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WO2024223030A1 - Système de culture - Google Patents

Système de culture Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024223030A1
WO2024223030A1 PCT/EP2023/060833 EP2023060833W WO2024223030A1 WO 2024223030 A1 WO2024223030 A1 WO 2024223030A1 EP 2023060833 W EP2023060833 W EP 2023060833W WO 2024223030 A1 WO2024223030 A1 WO 2024223030A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cultivation
culture solution
hydroponic
unit
tray
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/EP2023/060833
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Nawras ALASHOUR
Erik GEIJER
Olof FRENSBORG
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Blagroen Odling AB
Original Assignee
Blagroen Odling AB
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 Blagroen Odling AB filed Critical Blagroen Odling AB
Priority to PCT/EP2023/060833 priority Critical patent/WO2024223030A1/fr
Publication of WO2024223030A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024223030A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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
    • A01G9/24—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
    • A01G9/04—Flower-pot saucers
    • A01G9/045—Trays for receiving multiple pots
    • 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
    • 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
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
    • Y02P60/20—Reduction of greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions in agriculture, e.g. CO2
    • Y02P60/21—Dinitrogen oxide [N2O], e.g. using aquaponics, hydroponics or efficiency measures

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a hydroponic cultivation system.
  • Vertical cultivation systems have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to grow crops in a smaller footprint than traditional horizontal growing methods.
  • Vertical cultivation systems can be designed to maximize space utilization, increase crop yields, and reduce resource consumption.
  • While vertical cultivation systems offer many advantages over traditional growing methods, they also present some challenges. Maintaining optimal growing conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and lighting, can be more difficult in a vertical system. Additionally, some vertical systems may require more maintenance than traditional growing methods due to the complexity of the system.
  • An object of the present disclosure is to overcome, or at least lessen the above mentioned problems. Another object is to provide a cultivation tray, a shelf, and a system suitable for hydroponic cultivation of plants which inventive design allows for easy management of the culture solution and the plants being grown, making it a useful tool for hydroponic farming.
  • a cultivation tray for hydroponic cultivating of plants in a continuously flowing culture solution comprises a container for the culture solution and a cultivation board provided with at least one plant accommodation portion.
  • the cultivation board is arranged on top of the container.
  • the container comprises multiple outlets. At least two of the outlets are arranged at different heights with respect to the container. At least one of the multiple outlets is arranged to be selectively sealed. Having at least two outlets arranged at different heights with respect to the bottom level of the container advantageously allows for the cultivation trays to contain culture solution, e.g., in two different fluid levels.
  • the alteration between the fluid levels is beneficial for cultivation of plants through all its growing stages, such as from seed propagation and root development to the stage of ripening or other preferred stages.
  • This arrangement of the multiple outlets is particularly advantageous considering the effectiveness and simpleness of changing between different fluid levels creating a favourable environment for each specific plant.
  • the cultivation board may be removably arranged on top of the container.
  • the cultivation tray can be adapted for use of a variety of plant species that differs characteristics such as size, root system, need of amount of water and nutrients.
  • the tray's ability to accommodate various types of species and applications enhances efficiency and productivity while providing cost-effectiveness.
  • the cultivation tray is preferably designed for holding the plants in the right position to provide the needed amount of culture solution during the growing phases of the plants and the rights spacing between the plants to give them the needed space to grow.
  • the plant accommodation portions may be arranged in a zig-zag pattern for providing optimal spacing between the plants enabling the optimal space for the roots and the uptake of nutrients.
  • the plant accommodation portions may further comprise a first opening configured to receive the plant, a second opening configured to allow the culture solution to get in contact with the received plant such that the plants are wet during seed propagation and root development.
  • At least one of the multiple outlets is arranged on an elevated portion of the container.
  • the elevated portion may be a protruding portion of the bottom of the container or in the wall of the container, e.g., in a step in the wall of the container.
  • Each outlet is configured to enable a fluid level in accordance with the height at which the outlet is positioned on the elevated portion of the container on a condition that any lower positioned outlets are sealed.
  • the at least one of the multiple outlets is arranged on at least one step profile portion of the container.
  • the outlet may be arranged in a top area of a step, e.g. on top of a step shaped protruding part in the wall, which is advantageous when placing the cultivation tray on top of a sealing member arranged e.g., in a receiving cultivation unit as will be further described herein.
  • the cultivation tray further comprises an interaction portion (or guiding portion) configured to interact with a guiding member of a cultivation unit in which the cultivation tray is inserted.
  • the cultivation tray further comprising at least one flow channel.
  • the at least one flow channel is configured to control the flow of the culture solution in the container, such that the flow of the culture solution is continuously and evenly passes all plant accommodation portions, e.g., by guiding the flow of the culture solution from the inlet to an outlet passing all the plant accommodation portions.
  • the flow channel is one of a U-shape.
  • Other conceivable shapes of the flow channel are e.g., W-shape, M-shape, S-shape, or other applicable shapes.
  • the flow channel may be formed by means of one or more flow-splitting bars positioned in the container. Such a configuration for at least one first flow-splitting bar essentially ensures that the culture solution in the passageway can evenly flow and be evenly distributed.
  • the cultivation tray further comprises an inlet for receiving the culture solution.
  • the inlet is in a preferred embodiment arranged at the cultivation board.
  • the inlet is configured to provide a collection area for the culture solution such that the culture solution in a controlled manner is guided into the container.
  • a hydroponic cultivation unit for cultivating plants in a flowing solution comprising a shelf and a back unit.
  • the back unit comprises a collector channel and at least one back unit outlet.
  • the back unit is configured to receive at least one cultivation tray such that the at least one sealable outlet of the cultivation tray is positioned above the collector channel.
  • the shelf and the back unit are configured to support one or more cultivation trays according to the inventive concept.
  • the shelf and back unit are also configured to serve as a back-up unit for collecting culture solution that may be leaked from the cultivation tray.
  • the cultivation trays may be movable and/or removable on/from the shelf.
  • the collector channel in the back unit is configured to collect the continuous flowing culture solution that has passed through and exited the cultivation tray.
  • the collector channel is configured for collecting culture solution that may be leaked from the culture tray.
  • the back unit outlet is configured as being an exit for the culture solution, allowing a continuous flow of the culture solution entering the hydroponic cultivation unit via e.g., one or more inlets arranged in connection to the cultivation trays.
  • the collector channel is divided into at least two sections. Each section has at least one back unit outlet, respectively.
  • this enables/allows for providing at least two separate culture solution flows through the hydroponic cultivation unit, e.g., one culture solution composition/concentration via a first section and a second culture solution composition/concentration in a second section.
  • Culture solutions may be provided in the form of water or water with suitable additives.
  • the collector channel comprises at least one separator bar configured to divide the collector channel into at least two sections, each section having at least one back unit outlet, respectively.
  • the hydroponic cultivation unit further comprises at least one guiding member configured to position the at least one cultivation tray in relation to the back unit.
  • the guiding member is preferably configured to position the cultivation tray such that the first/sealable at least one outlet is positioned above the collector channel, allowing a controlled continuous flow.
  • the guiding member is one of a back wall and a bar extending along the back unit.
  • the guiding member is configured to interact with a correspondingly shaped interaction portion of the at least one cultivation tray.
  • the interaction portion of the cultivation tray may be implemented by or arranged at a protruding portion of the bottom of e.g., an edge along a back portion of the container or at a grip portion of a step profile arranged at the back portion of the container.
  • the edge and/or the gripping portion may allow one dimensional movement of the cultivation tray sideways along the bar extending along the back unit. This advantageously provides a controlled movement of the at least one cultivation tray along the back unit and over the shelf.
  • the cultivation trays can simultaneously move along the edge and/or bar when pushing sideways on an outer positioned cultivation tray.
  • the hydroponic cultivation unit further comprises at least one sealing member configured to seal at least one of the multiple outlets of the cultivation tray.
  • the sealing member is preferably arranged in or integrated with the back unit and may extend along one or more cultivation trays and seal off multiple outlets, e.g., a respective outlet on adjacent cultivation trays (not shown).
  • the sealing member may be freestanding.
  • Other implementations are conceivable for the sealing member, e.g., a through-hole fitting plug which can be opened or removed when the plants have reached a specific growing stage.
  • the sealing member may be arranged in at least one of the sections, and preferably in sections with a low concentration culture solution such that the plants that are in early growth stages (e.g., seed propagation and root development) are reached by the culture solution.
  • the hydroponic cultivation unit further comprises a dam member which comprises the at least one sealing member and/or at least one opening configured to allow a culture solution flow to the collector unit. If the dam member contains the sealing member and this is positioned to match at least one outlet of a cultivation tray, the matched outlet of the cultivation tray will be blocked, thereby causing the fluid level of the culture solution in the container to be at the second level, height h2. If the dam member instead contains at least one opening positioned to match the at least one outlet of the cultivation tray, the matched outlet of the cultivation tray will remain open thereby enabling a fluid level of the culture solution to be at the (lower) first level, height hl, within the cultivation tray.
  • the configuration of the dam member will thus enable a user- friendly manner of controlling the height of the fluid level in the containers, thereby creating a favourable environment for plants at different growth stages.
  • a shelf assembly comprising a plurality of hydroponic cultivation units, wherein the hydroponic cultivation units are stacked, e.g., substantially vertically positioned, above each other.
  • a hydroponic cultivation system comprising a hydroponic cultivation unit comprising a culture solution circulation system configured for supplying each section of the hydroponic cultivation unit with a respective culture solution concentration and collecting/retrieving the respective outflow from each section.
  • the hydroponic cultivation system comprises a shelf assembly, and a culture solution circulation system configured for supplying each section of the uppermost positioned hydroponic cultivation unit with a respective culture solution concentration and collecting/retrieving the respective outflow from each section of the lowest positioned hydroponic cultivation unit.
  • the culture solution circulation system may comprise a respective culture solution pump and a culture solution reservoir for each section to supply.
  • the culture solution pump is configured to deliver culture solution from the culture solution reservoir to the cultivation units to provide culture solution to cultivation trays inserted in the hydroponic cultivation units. From each sector, the culture solution is, optionally after passing through the cultivation tray, transported from the first, uppermost positioned, hydroponic cultivation unit to the next hydroponic cultivation unit, which is at least substantially vertically positioned below the first hydroponic cultivation unit.
  • the culture solution circulation system may further comprise air pumps and stones configured to supply the nutrition solution with dissolved oxygen required for creating a favourable environment for the plants.
  • the culture solution circulation system may further comprise a water temperature controller comprising a cooler and a heater, configured for maintaining the temperature of the culture solution within a predetermined temperature range, optimal for the growth of the plants.
  • the hydroponic system or the shelf assembly may further comprise at least one transport channel.
  • Each of the at least one transport channel may be arranged at a respective back unit outlet of a first hydroponic cultivation unit on a first higher level and arranged to end at a second lower arranged hydroponic cultivation unit arranged beneath the first higher level.
  • the transport channel is arranged to end at a position close to or corresponding to the position of a cultivation tray inlet of a cultivation tray when being placed on the lower arranged hydroponic cultivation unit.
  • the transport channel is thus configured for transporting the culture solution between hydroponic cultivation units.
  • the hydroponic system or shelf assembly may further comprise at least one light source.
  • Each of the at least one light source may be disposed over a back side of one hydroponic cultivation unit on a first level and be configured to emit a plant-compatible light to thereby support growth of the plants being cultivated on another hydroponic cultivation unit on a second level, wherein the second level is one level lower than the first level.
  • the at least one light source preferably comprises a plant-compatible LED lamp.
  • the hydroponic cultivation system may further comprise a lighting system configured to control and balance the length of time and hours of the day for which the light sources are providing light to the plants on the hydroponic cultivation unit. The lighting system is configured to control the light sources such that the plants will receive an optimal amount of light enabling the plants to grow into high quality plants.
  • the hydroponic cultivation system further comprising a control system for controlling variables such as pH, temperature, and concentration of the nutrients in the culture solutions.
  • Figure la shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a cultivation tray according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • Figure lb shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a cultivation tray according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 1c shows a bottom view of a container and of a cultivation board according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a cultivation tray together with plant capsules according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 3a shows a side view of a principal sketch of a cultivation tray according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 3b shows a side view of a principal sketch of a cultivation tray according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 4 shows schematic perspective front view of multiple hydroponic cultivation units vertically assembled according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 5a shows a schematic perspective top view of a shelf and a back unit according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 5b shows a schematic perspective top view of a shelf, a back unit, and a sealing member according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective part bottom and part side view of a shelf, a back unit, transport channels and a lighting system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 7a shows a schematic perspective side view of a cultivation tray in a relation to a shelf and a back unit according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 7b shows a schematic perspective side view of a cultivation tray in a relation to a shelf and a back unit according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 8 shows a schematic illustration of a vertical hydroponic cultivation system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 9 shows a schematic view of a hydroponic cultivation system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. la, lb and 1c illustrate a perspective, an exploded and a bottom view of a cultivation tray 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the cultivation tray comprises a container 30 and a cultivation board 20.
  • the cultivation board 20 is provided with multiple plant accommodation portions 22, each having a through hole 23, which is visible in Fig. 1c.
  • a culture solution inlet 25 is arranged in the cultivation board 20.
  • the inlet 25 is arranged having an inclined elongated surface 26 configured to guide the culture solution to enter the container through a hole 27.
  • the cultivation board may be removably arranged at the top of the container.
  • the container and the cultivation board of the cultivation tray 50 can be of an integrated structure.
  • the container comprises multiple outlets 32, 39, 39’ from which culture solution exits the cultivation tray. At least two of the outlets are arranged at different heights (hl, h2) with respect to the bottom 33 of the container which is visible in Fig. 1c, which will be explained in further detail below.
  • the container 30 comprises a bottom 33 opposing to a top opening of the container, a front and a back wall, 41, 41’, and two opposite sidewall(s) 40, 40’, which together form a reservoir for retaining and enabling a flow of the culture solution therein to support the growth of plants being cultivated in the cultivation tray.
  • the container 30 is provided with a flow channel 47 which is arranged to distribute culture solution in the container to all plants, i.e., which is arranged such that the culture solution passes all plant accommodation portions.
  • the flow channel 47 is U-shaped. Other shapes are conceivable.
  • the flow channel can also bring convenience as it can be used for collecting unwanted matter and observing the culture solution in the container. Because roots of the plants being cultivated in the cultivation tray are typically submerged in the culture solution, the flow channel thus also provides a root-growing zone for the plants being cultivated.
  • the shown flow channel is provided as a U-shaped channel, formed e.g., by shape casting the container in a U-shaped form.
  • one or more flowsplitting walls or bars 42 can used to divide the container to form flow channels (not shown).
  • the flow-splitting walls or bars 42 may be arranged protruding from the bottom 33 of the container as integrated portions of the container 30, which protrude upwards from the bottom of the container 30 in the cultivation tray 50.
  • the flow-splitting walls or bars can be of variable numbers, lengths, orientations, and heights.
  • the flow channels may be e.g., one of a U-shape, W-shape, M-shape, S-shape or other applicable shape.
  • the cultivation board 20 may comprise a substantially rectangular surface 29 with four sides having plant accommodation portions 22 which may be evenly distributed in a zigzag pattern across the surface. Other shapes of the surface over which the plant accommodation portions are distributed of the cultivation board are conceivable.
  • the inlet 25 is here arranged in the cultivation board.
  • the inlet 25 is arranged in the container wall or other opening which reaches the container.
  • the inlet 25 has a recess which is arranged having an inclined elongated surface 26 configured to guide the culture solution to enter the container through a hole 27, which is visible in Fig. 1c
  • grooves 28, 38 may be arranged to provide a reference or guide when positioning the cultivation board as it is placed on top of the container.
  • the back wall 41 of the container has a step profile portion 45, in which a first step 34 and a second step 35 are arranged at a first height hl and a second height h2 in relation to the bottom 33 of the container, respectively.
  • the first height hl and the second height h2 are shown in more detail in Figs. 3a and 3b.
  • the first step 34 and the second step 35 of the step profile portion are further configured to provide the outlets 32, 39, 39’, respectively, for culture solution flowing in the cultivation tray 50.
  • Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of a cultivation tray 50 wherein a plant capsule 2 comprising plant seeds in different growth stages are inserted in the plant accommodation portions 22 according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • Figs. 3a and 3b is an illustrative principal side view of the cultivation tray 50 according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • the cultivation tray has an inflow and an outflow ’ arranged at the back wall 41’.
  • the container 30 has a step profile portion 45 arranged at the back wall 41’, wherein two steps 34, 35 are arranged at the heights hl and h2 in relation to the bottom 33 of the container, respectively.
  • culture solution entering the cultivation tray 50 via the inlet 25 will flow along the bottom of the container and exit the container via the first outlet 32 arranged in the first step 34, thereby enabling a first fluid level 71 which corresponds to the level/height of the first outlet 32.
  • the first fluid level/height hl is selected to provide an air region 73 below the through holes 23 of the plant accommodation for creating a favourable environment for the development of plants with longer roots.
  • Fig. 3b the first outlet 32 is sealed by a sealing member 61.
  • the culture solution is then flowing at a second fluid level 72, which is higher than the first fluid level 71, and in level with the second outlet 39, 39’.
  • the second fluid level 72 selected to contact the plant accommodation portions 22 protruding from the cultivation board 20 such that it keeps the capsules/plants wet during the growing stages of seed propagation and roots development.
  • Fig. 5a and 5b illustrates a schematic top view of an embodiment of a hydroponic cultivation unit 100 according to a second aspect of the inventive concept.
  • the hydroponic cultivation unit 100 comprises a shelf 160 and a back unit 15 for supporting at least one cultivation tray 50 as described above.
  • the shelf comprises a support surface 161, configured to receive and support the cultivation tray 50 when positioned onto the hydroponic cultivation unit 100 such that at least parts of its back end is received by or bear against the back unit 15, as seen in Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b.
  • the support surface 161 may be encompassed by two sidewalls 162, 162’, and a front and a back wall 163, 163’, e.g., folded edges, which are configured to create a limited space for the placement of one or more (movable) cultivation trays. It is noted that in the embodiment as mentioned above, the shelf and the back unit of the hydroponic cultivation unit, can be of an integrated structure.
  • the shelf 160 may further comprise protective sheets (not shown in the figures) arranged along the sidewalls 162 and 162’ such that a portion of the support surface 161 is covered. This arrangement shields the culture solution on top of the shelf from excessive light exposure, thereby minimizing the growth of undesirable contaminants like bacteria and algae in the solution.
  • the back unit 15 comprises a collector channel 14, which is arranged extending along a back portion of the shelf, here the back wall 163’ of the shelf 160, and configured to collect the flowing culture solution exiting from at least one of the outlets 32, 39, 39’ of the cultivation trays 50.
  • the cultivation trays are preferably positioned such that the outlets 32, 39, 39' are positioned above the collector channel 14.
  • the collector channel 14 comprises a bottom 13 opposing to the top opening of the collector channel 14, which is encompassed by four sidewalls, 18, 18’, 19, 19’, and having back unit outlets 12 in the bottom.
  • the collector channel 14 thereby forms a reservoir for collecting and further transporting the culture solution, allowing a continuous flow of the culture solution.
  • Other shapes of the collector channel are conceivable, e.g., a tub shape.
  • the collector channel 14 is here divided into a first and a second section 17 and 17’ divided by a separation bar 11 arranged vertically between the two opposing sides 19 and 19’ of the collector channel.
  • the first and the second section are configured to retain culture solutions having different compositions of water and nutrients.
  • the first section suitable for a culture solution with water, no additives
  • the second section suitable for a culture solution with water and additives.
  • the separation bar 11 can be integrated portions of the collector channel.
  • the number of sections in the collector channel may be selected to one or more sections. The number of sections is preferably selected to match the need for a specific type of plant to have one or more different culture solution compositions for different growth stages.
  • the way by which the separation bar 11 separate the bottom 13 of the collector channel 14 to thereby form a first and second section 17, 17’ only represents one illustrating embodiment, and in real practice, the separation bars can be of variable numbers, orientations, and heights affecting the number of sections.
  • a back portion of the shelf 160 is at least partly positioned above the collector channel 14. Alternatively, it is fixated to the collector channel or arranged to bear against the collector channel to allow flow of any culture solution leaked on the shelf to the collector channel.
  • the shelf 160 may comprise at least one drainage member 164 positioned along the back wall 163’, above the second section 17’ of the collector channel (not shown in the figure) configured to serve as a back-up for guiding external culture solution that have been leaked from the cultivation tray 50 to the second section 17’ of the collector channel.
  • the back unit 15 further comprises one or more optionally removable dam members 60, which here are arranged at the back unit 15.
  • a dam member 60 may be configured to block the culture solution from flowing through the outlet 32 of a cultivation tray positioned above it, and thereby adjust the passageway and the fluid level of the culture solution in the cultivation tray, see for instance dam member 60 which comprises a sealing member 61 (indicated as a dashed surface in Fig. 5b) and a first through-hole 62.
  • dam member 60 which comprises a sealing member 61 (indicated as a dashed surface in Fig. 5b) and a first through-hole 62.
  • the sealing member 61 is configured to block the culture solution from flowing through the outlet 32 of the cultivation tray 50, and thereby adjust the passageway and the fluid level of the culture solution in the cultivation tray.
  • the dam member does not comprise a sealing member, but instead the dam member comprises the first through-hole 62 and a second through-hole 63, see e.g., third dam member 60 in Fig. 5.
  • the second though-hole 63 is configured to allow culture solution to flow through the first outlet 32 of the cultivation tray, thereby adjusting the fluid level of culture solution to the first fluid level hl, as described in more detail in in Fig. 3a.
  • the first through-hole 62 is configured to allow a continuous flow of the culture solution even in the absence of a cultivation tray 50.
  • the dam member may further comprise support members 65 configured to support one or more dam members 60.
  • the dam member may further be mounted to one of the sidewalls 18, 18’, 19, 19’ of the collector channel (not shown in the figures).
  • the sealing member 61 and the through-holes 62, 63 are arranged at the dam member to thereby form a blockage and/or a passage for the culture solution
  • the sealing member can be out of different shapes, such as a through-hole fitting plug, or a plate, wherein the sealing member may be made out of a suitable material e.g., metal (e.g., aluminium), a polymer plastic (e.g., ABS), or some other materials.
  • Fig. 7a and 7b show schematic perspective side views of a cultivation tray in a relation to the shelf and the back unit according to different embodiments of a guiding member for positioning of a cultivation tray in the hydroponic cultivation unit according to the present disclosure.
  • the guiding member may be the back wall 163’ of the shelf, or as seen in Fig. 7b, the guiding member may be a bar 165 extending along the back unit.
  • the guiding member is configured to interact with a correspondingly shaped interaction portion 36, 37 of the cultivation tray, respectively.
  • the interaction portion of the cultivation tray 50 may be implemented by or arranged at the protruding portion of the bottom 33, e.g., as one of the steps 34, 35 in step profile of the wall of the container, or at a grip portion 37 of the step profile as illustrated in Fig. 7b.
  • Other implementations of the interaction portion and guiding members are conceivable.
  • the interaction portion 36 of the cultivation tray bears against the backwall 163’ such that the outlets of the cultivation tray is placed above the collector channel 14.
  • the back wall 163’ is also configured to guide the cultivation tray when moving the cultivation tray along the back unit sideways over the shelf.
  • the interaction portion here the grip portion 37 of the step profile portion, is configured to interact with the bar 165 extending along the back unit such that the outlets of the cultivation tray is positioned above the collector channel 14 and such that the cultivation tray is movable along the bar 165.
  • hydroponic cultivation unit as described and illustrated above, it is suitable for modular use in a hydroponic cultivation system. Specifically, multiple hydroponic cultivation units can be combinatorically assembled to form a hydroponic cultivation system. Details will be provided in the following through specific embodiments.
  • Fig 4. is a schematic perspective front view of a shelf assembly 200 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept, and shows three stacked hydroponic cultivation units 100, 100', 100" forming a shelf assembly in three levels.
  • Each hydroponic cultivation unit 100 here supports five cultivation trays 50.
  • Transport channels 16 are disposed between the two adjacent levels of the hydroponic cultivation units, preferably at positions above the inlets of the cultivation trays. The transport channels 16 are configured to provide transport between the two neighbouring/adjacent levels of the hydroponic cultivation units 100 in the multi-level hydroponic cultivation system.
  • each transport channel 16 is connected to a back unit outlet 12 in a specific section of a collector channel 14 (visible in Figs. 7a and 7b) of a hydroponic cultivation unit 100 on an upper level (i.e., level n+1), and is lead to (an expected position of) an inlet or terminated above (an expected position of) an inlet of a cultivation tray placed on the hydroponic cultivation unit 100’ on a lower neighbouring level (i.e. level n) arranged at the corresponding specific section of the collector channel.
  • the positioning of the transport channel is configured to allow a flow of a culture medium within the same section in a top-bottom-manner through all hydroponic cultivation units of the shelf assembly.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates a schematic perspective part bottom and part side view of the shelf 160, the back unit 15, transport channels 16 and a lighting system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.
  • the transport channels are configured to be arranged at the back unit outlets 12 such that the culture solution is transported from a first hydroponic cultivation unit 100 to another hydroponic cultivation unit 100’ vertically positioned below the first hydroponic cultivation unit, seen in Fig. 4.
  • the transport channel 16 can have a composition with a high mechanic strength, which can be a metal (e.g., aluminium), a polymer plastic (e.g., ABS), or some other materials.
  • the transport channel 16 has a composition of a polymer plastic, which is advantageous over other materials by its resistance to acids, alkali, rust, and corrosion.
  • the multi-level hydroponic cultivation system as described above thus needs to include a lighting system.
  • the lighting system can comprise a power source, a plurality of plant-compatible light sources 1, and a wiring circuit (not shown in the drawings).
  • the power source (not shown in the drawings) is configured to supply power to each of the plurality of plant-compatible light source via the wiring circuit and each of the plurality of plantcompatible light sources is configured to support growth of the plants being cultivated on the hydroponic cultivation unit on each level.
  • a plant-compatible light source 1 is disposed on the underneath a shelf of a hydroponic cultivation unit on an upper level (i.e., level n+1), and configured to provide plant-compatible light to support the growth of plants being cultivated at the hydroponic cultivation unit on a lower neighbouring level (i.e., level n).
  • Fig. 8 is a schematic illustration of the main structure of a hydroponic cultivation system 300 according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • the hydroponic cultivation system 300 comprises a plurality of hydroponic cultivation units 100, 100', 100", which are supporting cultivation trays 50.
  • the plurality of hydroponic cultivation units 100 are vertically stacked above one another to form a multi-level shelf-like structure.
  • the plurality of hydroponic cultivation units 100 can be based on any of the embodiments of the hydroponic cultivation unit as described above.
  • the five cultivation trays 50 on one hydroponic cultivation unit 100 each has plants that are in different stages of growing.
  • the plants in the respective cultivation trays have an individual progression in their life cycle.
  • the plants in the cultivation tray the farthest to the left is in the first growing stages such as the stages of seed propagation and root development while the plants in the cultivation tray farthest to the right is at a later stage of growth, being ready for harvest.
  • This is due to a cultivation method according to the current inventive concept in which the ability to in an advantageous manner provide at least two levels of culture solution is utilized together with a time scheme.
  • Fig. 9 shows a schematic view of the hydroponic cultivation system 300.
  • each hydroponic cultivation unit is provided with two sections, 17, 17', for which sections a respective culture solution is required.
  • the hydroponic cultivation system 300 comprises a culture solution circulation system 90 configured for supplying each section of (at least) the uppermost positioned hydroponic cultivation unit 100 with a respective culture solution concentration and collecting/retrieving the respective outflow from each corresponding section of the lowest positioned hydroponic cultivation unit.
  • the culture solution circulation system 90 may comprise a respective culture solution pump 91, 91' and a culture solution reservoir 92, 92'.
  • Each culture solution pump 91, 91’ is configured to deliver culture solution from its respective culture solution reservoir 92, 92’ to the cultivation trays 50 of the respective section 17, 17’ of at least the top hydroponic cultivation unit 100 to provide culture solution to the plants in that section.
  • the culture solution circulation system further comprises air pumps and stones (not shown in the figures) configured to supply the culture solutions with dissolved oxygen required for the plants.
  • the hydroponic cultivation system further comprises a control system 80, configured to control the nutrients ratio and pH levels in the culture solutions such that the plants are provided with optimal condition at all time.
  • the control system 80 comprising sensors 81, 81’ configured for all time monitoring and signalling when variables such as e.g., pH, temperature, nutrition concentration deviates from pre-determined values.
  • the control system 80 may further be linked to a cloud-based web-system which is monitoring the growing process of the plants and the nutrients ratio and pH in the culture solution.
  • the cloud-based web-system may further provide a time scheme for seeding, for altering between the fluid levels 71, 72 within the cultivation trays and for harvesting of the plants.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydroponics (AREA)

Abstract

La présente divulgation concerne un système de culture hydroponique vertical (300) et fournit un plateau de culture (50), une unité de culture hydroponique (100) sur laquelle est positionné le plateau de culture et un système correspondant pour la culture hydroponique de plantes dont ladite conception permet une gestion facile de la solution de culture et des plantes cultivées, faisant de celui-ci un outil utile pour l'agriculture hydroponique. En particulier, la présente divulgation concerne un plateau de culture (50) conçu pour supporter et alterner entre au moins deux niveaux de fluide, ce qui permet de créer un environnement favorable aux plantes.
PCT/EP2023/060833 2023-04-25 2023-04-25 Système de culture Pending WO2024223030A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2023/060833 WO2024223030A1 (fr) 2023-04-25 2023-04-25 Système de culture

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2023/060833 WO2024223030A1 (fr) 2023-04-25 2023-04-25 Système de culture

Publications (1)

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WO2024223030A1 true WO2024223030A1 (fr) 2024-10-31

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Citations (9)

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WO2015105343A1 (fr) * 2014-01-08 2015-07-16 왕영성 Appareil de gestion de culture de plantes dual à hauteur ajustable pour améliorer l'environnement de la zone racinaire
US20160113221A1 (en) * 2013-05-30 2016-04-28 Haier Group Corporation Vegetable preservation and growing case and pipe connection control method for vegetable preservation and growing case
US20180139915A1 (en) * 2015-06-05 2018-05-24 Auasia Agrotech Sdn. Bhd. Hydroponic tray and hydroponic system
US20180325038A1 (en) * 2017-05-08 2018-11-15 Daniel S. Spiro Automated vertical plant cultivation system
EP3138389B1 (fr) * 2014-04-28 2019-03-13 Wang, Youngsung Appareil et procédé permettant d'optimiser le rendement en allongeant la période de récolte de plantes comestibles dans un dispositif de gestion de la culture de plantes
US20190183075A1 (en) * 2016-05-23 2019-06-20 Danny A. Armstrong Agricultural growing structure
US20190307079A1 (en) * 2016-12-14 2019-10-10 Logiqs B.V. System for cultivating plants or vegetables
US20190343055A1 (en) * 2017-02-02 2019-11-14 Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. Container for hydroponic culture, cover for hydroponic culture, hydroponic culture apparatus, and hydroponic culture method
US20220225581A1 (en) * 2019-08-06 2022-07-21 Plantx Corp. Plant Cultivation Device

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20160113221A1 (en) * 2013-05-30 2016-04-28 Haier Group Corporation Vegetable preservation and growing case and pipe connection control method for vegetable preservation and growing case
WO2015105343A1 (fr) * 2014-01-08 2015-07-16 왕영성 Appareil de gestion de culture de plantes dual à hauteur ajustable pour améliorer l'environnement de la zone racinaire
EP3138389B1 (fr) * 2014-04-28 2019-03-13 Wang, Youngsung Appareil et procédé permettant d'optimiser le rendement en allongeant la période de récolte de plantes comestibles dans un dispositif de gestion de la culture de plantes
US20180139915A1 (en) * 2015-06-05 2018-05-24 Auasia Agrotech Sdn. Bhd. Hydroponic tray and hydroponic system
US20190183075A1 (en) * 2016-05-23 2019-06-20 Danny A. Armstrong Agricultural growing structure
US20190307079A1 (en) * 2016-12-14 2019-10-10 Logiqs B.V. System for cultivating plants or vegetables
US20190343055A1 (en) * 2017-02-02 2019-11-14 Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. Container for hydroponic culture, cover for hydroponic culture, hydroponic culture apparatus, and hydroponic culture method
US20180325038A1 (en) * 2017-05-08 2018-11-15 Daniel S. Spiro Automated vertical plant cultivation system
US20220225581A1 (en) * 2019-08-06 2022-07-21 Plantx Corp. Plant Cultivation Device

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