WO2019245388A2

WO2019245388A2 - A hydroponic system

Info

Publication number: WO2019245388A2
Application number: PCT/NZ2019/050068
Authority: WO
Inventors: Keith Raymond Morgan; Roberto Julio Francisco LOPEZ
Original assignee: Keith Raymond Morgan; Lopez Roberto Julio Francisco
Priority date: 2018-06-19
Filing date: 2019-06-14
Publication date: 2019-12-26
Also published as: WO2019245388A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hydroponic system comprising a waterproof panel within which are formed one or more growing sections for locating plants. The plants may be located directly within the growing sections or they may be placed within growing containers that are located within the growing sections. The panel comprises at least one integrally formed fluid delivery channel configured to deliver fluid, such as nutrient solution, to each growing section.

Description

A HYDROPONIC SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a hydroponic system for growing plants and that has integrally formed fluid delivery channels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions in water and in the absence of soil. Hydroponics have several advantages to conventional horticultural methods where the plant is grown in soil. The primary advantage is that it is possible to obtain high yields due to the ability to control the level of nutrients fed to the plants. The yields obtained by hydroponics are difficult to obtain with plants grown in soil. Also, hydroponics provides for the nutrient solution to be recirculated or aerated, which avoids anoxic conditions that can kill root systems in soil.

There are several types of hydroponic systems. The roots may be exposed directly to the nutrient solution or may be supported by an inert medium such as gravel, rockwool, perlite, vermiculite, pumice, coconut coir, sand or the like.

Additionally, there are several methods for delivering the nutrient solution to the plant roots using hydroponics. Under static methods of delivery, the plant is grown in containers holding the nutrient solution. The nutrient solution is typically aerated. If the solution is unaerated, the solution level is generally kept low. The nutrient solution is then replaced on a regular basis.

Another method for delivering nutrient solution to plants is the nutrient film technique (NFT). Under this method, the nutrient solution flows constantly or intermittently past the roots and into a mixing reservoir. Before the solution is recirculated, new nutrients are added to replenish those absorbed by the plant. In addition, the nutrient solution may be aerated.

Other methods for delivering nutrient solution are the ebb and flow or flood and drain irrigation techniques. Using these techniques, an upper tray is filled with the nutrient solution and then allowed to drain to a lower tray, passing the roots of plants along the way to allow the plants to take up at least some of the nutrient solution. This cycle is then repeated.

Another method for delivering nutrient solution is the run to waste method. Under this method, the nutrient solution is applied once to the roots of plants and is then discarded.

In known hydroponic systems, various plumbing systems are used to either drip feed fluid to the plants or to pump the fluid through a series of pipes. In both arrangements, the plumbing systems must be independently installed and set up.

For example, United States patent publication no. US 2012/0005958 A1 discloses a hydroponic system that comprises a vertically hanging plastic tubing. Welded barriers may be formed in the plastic tubing to create separate growing regions. Each region includes at least one growing space for holding one or more plants. Each growing space may contain an inert medium where the hydroponic solution is added to the top of the bag and drained out of the bottom of the bag to be recycled. The nutrient solution is gravity fed to the plant's roots by flowing from the top region to the bottom region.

European patent publication no. EP 0406458A1 discloses a hydroponic system formed of plastic sheeting or tubing that includes distinct growing spaces for each plant. Once the nutrient solution is delivered to the bag then the nutrient solution is gravity fed to the plant's roots.

Both systems described in US 2012/0005958 A1 and EP 0406458A1 require additional plumbing to deliver the nutrient solution to the growing spaces. The additional plumbing introduces an added cost to the hydroponic system and an added step of installation. The plumbing system can also be awkward to install and may lead to damage of the plastic hanging member used to hold the plants.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a hydroponic system comprising a hanging member having integral plumbing or to at least provide the public with a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the invention provides a hydroponic system for growing one or more plants, comprising : a waterproof panel comprising a first layer of flexible plastic and a second layer of flexible plastic. At least one opening is formed in the first layer to provide access to a growing space for receiving one or more plants. The panel also comprises at least one integrally formed fluid delivery channel in fluid communication with a channel inlet and a channel outlet through which fluid can be provided to the growing spaces in the panel.

In some forms, the waterproof panel comprises flexible plastic tubing or at least two flexible plastic sheets to form the first layer and the second layer of material.

Preferably, the front and rear layers of the panel are welded together at various locations to define the fluid delivery channel.

Alternatively, a third layer of flexible waterproof sheet may be attached to the first layer using a sealed join to form the fluid delivery channel. At least one channel outlet is formed in the first layer, the channel outlet being in fluid communication with the fluid delivery channel to allow the fluid to pass from the fluid delivery channel to the growing space between the first and second layers of the panel. Preferably, the third layer is welded or adhered to the first layer. In some forms, the third layer comprises a plastic sheet, the first layer also comprises a plastic sheet or a layer of plastic tubing and the third layer is welded or adhered to the first layer to form the fluid delivery channel. In one form, the panel comprises a panel outlet through which fluid that has not been absorbed by the plants can be drained from the panel.

In some embodiments, the channel inlet may be located at an upper portion, a central portion, or a lower portion of the panel. The channel inlet is configured to receive fluid that is pumped through the channel inlet and then through the fluid delivery channel to the channel outlet.

In some forms, the panel comprises two or more fluid delivery channels in fluid communication with the channel inlet and panel outlet.

Optionally, at least one of the fluid delivery channels is located along one side of the panel.

In one form, the fluid delivery channel extending from the channel inlet is a primary fluid delivery channel, which branches into two or more secondary fluid delivery channels, each secondary fluid delivery channel comprising a channel outlet.

In one form, at least one secondary fluid delivery channel has a smaller lateral cross- section to at least one other secondary fluid delivery channel to restrict fluid flow through the smaller fluid delivery channel.

In one form, at least one channel outlet has a smaller opening to at least one other channel outlet to restrict fluid flow through the smaller channel outlet.

In some embodiments, the panel comprises at least two growing sections, each growing section comprising at least one growing space. At least one fluid delivery channel provides fluid to each growing section. Preferably, the panel comprises an upper growing section and a lower growing section and the upper growing section comprises a section outlet through which fluid from the upper growing section can pass to the lower growing section.

Optionally, the panel is formed from lay flat plastic tube. Preferably, the panel is formed from flexible polyethylene tubing.

In some forms, the panel is configured to be vertically suspended from a suspension member. Preferably, the system comprises a suspension member and the panel is configured to attach to and hang from the suspension member.

In one form, a reservoir is located in the panel and is in fluid communication with at least one of the fluid delivery channels. Preferably, the reservoir is located between the front and rear layers of the panel and is defined by sealed seams between the front and rear layers. The reservoir comprises a first reservoir inlet for receiving the fluid into the reservoir and a reservoir outlet in fluid communication with at least one of the fluid delivery channels. Optionally, the system further comprises a pump to pump the fluid through the fluid delivery channel(s) in the panel. In some embodiments, the pump is located in the reservoir.

In some forms, the system further comprises an electronic control system comprising an electronic controller and a fluid level control member comprising at least fluid level sensor. The electronic control system is connected to the pump and is configured to activate and deactivate the pump based on one or more signals from the fluid level sensor.

Optionally, the fluid level control member comprises at least one fluid level sensor located near one end of the fluid level control member.

Alternatively or additionally, the fluid level control member comprises at least one sensor for measuring the concentration of nutrients in the fluid, the nutrient concentration sensor being located at another end of the fluid level control member.

Preferably, the fluid level sensor signals to the electronic controller when the fluid level of the reservoir falls below a predetermined minimum desired level and the electronic controller is programmed to then open a valve or activate a pump to fill the reservoir with fluid to the desired predetermined level.

Preferably, the nutrient concentration sensor signals the electronic controller when the conductivity of fluid within the reservoir falls below a predetermined threshold and the electronic controller is programmed to then operate a pump to add nutrients to the fluid in the reservoir until the nutrient concentration of the fluid reaches the predetermined threshold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, brief descriptions of which are provided below.

Figure la is a schematic, plan view of one form of hydroponic system according to the invention, in which the system comprises a panel formed of front and rear layers of waterproof/plastic sheet or tubing arranged to form two sections partially separated by a welded barrier. The system has a fluid inlet at the top of the panel that is connected to fluid delivery channels that are integrally formed in the panel.

Figure lb is a schematic, cross-sectional side view taken along line A-A of the hydroponic system of Figure la and including two sections, each section being partially separated by a welded barrier formed between front and rear layers of the panel.

Figure lc is another schematic, cross-sectional side view taken along line A-A of the hydroponic system of Figure la and including two sections, each section being partially separated by a welded barrier formed between front and rear layers of the panel and being arranged so that the front layer of waterproof/plastic sheet has a greater area than the rear layer to form an asymmetrical panel arrangement with pouch-like growing areas on the front. Figure Id is yet another schematic, cross-sectional side view taken along line A-A of the hydroponic system of Figure la and including two sections that are formed as separate panel portions which are then joined together to form the complete panel of the hydroponic system of the invention.

Figure 2a is a schematic, plan view of another form of hydroponic system according to the invention, in which the system comprises a panel formed of front and rear layers of waterproof/plastic sheet or tubing arranged to form two sections and also comprising a third section forming a fluid reservoir at the bottom of the panel. The fluid reservoir includes a reservoir inlet that is connected to integrally formed fluid delivery channels and also includes a pump located within the reservoir.

Figure 2b is a schematic, cross-sectional side view taken along line B-B of the hydroponic system of Figure 2a and including three sections, each section being partially separated by a welded barrier formed between front and rear layers of the panel.

Figure 2c is another schematic, cross-sectional side view taken along line B-B of the hydroponic system of Figure 2a and including three sections, each section being partially separated by a welded barrier formed between front and rear layers of the panel and being arranged so that the front layer of waterproof/plastic sheet has a greater area than the rear layer to form an asymmetrical panel arrangement.

Figure 2d is yet another schematic, cross-sectional side view taken along line B-B of the hydroponic system of Figure 2a and including three sections, the top and middle sections being partially separated by a welded barrier formed between front and rear layers of the panel and the bottom section being formed as a separate panel portion that is attached to the middle section to form the complete panel of the hydroponic system of the invention.

Figure 3a is a schematic, plan view of one form of hydroponic system according to the invention, in which the system comprises a panel formed of front and rear layers of waterproof/plastic sheet or tubing arranged to form two sections and having a fluid inlet at the bottom of the panel that is connected to an integrally formed fluid delivery channel.

Figure 3b is a schematic, cross-sectional side view taken along line C-C of the hydroponic system of Figure 3a and including two sections, each section being partially separated by a welded barrier formed between front and rear layers of the panel and further comprising a channel inlet and fluid delivery channel located in a bottom portion of the panel and being formed from welds between the front and rear waterproof/plastic layers of the panel.

Figure 3c is a schematic, cross-sectional side view taken along line C-C of the hydroponic system of Figure 3a that includes two sections, each section being partially separated by a welded barrier formed between front and rear layers of the panel and being arranged so that the front layer of waterproof/plastic sheet has a greater area than the rear layer to form an asymmetrical panel arrangement. The system further comprises a channel inlet and a fluid delivery channel located in a bottom portion of the panel and formed from welds between the front and rear waterproof/plastic layers of the panel.

Figure 4a is a schematic, plan view of one form of hydroponic system according to the invention, in which the system comprises a panel formed of front and rear layers of waterproof/plastic sheet or tubing arranged to form two sections, each section being separated by a welded barrier formed between front and rear layers of the panel. The system also includes a channel inlet connected to a fluid delivery channel passing along an upper portion of the lower section.

Figure 4b is a schematic, cross-sectional side view taken along line D-D of the hydroponic system of Figure 4a that shows the fluid delivery channel formed from a portion of the rear layer of waterproof/plastic sheet/tubing that has been welded or otherwise joined together to form a fluid delivery channel within the rear layer.

Figure 5a is a schematic, plan view of one form of hydroponic system according to the invention, in which the system comprises a panel formed of front and rear layers of waterproof/plastic sheet or tubing arranged to form two sections. The system also includes a channel inlet connected to a fluid delivery channel passing along an upper portion of the lower section.

Figure 5b is a schematic, cross-sectional side view taken along line E-E of the hydroponic system of Figure 5a that shows that the two sections are separated by a welded barrier formed between front and rear layers of the panel and that the fluid delivery channel is formed from a third layer of waterproof/plastic sheet/tubing that has been welded or otherwise joined to the panel to form an integral fluid delivery channel within the panel.

Figure 5c is a schematic, cross-sectional side view taken along line E-E of the hydroponic system of Figure 5a that shows that the two sections are formed as separate portions that are then joined together and that the fluid delivery channel is formed from a third layer of waterproof/plastic sheet or tubing that has been welded or otherwise joined to the panel to form an integral fluid delivery channel within the panel.

Figure 6a is a schematic, plan view of one form of hydroponic system according to the invention, in which the system comprises a panel formed of front and rear layers of waterproof/plastic sheet or tubing arranged to form two sections, each section being partially separated by a welded barrier formed between front and rear layers of the panel.

Figure 6b is a schematic, cross-sectional side view taken along line F-F of the hydroponic system of Figure 5a that shows the first and second sections and the inlet and fluid delivery channel being formed as separate portions that are then joined together. Figure 7 is a schematic front view of one form of fluid level control member.

Figure 8 is a schematic view depicting the fluid level control member of Figure 7 in a reservoir.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention relates to a hydroponic system for growing one or more plants.

Referring to the embodiments shown in Figures la to 6b, the hydroponic growing system 100 of the invention comprises a flexible panel 110, which may otherwise be referred to as a growing bag. The panel 110 is preferably formed of flexible waterproof layers of material, such as plastic layers or canvas layers or fabric layers that are lined or coated with a water proof material, such as plastic. The layers are joined together at several locations to form seals within the panel. At least some seals are used to define growing sections within the panel and some seals are used to create fluid delivery channels within the panel.

To form seals within the panel, the waterproof/plastic layers may be joined together, such as by welding or adhering the layers together or joining the layers together by any other suitable method.

The panel 110 may be formed from flexible waterproof/plastic tubing or from at least two flexible waterproof/plastic sheets, so that the panel 110 comprises a first layer 110a of flexible waterproof/plastic sheet and a second layer 110b of flexible waterproof/plastic sheet. For example, in one form, the comprises at least two flexible waterproof/plastic sheets layered one on top of the other to form the first layer/front layer 110a and the second layer/rear layer 110b. In an alternate form, the panel 110 comprises flexible waterproof/plastic sheet tubing, such as blow moulded tubing, as shown in Figures la and lb. As the tubing lies flat, the panel includes a first layer 110a, which may form from the front layer of tubing for example, and a second layer 110b, which may form the rear layer of tubing. For the sake of simplicity, the first 110a and second layers 110b of the panel will be referred to in this specification as waterproof/plastic sheet, but it should be appreciated that the sheet layers 110a, 110b may be formed of separate sheets of waterproof/plastic material or of waterproof/plastic tubing that is laid flat to form the first sheet and the second sheet. In some embodiments, the first layer of waterproof/plastic sheet may be the front layer of the panel and the second layer may be the rear layer. In other embodiments, the first layer of waterproof/plastic sheet may be the rear layer and the second layer may be the front layer of waterproof/plastic sheet.

It is important that the waterproof/plastic sheet of the panel is sufficiently strong to support and hold the weight of one or more plants and of the fluid fed to the plants. It is also important that the layers of waterproof/plastic panel 110 are able to be welded, adhered or otherwise joined together to form watertight seams. Preferably, the waterproof/plastic sheet 110a, 110b is thin and flexible so that the panel 110 can be rolled up or folded into a smaller shape when packaged and ready for sale or for storage when not in use.

One suitable form of plastic for the manufacture of the panel 110 is flexible polyethylene tubing, which can be readily welded together to form a sealed seam. However, other types of plastic, materials or composites may be used instead. For example, the panel could be made from polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, or polyamide (nylon).

In one form, the panel 110 is arranged to be supported by or suspended from at least one suspension member 120. Optionally, the suspension member 120 comprises at least one hook, or the like that engages with an eyelet, loop, hook, or the like attached to or formed on the panel so that the panel can hang from the suspension member. Alternatively, the suspension member comprises one or more eyelets, loops or hooks that engage with one or more hooks provided on the panel. Preferably, the hydroponic system comprises multiple hooks and loops that engage with each other across the width of the panel.

In another form, as shown in Figures la to 6b, the panel is arranged to be suspended from a suspension member 120 comprising a rod, dowel, pole or the like that is horizontally arranged during use so that the panel 110 hangs vertically below the suspension member 120. The waterproof/plastic panel 110 may be configured to be suspended from the suspension member 120 in any suitable arrangement. For example, the panel 110 may comprise an upper section that forms a lateral tube 111 crossing from one side edge of the panel 110 to the other side edge. The tube 111 comprises at least one opening, and preferably comprises an opening at each end, so that the suspension member 120 can be located within the lateral tube 111, as shown in Figures la to 6b. In this arrangement, the panel 110 is able to hang from the suspension member 120, which may itself be attached to a wall, soffit, or other structure for supporting the hydroponic growing system 100.

In yet another form, the panel is arranged to be suspended from a suspension member comprising a support structure, such as a frame or trestle that the panel is attached to or rests on in a generally vertical orientation. This orientation includes an arrangement in which the panel rests on a sloping support structure/frame.

The panel 110 is configured to support and hold one or more plants. To this end, the panel 110 comprises at least one opening 112 formed in the first layer 110a of the panel, the second layer 110b of the panel, or both the first and second layers 110a, 110b. The opening 112 provides access to a growing space for receiving one or more plants that may be placed in the panel 110 so that the roots of the plants are located between the first and second panel layers 110a, 110b. The plants may be placed directly within the growing spaces or one or more plants may be placed within a growing container that is placed within an opening 112 to be held in a growing space of the panel 110. In some forms, the panel 110 may hold multiple growing containers located within respective growing spaces of the panel 110.

To provide the plants with the necessary water and nutrient requirements for growth, the system requires plumbing to feed fluid to the roots of the plants. In known hydroponic systems, the plumbing is generally extraneous to the growing bag and needs to be created, connected, and manipulated to feed fluid to plants at the desired locations.

The hydroponic growing system 100 of the present invention includes plumbing that is integrally formed within the panel 110. In this arrangement, the panel 110 comprises at least one channel inlet 113 and at least one channel outlet 114. Each inlet 113 and outlet 114 is in fluid communication with a fluid delivery channel 115 to deliver fluid, such as water and nutrient solution, to the plants.

The channel inlet 113 receives fluid from a fluid source and each channel outlet 114 delivers that fluid to at least one growing section 116 within the panel 110. Fluid passes through the growing section 116 by flowing along the bottom of the growing section to an outlet 116a of the growing section or to an outlet 117 of the panel 110.

The panel outlet 117 allows the portion of fluid that is not absorbed by the plants to exit the fluid delivery channel(s) 115 and enter into a fluid receiver, such as a reservoir, drain or waste unit. Together, each channel inlet 113, channel outlet 114, and connected fluid delivery channel 115 provides a fluid flow path within the panel 110, through which fluid can be pumped to the roots of plants held within the one or more growing spaces located in one or more growing sections 116 in the panel 110.

In some embodiments, the panel 110 may comprise a primary fluid delivery channel 115i that divides or branches into two or more secondary fluid delivery channels 115M. In this embodiment, each secondary fluid delivery channel comprises a channel outlet 114. The secondary delivery channels 115M and channel outlets 114 may be the same size or the sizes may different to vary the amount of fluid flowing out of each channel outlet and therefore to vary the amount of fluid directed to different locations of the panel. For example, one of the secondary delivery channels may have a smaller diameter or lateral cross-section than at least one other secondary delivery channel to restrict fluid flow through the smaller channel. Alternatively, or additionally, one of the channel outlets may have a smaller opening than at least one other channel outlet to restrict fluid flow through the smaller channel outlet, as shown in Figures 3a, 5a, and 6a.

In one embodiment, one or each fluid delivery channel 115 may be formed within the panel 110 by joining together the first and second layers 110a, 110b of the panel at desired locations, such as by welding, adhering or otherwise joining the layers together to form a sealed seam 118. By forming two sealed seams 118 close together in a generally parallel arrangement, the seams 118 define a fluid delivery channel through the system. In some forms, one or more openings may be provided in a seam 118 and sealed seams may extend from the either side of the opening(s) to form sealed branches from a fluid delivery channel. In this way, multiple fluid delivery channels 115 may be formed within the panel 110, each being in fluid communication with each other, as shown in Figures 2a and 4a.

In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 5a to 5c, one or each fluid delivery channel 115 may be formed within the panel 110 by attaching a third layer 110c of flexible waterproof sheet (such as canvas or plastic sheet or a sheet of material that is coated or lined with a waterproof material such as plastic), to the first layer using a sealed connection, such as by welding, adhering, or otherwise joining the layers together. In this arrangement, the fluid delivery channel is formed between the outer surface of the first layer 110a and the inner surface of the third layer 110c. At least one channel outlet 114 is formed in the first layer 110a and is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery channel 115 to allow fluid to pass from the fluid delivery channel 115 through the channel inlet 113 and into the growing section(s) 116 located between the first and second layers 110a, 110b of the panel. In other embodiments, the same panel arrangement is created by joining the third layer 110c to the second layer 110b of the panel and forming the channel outlet 114 in the second layer 110b, as shown in Figure 5c.

In yet another embodiment, one or each fluid delivery channel may be formed on the inside surface of the first or second layer by creating a fold in the waterproof/plastic layer and then creating a seal at a desired distance from the fold line. The distance between the seal and the fold line is roughly equivalent to the width/diameter of the fluid delivery channel.

The panel 110 may be at least partially separated into two or more growing sections 116. The growing sections 116 may be located vertically, such as in a column of 1x2 or 1x3 or 1x4 growing sections, for example. Or the growing sections 116 may be arranged horizontally in a row of 2x1 or 3x1 or 4x1, for example. Alternatively, the growing sections 116 may be both horizontally arranged and vertically arranged to form a multi-column, multi- row matrix, such as a 2x2 or 2x3 or 3x3 arrangement, for example.

One or more openings 112 and therefore one or more growing spaces may be provided in each growing section.

The growing sections 116 may be defined by one or more joins/welds/seams 118 in the panel that provide the growing section 116 with side seams and a bottom seam.

In one form, the first and second layers of the panel may be joined/welded together at desired locations to form separate growing sections 116, as shown in Figures lb and lc.

In another form, one or more growing sections may be formed as a separate portion of the panel 110 and may be joined to another growing section to form a complete panel 110, as shown in Figure Id. In this arrangement, the separately formed growing section may be formed of flexible waterproof/plastic tubing, such as blow moulded tubing, which is sealed together along the side edges. Alternatively, the separately formed growing section may be formed from a single waterproof sheet (such as a canvas or plastic sheet or a sheet that is coated or lined with waterproof material, such as plastic), that is folded in half to form a bottom edge and front and rear layers and that is sealed along its side edges, as shown in Figure Id. In yet another embodiment, the separately formed growing section may be formed from two flexible waterproof/plastic sheets that form front and rear layers and that are sealed together along the bottom edge and side edges.

Each growing section 116 is located within a generally u-shaped cavity provided between the side seams and above the bottom seam. These cavities may alternatively be referred to as gullies.

One way of creating the side seams of a growing section 116, is to join together the first and second layers at or near the side edges of the panel. To create the bottom seam, the first and second layers are joined together along a generally horizontal line that extends at least partially across the width of the panel.

In another form, the side seams and/or bottom seam of a growing section may be provided by a seam that defines one side of a fluid delivery channel.

In some forms, the bottom seam may extend only part way across the width of the panel 110 to form an opening through which fluid may exit from the growing section. The opening defines a growing section outlet 116a through which fluid can exit the growing section 116. Optionally, the bottom seam may slope downwardly toward the opening 116a to encourage fluid to drain away from the growing section 116 and through the growing section outlet 116a under the force of gravity.

In some forms, fluid that passes through the outlet 116a of one growing section, may then enter into another growing section below. In other forms, where a growing section is not located above another growing section, fluid may exit that growing section 116 through a panel outlet 117, as shown in Figures la, 4a and 5a.

By forming fluid delivery channels 115 and growing sections 116 at desired locations on or within the panel 110, it is possible to locate the channel inlet(s) 113 at any desired location on or within the panel 110. For example, a channel inlet 113 may be located at an upper portion (as shown in Figure la), a central portion (as shown in Figure 4a and 6a), or a lower portion of the panel 110 (as shown in Figure 3a and 5a).

In one form, a fluid delivery channel 115 may pass across the width of the panel 110 from one side to another or may extend generally vertically along one side of the panel 110. In one form, fluid is provided to the channel inlet(s) 113 from an external source, which may be an externally located fluid reservoir, container or tap, for example. Typically, the fluid is provided via a conduit 119 that connects with a fluid delivery channel inlet 113 or is at least partially fed into the fluid delivery channel via the channel inlet 113.

In another form, fluid is provided to the channel inlet(s) 113 from a reservoir 130 located in the panel 110. For example, as shown in Figures 2a to 2d, the reservoir 130 may be located beneath the growing sections 116 and between the first and second layers of the panel 110. The reservoir 130 may be defined by joins, such as welds, between the first and second layers 110a, 110b of the panel 110. The joins/welds form a sealed periphery of the reservoir 130. The reservoir 130 may comprise a first reservoir inlet 131 for receiving fluid from an external source, such as another reservoir, container, or tap for example. The reservoir 130 may also comprise a reservoir outlet 132 connected to the channel inlet 113 and through which the fluid is provided to the fluid delivery channel(s) within the panel 110.

In one form, the reservoir 130 also comprises a second reservoir inlet 133 that is in fluid connection with a growing section outlet 116a for receiving fluid from the growing section outlet 116a.

As shown in Figure 2a, the system 100 may comprise a pump 140 held within the panel 110. The pump 140 is configured to pump the fluid from the reservoir 130 and through the fluid delivery channel(s) 115 in the panel 110. In one form, the pump 140 is located in the reservoir 130 and is configured to recirculate fluid through the fluid delivery channel(s) 115 in the panel 110. In some forms, the pump 140 may be configured to draw fluid into the reservoir 130 from an external fluid source and to pump fluid from the reservoir through the fluid delivery channels 115 of the panel 110.

As will be appreciated, many different panel arrangements may be created without departing from the scope of the present invention. The embodiments shown in Figures la to 6b depict just some of those arrangements.

In the hydroponic system 100 shown in Figure la, the panel is formed from waterproof/plastic tubing, such as lay flat tube. A fluid delivery channel 115 is located near the top of the panel 110 and is formed from welding the front or first layer of the waterproof/plastic tube to the second or rear layer to form two generally parallel seams 118 that create an internal tube/channel 115 within the panel 110. In this particular embodiment, the seams 118 continue around one corner of the panel to create a corner within the fluid delivery channel 115 that directs fluid downward. The panel 110 includes two growing sections 116, one above the other. Two growing spaces are provided in each growing section 116. A divider 115a is located in a first channel outlet 114 in the fluid delivery channel 115 above the bottom of the upper/first growing section 116. Fluid may be provided from an external fluid source through the channel inlet 113 and into the fluid delivery channel 115 at the top of the panel 110. Fluid runs along the top portion of the fluid delivery channel 115 and then follows the corner of the channel 115 and falls down in the direction of the bottom of the panel 110 until the fluid reaches the divider 115a. The divider 115a causes some fluid within the fluid delivery channel 115 to pass through the first channel outlet 114 and into the upper/first growing section 116i. The remaining fluid continues along the fluid delivery channel 115 and through the second channel outlet 114 to the lower/second growing section 116M.

Fluid that enters the first growing section 116i drops to the bottom of the growing section which is defined by a welded seam that extends across a portion of the width of the panel 110. The fluid flows along the bottom seam and through the first and second growing spaces of the first growing section 116. The fluid then reaches the fluid outlet 116a of the first growing section 116i and drops down to the second growing section 116M below. To help fluid flow toward the growing section outlet 116a or panel outlet 117, the bottom of the growing section may be angled toward the outlet 116a, 117 either by tilting the panel toward the outlet or by forming the bottom of the growing section (such as a bottom seam of the growing section) to slope toward the outlet 116a, 117.

Fluid that enters the second growing section 116M from the fluid delivery channel 115 also drops to the bottom of that growing section 116M, defined by the bottom of the panel 110. The fluid then runs along the bottom of the panel 110 and through the growing spaces of the second growing section 116M.

The fluid is encouraged to move toward a panel outlet 117, where the fluid exits the panel 110 and is directed to a fluid reservoir, drain, or waste receiver. In one form, as shown, the panel outlet 117 may comprises a siphon located in the lower growing section 116M. The siphon may be alternately closed and opened to alternately fill and drain the fluid from the panel 110 using the fill and drain system of hydroponic growing. Optionally, the first and second layers 110a, 110b of the waterproof/plastic panel 110 may be held apart in the region of the siphon or panel outlet 117 by any suitable arrangement. For example, a separator may be created using a U-shaped member to create a space above the siphon/panel outlet 117, as shown.

It is also possible to provide growing sections 116 having different profiles. For example, Figure lb shows an arrangement where the front layer of a panel 110 formed from waterproof/plastic tube is joined to the back layer along a welded seam to form two growing sections 116i, 116M. Figure lc shows a similar arrangement, but in this system, the upper growing section 116i is not symmetrical because the first layer 110a has a greater area of sheet waterproof/plastic than the second layer 110b. In effect, the first layer 110a forms an expanded space or pouch. A pot containing growing medium may be located in the pouch to grow seeds, for example. Figure Id shows a similar arrangement, but in this arrangement, the upper and lower growing sections 116i, 116M are formed individually as portions that are then joined together to complete the panel 110.

Figure 2 shows another form of hydroponic growing system 110 formed from lay flat waterproof/plastic tubing and comprising upper/first and lower/second growing sections 116i, 116M and a reservoir 130 to receive fluid from the growing sections 116i, 116M that has not been absorbed by plants located within the growing sections 116. A pump 140 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 130. Fluid received in the reservoir via a growing section outlet 116a (which also acts as a reservoir inlet 133) is then recycled by being pumped to the upper and lower growing sections through fluid delivery channels 115 defined by welded seams formed in the waterproof/plastic tubing.

In the fluid delivery channels 115 of this system, channel outlets 114 are provided at both the upper 116i and lower 116M growing sections so that a portion of the fluid pumped from the pump flows into the upper growing section and a portion of the fluid flows into the lower growing section. In the configuration illustrated, approximately 50% of fluid is pumped to each growing section 116. However, in an alternate configuration, the diameter of the fluid delivery channel directing fluid to the upper growing section 116i may be narrower than the diameter of the channel 115 directing fluid to the lower growing section 116M to direct a greater proportion of fluid into the lower growing section 116M. Alternatively, the channel outlet 114 to the lower growing section 116M may be narrowed to direct a greater proportion of fluid to the upper growing section 116i.

The embodiments shown in Figures 2b to 2d illustrate different panel configurations that can be used to provide the same fluid delivery channel layout illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 2a. For example, Figure 2b, shows a simple arrangement in which the panel 110 is made from thin, flexible waterproof/plastic tube where the front layer 110a of the tube is welded to the rear layer 110b at desired locations to form sealed seams 118 that create fluid delivery channels 115, growing sections 116 and the reservoir 130. Figure 2c shows a similar arrangement, but it in this embodiment, the area of waterproof/plastic sheet that forms the front layer 110a is greater than the area of waterproof/plastic sheet that forms the rear layer 110b of the panel 110. A resulting pouch is formed at the front of each growing section. The pouch provides a space for inserting a plant pot or growing medium into the openings 112 to each growing space. Figure 2d shows a panel where the reservoir 130 has been separately formed and then joined to the lower growing section 116M of the panel 110.

The hydroponic growing system 100 shown in Figure 3a comprises a fluid delivery channel inlet 113 and channel 115 at the bottom of the panel 110. The fluid delivery channel 115 then continues up one side of the panel and comprises a first channel outlet 114 adjacent to the second/lower growing section 116M and a second channel outlet 114 adjacent to the first/upper growing section 116i. In this arrangement, an external pump is used to pump fluid through a delivery conduit 119 and through the fluid delivery channels 115 of the panel to both the upper and lower growing sections 116i, 116M. The first fluid outlet 114 has a smaller opening than the second fluid outlet to encourage a greater proportion of fluid to be pumped to the upper growing section 116i. Fluid then runs along the bottom seam 118 of the upper growing section 116i, through the growing spaces, and to the growing section outlet 116a, where fluid enters into the lower growing section 116M. Optionally, a panel outlet 117 is provided in the lower growing section 116M to allow remaining fluid that has not been absorbed by plants to exit the panel 110. Figures 3b and 3c show different configurations of panel that may be created to have the same growing section and fluid channel layout as shown in Figure la.

The hydroponic growing systems 100 shown in Figures 4a to 5c comprise a fluid delivery channel inlet 113 and channel 115 at a central region of the panel 110. In this arrangement, the main fluid delivery channel runs 115 along the width of the panel and reaches a T-intersection where the main channel branches into two channels: one channel 115 extending upward toward the first/upper growing section 116i and the other channel 115 extending downward toward the section/lower growing section 116M. Optionally, a panel outlet 117 may be formed in both the upper growing section 116i and the lower growing section 116M. Alternatively, the upper growing section 116i may include a growing section outlet 116a that drains into the lower growing section 116M where a panel outlet 117 may be provided, as shown in Figures 4a and 5a. In the embodiment illustrated, the main fluid delivery channel 115 is formed from welded seams formed in one layer of the panel 110. However, in another embodiment, a third layer of waterproof/plastic sheet may be joined to one layer of the panel to define the main fluid delivery channel between the panel layer and the third sheet, as shown in Figures 5a to 5c. Channel outlets 114 are formed in the panel layer to allow fluid from the fluid delivery channel to flow into the growing sections of the panel.

The hydroponic growing systems 100 shown in Figures 6a and 6b comprise a fluid delivery channel inlet 113 and channel 115 at or near the bottom of the panel 110. The panel includes a first/upper growing section 116i and a second/lower growing section 116M. In this arrangement, the main fluid delivery channel runs 115 from the inlet 113 at one side of the panel, along the width of the panel to the other side of the panel, where the channel 115 extends generally vertically along that side of the panel through the second growing section 116M to the first growing section 116i. First and second channel outlets 114 are provided at the first growing section and at the second growing section respectively to allow fluid from the channel to enter into each of the growing sections. The first channel outlet 114 at the first growing section 116i may have a larger opening than the second channel outlet 114 provided at the second growing section 116M to encourage a greater proportion of fluid to be pumped to the first growing section 116i. After reaching the first growing section 116i, the fluid runs along the bottom of the first growing section, through the growing spaces, through the growing section outlet 116a, and into the second growing section where it mixes with fluid that has entered the second growing section directly from the second channel outlet 114. Optionally, the panel comprises an outlet to drain away residual fluid that has not been absorbed by plants in the growing sections 116.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6b, the first and second growing sections are separately formed and are then joined together to form a panel 110. The fluid delivery channel 115 may be formed by seams created in one layer of the panel 110 or the channel 115 may be created by attaching an additional sheet of waterproof/plastic to the upper and lower growing sections, as shown in Figure 5b, and forming openings in the growing sections to define the first and second fluid channel outlets 114.

Although the drawings shows only two growing space openings 112 for plants to grow from, it should be appreciated that the panel may be of any suitable length and height to provide multiple openings for multiple growing spaces.

The fluid delivery channels provide the hydroponic growing system 100 of the invention with integrally formed plumbing, so that the system 100 is simple to assemble and install so that the system is suitable for both commercial and residential use. The flexible, discrete nature of the fluid delivery channels also allows the panel to be packed down into packaging, ready for sale, or to be packed down for storage when not in use.

The applicant has also found that integrally formed fluid delivery channels within the hydroponic growing system provide a convenient and cost effective way of providing plumbing for the delivery of fluids, such as nutrient solution, to the roots of hydroponically grown plants, without the need of much additional plumbing and pipes that would otherwise be required by a conventional hydroponic system.

In each of the embodiments described above, the optimal system configuration is to include a pump within the panel (such as an in the embodiment shown in Figure 2a) or to use an external pump to pump fluid through the fluid delivery channel(s) of the panel. The pump 140 comprises an inlet connected to a fluid supply, such as a fluid reservoir or tap, and an outlet in fluid communication with a fluid delivery channel 115 of the panel 110. The pump outlet may be directly connected to a fluid delivery channel 115 (such as in Figure 2a), or indirectly connected to the channel via a conduit tube 119 that has one end connected to the pump outlet and another end connected to the inlet of the fluid delivery channel 115.

In some forms, the system may also comprise a reservoir control system 200 configured to control the amount of fluid held in a reservoir 130 before the fluid is pumped through the fluid delivery channels 115 of the panel 110. The reservoir 130 may be an internal reservoir housed within the panel (such as in Figure 2a) or an external reservoir of fluid (such as in Figure 8).

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the control system 200 may comprise at least one sensor 210 connected to a programmable electronic controller (not shown). The programmable electronic controller may be configured to receive signals from the sensor(s) and operate the pump 140 to control fluid levels within the reservoir 130. In some forms, the controller may be configured to generate an alert/alarm if the fluid level in the reservoir is too low and/or if the nutrient concentration in the fluid is too low.

In a preferred form, the sensor(s) 210 is/are located on a fluid level control member 220. The fluid level control member 220 may comprise at least one fluid level sensor 211, which may comprise two electrodes 211a, 211b, one located above the other. Optionally, the fluid level control member 220 may comprise at least one nutrient concentration sensor (also referred to in this specification as a conductivity sensor) 212, which may comprise two electrodes 212a, 212b. Preferably, the fluid level control member 220 comprises at least one fluid level sensor 211 and at least one nutrient concentration sensor 212.

The electronic controller may be located on the fluid level control member 220. For example. The fluid level control member may comprise a printed circuit board comprising an electronic controller configured to receive signals from the sensor(s) 211, 212. The electronic controller is programmed to send activation signals to the pump 140 to activate the pump 140 or deactivate the pump 140 depending on signals received from the fluid level sensor 211. When the pump is activated, the pump is able to pump fluid through the fluid delivery channel(s) 115 in the panel 110. Conversely, when the pump is deactivated, the pump is unable to pump fluid through the fluid delivery channel(s) 115.

In another form, the electronic controller may be located on a second member. Again, the electronic controller is configured to receive signals from the sensor(s) 211, 212 and to send activation signals to the pump to activate the pump or deactivate the pump.

In a preferred embodiment, the fluid level control member 220 is an elongate stick- like member that optionally comprises a pair of electrodes 211a, 211b that together form a fluid level sensor 211 at a first end of the member 220 and/or that comprises a pair of electrodes 212a, 212b that form a nutrient concentration sensor 212 at a second end of the member 220, opposite the first end. The fluid level control member 220 is placed in the reservoir so that the first/upper electrode 211a of the fluid level sensor 211 is located at or just below the height of the maximum desired fluid level and the second/lower electrode 211b of the fluid level sensor 211 is located at or just below the height of minimum desired fluid level. In this arrangement, when the fluid level in the reservoir drops below the minimum desired level, the fluid level sensor 211 sends a signal to that effect to the controller (because the lower fluid level electrode is no longer immersed in fluid). The controller may then deactivate the pump 140 to prevent the pump 140 from pumping fluid from the reservoir 130. In some forms, the controller may also cause the pump 140 to draw more fluid into the reservoir 130 from an external fluid supply or the controller may be connected to a second pump that the controller operates to draw more fluid into the reservoir 130 from an external fluid supply. In yet another form, the controller may be electronically connected to a valve on a tap that is opened by the controller when the fluid level drops below the minimum desired level.

The controller allows fluid to enter the reservoir 130 until the maximum desired fluid level is reached, at which point the fluid level sensor 211 identifies that the upper fluid level electrode 211a is immersed in fluid. The fluid level sensor 211 then signals to the controller that the desired fluid level has been reached. Once the controller receives the signal from the fluid level sensor 211, the controller causes the pump 140 to stop drawing fluid into the reservoir 130 or closes the valve of the tap, as the case may be. The controller also activates the pump 140 to allow the pump to pump fluid from the reservoir 130 to the fluid delivery channel(s) 115 in the panel 110.

In some forms, the fluid reservoir 130 may be filled manually. In this arrangement, the controller simply activates the pump 140 when the fluid in the reservoir 130 reaches the maximum desired level and deactivates the pump 140 when the fluid in the reservoir 130 reaches the minimum desired level.

In some forms, the electronic control system may comprise a clock or timer to control the time and/or frequency at which fluid is pumped through the fluid delivery channel(s) 115 of the panel 110. Under this embodiment, the electronic controller may only activate the pump 140 to pump fluid through the fluid delivery channel(s) if the fluid level of the reservoir 130 is above the minimum desired level and a signal from the clock or timer indicates that it is time to introduce fluid to the fluid delivery channel(s) 115. If the timer is set to allow fluid to be pumped through the fluid delivery channel(s) 115 for 10 seconds, then the controller may deactivate the pump after 10 seconds, even though the fluid level in the fluid reservoir 130 may be above the minimum desired level. To ensure that the desired minimum fluid level is maintained in reservoir 130, the electronic controller may be programmed to deactivate the pump when fluid in the reservoir 130 drops below the desired minimum level, even if the pump 140 has not been activated for the desired length of time.

It is possible that an error occurs in the electronic control system that causes the fluid level of the reservoir 130 to continue to drop below the minimum desired level. When this occurs, the nutrient level/concentration sensor/conductivity sensor, which is preferably located at or near the bottom end of the fluid level control member, may be used to activate an alert/alarm when the fluid level in the reservoir is too low. For example, when the fluid level in the reservoir drops below the first/upper electrode 212a or second/lower electrode 212b of the nutrient concentration/conductivity sensor 212, the sensor 212 signals the electronic controller to that effect. The controller may then create an alarm to notify a user that the fluid level in the reservoir 130 is too low. The alarm may be an audible sound or a visual alert, such as a light or electronic message (such as an SMS, or email message).

Where the hydroponic system reticulates fluid through the reservoir before the fluid is pumped back through the fluid delivery channel(s), the nutrient concentration sensor 212 may alternatively or additionally be configured to signal to the electronic controller when the nutrient concentration of the fluid is below a predetermined threshold. In hydroponics, as the plants absorb nutrients from the fluid, the nutrient levels in the fluid decrease and need to be regularly restored. Where the electronic controller receives a signal that the nutrient concentration in the fluid is depleted, the controller may create a nutrient alert/alarm to a user to notify the user that more nutrients need to be added to fluid in the reservoir. The alarm may be an audible sound or a visual alert, such as a light or electronic message (such as an SMS, or email message).

In another form, the electronic controller may be connected to a nutrient pump. When the controller receives a signal from the nutrient concentration sensor/conductivity sensor 212 that the nutrient concentrations in the fluid are too low, the controller activates the pump to add nutrients to the fluid until the sensor 212 signals that the desired predetermined concentration of nutrients in the fluid has been reached.

Types of nutrients that may be added to the fluid are varied and include chemical compounds containing calcium, nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, copper, iron, manganese, boron and others.

It should be appreciated that the inclusion of a nutrient level sensor and alarms is a preferred embodiment, but is not essential to the operation of the fluid level control system. Instead, the control system may comprise the fluid level sensor only. In one form, a single fluid level sensor may be used together with a clock or timer. In this form, the fluid level sensor is placed at or just below the minimum desired fluid level in the reservoir so that the electronic controller stops the pump from pumping fluid from the reservoir when the minimum fluid level is reached. The controller then allows the reservoir to be refilled automatically for a predetermined time period set by the clock or timer, after which time the pump may be activated again. Conversely, the fluid level sensor may be placed in the reservoir at or just below the maximum desired fluid level and the electronic controller may be programmed to activate the pump for a predetermined time period that roughly equates to the amount of time it takes for fluid in the reservoir to drop to the minimum desired fluid level. After the time period is reached, the controller deactivates the pump and the reservoir is refilled. In yet another form, the control system may comprise a nutrient concentration sensor/conductivity only, which may be connected to the electronic controller and may operate as described above.

Although the fluid level and nutrient concentration/conductivity sensors have been described as each comprising a pair of electrodes to test conductivity of the environment/fluid to identify whether fluid levels or nutrient concentration are too low, it should be appreciated that this is just one form of sensor that may be used with the system of the invention. Any other suitable forms of sensor may be used instead, such as an optical sensor (for fluid level and nutrient content) or a pH sensor (for nutrient content) for example.

The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred forms thereof. Modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

The term 'comprising' as used in this specification means 'consisting at least in part of'. When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term 'comprising', features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as 'comprise' and 'comprises' are to be interpreted in the same manner.

Where, in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers or components are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

The disclosed methods, apparatus and systems may also be said broadly to comprise the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the disclosure, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Recitation of ranges herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate sub-range or value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate sub-range or value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

Certain features, aspects and advantages of some configurations of the present disclosure have been described with reference to use of the pumping system and controller to move chemicals from one location to another. However, certain features, aspects and advantages of the use of the pumping system and controller as described may be advantageously be used with other fluids that need to be moved between different locations.

Although the present disclosure has been described in terms of certain embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art also are within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For instance, various components may be repositioned as desired. Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages are necessarily required to practice the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be defined only by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A hydroponic system for growing one or more plants, comprising :

a waterproof panel comprising a first layer of flexible waterproof material and a second layer of flexible waterproof material, wherein at least one opening is formed in the first layer to provide access to a growing space for receiving one or more plants or growing containers, and wherein the panel comprises at least one integrally formed fluid delivery channel in fluid communication with a channel inlet and a channel outlet through which fluid can be provided to the growing spaces in the panel.

2. The hydroponic system according to claim 1, wherein the waterproof panel comprises flexible plastic tubing or at least two flexible plastic sheets to form the first layer and the second layer of material.

3. The hydroponic system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the front and rear layers are welded together at various locations to define the fluid delivery channel.

4. The hydroponic system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a third layer of flexible waterproof sheet is attached to the first layer using a sealed join to form the fluid delivery channel and wherein at least one channel outlet is formed in the first layer, the channel outlet being in fluid communication with the fluid delivery channel to allow the fluid to pass from the fluid delivery channel to the growing space between the first and second layers of the panel.

5. The hydroponic system according to claim 4, wherein the third layer comprises a plastic sheet, wherein the first layer also comprises a plastic sheet or a layer of plastic tubing and wherein the third layer is welded or adhered to the first layer to form the fluid delivery channel.

6. The hydroponic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel comprises a panel outlet through which fluid that has not been absorbed by the plants can be drained from the panel.

7. The hydroponic system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the channel inlet is located at an upper portion, a central portion, or a lower portion of the panel and wherein the channel inlet is configured to receive the fluid that is pumped through the channel inlet and then through the fluid delivery channel to the channel outlet.

8. The hydroponic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel comprises two or more fluid delivery channels in fluid communication with the channel inlet and panel outlet.

9. The hydroponic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the fluid delivery channels is located along one side of the panel.

10. The hydroponic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid delivery channel extending from the channel inlet is a primary fluid delivery channel, and wherein the primary fluid delivery channel branches into two or more secondary fluid delivery channels, and wherein each secondary fluid delivery channel comprises a channel outlet.

11. The hydroponic system according to claim 10, wherein at least one secondary fluid delivery channel has a smaller lateral cross-section to at least one other secondary fluid delivery channel to restrict fluid flow through the smaller fluid delivery channel.

12. The hydroponic system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein at least one channel outlet has a smaller opening to at least one other channel outlet to restrict fluid flow through the smaller channel outlet.

13. The hydroponic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel comprises at least two growing sections, each growing section comprising at least one growing space, and wherein at least one fluid delivery channel provides fluid to each growing section.

14. The hydroponic system according to claim 13, wherein the panel comprises an upper growing section and a lower growing section and wherein the upper growing section comprises a section outlet through which fluid from the upper growing section can pass to the lower growing section.

15. The hydroponic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel is formed from lay flat plastic tube.

16. The hydroponic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel is formed from flexible polyethylene tubing.

17. The hydroponic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel is configured to be vertically suspended from a suspension member.

18. The hydroponic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises a suspension member and the panel is configured to attach to and hang from the suspension member.

19. The hydroponic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a reservoir is located in the panel and is in fluid communication with at least one of the fluid delivery channels.

20. The hydroponic system according to claim 19, wherein the reservoir is located between the front and rear layers of the panel and is defined by sealed seams between the front and rear layers, and wherein the reservoir comprises a first reservoir inlet for receiving the fluid into the reservoir and a reservoir outlet in fluid communication with at least one of the fluid delivery channels.

21. The hydroponic system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises a pump to pump the fluid through the fluid delivery channel(s) in the panel.

22. The hydroponic system according to claim 21, wherein the pump is located in the reservoir.

23. The hydroponic system according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the system further comprises an electronic control system comprising an electronic controller and a fluid level control member comprising at least fluid level sensor, wherein the electronic control system is connected to the pump and is configured to activate and deactivate the pump based on one or more signals from the fluid level sensor.

24. The hydroponic system according to claim 23, wherein the fluid level control member comprises at least one fluid level sensor located at or near a first end of the fluid level control member.

25. The hydroponic system according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the fluid level control member comprises at least one sensor for sensing the concentration of nutrients in the fluid, the nutrient concentration sensor being located at or near a second end of the fluid level control member.

26. The hydroponic system according to claim 24, wherein the fluid level sensor signals to the electronic controller when the fluid level of the reservoir falls below a predetermined minimum desired level and the electronic controller is programmed to then open a valve or activate a pump to fill the reservoir with fluid to the desired predetermined level.

27. The hydroponic system according to claim 25, wherein the nutrient concentration sensor signals the electronic controller when the conductivity of fluid within the reservoir falls below a predetermined threshold and the electronic controller is programmed to then operate a pump to add nutrients to the fluid in the reservoir until the nutrient concentration of the fluid reaches the predetermined threshold.