WO2023200440A1 - Appareil de culture de plantes - Google Patents

Appareil de culture de plantes Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023200440A1
WO2023200440A1 PCT/US2022/024638 US2022024638W WO2023200440A1 WO 2023200440 A1 WO2023200440 A1 WO 2023200440A1 US 2022024638 W US2022024638 W US 2022024638W WO 2023200440 A1 WO2023200440 A1 WO 2023200440A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
photovoltaic panel
plant growing
growing apparatus
coupled
framework
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2022/024638
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Tammy L. JAMES
Original Assignee
James Tammy L
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 James Tammy L filed Critical James Tammy L
Priority to PCT/US2022/024638 priority Critical patent/WO2023200440A1/fr
Publication of WO2023200440A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023200440A1/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
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/02—Receptacles, e.g. flower-pots or boxes; Glasses for cultivating flowers
    • 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
    • A01G9/20—Forcing-frames; Lights, i.e. glass panels covering the forcing-frames
    • 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
    • A01G9/243—Collecting solar energy
    • 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
    • A01G9/247—Watering arrangements
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention pertains generally to a plant growing apparatus for growing plants and, more particularly, to a photovoltaic powered greenhouse.
  • Plants require water, light, and a temperature controlled growing environment.
  • a seedling or other plant that is not ready to be placed into a natural environment needs to be protected.
  • Gardeners may use a greenhouse, cold frame, hothouse, or other similar protective enclosure, depending on the plant variety, to shelter and nurture their delicate plants. Additionally, they then need to provide a light source to meet the specific lighting requirements of the chosen crop of vegetation.
  • a solution that encompasses the growing requirements of a wide variety of plants in a single unit that produces its own light is needed.
  • Various devices known in the art provide some of the needed components described above but, while presumably effective for their respective purposes, insufficient to meet the objectives of the present invention.
  • a protective plant growing apparatus i.e. a grow farm
  • the plant growing apparatus utilizes solar powered light panels to convert sunlight to electricity - some of which may be used to power grow lights for the plants.
  • the structure incorporates a grow bed for containing the plants and a planting media. Users simply plant whatever flora they desire in the plant growing apparatus and place the unit in sunlight. Surplus energy produced by the solar powered light panels may be saved for later or may be used for other applications.
  • a plant growing apparatus that enables users to grow edible vegetation and other plants in all climates and year round.
  • the plant growing apparatus includes a framework, a solar assembly coupled to said framework at a predetermined angle, the solar assembly including at least one photovoltaic panel operable to receive solar energy.
  • a planting bed is coupled to said framework.
  • a lighting assembly is connected to the photovoltaic panel and operably directed to emit light toward said planting bed.
  • the plant growing apparatus includes a watering assembly having a misting conduit in fluid communication with a water source and positioned proximate the photovoltaic panel and defining an aperture and a wiper assembly operably coupled to said at least one photovoltaic panel, said wiper assembly including a pulley system and a wiper blade movable along the photovoltaic panel when said pulley system is actuated.
  • a general object of this invention is to provide a plant growing apparatus for growing a variety of plants in a variety of environments.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a plant growing apparatus, as aforesaid, having at least one photovoltaic cell for harvesting solar energy for the purpose of energizing the plant growing apparatus.
  • Still another object of this invention is to provide a plant growing apparatus, as aforesaid, having a misting device for keeping the photovoltaic panel cool or, alternatively, simply to direct water to the plant bed.
  • Yet another object of this invention is to provide a plant growing apparatus, as aforesaid, that includes a wiper assembly that acts to squeegee or absorb moisture that may accumulate on the photovoltaic panel, the water being directed to the plant bed.
  • Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a plant growing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 is an isolated view on an enlarged scale taken from Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 3 is an isolated view on an enlarged scale taken from Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the plant growing apparatus as in Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 5A is an isolated view on an enlarged scale taken from Fig. 4 illustrating a light cover in a closed configuration
  • Fig. 5B is an isolated view on an enlarged scale taken from Fig. 4 illustrating a light cover in a open or removed configuration;
  • Fig. 6 is a side view of the plant growing apparatus as in Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 7 is another rear perspective view of the plant growing apparatus as in Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 7
  • Fig. 9 is an isolated view on an enlarged scale taken from Fig. 8.
  • Fig. 10 is an isolated view on an enlarged scale taken from Fig. 7;
  • Fig. 11 is an isolated view on an enlarged scale taken from Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 12 is a an isolated view on an enlarged scale taken from Fig. 11;
  • Fig. 13 is an exploded view of the plant growing apparatus as in Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 14 is a block diagram of the electronic components of the plant growing apparatus according to the present invention.
  • the protective grow farm 10 which also be referred to as a grow farm apparatus 10, includes at least one photovoltaic panel 20 supported by a framework 12, a watering assembly 30, a misting conduit 31, and a lighting assembly electrically connected to said at least one photovoltaic panel 20 and operably directed to emit light toward said planting bed 18.
  • the present invention provides a plant growing apparatus 10 for growing plants under photovoltaic panels 20 in solar farms or anywhere photovoltaic panels are useable.
  • the plant growing apparatus 10 allows a user to grow plants where space is limited, such as the unused space under the panels in a solar farm.
  • the invention allows plants to grow in harsh growing conditions and in all climates: hot, cold, arid, and wet.
  • the plant growing apparatus 10 functions as a grow house to jump start plants and seedlings within a protected environment and facilitates both day and night plant growing. Additionally, the invention include a cool off system for over-heating solar panels and increases the lifespan of the solar batteries.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a plant growing apparatus 10 for use in growing plants.
  • the plant growing apparatus 10 include at least one photovoltaic panel 20 (i.e. solar panel), an environmental system and a planting bed 18.
  • the photovoltaic panel 20 (PV panel) preferably includes a plurality of solar cells used for converting sunlight into electricity.
  • the PV panel may be constructed in any manner or size as is known to one of skill in the art.
  • the solar cell may be manufactured from polymers, plastics, or other organic materials. Phosphoric acid may be utilized to enhance conductivity.
  • Each solar cell may be wired independently so that the PV panel will still work when not in direct sunlight or if an individual cell is broken.
  • Polymer cells may be printed directly on a non-toxic, thin, renewable carbon based plastic foil if desired.
  • one embodiment of the PV panel may be a low cost LG NeON 2 315 W Solar Panel LG315N1C-G4 with approximately 19.2 percent efficiency and a nominal voltage of 20V.
  • This embodiment comprises a double sided monocrystalline cell structure with the following characteristics: 6000 pa front load and 5400 pa rear load durability; approximately 83.6 percent output — 6 mods min; a 156.75 mm square cell dimension; 64.75 in length by 39.37 inches wide; peak powers of 315W, 33.2V, 9.5A, an open circuit voltage of 40.6V, a short circuit current of 10.02A, a maximum system voltage of 600VDC; and a weight of approximately 37.5 lb.
  • a PV panel 20 is generally attachable to one side of the planting bed 18 and is typically oriented at an approximately 45 degree angle upward.
  • the planting bed 18 is dimensioned comparably to the size of the PV panel 20 and includes a base and four sides. While the planting bed 18 may be constructed of any material, in one embodiment it may be manufactured from wood. The wood acts well to absorb excess condensation from the surrounding environment and protects any internal electrical components better than metal. Wood and/or plastic is desirable as the material for longevity, cost, and lack of maintenance requirements. Wood is also a good insulator and doesn't hold the sun’s heat like metal and plastic. Further, the planting bed 18 may be constructed using aluminum insulate base products or, at least, the planting bed 18 may be surrounded with insulate products and pesticide prevention material that is totally organic. This construction and assembly enhances the efficiency of the apparatus.
  • Each photovoltaic panel 20 may be coupled to and supported by the framework 12. More particularly, the framework 12 includes multiple components arranged for supporting the plurality of photovoltaic panels 20.
  • the framework 12 may include a mounting member 14 that has an elongate and generally linear configuration that may be positioned and laid along a ground surface (Figs. 1 and 13).
  • the framework 12 may include a plurality of support members 16 that are spaced apart from one another and extend away from the mounting member 14 at an angle, such as at a predetermined angle.
  • Each PV panel 20 may be coupled to adjacent support members.
  • the framework 12 may include at least at pair of auxiliary members 19 with each auxiliary member 19 being coupled to an outermost support member of the plurality of support members 16, respectively.
  • Each auxiliary member 19 is positioned at an angle different than the predetermined angle of the plurality of support members 16 and may be positioned adjacent respective ends of the planting bed 18.
  • the environmental system of the plant growing apparatus 10 includes the lighting assembly 40.
  • the lighting assembly 40 functions as a grow light that is attached to an underside of the one or more PV panels 20.
  • the lighting assembly 40 may comprise interchangeable light coloring panels 44 producing light of any wavelength. This is beneficial as different plants have different light requirements. Additionally, any type of bulb such as fluorescent, LED, etc may be used.
  • the environmental system may further comprise a magnification element (not shown) to reflect the light outward to continually charge the PV panels at night. Therefore, an unused portion of the light energy may be returned to the charging system.
  • the plant growing apparatus 10 may include a lighting cover 42 preferably constructed of PlexiglasTM acrylic material and may be desirable for cost, reduced weight, impact resistance, flexibility, and expansion/contraction during temperature fluctuation.
  • the lighting cover 42 is transparent and is selectively removable.
  • a PV panel 20 may be constructed of polypropylene.
  • a homopolymer polypropylene may be desired for strength and stiffness, durability, ease of forming, and higher heat resistance.
  • a copolymer polypropylene may be desired for softness and durability, stress/crack resistance, flexibility, and impact toughness.
  • the lighting assembly 40 is pivotally coupled to an underside of the plurality of photovoltaic panels 20 and is movable pivotally to be operably directed toward the planting bed 18 (Fig. 6)
  • the environmental system may further comprise a temperature control system and a watering assembly 30.
  • the temperature control system may comprise a system of pulleys to open and close the PV panel like a lid. This would prevent the plants in the planting bed from over or under heating.
  • the watering assembly 30 may include a misting conduit 31 capable of watering the plants and, alternatively to cool off the PV panel to prevent overheating.
  • the misting conduit 31 may define one or more holes 31a and be connected to a water pump 32 and z water supply configured to push or spray water through the holes 31a and onto respective photovoltaic panels 20 and, eventually, onto the plants themselves growing in the plant bed.
  • a wiper assembly 33 would keep the PV panel clean thereby increasing efficiency.
  • a pulley system 35 and wiper blade 34 may be used to squeegee water off of the panels and redirect it through a trough for reuse in watering the plants in a drip system.
  • the pulley system 35 may include pairs of reels operable to move the wiper blade 34 reciprocally so as to squeegee any buildup of water.
  • a first reel member 36 is operably coupled to a first end of the at least one photovoltaic panel 20.
  • a second reel member 37 is operably coupled to a second end of the at least one photovoltaic panel 20.
  • a pulley cable 38 or belt having an elongate and continuous construction may extend between the reels.
  • a reel motor 39 is electrically connected to the first reel member 36 or second reel member 37 (or both) and operable to rotate the reels and, therefore, to operate the pulley cable 38 when electrically actuated (Fig. 2), such as via a switch, button, remote control signal, or other input means (not shown).
  • the wiper blade 34 may, in fact, include a plurality of wiper blades 34 distributed across the plurality of photovoltaic panels 20 as shown, each wiper blade 34 extending substantially across the width of a respective panel. Then, a respective wiper blade 34 may be continuously movable back and forth between first and second (e.g. upper and lower) ends of a respective PV panel 20 when the pulley system 35 is actuated.
  • the plant growing apparatus 10 may include a battery assembly 22 and an electrical system (Fig. 14).
  • the electrical system may be housed within the planting bed 18 and connects the PV panel to the environmental system and the battery component, such as through electrical wires (not shown). Solar energy may be accumulated in the battery component and also used to power electrical components.
  • the electrical system may comprise a relay switch. This will increase battery life as the battery assembly 22 will receive a constant recharge.
  • the battery assembly may comprise two sets of batteries that rotate between front and back also increasing battery life.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Cultivation Of Plants (AREA)

Abstract

Un appareil de culture de plantes est divulgué, qui permet à des utilisateurs de faire pousser de la végétation comestible et d'autres plantes dans tous les climats et toute l'année. L'appareil de culture de plantes comprend une structure, un ensemble solaire couplé à ladite structure à un angle prédéterminé, l'ensemble solaire comprenant au moins un panneau photovoltaïque servant à recevoir de l'énergie solaire. Un lit de plantation est couplé à ladite structure. Un ensemble d'éclairage est relié au panneau photovoltaïque et dirigé fonctionnellement pour émettre de la lumière vers ledit lit de plantation. L'appareil de culture de plantes comprend un ensemble d'arrosage comportant un conduit de brumisation en communication fluidique avec une source d'eau et positionné à proximité du panneau photovoltaïque et définissant une ouverture et un ensemble humecteur couplé fonctionnellement audit au moins un panneau photovoltaïque, ledit ensemble humecteur comprenant un système de poulie et une lame d'humecteur mobile le long du panneau photovoltaïque lorsque ledit système de poulie est actionné.
PCT/US2022/024638 2022-04-13 2022-04-13 Appareil de culture de plantes WO2023200440A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2022/024638 WO2023200440A1 (fr) 2022-04-13 2022-04-13 Appareil de culture de plantes

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2022/024638 WO2023200440A1 (fr) 2022-04-13 2022-04-13 Appareil de culture de plantes

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2023200440A1 true WO2023200440A1 (fr) 2023-10-19

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ID=88330017

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2022/024638 WO2023200440A1 (fr) 2022-04-13 2022-04-13 Appareil de culture de plantes

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2023200440A1 (fr)

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060198152A1 (en) * 2005-01-03 2006-09-07 Wechsler Lawrence I Light fixture and lighting method
US20080092442A1 (en) * 2004-03-04 2008-04-24 Modular Merchants, Inc., Dba Gardens To Grow A California Corporation Garden bed assembly and method and kit therefor
US20100229916A1 (en) * 2009-03-12 2010-09-16 Geraldine Bechamp Protection system
US20110303215A1 (en) * 2010-06-11 2011-12-15 Lite-On Green Technologies, Inc. Modular solar house
US20120174478A1 (en) * 2010-07-07 2012-07-12 Kuei-Kuang Chen Solar Module for Greenhouse
US20160262323A1 (en) * 2014-09-16 2016-09-15 Farm Land Co., Ltd. High-shelf hydroponic cultivation system equipped with solar panel
US20160360712A1 (en) * 2015-06-15 2016-12-15 Biological Innovation & Optimization Systems, LLC Grow lighting and agricultural systems and methods
US20170006785A1 (en) * 2015-07-07 2017-01-12 Peter May Bush and Shrub Protective Cover
US20190166770A1 (en) * 2017-05-08 2019-06-06 Daniel S. Spiro Automated outdoor modular vertical plant cultivation system
US20190372513A1 (en) * 2018-06-04 2019-12-05 Edisun Microgrids, Inc. Self-ballasted heliostat with suspended mirror assembly

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080092442A1 (en) * 2004-03-04 2008-04-24 Modular Merchants, Inc., Dba Gardens To Grow A California Corporation Garden bed assembly and method and kit therefor
US20060198152A1 (en) * 2005-01-03 2006-09-07 Wechsler Lawrence I Light fixture and lighting method
US20100229916A1 (en) * 2009-03-12 2010-09-16 Geraldine Bechamp Protection system
US20110303215A1 (en) * 2010-06-11 2011-12-15 Lite-On Green Technologies, Inc. Modular solar house
US20120174478A1 (en) * 2010-07-07 2012-07-12 Kuei-Kuang Chen Solar Module for Greenhouse
US20160262323A1 (en) * 2014-09-16 2016-09-15 Farm Land Co., Ltd. High-shelf hydroponic cultivation system equipped with solar panel
US20160360712A1 (en) * 2015-06-15 2016-12-15 Biological Innovation & Optimization Systems, LLC Grow lighting and agricultural systems and methods
US20170006785A1 (en) * 2015-07-07 2017-01-12 Peter May Bush and Shrub Protective Cover
US20190166770A1 (en) * 2017-05-08 2019-06-06 Daniel S. Spiro Automated outdoor modular vertical plant cultivation system
US20190372513A1 (en) * 2018-06-04 2019-12-05 Edisun Microgrids, Inc. Self-ballasted heliostat with suspended mirror assembly

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