Growing unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a growing unit (10) for living organisms. the system comprises a growing chamber (100) having a growing space (101) inside the growing chamber 5 (100), movable growing containers (60), the grooving containers being arranged to receive one or more living organisms, a support system (40) comprising vertically superposed platforms (42), the platforms (42) being arranged to support the movable growing containers (60) 10 inside the growing chamber (100), conditioning modules (50) configured provide conditioning medium towards one or more growing containers (60) supported to the vertically superposed platforms (42) for conditioning living organisms; and a transport system (20, 22, 24, 25, 27) arranged to move 15 the growing containers (60) inside the growing chamber (100) to and from the platforms (42).

Description

[0001] GROWING UNIT

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a growing unit and more particularly to a growing unit according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In the prior art growing systems for living organisms are provided as static systems which operate in a batch processing manner. Accordingly, a batch of living organisms are grown in pre-determined physical system setup until the batch is ready to be harvested or moved to next static growing system for next growing phase. These prior art growing systems require a great amount of energy and large physical facilities.

[0006] The prior art growing system are not adaptive to different kind of conditions and for different kinds to living organisms. Further, these prior art growing systems are energy inefficient and require large scale facilities for growing the living organisms.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a growing unit so as to overcome or at least alleviate the prior art disadvantages.

[0009] The objects of the invention are achieved by a growing unit which is characterized by what is stated in the independent claim 1.

[0010] The preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0011] The invention is based on the idea of a growing unit for living organisms. The growing unit comprises a growing chamber having a growing space inside the growing chamber and movable growing containers, the growing containers being arranged to receive one or more living organisms. The growing unit further comprises a support system comprising vertically superposed platforms, the platforms being arranged to support the movable growing containers inside the growing chamber. The growing unit also comprises conditioning modules configured to provide conditioning medium towards one or more growing containers supported to the vertically superposed platforms for conditioning living organisms, and a transport system arranged to move the growing containers inside the growing chamber to and from the platforms. The growing unit of the present invention provides a growing chamber inside which the living organisms may be moved to and from the platforms by moving the movable growing containers with the transport system. This enables efficient operation and further individual conditioning for living organisms in a separate growing container.

[0012] In some embodiments the growing chamber is a movable growing chamber.

[0013] The movable growing chamber may be any movable chamber. The movable growing chamber may be a separate chamber which may be transported for example with a truck or the like to a desired location. The movable rection chamber may also be provided to a trailer having wheels or a truck container or cargo space may be provided as the movable container.

[0014] The movable growing chamber enables locating the growing unit to a desired location. This further enables growing living organism in the desired location locally.

[0015] In some other embodiments, the growing chamber is provided as movable container such as a standard sea container. The movable container or the sea container make transporting the growing unit convenient.

[0016] In some embodiments the growing chamber is provided as a closed growing chamber in which the growing space is provided as a closed space.

[0017] In some embodiments, the growing chamber is provided as a thermally insulated growing chamber.

[0018] The growing chamber is provided thermal insulation.

[0019] The thermally insulated growing chamber enables controlling the temperature inside the growing chamber and also enables growing living organisms in energy efficient manner in different ambient atmospheres.

[0020] In some embodiments, the growing chamber is provided as a hermetically sealed growing chamber.

[0021] In the present application the hermetically sealed means waterproof, or gasproof or waterproof and gasproof.

[0022] The growing chamber is provided with waterproof seals, or gasproof seals or both the waterproof seals and gasproof seals.

[0023] The thermally insulated growing chamber enables controlling the temperature inside the growing chamber and also enables growing living organisms in energy efficient manner in different ambient atmospheres.

[0024] In some further embodiments, the growing chamber is provided as a thermally insulated growing chamber and as a hermetically sealed growing chamber.

[0025] In some embodiments, the growing chamber is provided with an atmosphere module configured to adjust atmospheric properties of the growing space inside the growing chamber.

[0026] The growing chamber and the growing space thereof enable controlling the atmosphere and the atmospheric properties thereof with the atmosphere module. The closed and / or thermally insulated and / or hermetically sealed growing chamber provide efficiently controllable atmosphere inside the growing chamber.

[0027] In some embodiments, the atmosphere module comprises one or more of the following: a chamber temperature control device arranged to adjust temperature of the growing space inside the growing chamber, a chamber humidity control device arranged to adjust humidity of the growing space inside the growing chamber, and a chamber atmospheric control device arranged to adjust gas atmosphere composition of the growing space inside the growing chamber.

[0028] The chamber temperature control device comprises a heating device or a cooling device or combined heating and cooling device. The chamber temperature control device may be for example an electrical heater or cooler or a heat pump. The chamber temperature control device is configured to control the temperature inside the growing chamber.

[0029] The chamber humidity control device is configured to adjust the humidity content in the air or gas atmosphere inside the growing container. The chamber humidity control device comprises a drying device or a humidifier device or combined drying and humidifier device. The chamber humidity control device may comprise any known drying device configured to dry or humidify air or the gas atmosphere inside the growing chamber.

[0030] The chamber atmospheric control device comprises one or more gas sources arranged to supply gas into the growing space of the growing chamber. The chamber atmospheric control device may comprise for example a carbon dioxide source arranged to supply carbon dioxide into the growing space of the growing chamber.

[0031] In some embodiments, the atmosphere module comprises in addition to or instead of one or more of the chamber temperature control device, the chamber humidity control device and the chamber atmospheric control device, a chamber ventilation device arranged to circulate air or the gas atmosphere inside the growing chamber. The chamber ventilation device enables efficient mixing gases inside the growing space.

[0032] In some embodiments, the atmosphere module comprises one or more of the following: a chamber humidity sensor arranged to measure humidity in the growing space of the growing chamber, a chamber temperature sensor arranged to measure temperature in the growing space of the growing chamber, a chamber gas sensor arranged to measure gas composition or gas concentration in the growing space of the growing chamber.

[0033] The chamber humidity sensor is operatively connected to the chamber humidity control device. The chamber humidity control device is arranged to operate and adjust humidity inside the growing space based on the measurement results of the chamber humidity sensor or based on the measurement results of the humidity sensor and predetermined humidity instructions or humidity target values.

[0034] The chamber temperature sensor is operatively connected to the chamber temperature control device. The chamber temperature control device is arranged to operate and adjust temperature inside the growing space based on the measurement results of the chamber temperature sensor or based on the measurement results of the chamber temperature sensor and predetermined temperature instructions or temperature target values.

[0035] The chamber gas sensor is operatively connected to the chamber atmospheric control device. The chamber atmospheric control device is arranged to operate and adjust atmospheric properties inside the growing space based on the measurement results of the chamber gas sensor or based on the measurement results of the chamber gas sensor and predetermined atmosphere instructions or atmosphere target values.

[0036] In some embodiments, the vertically superposed platforms are arranged movable in vertical direction.

[0037] Vertically movable platforms enable moving the growing containers at different vertical position inside the growing chamber.

[0038] In some other embodiments, the vertically superposed platforms are arranged movable in vertical direction and movable relative to each other in vertical direction.

[0039] Accordingly, vertical spacing of the platforms is adjustable. This enables adjusting the space between vertically adjacent platforms based on the growing stage of the living organisms.

[0040] In some embodiments, the conditioning modules comprise one or more lighting device configured to emit light energy towards the towards one or more growing containers supported to the vertically superposed platforms.

[0041] The conditioning medium comprises the light energy emitted towards one or more growing containers.

[0042] The conditioning modules comprise one or more light devices such as light- emitting diodes or the like. Accordingly, the conditioning modules are arranged to provide light energy to the living organisms in the growing containers supported to the platforms.

[0043] In some embodiments, the one or more light devices are arranged to emit light at one or more wave lengths of emitted light.

[0044] In some further embodiments, the one or more light devices comprise an adjustment module configured to adjust wave length of emitted from the one or more light devices.

[0045] In some further embodiments, the one or more light devices comprises a switching module configured to switch the one or more light devices on / off, preferably at a predefined frequency.

[0046] In some embodiments, the one or more light devices comprise the adjustment module lighting devices in which the wave length of emitted light is adjustable.

[0047] In some further embodiments, the one or more light devices comprise the adjustment module configured to adjust intensity of light emitted from the one or more light devices.

[0048] In some embodiments, the conditioning modules comprise a gas supply device arranged to supply gas towards the towards the one or more growing containers supported to the vertically superposed platforms, or a liquid supply device arranged to supply liquid towards one or more growing containers supported to the vertically superposed platforms, or one or more light devices arranged to emit light energy the towards the one or more growing containers supported to the vertically superposed platforms.

[0049] In some embodiments, the conditioning modules comprise a gas supply device arranged to supply gas towards the towards the one or more growing containers supported to the vertically superposed platforms.

[0050] In some embodiments, the conditioning modules comprise a gas supply device arranged to supply gas towards the towards the one or more growing containers supported to the vertically superposed platforms, or a liquid supply device arranged to supply liquid towards one or more growing containers supported to the vertically superposed platforms.

[0051] In some embodiments, the conditioning modules comprise a gas supply device arranged to supply gas towards the towards the one or more growing containers supported to the vertically superposed platforms, or one or more light devices arranged to emit light energy the towards the one or more growing containers supported to the vertically superposed platforms.

[0052] In some embodiments, the conditioning modules comprise one or more of the following:

[0053] - a gas supply device arranged to supply gas towards the towards the one or more growing containers supported to the vertically superposed platforms,

[0054] - a liquid supply device arranged to supply liquid towards the towards one or more growing containers supported to the vertically superposed platforms,

[0055] - a speaker device arranged to emit sound towards the one or more growing containers supported to the vertically superposed platforms.

[0056] The gas supply device is arranged to supply gas, such as carbon dioxide or air, aerosol towards the living organisms in the growing containers supported to the platforms.

[0057] The conditioning medium comprises the gas supplied towards one or more growing containers.

[0058] The liquid supply device is arranged to supply liquid or liquid atomized into droplets towards the living organisms in the growing containers supported to the platforms. The liquid may be water, or fertilizing solution or irrigation solution or any combination thereof.

[0059] The conditioning medium comprises the liquid supplied towards one or more growing containers.

[0060] The speaker device is arranged to emit sound towards the living organisms in the growing containers supported to the platforms. The sound may be any kind of sound or acoustic waves. The sound is provided to enhance growth of the living organisms.

[0061] In some embodiments, the speaker device comprises one or more speakers.

[0062] In some embodiments, the conditioning modules further comprises one or more monitoring devices configured to monitor the living organisms in the growing containers supported to the platforms. The conditioning modules or the monitoring devices thereof comprises one or more of the following:

[0063] - an organism imaging device arranged to acquire image data of living organisms provided to one or more growing containers supported to the vertically superposed platforms,

[0064] - an organism microphone device arranged to acquire sound data of living organisms provided to one or more growing containers supported to the vertically superposed platforms,

[0065] - an organism humidity sensor arranged to measure humidity in vicinity of the one or more growing containers supported to the vertically superposed platforms,

[0066] - an organism temperature sensor arranged to measure temperature in vicinity of the one or more growing containers supported to the vertically superposed platforms,

[0067] - an organism gas sensor arranged to measure gas composition or gas concentration in vicinity of the one or more growing containers supported to the vertically superposed platforms, and

[0068] - an organism electromagnetic radiation sensor arranged to measure electromagnetic radiation from the living organism provided to the one or more growing containers supported to the vertically superposed platforms.

[0069] The organism imaging device may be digital camera, thermal camera, infrared imaging device, a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) camera device, or the like. The organism imaging device enables collecting and monitoring the livings organisms based on the image data generated by the organism imaging device.

[0070] The organism microphone device may be any kind of microphone device configured to capture sound from the direction of the living organisms provided to the growing containers. The organism microphone device enables collecting and monitoring the livings organisms based on the sound data generated by the organism microphone device.

[0071] The organism humidity sensor may be any kind of humidity sensor configured to measure humidity in the vicinity of the living organisms provided to the growing containers. The organism humidity sensor enables collecting and monitoring humidity conditions locally in the vicinity of the living organisms based on the humidity sensor data generated by the organism humidity sensor.

[0072] The organism temperature sensor may be any kind of temperature sensor configured to measure temperature in the vicinity of the living organisms provided to the growing containers. The organism temperature sensor enables collecting and monitoring temperature conditions locally in the vicinity the living organisms based on the temperature sensor data generated by the organism temperature sensor.

[0073] The organism gas sensor may be any kind of gas sensor configured to measure gas atmosphere properties in the vicinity of the living organisms provided to the growing containers. The organism gas sensor enables collecting and monitoring gas atmosphere properties locally in the vicinity the livings organisms based on the gas sensor data generated by the organism gas sensor.

[0074] The organism electromagnetic radiation sensor may be any kind of electromagnetic radiation sensor configured to measure electromagnetic radiation in the vicinity of the living organisms provided to the growing containers or emitted from the living organism. The organism electromagnetic radiation sensor enables collecting and monitoring electromagnetic radiation locally in the vicinity the livings organisms or form the living organisms based on the electromagnetic radiation sensor data generated by the organism electromagnetic radiation sensor.

[0075] In some embodiments, the conditioning module is arranged to provide conditioning medium towards one or more growing containers supported to a platform provided below the conditioning module.

[0076] Accordingly, the conditioning module is arranged above the platform and arranged to provide conditioning medium towards one or more growing containers supported to the platform. Further, the conditioning module is arranged above the platform and arranged to monitor the living organism provided to the growing containers supported to the platform.

[0077] This enables providing specific condition medium to the living organisms provided to the platform above which the conditioning module is arranged.

[0078] Accordingly, the vertically superposed platforms are or may be provided with one or more separate conditioning modules and arranged to provide conditioning medium towards the one or more growing containers arranged below the conditioning modules.

[0079] In some embodiments, the conditioning module is connected to the platform and arranged to provide conditioning medium towards one or more growing containers supported another platform below the platform to which the conditioning module is connected.

[0080] In some embodiments, the growing unit comprises a separate conditioning unit for two or more growing containers on the same platform. The conditioning modules are arranged or supported to the platforms. The conditioning module is supported to the platform such that the conditioning module is arranged to provide conditioning medium towards another platform arranged below the platform to which the conditioning module is connected or towards the growing containers supported to the mentioned another platform.

[0081] Accordingly, this allows the support system and / or the platforms to support both the growing containers and the conditioning modules.

[0082] In some embodiments, the platform is arranged to receive two or more growing containers, and that each of the two or more containers are provided with a separate conditioning module.

[0083] Accordingly, the growing unit comprises a separate conditioning unit for each growing container on the same platform. Therefore, the living organisms in each of the growing containers may be conditioned and monitored separately.

[0084] In some embodiments, the conditioning modules are provided as movable conditioning modules.

[0085] Accordingly, the conditioning modules may be moved from one location or from one platform to another inside the growing chamber. Therefore, one conditioning module may be used for two or more growing containers or two or more platforms.

[0086] In some other embodiments, the conditioning modules are provided as movable conditioning modules, and the growing unit comprises a conditioning module transport system arranged to move the conditioning modules inside the growing chamber.

[0087] The conditioning module transport system is arranged to move the conditioning modules inside the growing chamber to and from the platforms.

[0088] Alternatively or additionally, the conditioning module transport system is arranged to move the conditioning modules inside the growing chamber from one platform position to another platform position in one platform.

[0089] In some other embodiments, the conditioning modules are provided as movable conditioning modules, and the transport system is arranged to move the conditioning modules inside the growing chamber.

[0090] In some other embodiments, the conditioning modules are provided as movable conditioning modules, and the transport system is arranged to move the conditioning modules inside the growing chamber to and from the platforms.

[0091] Alternatively or additionally, the transport system is arranged to move the conditioning modules inside the growing chamber from one platform position to another platform position in one platform.

[0092] Accordingly, the same transport system is arranged to move both the growing containers and the conditioning modules inside the growing chamber.

[0093] Accordingly, the conditioning modules are arranged to be moved inside the growing chamber with the transport system or with a separate conditioning module transport system arranged to move only the conditioning modules.

[0094] In some embodiments, the growing unit comprises a service station, the service station comprises conditioning medium supply for supplying the condition medium to the conditioning module, and the transport system or the conditioning module transport system is arranged to move the conditioning modules between the platforms and the service station.

[0095] The service station may comprise electricity supply and / or liquid supply and / or gas supply. The conditioning module further comprises an electricity connection and / or a liquid connection and / or a gas connection, respectively for receiving electricity and / or liquid and / or gas at the service station.

[0096] In some embodiments, the transport system comprises a transport platform, the transport system is arranged to move the transport platform inside the growing chamber. The transport platform is arranged to move the growing containers, or the conditioning modules or the growing containers and the conditioning modules inside the growing chamber.

[0097] Movement of the transport platform is controlled such that the platform is able to move the conditioning modules and / or the growing containers.

[0098] The transport platform may be any kind of transport element arranged to move inside the growing chamber and arranged to move the conditioning modules and / or the growing containers inside the growing chamber.

[0099] In some embodiments, the growing unit comprises an irrigation station. The irrigation station comprises a growing liquid supply, and the transport system is arranged to move the growing containers between the platforms and the irrigation station.

[0100] The irrigation station enables irrigating the living organism in centralized manner. Thus, the irrigation system may be simplified as irrigation liquid does not need to be supplied to all locations and all growing containers inside the growing chamber.

[0101] In some embodiments, the growing unit comprises a control module configured to operate the growing unit. The control module being operatively connected to the conditioning modules for operating the conditioning modules and to the transport system for operating the transport system.

[0102] Accordingly, the operation of the conditioning modules and the transport system is carried out in a combined manner for efficient growing of the living organisms.

[0103] In some embodiments, the control module is further operatively connected to at least one of the following:

[0104] - the atmosphere module for operating the atmosphere unit,

[0105] - the service station for operating the service station, and

[0106] - the irrigation station for operating the irrigation station.

[0107] This allows efficient operation of the entire growing unit.

[0108] In some embodiments, the control module is provided in connection with the growing chamber. Accordingly, the operation and control of the growing unit is carried out locally. Thus, no external connections are needed. This also allows the growing unit to operate as a stand-alone growing unit.

[0109] In some further embodiments, the growing chamber is provided with a communication module and the control module is provided to an external server, the communication module being arranged in data transfer connection with the communication module via a data transfer connection. This allows remote control of the growing unit.

[0110] The growing unit according to the invention provides a controlled growing condition in which the living organism may be treated in detail and in specified manner. The growing unit further enables growing living organisms locally at a desired location and different ambient conditions. The growing unit enables automated cultivation of living organism in an energy and material efficient manner.

[0111] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0112] The invention is described in detail by means of specific embodiments with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which

[0113] Figure 1 shows schematically a cross-sectional side view of a growing unit according to the present invention;

[0114] Figure 2 shows schematically a cross-section top view of a growing unit according to the present invention;

[0115] Figure 3 shows schematically a three-dimensional view of a growing unit according to the present invention;

[0116] Figures 4 to 8 show schematically a different embodiments the growing unit according to the present invention;

[0117] Figure 9 shows schematically a transport platform of a growing unit according to the present invention;

[0118] Figures 10 and 11 show schematically growing containers of a growing unit according to the present invention;

[0119] Figures 12 and 13 show schematically a conditioning module of a growing unit according to the present invention;

[0120] Figure 14 shows schematically a growing chamber of a growing unit according to the present invention; and

[0121] Figure 15 shows schematically a control system of a growing unit according to the present invention.

[0122] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0123] Figure 1 shows schematically a growing unit 10 for growing living organisms. The growing unit 10 comprises a growing chamber 100 having a growing space inside the growing chamber 100. The support system 40 is arranged inside the growing chamber 100 for supporting living organism. The support system 40 comprises vertically superposed platforms 42 arranged to support the living organisms. The platforms 42 are arranged to extend in horizontal direction. The platforms 42 are further connected or supported to vertical support elements 44, 46.

[0124] The platforms 42 may be provided as shelf plates or rails or the like horizontal support elements.

[0125] The living organisms 1 are provided to separate growing containers 60. The growing containers 60 are provided as separate movable growing containers 60.

[0126] Accordingly, the growing containers 60 are provided as individually movable containers.

[0127] The growing containers 60 can be any kind containers configured to receive living organisms 1.

[0128] The growing containers 60 may be for example pots, pods or the like.

[0129] The growing containers 60 are arranged to be supported to the platforms 42 in the growing chamber 100.

[0130] The growing chamber 100 and the support system 40 is arranged to define one or more transport passages 30. The growing containers 60 are transported along the transport passages 30 inside the growing chamber 100.

[0131] The growing unit 10 further comprises a transport system 20 arranged to move the growing containers 60 inside the growing chamber 100 to and from the platforms 42. The transport system 20 is arranged to move the growing containers 60 along the one or more transport passages 30 inside the growing chamber 100.

[0132] As shown in figure 1, the transport passage 30 extends in vertical direction. Thus, the transport system 20 is arranged to move from one platform 42 to another platform 42 in vertical direction.

[0133] The transport system comprises a transport platform 20 arranged to move inside the growing chamber 100. The transport platform 20 is arranged to move the growing containers inside the growing chamber 100. Accordingly, the transport platform 20 is arranged to receive one or more growing containers 60 and move the one or more growing containers 60 inside the growing chamber 100.

[0134] The transport platform 20 is arranged to move along the transport passages 30 inside the growing chamber 100.

[0135] The transport platform 20 may be any kind of platform or module arranged to move inside the growing chamber 100 and to move the growing containers 60.

[0136] The transport platform 20 is arranged to carry and transport the growing containers 60 in vertical direction inside the growing chamber 100.

[0137] The transport platform 20 is arranged to carry and transport the growing containers 60 along the transport passage(s) 30 inside the growing chamber 100.

[0138] As shown in figure 1, the transport platform 20 is arranged to move in vertical direction A, up and down, inside the growing chamber 100.

[0139] The transport system may also comprise a robot arm or the like transport device in addition to the transport platform 20 or instead of the transport platform 20.

[0140] The present invention is not restricted to any specific transport system or transport platform 20. The transport system or the transport platform 20 may be any kind of transport system capable of transporting the growing containers inside the growing chamber 100.

[0141] The growing unit 10 further comprises conditioning modules 50 configured provide conditioning medium towards one or more growing containers 60 supported to the vertically superposed platforms 42 for conditioning living organisms 1.

[0142] The conditioning modules 50 are arranged in connection with the platforms 42.

[0143] As shown in figure 1, each platform is provided with one or more separate conditioning modules 50 for providing conditioning medium towards the one or more growing containers 60.

[0144] The conditioning medium may be in the context of this application any medium which is supplied or emitted from the conditioning units 50 towards the living organisms 1 and the growing containers 60. The conditioning medium may be for example liquid, gas, solid material, electromagnetic radiation, light, sound or the like.

[0145] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional top view of the growing unit 10. Each platform 42 is arranged to support one or more separate growing containers 60.

[0146] The platforms 42 may be shelf plates or the like or vertical support rails or the like or any support elements to which the growing containers 60 may be supported.

[0147] As shown in figure 2, the transport passage 30 extends in horizontal direction. Thus, the transport platform 20 is arranged to move along the platform 42 in horizontal direction B.

[0148] The transport platform 20 is arranged to move along the transport passages 30 inside the growing chamber 100.

[0149] The transport platform 20 is arranged to carry and transport the growing containers 60 in horizontal direction inside the growing chamber 100.

[0150] The transport platform 20 is arranged to carry and transport the growing containers 60 in vertical and horizontal directions inside the growing chamber 100.

[0151] The transport platform 20 is arranged to carry and transport the growing containers 60 along the transport passage(s) 30 inside the growing chamber 100.

[0152] As shown in figure 2, the transport platform 20 is arranged to move in horizontal direction B, back and forth, inside the growing chamber 100.

[0153] Figure 3 shows schematically a three-dimensional view of the support system and transport system of the growing unit 10. The support system comprises one or more groups of vertically superposed platforms 42 for supporting the growing containers 60.

[0154] In the embodiment of figures 1 to 3, the transport passage 30 is arranged between two groups of vertically superposed platforms 42. The transport passage 30 extends in vertical and horizontal direction. The transport platform 20 is arranged to move along the transport passage 30 in vertical and horizontal direction. Accordingly, the transport platform 20 is arranged to serve both groups of vertically superposed platforms 42.

[0155] Figure 4 shows an embodiment in which the conditioning modules 50 are provided as movable conditioning modules. The conditioning modules 50 are arranged to be movable between different platforms 42. Accordingly, the conditioning modules 50 are arranged to be moved from one platform 42 to another platform 42. Thus, one conditioning unit 50 is arranged to serve two or more platforms 42 and further growing containers 60 supported on the two ore more platforms 42.

[0156] In the embodiment of figure 4, the conditioning modules 50 are arranged to be separately movable in horizontal direction from one platform 42 to and adjacent platform 42 or from a first location in the platform 42 to a second location in the same platform 42.

[0157] The conditioning module may be connected to a platform 42 mechanically, for example with rails or the like allowing the conditioning module 50 to be moved relative to the platform 42.

[0158] As shown in figure 4, the growing unit 10 further comprises an irrigation station 71. The irrigation station comprises an irrigation device 70. The irrigation device 70 comprises a growing liquid supply or growing liquid nozzle for supplying growing liquid.

[0159] The irrigation station 71 further comprises a water source 72. The water source 72 may be water container or a connection to a water distribution network. The water source 72 is connected to the irrigation device 70 for supplying water to the irrigation device 70.

[0160] The irrigation station 71 may further comprise a fertilizer and / or nutrient source 74. The nutrient source 74 is connected to the water source 72 or directly to the irrigation device 70 for supplying fertilizer and / or nutrient to the irrigation device 70.

[0161] In some embodiments, the irrigation station 71 further comprises a growing liquid recycling arrangement 76 configured to recycle excessive growing liquid in connection with the irrigation station 71. The growing liquid recycling arrangement 76 is arranged to collect growing liquid supplied from the irrigation device 70 and recycle the growing liquid back to the irrigation device 70. In the embodiment of figure 4, the irrigation station 71 is provided to the lower part of the growing chamber 100. The transport system or the transport platform 20 is arranged to transport growing containers 60 to the irrigation station 71 and from the irrigation station 71.

[0162] The transport system or the transport platform 20 is arranged to transport growing containers 60 from the platforms 42 to the irrigation station 71 and from the irrigation station 71 to the platforms 42.

[0163] Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment in which the irrigation station 71 is provided to upper part of the growing chamber 100.

[0164] The irrigation station 71 is provided to upper part of the growing chamber 100 and in connection with the transport passage 30. The transport system or the transport platform 20 is arranged to transport growing containers 60 to the irrigation station 71 and from the irrigation station 71. The transport system or the transport platform 20 is arranged to transport growing containers 60 from the platforms 42 to the irrigation station 71 and from the irrigation station 71 to the platforms 42.

[0165] The growing liquid recycling arrangement 76 is provided to the lower part of the growing chamber 100 and in connection with the transport passage 30. The growing liquid recycling arrangement 76 arranged to receive water or growing liquid supplied from the irrigation device 71. The water or growing liquid flow or drop from the irrigation device 70 to the growing liquid recycling arrangement 76 provides humidity to the growing chamber 10 and also promotes air or gas flows and ventilation inside the growing chamber 100.

[0166] Figure 6 shows an embodiment in which the platforms 42 are provided with two or more conditioning modules 50. The platform 42 is provided with a predetermined number of growing containers 60 and a corresponding predetermined number of conditioning modules 50.

[0167] In an alternative embodiment, the platform comprises a first predetermined number of growing containers and a second predetermined number of movable conditioning modules. The conditioning modules 50 are arranged to move from one growing container 60 to another.

[0168] Accordingly, the conditioning module 50 is arranged cover one growing container 60 and the living organisms 1 in the growing container 60. Accordingly, living organisms 1 in the one growing container 60 are conditioned with one conditioning module 50 covering the growing container 60. In the embodiment of figures 1 to 5, the conditioning module 50 is arranged cover two or more growing containers 60 and the living organisms 1 in the two or more growing containers 60. Accordingly, living organisms 1 in the two or more growing containers 60 are conditioned with one conditioning module 50 covering the two or more growing containers 60.

[0169] The conditioning modules 50 are arranged to provide conditioning medium towards one or more growing containers 60 supported to a platform 42 provided below the conditioning modules 60.

[0170] The conditioning modules 50 are supported to the support system 40. As shown in figures 1 to 8, the condition modules 50 are supported to the platforms 42 and arranged to underside of a platform 42 such that the conditioning module 50 is above the vertically next platform 42 below.

[0171] In some embodiments, the platforms are provided with first induction elements connected to an electricity source. The one or more conditioning modules 50 are provided with second induction elements. The first and second induction elements are arranged in inductive connection with each other for transferring electrical energy from the first induction elements to the se induction elements via induction. The induction connection provides electricity to the conditioning modules 50 and the components thereof.

[0172] Figure 7 shows an embodiment in which the growing chamber 100 comprises container inlet 80 arranged to import new growing containers 60 and living orgasms 1 into the growing chamber 100 or to the support system 40. The growing chamber 100 further comprises container outlet 84 arranged to export growing containers 60 and living orgasms 1 from the growing chamber 100 or from the support system 40.

[0173] The container inlet 80 is provided with an inlet conveyor arrangement 82 arranged to transport the growing containers 60 to the transport system or to the transport platform 20. The container outlet 84 is provided with an outlet conveyor arrangement 86 arranged to transport the growing containers 60 from the transport system or to the transport platform 20.

[0174] The container outlet 84 may also be provided as a harvesting station in which the living organisms 1 are harvested.

[0175] The harvesting station 84 may comprise any means for harvesting the living organisms 1. In some embodiments, the harvesting station 84 comprises harvesting arrangement arranged to remove living organisms or at least a part of the living organism from the growing containers 60. The transport platform or the transport platform 20 is arranged to move the growing containers 60 from the container inlet 80 to the one or more platforms 42 and from the one or more platforms 42 to the container outlet or the harvesting station 84.

[0176] In the embodiment of figure 7 , the growing unit 10 comprises a service station 75 for the conditioning modules 50. The service station 75 comprises conditioning medium supply for supplying the condition medium to the conditioning module 50. The transport system or the transport platform 20 arranged to move the conditioning modules 50 between the platforms 42 and the service station 75.

[0177] In some embodiments, the conditioning modules 50 are provided with one or more electrical batteries (not shown) for providing electricity to the components of the conditioning modules 50.

[0178] In some embodiments, the service station 75 is provided with a charging device (not shown) arranged to charge the one or more electrical batteries of the conditioning modules 50.

[0179] Figure 8 shows an embodiment in which the vertically superposed platforms 42 are arranged movable in vertical direction.

[0180] The platform 42 is provide with a platform moving device 43 arranged to move the platform 42 in vertical direction in the support system.

[0181] Each platform 42 may be provided with a separate platform moving device 43 or alternatively one platform moving device 43 is arranged to move two or more platforms 42 together or separately in vertical direction F.

[0182] In some embodiments, the platform moving mechanism 43 is arranged to move the vertically superposed platforms 42 in vertical direction and relative to each other in vertical direction.

[0183] In some embodiments, the support system or the vertical support elements 44, 46 thereof are provide with vertically superposed platform rests 47. The platforms 42 are arranged to be movable and supported to desired platform rests 47 in vertical direction. Accordingly, the platforms 42 arranged to be movable in vertical direction in the support system and also relative to each other in vertical direction.

[0184] Figure 9 shows schematically one embodiment of the transport platform 20. The transport platform 20 comprises a top surface 22 and a bottom surface 24. The growing containers 60 are arranged to be placed and supported on the top surface during transporting with the transport platform 20. The bottom surface 24 is provided with a first securing member 27 for attaching the conditioning module 50 to the transport platform 20 for transporting the conditioning module 50 inside the growing chamber 100.

[0185] The transport platform 20 further comprises one or more moving members 25 arranged to move growing containers 60 to the transport platform 20 and from the transport platform 20.

[0186] The one or more moving members 25 arranged to move growing containers 60 from the platform 42 to the transport platform 20 and from the transport platform 20 to the platform 42.

[0187] The transport system or the transport platform 20 is arranged to move the growing containers 60 and the conditioning modules 50 separately from each other inside the growing chamber 100.

[0188] Figures 10 and 11 shows schematically one embodiment of the growing container 60. The growing container 60 comprises a container space 62 arranged to receive the living organisms 1 and the growing bed 2 in which the living organisms 1 are planted.

[0189] The growing container 60 further comprises one or more connecting members 64 arranged to connect the growing container in releasable manner to another growing container 60 and the connecting member 64 thereof.

[0190] Figure 12 shows schematically the conditioning module 50. The conditioning module comprises an upper surface 54 and the lower output surface 52.

[0191] The upper surface 54 is provided with a second securing member 56 for attaching the conditioning module 50 to the transport platform 20 for transporting the conditioning module 50 inside the growing chamber 100.

[0192] The first securing member 27 of the transport platform 20 and the second securing member 56 of the conditioning module 50 are arranged to connect with each other for attaching the conditioning module 50 to the transport platform 20.

[0193] Figure 13 shows one embodiment of the conditioning module 50. Figure 13 shows the lower output surface 52 of the conditioning module 50. It should be noted that the devices provided to the lower output surface 52 may also be provided to other part or location of the conditioning module 50.

[0194] The conditioning module 50 comprise one or more of the following: one or more lighting devices 80, gas supply devices 82, liquid supply devices, and / or speaker devices 86. The one or more lighting device 80 are configured to emit light energy towards one or more growing containers 60 supported to the vertically superposed platforms 42.

[0195] The one or more gas supply devices 82 are arranged to supply gas towards the towards the one or more growing containers 60 supported to the vertically superposed platforms 42.

[0196] The one or more liquid supply devices 83 are arranged to supply liquid towards the towards one or more growing containers 60 supported to the vertically superposed platforms 42.

[0197] The one or more speaker devices 86 are arranged to emit sound towards the one or more growing containers 60 supported to the vertically superposed platforms 42.

[0198] The conditioning modules 50 may further comprise one or more of the following devices and sensors.

[0199] The conditioning module 50 may comprise an organism imaging device 84 arranged to acquire image data of living organisms provided to one or more growing containers 60 supported to the vertically superposed platforms 42.

[0200] The conditioning module 50 may comprise an organism microphone device 85 arranged to acquire sound data of living organisms provided to one or more growing containers 60 supported to the vertically superposed platforms 42.

[0201] The conditioning module 50 may comprise an organism humidity sensor 81 arranged to measure humidity in vicinity of the one or more growing containers 60 supported to the vertically superposed platforms 42.

[0202] The conditioning module 50 may comprise - an organism temperature sensor 87 arranged to measure temperature in vicinity of the one or more growing containers 60 supported to the vertically superposed platforms 42.

[0203] The conditioning module 50 may comprise an organism gas sensor 88 arranged to measure gas composition or gas concentration in vicinity of the one or more growing containers 60 supported to the vertically superposed platforms 42.

[0204] The conditioning module 50 may comprise an organism electromagnetic radiation sensor 89 arranged to measure electromagnetic radiation from the living organism provided to the one or more growing containers 60 supported to the vertically superposed platforms 42.

[0205] Figure 14 shows schematically the growing chamber 100 defining a growing space 101 inside the growing chamber 100. The growing chamber 100 is provided as a movable growing chamber

[0206] 100 or as a movable container, such as sea container.

[0207] A shown in figure 14, the growing chamber 100 comprises a thermal insulation 102 provided in connection with the chamber walls. Thus, the growing container is provided as a thermally insulated growing chamber.

[0208] The growing chamber 100 is further provided with an atmosphere module 90 configured to adjust atmospheric properties of the growing space 101 inside the growing chamber 100.

[0209] The atmosphere module 90 comprises a chamber temperature control device 110, 112 arranged to adjust temperature of the growing space 101 inside the growing chamber 100. The chamber temperature control device 110, 112 comprises a chamber hating device 110 and a chamber cooling device 112, or a combined chamber heating and cooling device 110, 112. The atmosphere module 90 may further comprises a chamber temperature sensor 122 arranged to measure temperature in the growing space 101 of the growing chamber 100.

[0210] The atmosphere module 90 further comprises a chamber humidity control device 114 arranged to adjust humidity of the growing space 101 inside the growing chamber 100. The atmosphere module 90 may further comprises a chamber humidity sensor 120 arranged to measure humidity in the growing space

[0211] 101 of the growing chamber 100.

[0212] The atmosphere module 90 further comprises a chamber atmospheric control device 116 arranged to adjust gas atmosphere composition of the growing space 101 inside the growing chamber 100, as shown in figure 14. The atmosphere module 90 may further comprises a chamber gas sensor 124 arranged to measure gas composition or gas concentration in the growing space 101 of the growing chamber 100.

[0213] Figure 15 shows schematically a control system of the growing unit 10.

[0214] The control system comprises a control module 200 having at least one processor 202 and at least one memory 204 storing control instructions for controlling the operation of the growing unit 10 and executed by the processor 202.

[0215] The control instructions may comprise predetermined control instructions. Alternatively, the control module 200 or the at least one memory thereof comprises a machine learning algorithm configured to carry adaptive control.

[0216] The control module 200 is operatively connected to the conditioning modules 50 for operating the conditioning modules 50 and the devices and sensors thereof, and to the transport system 20, 22, 24, 25, 27 for operating the transport system 20, 22, 24, 25, 27.

[0217] The control module 200 may be further operatively connected to the atmosphere module 90 for operating the atmosphere module 90, to the service station 75 for operating the service station 75, and / or to the irrigation station 70 for operating the irrigation station 70.

[0218] The control module 200 may further comprise a communication module configured to provide a data transfer connection 302 with a user device 300 or an external server.

[0219] The control module 200 is provided in connection with the growing chamber 100. Alternatively, the control module 200 is provided to an external server and the communication module 200 is arranged in data transfer connection with the grooving unit 1 via a data transfer connection. The invention has been described above with reference to the examples shown in the figures. However, the invention is in no way restricted to the above examples but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A growing unit (10) for living organisms, characterized in that the growing unit (10) comprises:- a growing chamber (100) having a growing space (101) inside the growing chamber (100);- movable growing containers (60), the growing containers being arranged to receive one or more living organisms;- a support system (40) comprising vertically superposed platforms (42), the platforms (42) being arranged to support the movable growing containers (60) inside the growing chamber (100);- conditioning modules (50) configured provide conditioning medium towards one or more growing containers (60) supported to the vertically superposed platforms (42) for conditioning living organisms; and- a transport system (20, 22, 24, 25, 27) arranged to move the growing containers (60) inside the growing chamber (100) to and from the platforms (42).

2. A growing unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the growing chamber (100) is:- a movable growing chamber (100); or- provided as a movable container.

3. A growing unit (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that:- the growing chamber (100) is provided as a thermally insulated growing chamber; or- the growing chamber (100) is provided as a hermetically sealed growing chamber; or- the growing chamber (100) is provided as a thermally insulated growing chamber and as a hermetically sealed growing chamber.

4. A growing unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the growing chamber (100) is provided with an atmosphere module (90) configured to adjust atmospheric properties of the growing space (101) inside the growing chamber (100).

5. A growing unit (10) according to claim 4, characterized inthat the atmosphere module (90) comprises one or more of the following:- at least one chamber temperature control device (110, 112) arranged to adjust temperature of the growing space (101) inside the growing chamber (100),- at least one chamber humidity control device (114) arranged to adjust humidity of the growing space (101) inside the growing chamber (100), and- at least one chamber atmospheric control device (116) arranged to adjust gas atmosphere composition of the growing space (101) inside the growing chamber (100).

6. A growing unit (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the atmosphere module (90) comprises one or more of the following:- at least one chamber humidity sensor (120) arranged to measure humidity in the growing space (101) of the growing chamber (100),- at least one chamber temperature sensor (122) arranged to measure temperature in the growing space (101) of the growing chamber (100),- at least one chamber gas sensor (124) arranged to measure gas composition or gas concentration in the growing space (101) of the growing chamber (100).

7. A growing unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that:- the vertically superposed platforms (42) are arranged movable in vertical direction; or- the vertically superposed platforms (42) are arranged movable in vertical direction and movable relative to each other in vertical direction.

8. A growing unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the conditioning modules (50) comprise one or more lighting device (80) configured to emit light energy towards the towards one or more growing containers (60) supported to the vertically superposed platforms (42).

9. A growing unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the conditioning modules (50) comprise one or more of the following:- a gas supply device (82) arranged to supply gas towards the towards the one or more growing containers (60) supported to the vertically superposed platforms (42),- a liquid supply device (83) arranged to supply liquid towards the towards one or more growing containers (60) supported to the vertically superposed platforms (42),- a speaker device (86) arranged to emit sound towards the one or more growing containers (60) supported to the vertically superposed platforms (42).

10. A growing unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the conditioning modules (50) comprises one or more of the following:- at least one organism imaging device (84) arranged to acquire image data of living organisms provided to one or more growing containers (60) supported to the vertically superposed platforms (42),- at least one organism microphone device (85) arranged to acquire sound data of living organisms provided to one or more growing containers (60) supported to the vertically superposed platforms (42),- at least one organism humidity sensor (81) arranged to measure humidity in vicinity of the one or more growing containers (60) supported to the vertically superposed platforms (42),- at least one organism temperature sensor (87) arranged to measure temperature in vicinity of the one or more growing containers (60) supported to the vertically superposed platforms (42),- at least one organism gas sensor (88) arranged to measure gas composition or gas concentration in vicinity of the one or more growing containers (60) supported to the vertically superposed platforms (42), and- at least one organism electromagnetic radiation sensor (89) arranged to measure electromagnetic radiation from the living organism provided to the one or more growing containers (60) supported to the vertically superposed platforms (42).

11. A growing unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the conditioning module (50) is arranged to provide conditioning medium towards one or more growing containers (60) supported to a platform (42) provided below the conditioning module (60).

12. A growing unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the conditioning module (50) is connected to the platform (42) and arranged to provide conditioning medium towards one or more growing containers (60) supported another platform (42) below the platform (42) to which the conditioning module (50) is connected.

13. A growing unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the platform (42) is arranged to receive two or more growing containers (60), and that each of the two or more containers (60) are provided with a separate conditioning module (50).

14. A growing unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that:- the conditioning modules (50) are provided as movable conditioning modules arranged to be movable inside the growing chamber; or- the conditioning modules (50) are provided as movable conditioning modules, and the growing unit (10) comprises a conditioning module transport system (C) arranged to move the conditioning modules (50) inside the growing chamber (100); or- the conditioning modules (50) are provided as movable conditioning modules, and the transport system (20, 22, 24, 25, 27) is arranged to move the conditioning modules (50) inside the growing chamber (100) to and from the platforms (42).

15. A growing unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the growing unit (10) comprises a service station (75), the service station (75) comprises conditioning medium supply for supplying the condition medium to the conditioning module (50), and the transport system (20, 22, 24, 25, 27) is arranged to move the conditioning modules (60) between the platforms (42) and the service station (75).

16. A growing unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the transport system (20, 22, 24, 25, 27) comprises a transport platform (20), the transport system (20, 22, 24, 25, 27) is arranged to move the transport platform inside the growing chamber (100), the transportplatform (20) is arranged to move the growing containers (60), or the conditioning modules (60) or the growing containers (60) and the conditioning modules (60) inside the growing chamber (100).

17. A growing unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the growing unit (10) comprises an irrigation station (70), the irrigation station (70) comprises a growing liquid supply, and the transport system (20, 22, 24, 25, 27) is arranged to move the growing containers (60) between the platforms (42) and the irrigation station (70).

18. A growing unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the growing unit (10) comprises a control module (200) configured to operate the growing unit (10), the control module (200) being operatively connected to the conditioning modules (50) for operating the conditioning modules (50) and to the transport system (20, 22, 24, 25, 27) for operating the transport system (20, 22, 24, 25, 27).

19. A growing unit (10) according to claim 18, characterized in that the control module (200) is further operatively connected to at least one of the following:- the atmosphere module (90) for operating the atmosphere module (90),- the service station (75) for operating the service station (75), and- the irrigation station (70) for operating the irrigation station (70).

20. A growing unit (10) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that:- the control module (200) is provided in connection with the growing chamber (100); or- the growing chamber (100) is provided with a communication module and the control module (200) is provided to an external server, the communication module (200) being arranged in data transfer connection with growing unit 10 via a data transfer connection.

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