WO2021179076A1

WO2021179076A1 - Hydroponic enclosure

Info

Publication number: WO2021179076A1
Application number: PCT/CA2021/050315
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chuhan QIN
Original assignee: Mary Agrotechnologies Inc.
Priority date: 2020-03-09
Filing date: 2021-03-09
Publication date: 2021-09-16
Also published as: CN115768256A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hydroponic enclosure incorporating multiple separate plant holders into plant racks and multiple lighting elements into lighting panels. The components may be vertically oriented to minimize space requirements and allow for multiple plant racks and lighting panels to be operated within a single enclosure. The lighting panels are mounted on tracks to permit movement within the enclosure for access to the plant racks to monitor growth and for harvesting.

Description

HYDROPONIC ENCLOSURE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present specification relates generally to hydroponics, and, in particular, to a hydroponic enclosure for growing multiple plants.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil using nutrient-enriched water-based solutions. As hydroponic growing requires less water than soil-based growing, it has enjoyed an increase in popularity in urban and other environments with space restrictions. Additionally, there is an increased interest in larger hydroponic systems, particularly with the potential for scalability.

[0004] However, hydroponic systems are very energy intensive, and control and dispersal of waste heat presents an ongoing challenge that increases non-linearly as the enclosure gets larger and the number of plants increases. Further, adequate water and nutrient delivery to all the plants along with providing adequate lighting to all of the plants may be difficult to obtain depending on the type of plant, particularly where high-intensity lighting is required, such as with cannabis growth. This issue also further increases if multiple types of plants are to be grown within the hydroponic enclosure.

[0005] Therefore, it would be desirable to have a hydroponic enclosure which provides both some improvements over the current state of the art as well as possibly mitigating some of the disadvantages currently known in the art. [0006] Accordingly, there remains a need for improvements in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a scalable hydroponic enclosure with multiple plant growth components.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the invention, the is provided a hydroponic enclosure incorporating separate plant racks and lighting panels. The components may be vertically oriented to minimize space requirements and allow for multiple plant racks to be operated within a single enclosure. The lighting panel are mounted on tracks to permit easy movement within the enclosure for access the plant racks to monitor growth and for harvesting.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a hydroponic system, comprising: one or more plant racks, each plant rack comprising a plurality of plant holders; one or more lighting panels, each lighting panel comprising a plurality of lighting elements; a plurality of tracks, each track dimensioned to received one of a plant rack or a lighting panel such that the plant racks and the lighting panels are mounted on alternate tracks with the lighting elements on any one lighting panel facing the plant holders on an opposing plant rack; a water system coupled to each plant rack providing water flow to each of the plant holders in each plant rack; and a cooling system coupled to each lighting panel. The lighting panels are moveable along the tracks to provide access to the plant racks.

[0010] Additionally, the lighting panels may be moveable without decoupling the cooling system. Preferably, the cooling system uses a water-based heat transfer fluid such as water or a water/propylene glycol mixture. The lighting elements are preferably LED panels. [0011] The plant holders may be dimensioned to receive individual plants in water- permeable containers. The water-permeable containers may be one or more of: reusable, recyclable and compostable.

[0012] In one embodiment, the plant racks, lighting panels and tracks are located within a single enclosure, the enclosure further comprising external connections for the water system and the cooling system. The enclosure may be transportable (e.g. by truck or train).

[0013] In another embodiment, the plant racks, lighting panels, tracks, water system and cooling system are located within a single enclosure. Again, the enclosure may be transportable as discussed above and herein.

[0014] The plant holders in the plant racks may be oriented in either vertical or horizontal groups. The plant holders may also be dimensioned to accommodate multiple plant types within a single plant rack or across multiple plant racks.

[0015] Preferably, the lighting elements in the lighting panels are independently controlled with respect to one or more of: on/off setting, intensity, color and temperature. The lighting elements in the lighting panels may further be programmed to operate on a day/night cycle.

[0016] For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of example only, embodiments of the invention, and how they may be carried into effect, and in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a hydroponic enclosure according to an embodiment;

[0019] Figure 2A is a front view of a plant rack according to an embodiment;

[0020] Figure 2B is a side view of the plant rack of Figure 2A;

[0021] Figure 3A is a front view of a lighting panel according to an embodiment;

[0022] Figure 3B is a side view of the lighting panel of Figure 3A;

[0023] Figure 4 is a block diagram of the hydroponic enclosure of Figure 1 ; and

[0024] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a control system for the hydroponic enclosure of

Figure 1 according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The present invention relates to generally to hydroponics, and, in particular, to a hydroponic enclosure for growing multiple plants.

[0026] An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

[0027] It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0028] References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.

[0029] According to an embodiment as shown in Figure 1 , a hydroponic enclosure 100 is comprised a plurality of plant racks 110 and a plurality of lighting panels 120 arranged alternately such that each plant rack 110 is illuminated by one or more lighting panels 120. The lighting panels 120 are mounted on tracks 130 such that the lighting panels 120 may be moved to access the plants growing on the plant racks 110 for monitoring and harvesting without requiring a person to move between the plant racks 110 and lighting panels 120, thereby enabling the plant racks 110 and lighting panels 120 to be placed closer together than otherwise.

[0030] Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, the plant racks 110 are formed from a frame with a structured arrangement of individual plant holders 210 stacked vertically. A water input is coupled to a piping system 220 that enables water to be carried to each plant holder 210 in the plant rack 110. Nutrients and additives for plant growth may be added to and carried by the water, and individual inputs for each plant holder allow for mitigating of nutrient loss as liquid propagates downwards through the plant rack 110. Correspondingly, as the plants within the plant holders 210 grow, they will propagate outwards and potentially upwards, and the plant holder 210 should be configured to allow for sufficient growth space depending on the type of plant being grown.

[0031] In a typical configuration, the plant holders 210 are spaced from 18 to 24 inches apart, depending on the plants being grown, both to allow space for proper growth, as well as preventing any interference with incoming light from neighboring plants. The plants may be inserted as root balls directly into the plant holders 210, or the plants may be provided in a water permeable container, with the container directly inserted into plant holder 210. Such containers may be compostable or reusable, as desired. Further, if desired, the plant holder may accommodate different plant types, allowing for the growth of different plants on different plant racks, or even on a single plant rack.

[0032] Multiple plant racks 110 may be coupled together by cross-members 230 to create an overall structure of multiple plant racks 110 to be loaded into the hydroponic enclosure 100 as shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, while shown as vertical plant racks and horizontal cross-members, the plant racks 110 may be oriented horizontally and the cross-members vertically, to produce similar results. In that case, as plant growth is still expected to progress upwards, the spacing between the separate plant racks 110 along the cross-members should then be 18 to 24 inches as discussed above.

[0033] Now referring to Figures 3A and 3B, lighting panels 120 are formed from an array of individual lighting elements 310, preferably LED panels for a mix of electrical efficiency, brightness and heat reduction. As shown in Figure 3B, lighting elements 310 may be mounted to both the front and back side of the lighting panel. Similarly to the plant racks 110 as discussed above, multiple lighting elements 310 may be coupled together with cross-members 320 to form lighting panels 120 and loaded into the hydroponic enclosure as shown in Figure 1.

[0034] In a typical arrangement, the spacing from the lighting panels 120 to the plant racks 110 is 12 inches, to permit for high-intensity lighting for plant growth (e.g. for cannabis) at reduced energy requirements. Additionally, the close proximity may also permit the growth of different plant types in a single plant rack by modulating individual lighting elements 310 within the lighting panel 120 as discussed above.

[0035] However, regardless of the type of lights used, waste heat generation from the lights, and the related removal of this waste heat remains an issue. While a certain amount of heat generation may be beneficial for certain plants and in certain growing environments, it is generally expected that the heat generated is in excess of that which is necessary and desirable to provide optimal growing conditions. Accordingly, a cooling system is integrated within the lighting panels 120 to circulate and remove heat from the system. Preferably, the cooling system is provided by providing lighting panel 120 with a fluid-filled element allowing for circulation of a heat transfer fluid, such as water or a water/propylene glycol mixture, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 3B. Thus, the heat transfer fluid flows continuously around the lighting elements 310 and then outside the system to dissipate the heat from the lighting elements 310. Furthermore, by providing liquid cooling, the use of fans for cooling may be minimized, avoiding disruptive air flows from fans that may be detrimental to plant growth. Preferably, the cooling system is designed using extendible hoses or the like to permit movement of the lighting panels 120 on the tracks 130 with decoupling the cooling system.

[0036] The overall system is illustrated in a block diagram in Figure 4. Sources of water, nutrients, power and coolant are directed into the hydroponic enclosure 100. The enclosure then distributes water and nutrients to the plant racks, power to the lights, and coolant to the cooling system. Accordingly, a single enclosure is capable of handling multiple plant racks 110 and lighting panels 120 arranged on tracks 130 as shown. The enclosure may be a room, a free-standing structure, or a fabricated pre-built or custom- built structure such as a standardized shipping container. The enclosure may further be designed to be mobile, for transport by truck, train or the like. Any or all of the water system, cooling system and power supply may form part of the enclosure, where possible. Alternatively, the enclosure may be provided with one or more coupling to external sources of water, coolant and power.

[0037] Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of a control system for the hydroponic enclosure. A central controller operates via either manual controls on the enclosure, or remotely via wireless connectivity. A display may be also be provided on the enclosure, i.e. on an exterior wall, or information may be sent through the wireless connection. The central controller then controls and monitors the lighting, water, nutrient flow, and temperature within the system. Controls may be preprogrammed for operating conditions based on the desired plant growth, with conditions being communicated via wireless for remote alerts and adjustments.

LIGHTING

[0038] As discussed above, the lighting elements within the light panels are preferably LED-based to minimize heat output and provide maximum electrical efficiency. The lights may further provide a range of intensities and color spectrums to accommodate various types of plant growth within the hydroponic system. The light settings (on/off, brightness, color, temperature) may be collecting or individually controlled by a program and timer (e.g. for day/night cycling), with options to manually adjust or override the settings either locally or remotely.

WATER/NUTRIENTS

[0039] Water flows into the plant racks as discussed above. Water may be provided by coupling the enclosure to an external water source, or by providing a separate water storage component to the enclosure. Sensors may be incorporated to monitor water level and temperature. A water pump or similar mechanism (again either as part of the enclosure or located externally) may be used to ensure regular circulation of water to the plants within the system. A similar system may be provided for circulating nutrient solutions through the plant racks.

TEMPERATURE

[0040] Considering the system as a whole, heat is primarily generated from the light panels, and is expected to provide sufficient heat for plant growth. Waste heat is removed by the cooling system as discussed. Accordingly, the need for separate heaters, air conditioning units and/or fans for temperature control may be negated. For certain sizes and types of enclosures, it may be necessary to provide these additional temperature regulating elements. OTHER FEATURES

[0041] The enclosure may contain additional features and elements not shown as are known in the art. As one example, various air and water filters may be incorporated at key points to ensure quality and allow for replacement as needed. External displays may be provided to allow for on-site visual inspection in addition to remote monitoring. Wireless connectively for remote control and monitoring may also be provided.

[0042] It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of "step of" should not be interpreted as "step for", in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods are taught herein.

[0043] The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

[0044] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Certain adaptations and modifications of the invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the presently discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A hydroponic system, comprising: one or more plant racks, each plant rack comprising a plurality of plant holders; one or more lighting panels, each lighting panel comprising a plurality of lighting elements; a plurality of tracks, each track dimensioned to received one of a plant rack or a lighting panel such that the plant racks and the lighting panels are mounted on alternate tracks with the lighting elements on any one lighting panel facing the plant holders on an opposing plant rack; a water system coupled to each plant rack providing water flow to each of the plant holders in each plant rack; and a cooling system coupled to each lighting panel; wherein the lighting panels are moveable along the tracks to provide access to the plant racks.

2. The hydroponic system of claim 1, wherein the lighting panels are moveable without decoupling the cooling system.

3. The hydroponic system of claim 1 , wherein the cooling system uses a water-based heat transfer fluid.

4. The hydroponic system of claim 1 , wherein the plant holders are dimensioned to receive individual plants in water-permeable containers.

5. The hydroponic system of claim 4, where the water-permeable containers are one or more of: reusable, recyclable and compostable.

6. The hydroponic system of claim 1 , wherein the lighting elements are LED panels.

7. The hydroponic system of claim 1 , wherein the plant racks, lighting panels and tracks are located within a single enclosure, the enclosure further comprising external connections for the water system and the cooling system.

8. The hydroponic system of claim 1 , wherein the enclosure is transportable.

9. The hydroponic system of claim 1 , wherein the plant racks, lighting panels, tracks, water system and cooling system are located within a single enclosure.

10. The hydroponic system of claim 9, where the enclosure is transportable.

11. The hydroponic system of claim 1 , wherein the plant holders in the plant racks are oriented in vertical groups.

12. The hydroponic system of claim 1, wherein the plant holders in the plant racks oriented in horizontal groups.

13. The hydroponic system of claim 1 wherein the lighting elements in the lighting panels are independently controlled with respect to one or more of: on/off setting, intensity, color and temperature.

14. The hydroponic system of claim 13, where the lighting elements in the lighting panels are programmed to operate on a day/night cycle.

15. The hydroponic system of claim 1 , where the plant holders accommodate multiple plant types within a single plant rack.