together in a greenhouse. In other words, the plant factory has the technology to control the environmental conditions such as temperature, light, CO2, and culture medium that affect the growth of crops to the optimal state and to automate the work process to produce crops regardless of weather conditions in the facility. it means. On the other hand, the controller device according to the present embodiment is installed inside or outside the plant factory and controls to control the growing environment of the crop based on the rate of change of environmental information inside the plant factory and the optimum cultivation conditions for growing a predetermined crop Generate a signal.

1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a controller device 100 for controlling a crop cultivation environment according to the present embodiment and a power production device 150 controlled through the same. The controller device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a data receiver 110, a control signal generator 120, a power information receiver 130, and a power controller 140.

The controller device 100 according to the present embodiment is installed inside or outside the plant factory, and sets a predetermined time unit for environmental information of some or all of temperature, humidity, CO2, and illuminance inside the plant factory collected using a plurality of sensors. Extracts the rate of change of the environmental information, and generates a control signal for controlling the cultivation environment of the crop based on the rate of change of the extracted environmental information and an optimal cultivation condition for cultivating a predetermined crop. On the other hand, in the present embodiment it is specified that the controller device 100 is installed inside or outside the plant factory and controls the cultivation environment of the crop being cultivated in the plant factory, but is not necessarily limited thereto, the housing blocking the external environment (Housing) Cultivation environment of a crop grown in the plant, which is installed in a forage cultivation device that provides an optimized environment for germination and seedling of crops grown inside, or a germination cultivation device that provides an environment optimized for germination of crops Can be controlled. In addition, in the present embodiment, the controller device 100 is implemented as a separate device, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and may be included in the forage cultivation device or the germination cultivation device to control the cultivation environment of the crop.

The data receiver 110 receives environmental information of some or all of temperature, humidity, CO 2, and illuminance of a plant factory collected by using a plurality of sensors at predetermined time units. That is, the data receiver 110 receives environmental information corresponding to the corresponding sensor from a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a CO2 sensor, an illuminance sensor, etc. installed in the plant factory according to a predetermined time unit. In this case, the environmental information received by the data receiver 110 is transmitted to the control signal generator 120.

On the other hand, the data receiving unit 110 is pre-set a time unit for receiving the environmental information inside the plant factory from a plurality of sensors. At this time, the initial setting value of the time unit previously set in the data receiving unit 110 is set by the result determined by the user based on the environmental conditions in which the plant factory is located. For example, if the area where the plant factory is located is an area where clouds frequently occur and sunlight is not provided continuously, the user may set an initial value of the time unit for receiving environmental information to an area where sunlight is continuously provided. It can be set to have a value lower than the initial value of the set time unit.

Meanwhile, when the control signal generator 120 determines that the change rate of the environmental information during the preset time unit exceeds the preset minimum change rate, the data receiver 110 presets the preset time unit from the control signal generator 120. Receive a fluctuation signal to reduce ½ times. Thereafter, the data receiving unit 110 sets and stores a time unit corresponding to the received change signal as a time unit for newly receiving environmental information, and stores the environmental information inside the plant factory from a plurality of sensors according to the newly set time unit. Receive.

In addition, when the control signal generator 120 determines that the rate of change of environmental information continuously has a value within a predetermined range for a newly set time unit, the data receiver 110 newly sets the time from the control signal generator 120. Receive a change signal to double the unit. Similarly, the data receiver 110 newly sets and stores a time unit corresponding to the change signal, and receives environmental information inside the plant factory from a plurality of sensors according to the newly set time unit.

The control signal generator 120 receives environmental information inside the plant factory according to a predetermined time unit from the data receiver 110, and extracts a change rate of the environmental information from the received environmental information. Subsequently, a control signal is generated to control the growing environment of the crop based on the rate of change of the extracted environmental information and an optimum growing condition for growing a predetermined crop. At this time, an optimal cultivation condition for growing a predetermined crop is received from the user, and the information is stored in the data receiving unit 110. On the other hand, the control signal generated from the control signal generator 120 is transmitted to the control module device 310 of the plant factory through the gateway 300, the first to N-th control module unit in the control module device (310) ( 312 and 314 control the operations of the air conditioner, the water supply device and the lighting device corresponding to each other based on the control signal.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the change rate of the extracted environmental information does not exceed the preset minimum change rate based on the environmental conditions in which the plant factory is located, the control signal generator 120 crops the time unit set in the data receiver 110. It is determined that it is properly set up to control the cultivation environment. Thereafter, the control signal generation unit 120 compares the rate of change of environmental information for a predetermined time unit with an optimal cultivation condition for cultivating a predetermined crop, and controls to control the cultivation environment of the crop based on the comparison result. Generate a signal.

On the other hand, the plant factory can be installed in the polar region or the equator region, and the regions have a large difference in the environmental conditions and the region where the existing crop is grown. Accordingly, the minimum change rate should be set differently according to the environmental conditions of the region where the plant factory is located, and the user determines the minimum change rate based on the environmental condition where the plant factory is located, and the control signal generator 120 determines the minimum change rate from the user. Receive and save.

For example, the control signal generation unit 120 receives a temperature value inside the plant factory according to a preset time unit, compares the received temperature value with the temperature value received in the immediately preceding time unit for a preset time unit. Extract the rate of change of temperature. Then, when it is determined that the temperature change rate does not exceed the preset minimum temperature change rate, the temperature change rate is compared with the optimum temperature value for growing the predetermined crop, and the temperature of the plant factory is controlled based on the comparison result. Generate a control signal for

In addition, when the control signal generator 120 determines that the rate of change of the extracted environmental information exceeds a preset minimum rate of change based on the environmental conditions in which the plant factory is located, the control signal generator 120 sets a predetermined time unit to the data receiver 110. Generate a fluctuation signal to reduce by twice. Thereafter, the control signal generator 120 receives the environment information inside the plant factory according to the newly set time unit from the data receiving unit 110 and extracts the rate of change of the environment information for the newly set time unit, respectively. In this case, when it is determined that the change rate of the newly extracted environmental information does not exceed the preset minimum change rate, the control signal generator 120 optimally cultivates the rate of change of the environmental information and a predetermined crop for a newly set time unit. Compare the conditions, and generate a control signal for controlling the growing environment of the crop based on the comparison result. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when it is determined that the rate of change of the environmental information extracted by the control signal generator 120 exceeds the preset minimum rate of change based on the environmental conditions in which the plant factory is located, the preset time unit is reduced by 1/2 times. Although it is specified to generate a fluctuation signal to make it possible, it is not necessarily limited thereto.

That is, the control signal generator 120 according to the present embodiment may infer the moment when the environment inside the plant factory changes rapidly using the rate of change of the environmental information. Thereafter, by adjusting a predetermined time unit in the data receiving unit 110, even if the environment inside the plant factory changes rapidly according to a change in the external environment, it is possible to perform immediate environmental control. This has the effect of reducing the time and power consumed to optimize the growing environment of crops.

In addition, when the change rate of the environmental information continuously has a value within a predetermined range for a newly set time unit, the control signal generator 120 generates a change signal for doubling the newly set time unit to generate a data receiver 110. To send). That is, the control signal generator 120 continuously extracts the rate of change of environmental information for a newly set time unit, and when the rate of change of environmental information continuously has a value within a predetermined range, it is newly updated in the data receiving unit 110. Increasing the set time unit can reduce the power consumed in controlling the growing environment of the crop. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the change rate of the environmental information continuously has a value within a predetermined range for a newly set time unit, the control signal generator 120 generates a change signal for doubling the newly set time unit. Although specified, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be set to have various increment values. In addition, the predetermined predetermined range may also have a plurality of range values by the user. In addition, the control signal generator 120 may generate a change signal for doubling the preset time unit even when the rate of change of environmental information continuously has a value within a predetermined range for a preset time unit.

Meanwhile, the control signal generator 120 may provide the automatic mode and the sub mode by the user's selection. In the automatic mode, the control signal generator 120 may be preset in the data receiver 110 based on the change rate of the environmental information and the preset minimum change rate. Adjust the time unit. On the other hand, in the sub-mode, the environment information is received without a change in a predetermined time unit, and a control signal is generated based on the change rate of the environment information.

The power information receiver 130 receives power information of some or all of the power consumed in the process of controlling the time of generation of the control signal and the growing environment of the crop. That is, the power information receiving unit 130 receives a time period in which the control signal for controlling the crop cultivation environment is generated from the control signal generating unit 120, and cultivation of the crop based on the control signal from the power production device 150 Receive information on the amount of power consumed in controlling the environment. On the other hand, the power information receiver 130 receives power information on the crop for a predetermined period of time, and transmits the average value of the received power information to the power control unit 140.

In addition, the power information receiving unit 130 stores and stores the power information of the crops previously grown in the plant factory according to the characteristics of the crops. That is, the power information receiver 130 receives power information on crops cultivated in a plant factory and stores the received power information by grouping the stored power information according to the characteristics of the crop. Provides a basis for estimating the amount of power consumed in the process of controlling the growing environment of new crops. For example, when the power information of the new crop is received, the power information receiver 130 extracts a group similar to the characteristics of the new crop from the plurality of groups, and stores the power information of the new crop in the group.

The power control unit 140 predicts the amount of power required for each time zone required in the process of cultivating crops in the plant factory based on the power information received from the power information receiving unit 130, and exceeds the required power amount predicted in each time zone. The operation of the power generation device 150 to generate power so that power is retained is controlled. That is, the power control unit 140 analyzes the power information received from the power information receiving unit 130 to check the amount of power consumed in the process of controlling the cultivation environment of the crop based on the time zone and the control signal generated the control signal Estimate the average value of power required for a specific time period.

Thereafter, the power control unit 140 compares the amount of the reserve power stored in the power generation device 150 with the estimated amount of power required for each time period, and the reserve power stored in the power generation device 150 has less power than the required power amount. If it is determined that the power generation device 150 controls to generate power using renewable energy of some or all of the solar and wind power.

Meanwhile, when it is determined that a new crop is transplanted to the plant factory through an image photographing device installed in the plant factory or a user input, the power controller 140 refers to power information of crops stored in the power information receiver 130. Estimate the amount of power needed to control the crop growing environment. That is, the power control unit 140 extracts a group similar to the characteristics of the newly transplanted crop among the plurality of crop groups stored in the power information receiver 130, and converts the average value of the power information of the crops in the group into the new crop. Estimates the amount of power consumed in controlling the growing environment. Then, the information on the estimated required amount of power is transmitted to the power production device 150.

The electric power generating device 150 generates electric power by using renewable energy of some or all of solar light and wind power, and stores the generated electric power in the storage battery 204. Thereafter, the power production device 150 provides the generated power to each of the

control module units

312 and 314 which operate to control the cultivation environment of crops in the plant factory, and provides information on the power consumed to the power information receiving unit ( 130).

In addition, the power production device 150 receives the required amount of power required for each time zone in the process of growing the predicted crop from the power control unit 140, and compares the amount of reserve power stored in the storage battery 204 with the required power amount for each time zone It operates so that power exceeding a required amount of power is stored in the storage battery 204 at that time. On the other hand, the power generation device 150 may be provided as the power required to grow crops in the plant factory when the power exceeding the power stored in the storage battery 204 is used to receive external power.

2A and 2B are exemplary views illustrating a case of controlling a growing environment of crops using the controller device 100 according to the present embodiment.

2A is an exemplary view illustrating a case in which the controller device 100 according to the present embodiment controls a cultivation environment of a crop being cultivated in the multi-stage crop cultivation apparatus 220 installed inside the plant factory 210.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the controller device 100 controls a cultivation environment of a crop being cultivated in a multistage crop cultivation apparatus 220 including a plurality of cultivation beds formed in a multistage form installed inside the plant factory 210. Generate a control signal for That is, the controller device 100 receives environmental information of some or all of the temperature, humidity, CO2 and illuminance in the plant factory from a plurality of sensors included in the multi-stage crop cultivation apparatus 220 at predetermined time units, The rate of change of the received environmental information is extracted respectively. Thereafter, based on the change rate of the extracted environmental information and the optimal cultivation conditions for cultivating a predetermined crop, a control signal for controlling the cultivation environment of the crop is generated and transmitted to the multi-stage crop cultivation apparatus 220.

On the other hand, when the controller device 100 determines that the change rate of the extracted environmental information exceeds a preset minimum change rate based on an environmental condition in which the plant factory 210 is located, the controller device 100 sets the preset time unit to 1 in the controller device 100. Reduced by 2 times. Thereafter, the environmental information of the plant factory 210 is received according to the newly set time unit, and the rate of change of the environmental information is extracted for each newly set time unit. In this case, when it is determined that the change rate of the newly extracted environmental information does not exceed the preset minimum change rate, the controller device 100 sets the optimal growth condition for growing the change rate of the environmental information and the preset crop during the newly set time unit. Compare and generate a control signal for controlling the growing environment of the crop based on the comparison result. Thereafter, the controller device 100 doubles the newly set time unit when the rate of change of the environmental information continuously has a value within a predetermined range during the newly set time unit.

In addition, the controller device 100 receives the power information of some or all of the power consumed in the process of controlling the time zone and crop cultivation environment of the control signal is generated, and based on the received power information multi-stage crop cultivation apparatus Predict the amount of power required for each time period required in the process of cultivating the crop transplanted in the 220. Subsequently, the operation of the power generation device 150 for generating power is controlled so that power exceeding the required amount of power expected in each time period is retained.

The power generation device 150 receives the amount of power required for each time zone required in the process of cultivating the predicted crop from the controller device 100, and compares the amount of spare power stored in the storage battery 204 with the amount of power required for each time zone in the corresponding time zone. The power in excess of the required amount of power is stored in the storage battery 204. On the other hand, the power production device 150 uses the wind power generator 200 or the photovoltaic device 302 to produce the reserve power and store it in the storage battery 204.

2B is an exemplary view illustrating a case in which the controller device 100 according to the present embodiment controls a cultivation environment of a crop being grown inside the forage cultivation apparatus 230.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the controller device 100 includes a housing for blocking an external environment and includes a cultivation environment of a crop grown in the forage cultivation device 230 including a plurality of cultivation trays having a plurality of cultivation trays therein. Generate a control signal to control. That is, the controller device 100 receives environmental information of some or all of temperature, humidity, CO2, and illuminance in the forage cultivation device 230 from a plurality of sensors included in the forage cultivation device 230 in a predetermined unit of time. The rate of change of the received environmental information is extracted. Subsequently, a control signal for controlling the growing environment of the crop is generated based on the rate of change of the extracted environmental information and an optimal growing condition for growing a predetermined crop, and is transmitted to the forage growing device 230.

On the other hand, the process of generating a control signal for controlling the crop cultivation environment of the controller device 100 is the same as specified in Figures 1 and 2a, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the controller device 100 is implemented as a separate device, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and is included in the multi-stage crop growing device 220 or the forage growing device 230 to grow crops grown in the device. It can be implemented to control the environment.

3 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a process in which the controller device 100 according to the present embodiment receives power information and controls the operation of the power generation device 150 based on the power information.

As shown in FIG. 3, the controller device 100 according to the present embodiment uses a method of some or all of the wired or wireless methods, such that the temperature inside the plant factory collected by the plurality of sensors in the plant factory from the gateway 300, Receive some or all of the environmental information of humidity, CO2, and illuminance at predetermined time units, and extract the rate of change of the environmental information from the received environmental information.

Thereafter, the controller device 100 generates a control signal for controlling the growing environment of the crop based on the rate of change of the extracted environmental information and an optimal growing condition for growing a predetermined crop. On the other hand, when the controller device 100 determines that the change rate of the extracted environmental information exceeds a preset minimum change rate based on an environmental condition in which the plant factory 210 is located, the controller device 100 sets the preset time unit to 1 in the controller device 100. Reduced by 2 times. Subsequently, the environmental information of the plant factory 210 is received according to the newly set time unit, and the crop is based on a comparison result of the optimum growth conditions for growing the predetermined crop and the rate of change of the environmental information for the newly set time unit. Generate a control signal to control the cultivation environment.

The controller device 100 recognizes the time period during which the control signal is generated, and receives the amount of power consumed in the process of controlling the cultivation environment of the crop based on the control signal from the power production device 150. Subsequently, the controller device 100 predicts the amount of power required for each time zone required in the process of cultivating crops in the plant factory based on the time zone when the control signal is generated and the amount of power consumed. At this time, the information on the estimated amount of power required for each time zone is transmitted to the power production device 150.

On the other hand, the controller device 100 is stored in the power information of the crops previously grown in the plant factory grouped according to the characteristics of the crop. Subsequently, when it is determined that the new crop is transplanted to the plant factory, the controller device 100 estimates the amount of power consumed in the process of controlling the growing environment of the new crop with reference to the power information of the stored crops. Then, the information on the estimated required amount of power is transmitted to the power production device 150.

The power generation device 150 receives information on the amount of power required for each time zone required in the process of growing the predicted crop from the controller device 100 or the amount of power consumed in the process of controlling the growing environment of a new crop, and stores the battery ( The amount of the reserve power stored in 204 is compared with the amount of power required to operate so that power exceeding the required amount of power is stored in the storage battery 204 at a specific time. On the other hand, the power generation device 150 may be provided as the power required to grow crops in the plant factory when the power exceeding the power stored in the storage battery 204 is used to receive external power.

On the other hand, the power production device 150 uses the wind power generator 200 or the photovoltaic device 202 to produce a reserve power and stores it in the storage battery 204. At this time, the power generation device 150 receives the information on the amount of power required from the controller device 100 charge controller to operate to charge or discharge the power, a fuse to cut off the current when an excessive current of more than a specified value flows through the wire, An inverter for converting the AC power produced by the power production device 150 into a DC power source, the wind power generator 200 or a photovoltaic device 202 may include a switch for controlling the operation.

On the other hand, the control signal for controlling the cultivation environment of the crop generated from the controller device 100 is transmitted to the control module device 310 of the plant factory through the gateway 300, the first to the first in the control module device 310 The N-th

control module unit

312 and 314 controls operations of the air conditioner, the water supply device, and the lighting device corresponding to each other based on the control signal. At this time, the power required to operate each device is provided from the power generation device 150.

4 is an exemplary view illustrating a process in which the controller device 100 according to the present embodiment controls the operation of an air conditioner or a heater according to a temperature change rate.

In general, a plant factory refers to a system that produces agricultural products throughout the year in a facility. The plant is completely controlled from outside and grows crops using only artificial lighting. It is divided into solar combination type to cultivate. In this case, the fully controlled plant factory is completely blocked from the outside and is not significantly affected by the change in the external environment, but in the case of the solar combined use plant factory, the change in the external environment is somewhat affected.

Meanwhile, in the case of the existing plant factory, as a method for controlling the cultivation environment of the cultivated crop, first, the change rate of the environmental information inside the plant factory is extracted after a predetermined time, and the change rate of the extracted environmental information and the preset crop are grown. To compare the optimum cultivation conditions. Thereafter, according to the comparison result produces a control signal for controlling the growing environment of the crop. In this case, even when the environment inside the plant factory changes rapidly according to the change of the external environment, the environment information inside the plant factory is received at a predetermined time unit, and as a result, the rapidly changing environment information is set to the optimal optimal condition for planting. It takes a lot of time and power to control it. Accordingly, the controller device 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment compares a predetermined minimum change rate based on a change rate of the extracted environmental information with an environmental condition in which a plant factory is located, and receives environmental information of a preset crop based on a comparison result. Adjust the time unit. Through this, when the environment inside the plant factory changes rapidly according to the change of the external environment, it is possible to perform faster environmental control and reduce the time and power consumed to optimize the growing environment of the crop. .

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the graph of FIG. 4 illustrates a change rate with respect to temperature among environmental information received inside a plant factory according to a predetermined time unit. In this case, the range I and the range II represent a range in which the rate of change of the extracted temperature does not exceed the preset minimum temperature rate of change. In this case, the controller device 100 determines that the predetermined time unit is properly set in controlling the growing environment of the crop, and determines the rate of change of the temperature extracted after the preset unit and the optimum temperature condition for growing the crop. In comparison, a control signal for controlling the operation of the air conditioner or the heater is generated.

Range III represents a range in which the rate of change of the extracted temperature exceeds a predetermined minimum temperature rate of change. In this case, the controller device 100 generates a change signal for reducing the preset time unit by 1/2. Thereafter, the controller device 100 receives the temperature information inside the plant factory according to the newly set time unit, and extracts the rate of change of the temperature for the newly set time unit, respectively. Thereafter, the controller device 100 generates a control signal for controlling the operation of the air conditioner or heater by comparing the rate of change of the newly extracted temperature with the optimum cultivation conditions for cultivating the crop. Meanwhile, although the graph of FIG. 4 does not show the newly set time unit and the rate of change of temperature during the corresponding time unit after the range III, the process of controlling the preset time unit based on the rate of change of the extracted temperature and the preset minimum temperature change rate. It is merely an example for explaining the temperature information in the plant factory according to the newly set time unit, and the rate of change of temperature during each unit is extracted. In addition, in FIG. 4, the operation of the air conditioner or the heater is shown to operate differently from the previous range in the process of the range III. This is merely an example for explaining that the controller device 100 according to the present embodiment can perform immediate environmental control even when the environment inside the plant factory changes rapidly according to the change of the external environment. The operation of the air conditioner or heater is controlled by comparing the rate of change of temperature and the optimal cultivation conditions for growing the crop during the set time unit. That is, by controlling the operation of the air conditioner or heater using a newly set time unit, it is possible to reduce the time and power consumed to optimize the growing environment of the crop.

The range IV shows a case where the temperature change rate continuously has a value within a predetermined range for a newly set time unit. In this case, the controller device 100 generates a change signal for doubling the newly set time unit, and receives temperature information inside the plant factory according to the newly set time unit. This has the effect of reducing the power consumed in the process of controlling the growing environment of crops.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the cultivation environment of a crop being cultivated in a plant factory by the controller device 100 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, a method of controlling the cultivation environment of a crop being cultivated in a plant factory by the controller device 100 according to the present embodiment first includes the controller device 100 from a plurality of sensors in the plant factory. The process starts with receiving the environmental information of some or all of the internal temperature, humidity, CO2 and illuminance at a predetermined time unit (S500). That is, the controller device 100 receives environmental information corresponding to the sensor from a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a CO2 sensor, an illuminance sensor, etc. installed in a plant factory according to a predetermined time unit.

The controller device 100 extracts the change rate of the environmental information for each predetermined time unit (S510), and determines whether the change rate of the extracted environmental information exceeds the preset minimum change rate based on the environmental conditions in which the plant factory is located. (S520). On the other hand, the controller device 100 has a predetermined time unit for receiving the environmental information inside the plant factory from a plurality of sensors. At this time, the initial setting value of the time unit previously set in the controller device 100 is set by the result determined by the user based on the environmental conditions in which the plant factory is located. For example, if the area where the plant factory is located is an area where clouds frequently occur and sunlight is not provided continuously, the user may set an initial value of the time unit for receiving environmental information to an area where sunlight is continuously provided. It can be set to have a value lower than the initial value of the set time unit.

If it is determined that the rate of change of the environmental information does not exceed the preset minimum rate of change, the controller device 100 compares the rate of change of the environmental information and the predetermined optimal cultivation condition for a predetermined time unit, and compares the control signal based on the comparison result. It generates (S530). That is, when it is determined that the change rate of the extracted environmental information does not exceed the preset minimum change rate, the controller device 100 determines that the time unit set in the controller device 100 is appropriately set in controlling the growing environment of the crop. do. Subsequently, the controller device 100 compares the rate of change of environmental information for a predetermined time unit with an optimal cultivation condition for cultivating a predetermined crop, and provides a control signal for controlling the cultivation environment of the crop based on the comparison result. Create

When it is determined that the change rate of the environmental information exceeds the preset minimum change rate, the controller device 100 generates a change signal for reducing the preset time unit by 1/2 times (S540). In the present embodiment, when the controller device 100 determines that the change rate of the extracted environmental information exceeds the preset minimum change rate, the controller 100 generates a change signal for reducing the preset time unit by 1/2. Instead, the predetermined time unit may be reduced according to various reduction rates.

In addition, the controller device 100 extracts a change rate of the environmental information during the newly set time unit and a control signal for controlling the growing environment of the crop based on a comparison result of the change rate of the environmental information and the optimum cultivation condition for the newly set time unit. To generate (S550). On the other hand, if it is determined that the change rate of the newly extracted environmental information does not exceed the preset minimum change rate, the controller device 100 sets the optimum growth condition for growing the change rate of the environmental information and the preset crop for a newly set time unit. Compare and generate a control signal for controlling the growing environment of the crop based on the comparison result.

On the other hand, when the rate of change of environmental information continuously has a value within a predetermined range for a newly set time unit, the controller device 100 generates a change signal for doubling the newly set time unit. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the change rate of the environmental information continuously has a value within a predetermined range for a newly set time unit, the control signal generator 120 generates a change signal for doubling the newly set time unit. Although specified, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be set to have various increment values.

The controller device 100 receives power information of some or all of the amount of power consumed to control the growing environment of crops using the time zone and the control signal in which the control signal is generated (S560). That is, the power information receiver 130 checks the time period in which the control signal for controlling the crop cultivation environment occurs, and is consumed in the process of controlling the cultivation environment of the crop based on the control signal from the power production device 150. Receive information about the amount of power. On the other hand, the power information receiver 130 receives the power information for the crop for a predetermined period of time, and transmits the average value of the received power information to the controller device (100).

On the other hand, the controller device 100 stores and stores the power information of the crop previously grown in the plant factory according to the characteristics of the crop. That is, the controller device 100 receives power information on crops grown in a plant factory, and stores the received power information by grouping them according to the characteristics of the crop to predict the amount of power consumed when a new crop is transplanted. Use as a criterion for judgment.

The controller device 100 predicts the amount of power required for each time zone based on the power information, and controls the operation of the power production device 150 to hold power exceeding the amount of power expected for the corresponding time slot (S570). That is, the controller device 100 analyzes the power information and checks the amount of power consumed in the process of controlling the crop cultivation environment based on the time zone and the control signal generated by the control signal, and through this, the average value of the power required in a specific time zone. To predict. Thereafter, the controller device 100 compares the amount of the reserve power stored in the power generation device 150 with the estimated amount of power required for each time period, and indicates that the reserve power stored in the power generation device 150 has less power than the amount of power required. If it is determined that the power generation device 150 controls to generate power using renewable energy of some or all of the solar and wind power.

On the other hand, when it is determined that a new crop is transplanted to the plant factory through an image photographing device installed in the plant factory or a user input, the controller device 100 is newly transplanted among a plurality of crop groups stored in the controller device 100. A group similar to the characteristics of the crop is extracted and the average value of the power information of the crops in the group is estimated as the amount of power consumed in controlling the growing environment of the new crop. Thereafter, the power generation device 150 controls the power generation device 150 to generate the required power by transmitting information about the estimated required power amount to the power generation device 150.

In FIG. 5, steps S500 to S570 are described as being sequentially executed. However, this is merely illustrative of the technical idea of an embodiment of the present invention, and the general knowledge in the technical field to which an embodiment of the present invention belongs. Those having a variety of modifications and variations may be applicable by changing the order described in FIG. 5 or executing one or more steps of steps S500 to S570 in parallel without departing from the essential characteristics of one embodiment of the present invention. 5 is not limited to the time series order.

The above description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present embodiment, and those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment belongs may make various modifications and changes without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. Therefore, the present embodiments are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present embodiment but to describe the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of the present embodiment is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present embodiment should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the scope of the present embodiment.

(Explanation of the sign)

100: controller device 110: data receiving unit

120: control signal generator 130: power information receiver

140: power control unit 150: power production device

210: plant factory 220: multi-stage crop growing device

230: fertilizer growing device 300: gateway

310: control module device

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims priority under No. 119 (a) (35 USC § 119 (a)) of the US Patent Act No. 10-2013-0029155, filed with Korea on March 19, 2013. All content is incorporated by reference in this patent application. In addition, if this patent application claims priority for the same reason for countries other than the United States, all its contents are incorporated into this patent application by reference.

Claims

In the controller device for controlling the growing environment of crops cultivated in a plant factory,

A data receiver configured to receive, at a predetermined time unit, environmental information of some or all of temperature, humidity, CO2, and illuminance collected in the plant factory using a plurality of sensors;

Extracting the rate of change of the environmental information for the predetermined time unit, and generating a control signal for controlling the cultivation environment of the crop based on the rate of change of the environmental information and the optimal cultivation conditions for cultivating the preset crop A control signal generator;

A power information receiver configured to receive power information of some or all of the power consumed in the process of controlling the time of generation of the control signal and the cultivation environment of the crop;

A power control unit for predicting the amount of power required for each time zone based on the power information, and controlling the operation of the power production device for producing power so that power exceeding the required power amount predicted in the corresponding time zone is maintained.

Controller device comprising a.
The method of claim 1,

If the control signal generator determines that the rate of change of the environmental information does not exceed a preset minimum rate of change based on an environmental condition in which the plant factory is located, the rate of change of the environmental information and the optimal cultivation for the predetermined time unit And comparing the conditions and generating the control signal based on the comparison result.
The method of claim 1,

When the control signal generator determines that the change rate of the environmental information exceeds a preset minimum change rate based on an environmental condition in which the plant factory is located, generates a change signal for reducing the preset time unit by 1/2 times. And transmit the data to the data receiving unit.
The method of claim 3, wherein

The data receiver receives the environment information according to a time unit newly set by the change signal,

The control signal generator extracts a rate of change of environmental information for the newly set time unit, and generates the control signal based on a comparison result by comparing the rate of change of environmental information and the optimum cultivation condition for the newly set time unit. The controller device characterized by the above-mentioned.
The method of claim 4, wherein

When the rate of change of environmental information continuously has a value within a predetermined range during the newly set time unit, the control signal generating unit generates and transmits a change signal for doubling the newly set time unit to the data receiving unit. The controller device characterized by the above-mentioned.
The method of claim 1,

The power information receiving unit is a controller device, characterized in that the power information of the crops previously grown in the plant factory are grouped and stored according to the characteristics of the crop.
The method of claim 6,

If it is determined that a new crop is transplanted to the plant factory, the power control unit predicts the amount of power consumed in the process of controlling the growing environment of the new crop by referring to the power information of the previously grown crop, and predicts the required amount of power. Controller device, characterized in that for transmitting information about the power generation device.
The method of claim 1,

The power control unit controls the power generation device to generate power using renewable energy of part or all of solar and wind power based on the amount of reserve power stored in the power generation device and the estimated amount of power required for each time period. Controller device, characterized in that.
In the method for the controller device to control the cultivation environment of crops grown in the plant factory,

Receiving environmental information of some or all of temperature, humidity, CO2, and illuminance collected in the plant factory by a predetermined time unit using a plurality of sensors;

Extracting the rate of change of the environmental information for the predetermined time unit, and generating a control signal for controlling the cultivation environment of the crop based on the rate of change of the environmental information and the optimal cultivation conditions for cultivating the preset crop Process of doing;

Receiving power information of a part or all of the amount of power consumed to control the cultivation environment of the crop using the time period when the control signal is generated and the control signal;

The process of estimating the amount of power required for each time zone based on the power information, and controlling the operation of the power production device for generating power so that power exceeding the amount of power expected for the time period is retained.

Cultivation environment control method of a crop comprising a.
The method of claim 9,

In the generating of the control signal, when it is determined that the rate of change of the environmental information does not exceed a preset minimum rate of change based on an environmental condition in which the plant factory is located, the rate of change of the environmental information and the A method for controlling a growing environment of a crop, characterized in that for comparing the optimum growing conditions and generating the control signal based on the comparison result.
The method of claim 9,

The generating of the control signal may include a change signal for reducing the preset time unit by 1/2 times when it is determined that the change rate of the environmental information exceeds a preset minimum change rate based on an environmental condition in which the plant factory is located. Method for controlling the cultivation environment of the crop, characterized in that it further comprises the step of generating a.
The method of claim 11,

The receiving may further include receiving the environment information according to a time unit newly set by the change signal.

The generating of the control signal may include extracting a rate of change of environmental information for the newly set time unit, and comparing the rate of change of environmental information and the optimal cultivation condition for the newly set time unit and comparing the control signal based on a comparison result. Method for controlling the growing environment of crops, characterized in that the generation.
The method of claim 12,

The generating of the control signal may further include generating a change signal for doubling the newly set time unit when the rate of change of environmental information continuously has a value within a predetermined range during the newly set time unit. Method for controlling the cultivation environment of the crop, characterized in that.