Adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factory

Abstract

The application relates to an adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for a plant factory, which comprises a water feeding system, a cultivation rack, a drainage system and a supply system, the water feeding system is connected with each cultivation pipe through an intermediate water feeding pipe provided with a water feeding control valve; the drainage system is connected with the end of each cultivation pipe through a drainage branch pipe provided with a drainage hole control valve, so that rapid water drainage is realized; the water feeding system has the functions of water feeding and water drainage, and water feeding or the drainage system can be freely selected according to different growth periods of plants. The application has the effects of adjusting the liquid flow pressure and speed in the cultivation pipe and guaranteeing sufficient supply of required nutrient components and dissolved oxygen for plants.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of hydroponic cultivation in plant factories, and in particular to an adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factories. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional agriculture is currently facing many problems and challenges. Plant factories, as an innovative agricultural model, can achieve year-round continuous production of plants by developing efficient facility agriculture using non-arable land resources, which can significantly increase plant yields and consolidate and expand agricultural production space.

[0003] In the above process, plant factories generally adopt hydroponics, which uses fertigation technology to directly deliver nutrient solution to the plant roots. Since plants have different physiological needs and different requirements for the growth environment at different growth stages, traditional single-end nutrient solution circulation systems are prone to problems in multi-layer and multi-tube environments. In the early stage of plant growth, the nutrients in the nutrient solution are not fully absorbed before the circulation is completed, while in the later stage of plant growth, the nutrients in the nutrient solution are absorbed earlier, and the plants at the end of the circulation do not absorb enough nutrients.

[0004] Therefore, how to ensure that plants absorb sufficient nutrients without waste at different growth stages in a multi-layered, multi-tube environment has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to ensure that plants absorb sufficient nutrients at different growth stages without waste in a multi-layer, multi-pipe environment, this application provides an adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factories.

[0006] The adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factories provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: An adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factories includes a water circulation system, a cultivation rack, and a drainage system. The cultivation rack has multiple layers of cultivation pipes. The water circulation system includes a top-level water pipe connected to the top layer of cultivation pipes, an intermediate water pipe connecting each layer of cultivation pipes, and a bottom-level water pipe connected to the bottom layer of cultivation pipes. A water flow control valve is installed on the intermediate water pipe. The drainage system includes multiple layers of drainage branch pipes, each layer of drainage branch pipe corresponding to each layer of cultivation pipe. A drainage control valve is installed on each drainage branch pipe.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, different watering methods are used at different stages of plant growth through the water supply system and the drainage system. Simultaneously, the water supply control valve and the drainage control valve provide the optimal growth environment at different stages of plant growth. Furthermore, the water supply system also undertakes the task of watering the entire circulation system. In the early stages of plant growth, the plant roots are relatively fragile. At this time, the water supply system is used for watering, while maintaining a slow flow rate and a high liquid level in the cultivation tube, completely immersing the plant roots in the nutrient solution. The slow flow rate protects the plant roots from damage and ensures that most of the nutrients in the nutrient solution are absorbed without waste. The high liquid level provides sufficient nutrients for the plant. In the later stages of plant growth, the plant roots have developed a certain degree of impact resistance. At this time, the drainage system is used for watering, while maintaining a faster flow rate and a lower liquid level in the cultivation tube, exposing the main part of the plant roots to the air. The faster flow rate accelerates circulation and also ensures that plants located further back in the circulation system can also absorb nutrients. Exposing the main part of the plant roots to the air allows the plant to absorb sufficient oxygen.

[0008] Preferably, the cultivation rack includes cultivation tubes and a frame, with several cultivation tubes arranged side by side on each layer of the frame; each cultivation tube has a seedling hole, a drainage hole, and a water passage hole; the seedling hole is located above the cultivation tube, and the spacing between two adjacent seedling holes is the same; the drainage hole is located below the cultivation tube near the edge of the cultivation tube; each cultivation tube has a water passage hole on each side, and the water passage hole is connected to the top layer water passage pipe or the middle water passage pipe.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the cultivation rack serves as the supporting structure of the entire circulation system, the cultivation tube is used to plant various plants and circulate nutrients, the plants emerge from the seedling holes, and the drainage holes and water passage holes are respectively connected to the drainage system and the water passage system; the equal spacing between the seedling holes can ensure that the plants do not affect each other during growth.

[0010] Preferably, the top-layer water pipe includes a main inlet pipe, a manifold inlet pipe, and a branch inlet pipe; the branch inlet pipe is equipped with the water control valve, the main inlet pipe is connected to the manifold inlet pipe, one end of the branch inlet pipe is connected to the manifold inlet pipe, and the other end is connected to the cultivation pipe; the bottom-layer water pipe includes a main outlet pipe and a manifold outlet pipe; the main outlet pipe is connected to the manifold outlet pipe, and the manifold outlet pipe is connected to multiple intermediate water pipes; the intermediate water pipes are arranged in multiple layers, wherein one end of the bottom layer intermediate water pipe is connected to the manifold outlet pipe, and the other end is connected to the bottom layer cultivation pipe; the intermediate water pipes of the remaining layers are connected to the cultivation pipes of the upper and lower layers respectively; each intermediate water pipe is equipped with the water control valve.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the intermediate water pipe connects the top and bottom layers, and both the inlet water pipe and the intermediate water pipe are equipped with water control valves, enabling single-pipe single-control to control the pressure and flow rate of the nutrient solution. When different cultivation pipes require different nutrient components and water flow pressures, the water control valves can be used to control the flow, preventing water accumulation, water shortage, and insufficient nutrient supply. During water flow, the water system is regulated by an adjustable water pump and the water control valves, allowing for adjustment of both flow rate and water pressure. In the early, more vulnerable stages of plant growth, the water system can also be used for drainage, with a slower flow rate that will not damage the plant roots.

[0012] Preferably, the drainage system includes drainage branch pipes, drainage manifolds, and a main drainage pipe. One end of each drainage branch pipe is connected to the drainage hole, and the other end is connected to the drainage manifold. The drainage manifold is connected to the main drainage pipe. Each drainage branch pipe is equipped with a drainage control valve.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, in the later stage of plant growth, the demand for nutrient ions and dissolved oxygen in the nutrient solution increases continuously, and the flow rate of the water at the bottom of the pipe is relatively fast. The drainage system can accelerate the circulation speed of the nutrient solution to supplement the plant's growth needs. The drainage control valve can adjust the pressure and speed of the liquid flow.

[0014] Preferably, the supply system includes an integrated water and fertilizer machine, an adjustable water pump, and an oxygenation pump, wherein the main drain pipe, the main inlet pipe, and the main outlet pipe are connected to the integrated water and fertilizer machine.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the water pressure is adjusted by an adjustable water pump. At the same time, the adjustable water pump can work together with the water supply control valve and the drainage control valve to achieve precise control of the pressure and flow rate of the liquid in the cultivation tube. The oxygenation pump ensures that the oxygen content in the cultivation tube is sufficient. The water and fertilizer integrated machine provides nutrient solution to the cultivation tube, which flows through the main inlet pipe and through each water supply pipe, and then circulates back to the water and fertilizer integrated machine through the main drainage pipe or the main outlet pipe.

[0016] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. The adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factories has two drainage systems, which are suitable for different stages of plant growth. The two drainage systems have different drainage methods and drainage speeds. Choose the appropriate drainage method at different stages of plant growth, or the two systems can be used in combination. 2. The water supply system is responsible for both water supply and drainage. During water supply, the flow rate, pressure, and liquid level of the nutrient solution in the cultivation tube can be controlled by an adjustable water pump and a water supply control valve to create the most suitable environment for plant growth at different growth stages. 3. The drainage system is responsible for drainage during the later stages of plant growth. It can achieve rapid watering and quickly complete the nutrient cycle in the later stages of plant growth, so that plants located at the end of the cycle can also absorb sufficient nutrients. 4. By using the water flow control valve and the drainage control valve, the flow rate and liquid level of the nutrient solution in the cultivation tube can be controlled at different stages of plant growth to ensure that the plant growth environment is optimal. A slower flow rate and a higher liquid level are used in the early stage of plant growth, while a faster flow rate and a lower liquid level are used in the later stage of plant growth. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a top-down perspective view of the adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factories in this application, taken from the left-hand side. Figure 2 This is a top-view perspective of the adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factories in this application, taken from the right-hand side. Figure 3 This is a partial enlarged view of the drainage section of the adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factories in this application; Figure 4 This is a bottom-view perspective of the adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factories in this application. Figure 5 This is a top-down perspective view of the adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factories in this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the drainage system of the adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factories, with some parts concealed.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Water supply system; 11: Top floor water pipe; 111: Main water inlet pipe; 112: Water inlet manifold; 113: Water inlet branch pipe; 12: Intermediate water pipe; 13: Bottom water pipe; 131: Main water outlet pipe; 132: Outlet manifold pipe; 14: Water supply control valve; 2. Cultivation rack; 21: Cultivation tube; 22: Frame; 201: Emergence hole; 202: Drainage hole; 203: Water passage hole; 3. Drainage system; 31: Drainage branch pipe; 32: Drainage manifold; 33: Drainage main pipe; 311: Drainage control valve; 4. Supply system; 41: Integrated water and fertilizer machine; 42: Adjustable water pump; 43: Aeration pump. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-6 This application will be described in further detail.

[0020] This application discloses an adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factories. Example 1

[0021] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The top-layer water pipe 11 in the adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factories includes a main water inlet pipe 111, a water inlet manifold 112, and a water inlet branch pipe 113. The water inlet branch pipe 113 is equipped with a water flow control valve 14. The main water inlet pipe 111 is connected to the water inlet manifold 112. One end of the water inlet branch pipe 113 is connected to the water inlet manifold 112, and the other end is connected to the cultivation pipe 21. The number of water inlet branches 113 is the same as the number of cultivation pipes 21 in a single layer, and each water inlet branch pipe 113 is connected to a different cultivation pipe 21.

[0022] The bottom water pipe 13 includes a main water outlet pipe 131 and a water outlet manifold 132; the main water outlet pipe 131 is connected to the water outlet manifold 132, and the water outlet manifold 132 is connected to a plurality of intermediate water pipes 12 respectively; the intermediate water pipes 12 in the bottom layer serve as water outlet pipes, and the outflowing nutrient solution flows into the water outlet manifold 132.

[0023] The intermediate water pipes 12 are arranged in multiple layers, with one end of the bottom intermediate water pipe 12 connected to the water outlet collection pipe 132 and the other end connected to the bottom cultivation pipe 21; the intermediate water pipes 12 of the remaining layers are respectively connected to the cultivation pipes 21 of the upper and lower layers; each intermediate water pipe 12 is provided with a water flow control valve 14; the intermediate water pipes 12 connect two adjacent cultivation pipes 21; the intermediate water pipes 12 can be pipes of different shapes. In this embodiment, a U-shaped pipe is used. In other embodiments of this application, the intermediate water pipes 12 can also be other shapes suitable for the application, such as an inverted M-shaped pipe.

[0024] The water level supplied by the water system 1 varies at different stages of plant growth. In the early stages of plant growth, the root system is relatively weak and cannot reach the bottom. At this time, a high water level can be used to completely immerse the plant roots in the nutrient solution. Since the plant's nutritional needs are not very high in the early stages of growth, even if the roots are completely immersed in the nutrient solution, the nutrients in the nutrient solution are sufficient to supply the plant and there will be no oxygen deficiency. However, in the later stages of plant growth, the plant roots are longer and have reached the bottom or even overlapped. If only the nutrient solution is used for oxygen supply, the plant may not be able to absorb enough oxygen. Therefore, a shallow flow technique is required, in which a shallow water level of nutrient solution is circulated in the cultivation tube 21, exposing most of the plant's roots to the air to fully obtain oxygen and ensure plant growth.

[0025] In the entire cultivation rack 2, the overall flow direction of the liquid is from the top to the bottom, circulating layer by layer. Under the action of gravitational potential energy, less work is required, saving some energy. The water inlet pipe 113 is equipped with the water flow control valve 14, which can realize single-pipe single-control, controlling the pressure and flow rate of nutrient solution and water. A slower flow rate is used in the early stage of plant growth, so that the plants can fully absorb the nutrients in the nutrient solution. A faster flow rate is used in the later stage of plant growth to accelerate circulation and prevent plants at the back of the circulation system from not absorbing nutrients. At the same time, in the early stage of plant growth, the water flow system 1 can be used for watering. The root system is more fragile in the early stage of plant growth, so watering needs to be slow. The adjustable water pump 42 and the water flow control valve 14 can be controlled at the same time to regulate the flow rate to a slower state. The water inlet pipe 113 can be a flexible hose, which can be directly connected to the cultivation pipe 21 through the seedling hole 201, so that the water flow hole 203 does not need to be cut.

[0026] The implementation principle of Example 1 is as follows: When transporting the nutrients required by the plant, the water supply system 1 pumps an appropriate amount of nutrient solution from the supply system 4. The nutrient solution flows into the cultivation tube 21 through the main inlet pipe 111, the inlet manifold 112, and the inlet water pipe 113. A water flow control valve 14 is installed on the inlet water pipe 113 to control the flow rate and pressure of the liquid, preventing problems such as water accumulation, water shortage, and insufficient nutrient supply. After the liquid flows through the entire cultivation tube 21, it passes through the intermediate water supply system. Pipe 12 flows to the next layer of cultivation pipe 21, until the bottom layer, and is collected by the outlet collection pipe 132 to the outlet main pipe 131; the inlet main pipe 111 is directly connected to the water and fertilizer integrated machine 41. The inlet main pipe 111 extends vertically upward to the ground. When it reaches the height of the top cultivation rack 2, it is converted to a horizontal direction by the adapter pipe and connected to the middle of the inlet collection pipe 112. The inlet collection pipe 112 has the same number of slots as the single-layer cultivation pipe 21, and is connected to the inlet water pipe 113 through the slots. Example 2

[0027] Reference Figures 2 to 5 The drainage system 3 of the adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factories includes a drainage branch pipe 31, a drainage collection pipe 32, and a drainage main pipe 33. One end of the drainage branch pipe 31 is connected to the drainage hole 202, and the other end is connected to the drainage collection pipe 32. The drainage collection pipe 32 is connected to the drainage main pipe 33. A drainage control valve 311 is provided on the drainage branch pipe 31. In this embodiment, the drainage hole 202 is located on the bottom surface of one end of the cultivation pipe 21. In other embodiments of this application, the drainage hole 202 may also be located on the bottom surface of the middle section of the cultivation pipe 21, or any other location that does not affect the normal use of the circulation system of this application.

[0028] The implementation principle of Example 2 is as follows: In the later stages of plant growth, the demand for nutrient molecules and dissolved oxygen in the nutrient solution continuously increases. At this time, the water flow rate of the water circulation system 1 is relatively slow and can no longer meet the plant's nutritional needs. Plants located at the end of the circulation system will lack the necessary nutrients and oxygen for growth. Therefore, the drainage system 3 is needed to accelerate the circulation of the nutrient solution to supplement the plant's growth requirements. The drainage collection pipe 32 is placed horizontally and is perpendicular to the individual cultivation pipe 21 in the horizontal direction. The number of manifolds 32 is the same as the number of layers in the cultivation rack 2. The main drainage pipe 33 has slots at the positions corresponding to the manifolds 32 on each layer. The manifolds 32 have the same number of slots as the single-layer cultivation pipes 21. The branch drainage pipes 31 connect to their corresponding slots and converge into the main drainage pipe 33 via the manifolds 32. The drainage control valve 311 can adjust the pressure and speed of the water flow during drainage, allowing for slower water flow even in the early stages of plant growth, thus achieving efficient and quick water replacement for the cultivation rack. When the drainage system 3 is not in use, the drainage control valve 311 can be completely closed, which does not affect the use of the water supply system and provides an alternative drainage method. Example 3

[0029] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5The adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factories includes a water circulation system 1, a cultivation rack 2, and a drainage system 3. The cultivation rack 2 is equipped with multiple layers of cultivation pipes 21. The water circulation system 1 includes a top-level water pipe 11 connected to the top layer of cultivation pipes 21, an intermediate water pipe 12 connecting each layer of cultivation pipes 21, and a bottom-level water pipe 13 connected to the bottom layer of cultivation pipes 21. A water flow control valve 14 is installed on the intermediate water pipe 12. The drainage system 3 includes multiple layers of drainage branch pipes 31, each layer of drainage branch pipe 31 corresponding to each layer of cultivation pipe 21. The drainage branch pipe 31 is equipped with a drainage control valve 311; the two systems are set on the same cultivation rack, saving space and maximizing efficiency; in this embodiment, the intermediate water pipe 12 connecting the upper and lower cultivation pipes 21 can be replaced by a flexible hose, which has greater mobility. Even if there is a certain distance difference between the cultivation pipes 21, it will not have a significant impact under the connection of the flexible hose, making it convenient to check the growth status of the plants; in other embodiments of this application, the intermediate water pipe 12 can be other flexible hoses or more rigid pipes.

[0030] The cultivation rack 2 includes a layered frame 22, with several cultivation tubes 21 arranged side by side on each layer of the frame 22. The cultivation rack can be constructed using aluminum profiles, with each part connected by fixed corner brackets to form a vertical shelf structure. The size of the cultivation rack can be adjusted according to the actual height and area of ​​the site. The cultivation tubes 21 can be made of PVC material, which is low in cost and durable. The seedling holes 201, drainage holes 202, and water passage holes 203 are all cut from the cultivation tubes 21. The cultivation tubes 21 can be directly replaced with PVC pipes, so that the water passage holes 203 can be obtained without cutting on both sides.

[0031] The cultivation tube 21 is provided with a seedling emergence hole 201, a drainage hole 202, and a water passage hole 203; the seedling emergence hole 201 is above the cultivation tube 21; the drainage hole 202 is below the cultivation tube 21 near its edge; and there is a water passage hole 203 on each side of the cultivation tube 21. The supply system 4 includes a water and fertilizer integrated machine 41, an adjustable water pump 42, and an oxygenation pump 43. The main drainage pipe 33, the main inlet water pipe 111, and the main outlet water pipe 131 are connected to the water and fertilizer integrated machine 41.

[0032] The implementation principle of Example 3 is as follows: The adjustable water pump 42 is used to adjust the water pressure, and the oxygenation pump 43 ensures that the oxygen content in the cultivation tube 21 is sufficient. The entire adjustable plant factory hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system can adjust the speed and pressure of the nutrient solution in the cultivation tube 21 by controlling the adjustable water pump 42, or by adjusting the water flow control valve 14. More precise adjustment can be achieved by using both adjustment methods simultaneously. The water and fertilizer integrated machine 41 provides nutrient solution, which flows through each water pipe through the main inlet pipe 111, and then circulates back to the water and fertilizer integrated machine through the main drain pipe 33 or the main outlet pipe 131.

[0033] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factories, characterized in that: The system includes a water supply system (1), a cultivation rack (2), and a drainage system (3); the cultivation rack (2) is provided with multiple layers of cultivation pipes (21); the water supply system (1) includes a top water supply pipe (11) connected to the top cultivation pipe (21), an intermediate water supply pipe (12) for connecting each layer of cultivation pipes (21), and a bottom water supply pipe (13) connected to the bottom cultivation pipe (21); a water supply control valve (14) is provided on the intermediate water supply pipe (12); the drainage system (3) includes multiple drainage branches (31), each drainage branch (31) is connected to each layer of cultivation pipe (21); a drainage control valve (311) is provided on each drainage branch (31).

2. The adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factories according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cultivation rack (2) includes a layered frame (22), and each layer of the frame (22) has several cultivation tubes (21) arranged side by side.

3. The adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factories according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cultivation tube (21) is provided with a seedling hole (201), a drainage hole (202) and a water passage hole (203); the seedling hole (201) is above the cultivation tube (21), and the spacing between two adjacent seedling holes (201) is the same; the drainage hole (202) is below the cultivation tube (21) and close to the edge of the cultivation tube (21), and the drainage hole (202) is connected to the drainage branch pipe (31); there is a water passage hole (203) on each side of the cultivation tube (21), and the water passage hole (203) is connected to the top water passage pipe (11) or the middle water passage pipe (12).

4. The adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factories according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top-level water pipe (11) includes a main water inlet pipe (111), a water inlet manifold (112), and a water inlet branch pipe (113); the water inlet branch pipe (113) is equipped with the water control valve (14), the main water inlet pipe (111) is connected to the water inlet manifold (112), one end of the water inlet branch pipe (113) is connected to the water inlet manifold (112), and the other end is connected to the cultivation pipe (21).

5. The adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factories according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom water pipe (13) includes a main water outlet pipe (131) and a water outlet manifold (132); the main water outlet pipe (131) is connected to the water outlet manifold (132), and the water outlet manifold (132) is connected to a plurality of intermediate water pipes (12).

6. The adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factories according to claim 5, characterized in that: The intermediate water pipe (12) is arranged in multiple layers. One end of the bottom intermediate water pipe (12) is connected to the water outlet collection pipe (132), and the other end is connected to the bottom cultivation pipe (21). The intermediate water pipes (12) of the remaining layers are connected to the cultivation pipes (21) of the upper and lower layers respectively. Each intermediate water pipe (12) is equipped with a water control valve (14).

7. The adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factories according to claim 3, characterized in that: The drainage system (3) includes a drainage branch pipe (31), a drainage manifold (32) and a drainage main pipe (33). One end of the drainage branch pipe (31) is connected to the drainage hole (202), and the other end is connected to the drainage manifold (32). The drainage manifold (32) is connected to the drainage main pipe (33). Each drainage branch pipe (31) is equipped with a drainage control valve (311).

8. The adjustable hydroponic nutrient solution circulation system for plant factories according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a supply system (4), which includes a water and fertilizer integrated machine (41), an adjustable water pump (42), and an oxygenation pump (43). The adjustable water pump (42) and the oxygenation pump (43) are respectively connected to the water and fertilizer integrated machine (41), and the water and fertilizer integrated machine (41) is respectively connected to the water supply system (1) and the drainage system (3).

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