WO2023075699A2 - Système et procédé d'agriculture verticale - Google Patents

Système et procédé d'agriculture verticale Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023075699A2
WO2023075699A2 PCT/SG2022/050778 SG2022050778W WO2023075699A2 WO 2023075699 A2 WO2023075699 A2 WO 2023075699A2 SG 2022050778 W SG2022050778 W SG 2022050778W WO 2023075699 A2 WO2023075699 A2 WO 2023075699A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
farming
rack
horizontal
tiers
racks
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SG2022/050778
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2023075699A3 (fr
Inventor
Teck Chuan Lim
Keng Siang Aabel Roland CHOO
Original Assignee
Aedro Culture Pte. Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Aedro Culture Pte. Ltd. filed Critical Aedro Culture Pte. Ltd.
Publication of WO2023075699A2 publication Critical patent/WO2023075699A2/fr
Publication of WO2023075699A3 publication Critical patent/WO2023075699A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G31/00—Soilless cultivation, e.g. hydroponics
    • A01G31/02—Special apparatus therefor
    • A01G31/06—Hydroponic culture on racks or in stacked containers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/14—Greenhouses
    • A01G9/1423—Greenhouse bench structures
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/24—Devices or systems for heating, ventilating, regulating temperature, illuminating, or watering, in greenhouses, forcing-frames, or the like
    • A01G9/249—Lighting means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/04—Flower-pot saucers
    • A01G9/047—Channels or gutters, e.g. for hydroponics

Definitions

  • the present disclosure generally relates to vertical farming. More particularly, the present disclosure describes various embodiments of a system and method for vertical farming of agricultural crops.
  • a system for vertical farming of agricultural crops comprises: a plurality of racks arranged on a base; each rack comprising a plurality of vertical frames; each rack comprising a set of horizontal farming tiers supported on the vertical frames, the horizontal farming tiers for growing the agricultural crops; and each rack comprising an actuation mechanism configured for moving the rack to thereby rearrange the racks on the base.
  • a method for vertical farming of agricultural crops comprises: arranging a plurality of racks on a base; supporting a set of horizontal farming tiers on a plurality of vertical frames of each rack; growing the agricultural crops on the horizontal farming tiers; and moving the racks to rearrange the racks on the base.
  • FIGS. 1A and 1 B are illustrations of a system for vertical farming of agricultural crops, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figures 2A to 2C are illustrations of horizontal farming tiers of the system.
  • Figures 3A and 3B are further illustrations of a horizontal farming tier.
  • Figure 4 is a flowchart illustration of a method for vertical farming of agricultural crops.
  • depiction of a given element or consideration or use of a particular element number in a particular figure or a reference thereto in corresponding descriptive material can encompass the same, an equivalent, or an analogous element or element number identified in another figure or descriptive material associated therewith.
  • references to “an embodiment I example”, “another embodiment I example”, “some embodiments I examples”, “some other embodiments I examples”, and so on, indicate that the embodiment(s) I example(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation, but that not every embodiment I example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element or limitation.
  • repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment I example” or “in another embodiment I example” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment / example.
  • the terms “comprising”, “including”, “having”, and the like do not exclude the presence of other features I elements I steps than those listed in an embodiment. Recitation of certain features I elements I steps in mutually different embodiments does not indicate that a combination of these features I elements I steps cannot be used in an embodiment.
  • a and “an” are defined as one or more than one.
  • the use of in a figure or associated text is understood to mean “and/or” unless otherwise indicated.
  • the term “set” is defined as a non-empty finite organisation of elements that mathematically exhibits a cardinality of at least one (e.g. a set as defined herein can correspond to a unit, singlet, or single-element set, or a multiple-element set), in accordance with known mathematical definitions.
  • the agricultural crops may include fruits (e.g. tomatoes), vegetables (e.g. spinach), grains (e.g. rice), and tubers, (e.g. potatoes) like potatoes.
  • the system 100 includes a plurality of racks 110 arranged on a base 120. Each rack 110 includes an actuation mechanism configured for moving the rack 110 to thereby rearrange the racks 110 on the base 120.
  • the moveable racks 110 increases the number of racks 110 that can be installed on the base 120.
  • the base 120 has a floor area that can comfortably accommodate a maximum of thirteen racks 110 adjacent to each other with minimal space in between. Twelve racks 110 can be installed on the base 120 which leaves a space 122 approximately or slightly larger than the size of one rack 110.
  • the space 122 provides a working lane for a user to walk through and access the one or two racks 110 adjacent to the space 122. If the user wants to access another rack 110, the racks 110 can be rearranged using the actuation mechanisms such that the space 122 is now formed adjacent to the other rack 110.
  • the moveable racks 110 thus maximise the usage of the floor area of the base 120 while maintaining accessibility to all the racks 110. Conversely, if the racks 110 were fixed, there must be spaces 122 between pairs of racks 110 so that the user can access all the racks 110. This means that for the base 120 with the floor area capacity of thirteen racks 110, only seven racks 110 can be installed. The system 100 thus allows for more racks 110 to be installed on the base 120, thereby increasing the agricultural crop yields.
  • the base 120 includes a set of tracks and the actuation mechanism of a rack 110 includes a set of wheels configured to move along the tracks.
  • the base 120 includes a plurality of parallel tracks and the actuation mechanism includes a pair of wheels for each track.
  • the actuation mechanism further includes a steering wheel 112 for moving the rack 110. More specifically, the steering wheel 112 is manually turned by a user to control the wheels to move the rack 110 along the tracks.
  • the actuation mechanism of a rack 110 is configured for automated movement of the rack 110.
  • the actuation mechanism may be controlled using suitable programmable logic controllers.
  • the rack 110 may include a control panel for controlling the actuation mechanism and the automated movement of the rack 110.
  • the control panel includes a human-machine interface such as a touch screen interface.
  • the base 120 does not have any tracks and the actuation mechanism of a rack 110 is configured for automated movement of the rack 110 without tracks on the base 120.
  • Each rack 110 includes a plurality of vertical frames 130. More specifically, the vertical frames 130 are support structures that rise vertically from the base 120. Each rack 110 includes a set of horizontal farming tiers 140 that are supported on the vertical frames 130. The horizontal farming tiers 140 are arranged for growing the agricultural crops. In some embodiments, the vertical frames 130 are configured for fixedly supporting the horizontal farming tiers 140, i.e. the horizontal farming tiers 140 are fixed on the vertical frames 130.
  • the vertical frames 130 are configured for adjusting the horizontal farming tiers 140 along the vertical frames 130.
  • the vertical frames 130 include suitable mechanisms that enable the horizontal farming tiers 140 to be adjusted, such as by sliding, upwards or downwards along the vertical frames 130.
  • the vertical frames 130 is configured for removably supporting the horizontal farming tiers 140.
  • the horizontal farming tiers 140 can be moved from one section of the vertical frames 130 to another section of the vertical frames 130 of the same rack 110, such as to move the horizontal farming tiers 140 higher or lower.
  • the horizontal farming tiers 140 can be moved from one rack 110 to another rack 110.
  • the horizontal farming tiers 140 can be removed from the racks 110 to another work area, such as for seeding or harvesting the agricultural crops..
  • the adjustability of the horizontal farming tiers 140 on the vertical frames 130 allows for the horizontal farming tiers 140 to be positioned higher or lower on the vertical frames 130. This in turn allows for adjustment of the height of the horizontal farming tiers 140 with respect to the base 120, as well as adjustment of the vertical space above the horizontal farming tiers 140. Agricultural crops of varying heights can be grown on the adjustable horizontal farming tiers 140. For example, tall vegetables require more vertical space while shorter vegetables require less vertical space. Moreover, for shorter vegetables, more horizontal farming tiers 140 can be supported closer together on the vertical frames 130, thereby growing more vegetables and increasing the agricultural crop yields.
  • Suitable equipment may be provided to facilitate the supporting of horizontal farming tiers 140 on the higher sections of the vertical frames 130.
  • an automated guided vehicle can be used to handle the horizontal farming tiers 140 at the higher sections. This improves safety as the user does not need to work at height.
  • a horizontal farming tier 140 may include a fluidic conduit 142, such as a pipe, extending therethrough for communicating water to grow the agricultural crops on the horizontal farming tier 140.
  • the horizontal farming tier 140 may include a continuous channel 144 for growing the agricultural crops.
  • the continuous channel 144 is an elongated hole extending along the horizontal farming tier 140. Agricultural crops can be placed inside the continuous channel 144 to be grown.
  • the horizontal farming tier 140 may be made of any suitable material, such as but not limited to PVC.
  • the horizontal farming tiers 140 may be arranged in parallel on the vertical frames 130.
  • the fluidic conduits 142 are flu idically separated from each other such that water communicates through the fluidic conduits 142 in parallel.
  • the fluidic conduits 142 are fluidically connected to each other such that water communicates through the fluidic conduits 142 in a cascading manner. More specifically, water enters via an inlet 142a of the first fluidic conduit 142 and exits via an outlet 142b of the last fluidic conduit 142.
  • the first and last fluidic conduits 142, as well as any fluidic conduits 142 in between, are fluidically connected together by fluidic joints 142c.
  • a horizontal farming tier 140 includes a cover 150 removably disposed over the continuous channel 144.
  • the cover 150 has a plurality of holes 152 arranged for separately growing the agricultural crops from the continuous channel 144.
  • the holes 152 are arranged in a row that is aligned with the continuous channel 144.
  • the cover 150 may be made of any suitable material, such as but not limited to PVC.
  • the horizontal farming tier 140 can use different covers 150 with various arrangements of the holes 152.
  • the shape and size of the holes, as well as the spacings between the holes 152 may vary. If the spacings are larger, there would be fewer holes 152 in the cover 150. Similarly, if the spacings are smaller, there would be more holes 152 in the cover 150.
  • the cover 150 with a suitable arrangement of holes 152 may be selected based on the type of agricultural crops to be grown on the horizontal farming tier 140. For example, the cover 150 with more holes 152 and smaller spacings can be selected for vegetables of smaller sizes, allowing for more vegetables to be grown more closely together. There is thus flexibility in using different covers 150 for different sizes of vegetables to maximize the agricultural crop yields.
  • each rack 110 includes a set of lighting devices 160 for the horizontal farming tiers 140.
  • Each lighting device 160 includes a set of grow lights, such as LED lights, for emitting grow light towards the respective horizontal farming tier 140. It will be appreciated that the grow light is within a suitable wavelength range that promotes growth of the agricultural crops.
  • Each rack 110 further includes a hoist mechanism 162 configured for adjusting each lighting device 160 with respect to the respective horizontal farming tier 140. For example, the height of the lighting device 160 with respect to the horizontal farming tier 140 can be adjusted to control the light intensity of the grow light.
  • the hoist mechanism 162 may be connected to the lighting device 160 via a set of supporting lines 164, such as wires, chains, or cables.
  • the hoist mechanism 162 may be configured to control movement of the supporting lines 164 using hydraulics or pneumatics.
  • the hoist mechanism 162 may be controlled using suitable programmable logic controllers.
  • the heights of the lighting devices 160 are adjustable to control the light intensity emitted from the grow lights towards the agricultural crops grown on the horizontal farming tiers 140 based on the heights of the agricultural crops.
  • the lighting devices 160 can be lowered for vegetables of shorter heights or at their initial growth stages to maximise their exposure to the grow light. For vegetables of taller heights or at their later growth stages, the lighting devices 160 can be raised accordingly.
  • the adjustability of the lighting devices 160 thus facilitates farming of agricultural crops with varying heights and at different growth stages.
  • each rack 110 includes a bottom space 170 for housing an agricultural nursery.
  • the agricultural nursery propagates and grows agricultural crops until a desired size, such as after 14 to 28 days depending on the crop species, when they are transplanted to the horizontal farming tiers 140 for further growth.
  • the bottom space 170 extends a distance above the base 120 that is enough to house the agricultural nursery.
  • the bottom space 170 may overlap with the bottom one or more horizontal farming tiers 140.
  • the horizontal farming tiers 140 have fluidic conduits 142 for communicating water to grow the agricultural crops.
  • the water is discharged by gravity to a water tank at the bottom of the rack 110.
  • the bottom space 170 which may overlap with the bottom one or more horizontal farming tiers 140, can be used to house the agricultural nursery instead.
  • the integration of the agricultural nursery within the rack 110 obviates the need for additional space outside of the rack 110 to house the agricultural nursery.
  • the method 200 includes a step 202 of arranging a plurality of racks 110 on a base 120.
  • the method 200 includes a step 204 of supporting the horizontal farming tiers 140 on the vertical frames 130 of each rack 110.
  • the method 200 includes a step 206 of growing the agricultural crops on the horizontal farming tiers 140.
  • the method 200 includes a step 208 of moving the racks 110 to rearrange the racks 110 on the base 120.
  • the method 200 may include a step of automating the movement of the racks 110 to rearrange the racks 110 on the base 120.
  • the method 200 may include a step of removably supporting the horizontal farming tiers 140 on the vertical frames 130.
  • the method 200 may include a step of adjusting one or more horizontal farming tiers 140 along the vertical frames 130.
  • the method 200 may include steps of removably disposing the cover 150 over the continuous channel 144 of a horizontal farming tier 140, and separately growing the agricultural crops from the continuous channel 144 and the holes 152 of the cover 150.
  • the method 200 may include a step of emitting grow light from a lighting device 160 in a rack 110 towards the respective horizontal farming tier 140 of the rack 110.
  • the method 200 may include a step of adjusting the lighting device 160 with respect to the respective horizontal farming tier 140.
  • the method 200 may include a step of housing an agricultural nursery in a bottom space 170 of a rack 110.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
  • Cultivation Receptacles Or Flower-Pots, Or Pots For Seedlings (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne de manière générale un système (100) et un procédé (200) pour l'agriculture verticale de cultures agricoles. Le système (100) comprend des râteliers (110) disposés sur une base (120). Chaque râtelier (110) a des cadres verticaux (130) et des niveaux d'agriculture horizontaux (140) supportés sur les cadres verticaux (130) pour faire croître les cultures agricoles. Chaque râtelier (110) a un mécanisme d'actionnement pour déplacer le râtelier (110) pour ainsi réagencer les râteliers (110) sur la base (120).
PCT/SG2022/050778 2021-10-29 2022-10-28 Système et procédé d'agriculture verticale WO2023075699A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SG10202112069Y 2021-10-29
SG10202112069Y 2021-10-29

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2023075699A2 true WO2023075699A2 (fr) 2023-05-04
WO2023075699A3 WO2023075699A3 (fr) 2023-06-15

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ID=86160652

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/SG2022/050778 WO2023075699A2 (fr) 2021-10-29 2022-10-28 Système et procédé d'agriculture verticale

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WO (1) WO2023075699A2 (fr)

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20110096618A (ko) * 2010-02-23 2011-08-31 동부라이텍 주식회사 모빌랙타입 식물재배장치
JP2016202124A (ja) * 2015-04-27 2016-12-08 シャープ株式会社 植物栽培設備
CN105638429A (zh) * 2016-03-10 2016-06-08 浙江大学 用于人工光植物工厂的可移动式立体多层气雾栽培系统
MX2021010024A (es) * 2019-02-26 2022-08-29 Grow Glide Inc Sistema de soporte y estanteria deslizable personalizable para aplicaciones horticolas.
EP3871492A3 (fr) * 2020-02-27 2021-11-24 Montel Inc. Rack de culture de plantes et système et procédé de ventilation combinés
CN113303223A (zh) * 2021-05-31 2021-08-27 海微尔现代农业科技股份有限公司 一种用于农业生态的立体水培种植架

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WO2023075699A3 (fr) 2023-06-15

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