Environmental control system for plant factory
By using fabric air supply main pipe and fabric air supply branch pipe in plant factories, the uniformity of airflow structure in the plant canopy environment is achieved, the problem of uneven airflow in the prior art is solved, energy consumption is reduced and the control accuracy of plant growth environment is improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202420695698.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-07
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-15
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-04-07
AI Technical Summary
The airflow structure in existing plant factories is uneven, which makes it impossible to achieve uniform temperature, humidity and CO2 concentration of the plant canopy environment, affecting plant growth.
The fabric air supply main pipe and the fabric air supply branch pipe are used to uniformly transport the airflow to the fabric air supply branch pipe through the fabric air supply main pipe. Ventilation holes are opened on the branch pipe to directly align the plant canopy area to achieve accurate control of the airflow.
It significantly improves the uniformity of airflow tissue in the plant canopy environment, ensures the uniformity of temperature, humidity and CO2 concentration, reduces the requirements for large-scale environmental control, and thus reduces energy consumption.
Smart Images
Figure CN222751031U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present application relates to the field of agricultural facilities, and in particular to an environmental control system for a plant factory. Background Art
[0002] This section is intended to provide a background or context to the embodiments of the present application as recited in the claims. The description herein is not admitted to be prior art as disclosed by virtue of its inclusion in this section.
[0003] Existing plant factories usually use air conditioning systems to control the internal environment, and at the same time cooperate with certain air flow organization patterns to achieve air circulation within the plant factory. Large-space cultivation areas generally use traditional overall air supply and return methods, which are similar to the top supply and side return, side supply and side return, side supply and top return and other air flow organization forms in clean workshops. For small-scale plant factories with small spaces and a small number of shelves, such as container-type plant factories, household or commercial air conditioners are generally used to achieve air supply and return. For multi-row planting shelf systems in large spaces, due to the factors of air supply distance and shelf obstruction, the overall air supply method cannot meet the requirements of uniform distribution of environmental conditions such as space temperature and humidity. Therefore, channel air supply or inter-shelf air supply is mostly used. Channel air supply passes through the aisle between two rows of planting shelves, and uses ceiling air outlets to discharge air, which has a good turbulence effect on the top temperature, but effective ventilation cannot be achieved between shelves, and the air flow organization of the plant canopy environment is uneven.
[0004] In response to the problem of uneven airflow organization in plant factories, the commonly used solution in the industry is to increase airflow disturbance, supply air through the whole space, use PVC pipes for perforated ventilation between shelves, use axial flow fans to supply air from the side of the shelf or the top of the canopy, or install a small fan at one end of the shelf to supply air to the shelf canopy. Overall air supply is not suitable for large plant factory environments, the air supply is uneven, and the temperature and humidity differences between shelves are obvious; the axial flow fan has a short air supply distance, uneven wind speed and temperature distribution, and the fan installation requires multi-point and multi-layer power supply, and the system complexity is high; PVC vertical air ducts can enter the interlayer for air supply, but the airflow cannot form a uniform and stable micro-environment in the plant planting canopy, and the installation is complicated, occupying the planting shelf space and generating a lot of noise; although installing fans on the shelves can provide air circulation for the canopy, the small fans have limited power and short air supply distance, and cannot achieve uniform air supply. If the canopy air needs to be evenly circulated, a large number of small fans need to be installed, which will lead to complex wiring, high safety risks, and high operating costs.
[0005] To ensure product quality and yield, the plant canopy area of the cultivation rack needs to maintain consistent and uniform temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration, etc. None of the existing solutions can achieve uniformity in the microenvironment of the plant canopy of the cultivation rack. Summary of the invention
[0006] The purpose of the present application is to provide an environmental control system for a plant factory, which can control the microenvironment of the plant canopy of a cultivation rack to be uniform and consistent, and has simple installation and low cost.
[0007] The present application discloses an environmental control system for a plant factory, comprising: a fabric air supply main pipe 1, a fabric air supply branch pipe 2 and a bracket;
[0008] The fabric air supply main pipe 1 is perpendicular to the ground and connected to the air outlet of the air supply system of the plant factory;
[0009] The plurality of fabric air supply branch pipes 2 are parallel to the ground and connected to the fabric air supply main pipe 1, the axes of the plurality of fabric air supply branch pipes 2 are located in the same vertical plane, and the surface of the fabric air supply branch pipe 2 facing the plant canopy area along the axial direction is perforated with a plurality of ventilation holes;
[0010] The bracket is configured to allow the fabric air supply branch pipe 2 to be hung and installed;
[0011] The fabric air supply main duct 1 is configured to uniformly transport the airflow from the main air outlet of the air supply system to each of the fabric air supply branch ducts 2, and the fabric air supply branch ducts 2 are configured to uniformly transport the airflow to the plant canopy area of each layer 4 of the plant factory cultivation rack.
[0012] In a preferred example, a zipper opening is provided on the fabric air supply main pipe 1, and one end of the plant air supply branch pipe is connected to the zipper opening of the fabric air supply main pipe 1 through a zipper 5.
[0013] In a preferred example, the support includes two or more fixing frames 31 and hanging ropes 32, and one end of the fixing frame 31 is fixedly connected to the cultivation frame of the plant factory.
[0014] In a preferred example, a lifting ring 33 is provided at the other end of the fixing frame 31 , and the lifting ring 33 is configured to be connected to the lifting rope 32 so that the lifting rope 32 is tightened between the fixing frame 31 .
[0015] In a preferred example, the diameter of the fabric air supply main duct 1 is 400mm-1000mm.
[0016] In a preferred example, the diameter of the fabric air supply branch pipe 2 is 100mm-500mm.
[0017] In a preferred example, the fabric air supply branch pipe 2 is configured to be hung on the hanging rope 32 through a plurality of hooks 34 .
[0018] In a preferred example, the spacing between the multiple hooks 34 is 1m-1.5m.
[0019] In a preferred example, it also includes a clamp 35 and a flower basket 36. The clamp 35 is provided between one of the two fixing frames 31 and the sling 32, and the clamp 35 is configured to fix the end of the sling 32. The flower basket 36 is provided between the other fixing frame 31 and the sling 32, and the flower basket 36 is configured to loosen or tighten the sling 32.
[0020] In a preferred example, the diameter of the ventilation hole is 0.8 mm-1.5 mm.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the single-layer racks 4 of two adjacent cultivation racks share one fabric air supply branch pipe 2 .
[0022] In a preferred example, one of the fabric air supply branches 2 is provided between every two layers of the cultivation racks of the plant factory.
[0023] In the implementation manner of the present application, ventilation holes are opened in fabric air supply branches to supply air, and the ventilation holes are directly aimed at the plant canopy area, so that precise control of the plant canopy microenvironment can be achieved, thereby improving the uniformity of airflow organization in the area directly affecting the plant growth, and significantly improving the uniformity of canopy environmental temperature and humidity, CO2 concentration, and air circulation. The system can greatly reduce the requirements for macro-environment control, thereby reducing energy consumption. In addition, in the implementation manner of the present application, a single cultivation rack only needs to use one fabric air supply main duct to evenly deliver the airflow from the air outlet of the air supply system to all fabric air supply branches connected to it, and there is no need to install multiple axial flow fans and connect them. This is completely different from other traditional modes and can replace the existing common applications in plant factories. Compared with traditional commonly used modes, the advantages of the fabric air supply main duct and the fabric air supply branch duct are: the canopy microenvironment control is highly targeted and accurate, the installation is simple with low cost and difficulty, the equipment failure rate is low, the daily maintenance cost is low, the operating noise is low, and the operating energy consumption is low.
[0024] Furthermore, since the main air supply pipe and the branch air supply pipe are made of fabric material, they are light in weight, easy to transport, easy to install, detachable and easy to replace. When maintenance is required between the shelves of the plant factory under special circumstances, they can be easily disassembled to provide operating space.
[0025] Furthermore, the fabric air supply main pipe and the fabric air supply branch pipe can be combined by means of a zipper, which provides convenience for the construction of a plant factory cultivation workshop;
[0026] Furthermore, by setting up a bracket, the bracket may include a fixing frame and a hanging rope, and the fabric air supply branch pipe may be hung on the hanging rope through a hanging ring, thereby ensuring that the ventilation holes of the fabric air supply branch pipe can be accurately aligned with the plant canopy area, and further ensuring the uniformity of air flow organization in the area above the plant canopy and below the bottom of the upper layer of the shelf in each layer.
[0027] Each technical feature disclosed in the above invention content, each technical feature disclosed in each implementation mode and example below, and each technical feature disclosed in the drawings can be freely combined with each other to form various new technical solutions (these technical solutions should be deemed to have been recorded in this specification), unless such combination of technical features is technically infeasible. For example, in one example, feature A+B+C is disclosed, and in another example, feature A+B+D+E is disclosed, and features C and D are equivalent technical means that play the same role. Technically, only one of them can be used, and it is impossible to use them at the same time. Feature E can be combined with feature C technically. Then, the solution of A+B+C+D should not be deemed to have been recorded because it is technically infeasible, while the solution of A+B+C+E should be deemed to have been recorded. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] Figure 1 It is a side view of a structural schematic diagram according to an embodiment of the present application.
[0029] Figure 2 It is a top view of a structural schematic diagram according to an embodiment of the present application.
[0030] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of a bracket according to one embodiment of the present application.
[0031] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a bracket according to one embodiment of the present application.
[0032] Description of reference numerals:
[0033] 1-fabric air supply main pipe; 2-fabric air supply branch pipe; 31-fixed frame; 32-hanging rope; 33-hanging ring; 34-hook; 35-clip; 36-flower basket; 4-layer shelf; 5-zipper. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] In the following description, many technical details are provided to help readers better understand the present application. However, those skilled in the art can understand that the technical solution claimed in the present application can be implemented even without these technical details and various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments.
[0035] Description of some concepts:
[0036] Plant canopy: Plant canopy refers to the crown part formed by plants during their growth. It is composed of branches, leaves and flowers. It is an important component of plants and has important physiological functions and ecological significance.
[0037] The following is a brief description of some innovative aspects of the implementation methods of this application:
[0038] This environmental control system uses fabric ducts combined with air conditioning supply and return air systems to transport air to the plant factory. The air outlet of the air supply system is directly connected to the vertical fabric air supply main pipe 1, and the fabric air supply main pipe 1 is then connected to the horizontal fabric air supply branch pipe 2. Uniform or uneven holes are opened on the fabric air supply branch pipe 2 according to the air supply air volume, shelf 4 height, shelf 4 width, plant growth wind speed and temperature and humidity requirements, so as to form a uniform and stable microenvironment in the space above the plant canopy and below the LED lamps, which can achieve an average wind speed of 0.5 to 1m / s in the plant growth space, a temperature difference of ±2℃, and a relative humidity difference of ±5%.
[0039] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the implementation methods of the present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0040] The embodiment of the present application relates to an environmental control system for a plant factory, and its structure diagram is as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the environmental control system includes: a fabric air supply main pipe 1, a fabric air supply branch pipe 2 and a bracket.
[0041] Each cultivation rack in the plant factory is provided with a fabric air supply main duct 1, a plurality of fabric air supply branch ducts 2 and a plurality of brackets. The fabric air supply main duct 1 is connected to the air outlet of the air supply system at the top of the plant factory in a direction perpendicular to the ground. In a single cultivation rack, a plurality of fabric air supply branch ducts 2 are connected to the fabric air supply main duct 1 in a direction parallel to the ground, the axes of the plurality of fabric air supply branch ducts 2 are located in the same vertical plane, and a plurality of ventilation holes are pierced on the surface of the fabric air supply branch duct 2 facing the plant canopy area. The bracket is configured to allow the fabric air supply branch duct 2 to be hung and installed. The fabric air supply main duct 1 is configured to uniformly deliver the airflow from the main air outlet of the air supply system to each fabric air supply branch duct 2, and the fabric air supply branch duct 2 is configured to uniformly deliver the airflow to the plant canopy area of each layer 4 of the cultivation rack.
[0042] In an optional embodiment, a zipper opening may be provided on the fabric air supply main duct 1 , and one end of the plant air supply branch duct may be connected to the zipper opening of the fabric air supply main duct 1 via a zipper 5 .
[0043] In an optional embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, the support includes two or more fixing frames 31 and hanging ropes 32, and one end of the fixing frame 31 is fixedly connected to the cultivation frame of the plant factory.
[0044] In an optional embodiment, a lifting ring 33 is provided at the other end of the fixing frame 31 , and the lifting ring 33 is configured to be connected to the lifting rope 32 so that the lifting rope 32 is tightened between the fixing frames 31 .
[0045] In an optional embodiment, the diameter of the fabric air supply main duct 1 may be 400 mm-1000 mm according to the space volume, air supply volume, circulation times, wind speed and other requirements of the factory. Preferably, the diameter of the fabric air supply main duct 1 is 600 mm.
[0046] In an optional embodiment, according to the requirements of air supply volume, number of cycles, wind speed, number of air outlets and aperture, the diameter of the fabric air supply branch pipe 2 is 100mm-500mm. Preferably, when a single fabric air supply branch pipe 2 only delivers air to a single layer shelf 4 of a single plant cultivation rack, the diameter is 150mm. Preferably, when a single fabric air supply branch pipe 2 delivers air to the same layer shelf 4 of two adjacent plant cultivation racks at the same time, the diameter is 210mm.
[0047] In an optional embodiment, the length of the fabric air supply branch pipe 2 is 5m-50m. Optionally, the length of the fabric air supply branch pipe 2 can be adjusted according to the length of the cultivation rack of the plant factory. Preferably, the length of the fabric air supply branch pipe 2 is 22m.
[0048] In an optional embodiment, 5-20 fabric air supply branch pipes 2 are connected to a single fabric air supply main pipe 1. Optionally, the number of fabric air supply branch pipes 2 connected to a single fabric air supply main pipe 1 can be adjusted according to the height and number of layers of the cultivation racks in the plant factory. Preferably, 13 fabric air supply branch pipes 2 are connected to a single fabric air supply main pipe 1.
[0049] In an optional embodiment, the fabric air supply branch pipe 2 is configured to be hung on the hanging rope 32 through a plurality of hooks 34 .
[0050] In an optional embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, a clamp 35 and a flower basket 36 may also be included. A clamp 35 is provided between one of the two fixing frames 31 and the sling 32. The clamp 35 is configured to fix the end of the sling 32. A flower basket 36 is provided between the other fixing frame 31 and the sling 32. The flower basket 36 is configured to loosen or tighten the sling 32.
[0051] In an optional embodiment, the intervals between the multiple hooks 34 are 1 m-1.5 m.
[0052] In an optional embodiment, according to requirements such as air supply volume, number of cycles, wind speed, number of air outlets, etc., the diameter of the ventilation holes is 0.8mm-1.5mm, and the hole spacing between the ventilation holes is 300mm-800mm.
[0053] In an optional embodiment, a fabric air supply branch pipe 2 is provided between every two layers of the cultivation racks of the plant factory.
[0054] In an optional embodiment, if Figure 4As shown, the single-layer shelves 4 of two adjacent cultivation racks share a fabric air supply branch pipe 2. Optionally, the fabric air supply branch pipe 2 can be as follows Figure 4 The staggered manner in the cross section shown is arranged on the fabric air supply main ducts 1 that are connected to each other.
[0055] In order to better understand the technical solution of the present application, a specific example is provided below for illustration. The details listed in the example are mainly for ease of understanding and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.
[0056] A plurality of cultivation racks are provided in the plant factory, each of which is provided with a plurality of shelves 4, on which the plants to be cultivated and grown in the plant factory are placed. An air outlet of an air supply system is provided above each cultivation rack, and a fabric air supply main pipe 1 is connected to the main air outlet of the air supply system in a direction perpendicular to the ground. A fabric air supply branch pipe 2 parallel to the ground is provided between every two shelves 4 of the cultivation rack, a zipper 5 is provided at one end of the fabric air supply branch pipe 2, and a plurality of zipper openings are opened on the surface of the fabric air supply main pipe 1 along the axial direction, and one end of the plurality of fabric air supply branch pipes 2 provided with the zipper 5 is engaged with the plurality of zipper openings of the fabric air supply main pipe 1 through the zipper 5, so that the fabric air supply branch pipe 2 is connected to the fabric air supply main pipe 1.
[0057] The system may further include a support, and a support is provided between every two layers of the cultivation rack, and the support includes at least two fixed frames 31 and a hanging rope 32. One end of the fixed frame 31 is connected and fixed to the cultivation rack, wherein the fixed frame 31 can be hung below each layer of the cultivation rack 4, or the fixed frame 31 can be fixed on the side support of the cultivation rack. The other end of the fixed frame 31 is provided with a hanging ring 33, and the hanging rope 32 can be hooked on the hanging ring 33 so as to be stretched between the two fixed frames 31, or the hanging rope 32 can be tied to the hanging ring 33 so as to be stretched between the two fixed frames 31, or by any other possible way, as long as the hanging rope 32 can be stretched between the two fixed frames 31. The fabric air supply branch pipe 2 is fixed to the hanging rope 32 by a hook 34, and the distance between the hooks 34 can be between 1m and 1.5m.
[0058] A plurality of ventilation holes with uniform or uneven spacing are provided in the axial direction of the fabric air supply branch pipe 2, and the ventilation holes are aimed at the area above the 4 plant canopies between every two layers of shelves. The fabric air supply main pipe 1 transports the gas delivered from the air outlet of the air supply system to the plurality of fabric air supply branch pipes 2 connected thereto, and the fabric air supply branch pipes 2 then transport the gas through the ventilation holes to the area above the 4 plant canopies between every two layers of shelves of the cultivation rack. The hooks 34 hang the fabric air supply branch pipes 2 on the hanging ropes 32 to prevent the ventilation holes from deviating from the plant canopy area after the fabric air supply branch pipes 2 sag, thereby affecting the gas organization flow effect of the plant canopy, thereby achieving the effect desired to be achieved in the present application.
[0059] After adopting this system, the ventilation wind speed of the cultivation layer canopy can be effectively controlled at 0.5-1.0 m / s, and CO2 is evenly mixed in the air supply pipe and released evenly through the air supply port. Under the condition of the conventional air supply and return system without adopting this system, the ventilation of the cultivation layer canopy depends on the air circulation of the main channel of the environment, the wind speed is unstable and generally lower than 0.5 m / s, and the CO2 mixed in the ambient air cannot effectively and evenly enter the cultivation layer canopy area.
[0060] In the actual production process, under the production conditions of 16 hours of light per day, the heartburn rate of the lettuce varieties Spanish Green and Small Cream Green dropped from the most serious over 60% to less than 5% after adopting this system; the heartburn rate of the lettuce variety Red Coral dropped from the most serious around 40% to less than 5% after adopting this system; the heartburn rate of other varieties can be effectively controlled below 3% after adopting this system.
[0061] It should be noted that, in the present application, relational terms such as first and second, etc. are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply that there is any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the term "include", "comprise" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that the process, method, article or equipment including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also includes other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or equipment. In the absence of more restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "include one" do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or equipment including the elements. In the present application, if it is mentioned that a certain action is performed according to a certain element, it means at least the meaning of performing the action according to the element, which includes two situations: performing the action only according to the element and performing the action according to the element and other elements. Multiple, multiple, multiple, etc. expressions include 2, 2 times, 2 kinds and more than 2, more than 2 times, more than 2 kinds.
[0062] This specification includes combinations of the various embodiments described herein. Individual references to embodiments (e.g., "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" or "preferred embodiments"); however, these embodiments are not mutually exclusive unless indicated as mutually exclusive or it is clear to a person skilled in the art that they are mutually exclusive. It should be noted that the word "or" is used in this specification in a non-exclusive sense unless the context clearly indicates or requires otherwise.
[0063] All documents mentioned in this specification are considered to be included in the disclosure of this application as a whole, so that they can be used as a basis for modification when necessary. In addition, it should be understood that the above is only a preferred embodiment of this specification and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this specification. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of one or more embodiments of this specification should be included in the scope of protection of one or more embodiments of this specification.
Claims
1. An environmental control system for a plant factory, characterized in that: include: A fabric air supply main pipe (1), a fabric air supply branch pipe (2) and a bracket; The fabric air supply main pipe (1) is perpendicular to the ground and connected to the air outlet of the air supply system of the plant factory; The plurality of fabric air supply branch pipes (2) are parallel to the ground and connected to the fabric air supply main pipe (1); the axes of the plurality of fabric air supply branch pipes (2) are located in the same vertical plane; and the surfaces of the fabric air supply branch pipes (2) facing the plant canopy region along the axis direction are provided with a plurality of ventilation holes; The bracket is configured to allow the fabric air supply branch pipe (2) to be hung and installed; The fabric air supply main pipe (1) is configured to uniformly transport the airflow from the main air outlet of the air supply system to each of the fabric air supply branch pipes (2), and the fabric air supply branch pipes (2) are configured to uniformly transport the airflow to the plant canopy area of each layer (4) of the plant factory cultivation rack.
2. The environmental control system for a plant factory according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fabric air supply main pipe (1) is provided with a zipper opening, and one end of the plant air supply branch pipe is connected to the zipper opening of the fabric air supply main pipe (1) via a zipper (5).
3. The environmental control system for a plant factory according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support comprises two or more fixing frames (31) and a hanging rope (32), and one end of the fixing frame (31) is fixedly connected to a cultivation frame of the plant factory.
4. The environmental control system for a plant factory according to claim 3, characterized in that: A lifting ring (33) is provided at the other end of the fixing frame (31), and the lifting ring (33) is configured to be connected to the lifting rope (32) so that the lifting rope (32) is tightened between the fixing frame (31).
5. The environmental control system for a plant factory according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of the fabric air supply main pipe (1) is 400mm-1000mm.
6. The environmental control system for a plant factory according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of the fabric air supply branch pipe (2) is 100 mm-500 mm.
7. The environmental control system for a plant factory according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fabric air supply branch pipe (2) is configured to be hung on the hanging rope (32) via a plurality of hooks (34).
8. The environmental control system for a plant factory as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The invention also comprises a clamp (35) and a flower basket (36), wherein the clamp (35) is arranged between one of the two fixing frames (31) and the hanging rope (32), and the clamp (35) is configured to fix the end of the hanging rope (32), and the flower basket (36) is arranged between the other of the two fixing frames (31) and the hanging rope (32), and the flower basket (36) is configured to loosen or tighten the hanging rope (32).
9. The environmental control system for a plant factory according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of the ventilation holes is 0.8mm-1.5mm; the hole spacing between the ventilation holes is 300mm-800mm.
10. The environmental control system for a plant factory according to claim 1, characterized in that: The single-layer racks (4) of two adjacent cultivation racks share one fabric air supply branch pipe (2).