Cultivation system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a vertical hydroponic cultivation system (300) and provides a cultivation tray (50), a hydroponic cultivation unit (100) on which the cultivation tray is positioned and a corresponding system for hydroponic cultivation of plants which design allows for easy management of the culture solution and the plants being grown, making it a useful tool for hydroponic farming. Particularly, the present disclosure provides a cultivation tray (50) configured to withhold and alternate between at least two fluid levels, thereby creating a favourable environment for the plants.

Description

[0001] Cultivation System

[0002] Field of the disclosure

[0003] The present invention relates to a hydroponic cultivation system.

[0004] Background art

[0005] Vertical cultivation systems have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to grow crops in a smaller footprint than traditional horizontal growing methods. Vertical cultivation systems can be designed to maximize space utilization, increase crop yields, and reduce resource consumption.

[0006] Various types of vertical cultivation systems have been developed, ranging from simple shelves or racks to complex multi-layer systems with automated climate control and lighting. These systems can be used to grow a wide range of crops, including leafy greens, herbs, fruits, and vegetables.

[0007] While vertical cultivation systems offer many advantages over traditional growing methods, they also present some challenges. Maintaining optimal growing conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and lighting, can be more difficult in a vertical system. Additionally, some vertical systems may require more maintenance than traditional growing methods due to the complexity of the system.

[0008] In addition to these challenges, there are several other disadvantages of previous known vertical cultivation systems. Firstly, many of the current vertical cultivation systems can be quite expensive to set up and maintain, which may make it difficult for small-scale growers to adopt this technology. Secondly, some vertical cultivation systems are not suitable for growing larger crops or plants with extensive root systems, which can limit the variety of crops that can be grown in these systems. Thirdly, automated vertical cultivation systems require a significant amount of energy to power the lighting, temperature control, and irrigation systems, which can lead to increased energy consumption and associated costs. Lastly, the complexity of some vertical cultivation systems can make them difficult to operate and maintain, requiring specialized knowledge and expertise to keep the system running effectively. Given the growing demand for vertical cultivation systems and the ongoing development of new technologies in this field, there is a need for improved vertical cultivation systems that can address these challenges and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of crop production.

[0009] Summary

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to overcome, or at least lessen the above mentioned problems. Another object is to provide a cultivation tray, a shelf, and a system suitable for hydroponic cultivation of plants which inventive design allows for easy management of the culture solution and the plants being grown, making it a useful tool for hydroponic farming.

[0011] In a first aspect of the disclosure there is presented a cultivation tray for hydroponic cultivating of plants in a continuously flowing culture solution. The cultivation tray comprises a container for the culture solution and a cultivation board provided with at least one plant accommodation portion. The cultivation board is arranged on top of the container. The container comprises multiple outlets. At least two of the outlets are arranged at different heights with respect to the container. At least one of the multiple outlets is arranged to be selectively sealed. Having at least two outlets arranged at different heights with respect to the bottom level of the container advantageously allows for the cultivation trays to contain culture solution, e.g., in two different fluid levels. A first fluid level in which the level of the culture solution is in level with the first outlet and a second fluid level in which the level of the culture solution is in level with the second outlet. The alteration between the fluid levels is beneficial for cultivation of plants through all its growing stages, such as from seed propagation and root development to the stage of ripening or other preferred stages. This arrangement of the multiple outlets is particularly advantageous considering the effectiveness and simpleness of changing between different fluid levels creating a favourable environment for each specific plant. The cultivation board may be removably arranged on top of the container.

[0012] The cultivation tray can be adapted for use of a variety of plant species that differs characteristics such as size, root system, need of amount of water and nutrients. The tray's ability to accommodate various types of species and applications enhances efficiency and productivity while providing cost-effectiveness. The cultivation tray is preferably designed for holding the plants in the right position to provide the needed amount of culture solution during the growing phases of the plants and the rights spacing between the plants to give them the needed space to grow. The plant accommodation portions may be arranged in a zig-zag pattern for providing optimal spacing between the plants enabling the optimal space for the roots and the uptake of nutrients. The plant accommodation portions may further comprise a first opening configured to receive the plant, a second opening configured to allow the culture solution to get in contact with the received plant such that the plants are wet during seed propagation and root development.

[0013] In accordance with an embodiment of the cultivation tray, at least one of the multiple outlets is arranged on an elevated portion of the container. The elevated portion may be a protruding portion of the bottom of the container or in the wall of the container, e.g., in a step in the wall of the container. Each outlet is configured to enable a fluid level in accordance with the height at which the outlet is positioned on the elevated portion of the container on a condition that any lower positioned outlets are sealed. In accordance with an embodiment of the cultivation tray, the at least one of the multiple outlets is arranged on at least one step profile portion of the container. The outlet may be arranged in a top area of a step, e.g. on top of a step shaped protruding part in the wall, which is advantageous when placing the cultivation tray on top of a sealing member arranged e.g., in a receiving cultivation unit as will be further described herein.

[0014] In accordance with an embodiment of the cultivation tray, it further comprises an interaction portion (or guiding portion) configured to interact with a guiding member of a cultivation unit in which the cultivation tray is inserted.

[0015] In accordance with an embodiment of the cultivation tray, the cultivation tray further comprising at least one flow channel. The at least one flow channel is configured to control the flow of the culture solution in the container, such that the flow of the culture solution is continuously and evenly passes all plant accommodation portions, e.g., by guiding the flow of the culture solution from the inlet to an outlet passing all the plant accommodation portions. In a preferred embodiment, the flow channel is one of a U-shape. Other conceivable shapes of the flow channel are e.g., W-shape, M-shape, S-shape, or other applicable shapes. The flow channel may be formed by means of one or more flow-splitting bars positioned in the container. Such a configuration for at least one first flow-splitting bar essentially ensures that the culture solution in the passageway can evenly flow and be evenly distributed.

[0016] In accordance with an embodiment of the cultivation tray, the cultivation tray further comprises an inlet for receiving the culture solution. The inlet is in a preferred embodiment arranged at the cultivation board. The inlet is configured to provide a collection area for the culture solution such that the culture solution in a controlled manner is guided into the container.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a hydroponic cultivation unit for cultivating plants in a flowing solution comprising a shelf and a back unit. The back unit comprises a collector channel and at least one back unit outlet. The back unit is configured to receive at least one cultivation tray such that the at least one sealable outlet of the cultivation tray is positioned above the collector channel. The shelf and the back unit are configured to support one or more cultivation trays according to the inventive concept. The shelf and back unit are also configured to serve as a back-up unit for collecting culture solution that may be leaked from the cultivation tray. The cultivation trays may be movable and / or removable on / from the shelf. The collector channel in the back unit is configured to collect the continuous flowing culture solution that has passed through and exited the cultivation tray. Further, the collector channel is configured for collecting culture solution that may be leaked from the culture tray. The back unit outlet is configured as being an exit for the culture solution, allowing a continuous flow of the culture solution entering the hydroponic cultivation unit via e.g., one or more inlets arranged in connection to the cultivation trays.

[0018] In accordance with an embodiment of the hydroponic cultivation unit, the collector channel is divided into at least two sections. Each section has at least one back unit outlet, respectively. When having at least two sections in the collector channel, this enables / allows for providing at least two separate culture solution flows through the hydroponic cultivation unit, e.g., one culture solution composition / concentration via a first section and a second culture solution composition / concentration in a second section. This advantageously allows for providing adapted compositions and concentrations of the culture solution suitable for plants in different growth stages and / or for different plant species. Culture solutions may be provided in the form of water or water with suitable additives. In a preferred embodiment, the collector channel comprises at least one separator bar configured to divide the collector channel into at least two sections, each section having at least one back unit outlet, respectively.

[0019] In accordance with an embodiment of the hydroponic cultivation unit, the hydroponic cultivation unit further comprises at least one guiding member configured to position the at least one cultivation tray in relation to the back unit. The guiding member is preferably configured to position the cultivation tray such that the first / sealable at least one outlet is positioned above the collector channel, allowing a controlled continuous flow.

[0020] In accordance with an embodiment of the hydroponic cultivation unit, the guiding member is one of a back wall and a bar extending along the back unit. The guiding member is configured to interact with a correspondingly shaped interaction portion of the at least one cultivation tray. The interaction portion of the cultivation tray may be implemented by or arranged at a protruding portion of the bottom of e.g., an edge along a back portion of the container or at a grip portion of a step profile arranged at the back portion of the container. For example, the edge and / or the gripping portion may allow one dimensional movement of the cultivation tray sideways along the bar extending along the back unit. This advantageously provides a controlled movement of the at least one cultivation tray along the back unit and over the shelf. In an example when having a plurality of cultivation trays positioned adjacently to each other on the hydroponic cultivation unit, the cultivation trays can simultaneously move along the edge and / or bar when pushing sideways on an outer positioned cultivation tray.

[0021] In accordance with an embodiment of the hydroponic cultivation unit, the hydroponic cultivation unit further comprises at least one sealing member configured to seal at least one of the multiple outlets of the cultivation tray. The sealing member is preferably arranged in or integrated with the back unit and may extend along one or more cultivation trays and seal off multiple outlets, e.g., a respective outlet on adjacent cultivation trays (not shown). The sealing member may be freestanding. Other implementations are conceivable for the sealing member, e.g., a through-hole fitting plug which can be opened or removed when the plants have reached a specific growing stage. If the collector channel contains sections, the sealing member may be arranged in at least one of the sections, and preferably in sections with a low concentration culture solution such that the plants that are in early growth stages (e.g., seed propagation and root development) are reached by the culture solution.

[0022] In accordance with an embodiment of the hydroponic cultivation unit, it further comprises a dam member which comprises the at least one sealing member and / or at least one opening configured to allow a culture solution flow to the collector unit. If the dam member contains the sealing member and this is positioned to match at least one outlet of a cultivation tray, the matched outlet of the cultivation tray will be blocked, thereby causing the fluid level of the culture solution in the container to be at the second level, height h2. If the dam member instead contains at least one opening positioned to match the at least one outlet of the cultivation tray, the matched outlet of the cultivation tray will remain open thereby enabling a fluid level of the culture solution to be at the (lower) first level, height hl, within the cultivation tray. By arranging two or more dam members with different configurations with respect to the positioning of sealing member and / or outlet openings adjacent to each other, when moving trays to a new position, i.e., such that the cultivation tray is moved to a new dam member, the configuration of the dam member will thus enable a user- friendly manner of controlling the height of the fluid level in the containers, thereby creating a favourable environment for plants at different growth stages.

[0023] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a shelf assembly comprising a plurality of hydroponic cultivation units, wherein the hydroponic cultivation units are stacked, e.g., substantially vertically positioned, above each other.

[0024] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a hydroponic cultivation system comprising a hydroponic cultivation unit comprising a culture solution circulation system configured for supplying each section of the hydroponic cultivation unit with a respective culture solution concentration and collecting / retrieving the respective outflow from each section. In accordance with an embodiment of the hydroponic cultivation system, the hydroponic cultivation system comprises a shelf assembly, and a culture solution circulation system configured for supplying each section of the uppermost positioned hydroponic cultivation unit with a respective culture solution concentration and collecting / retrieving the respective outflow from each section of the lowest positioned hydroponic cultivation unit. The culture solution circulation system may comprise a respective culture solution pump and a culture solution reservoir for each section to supply. The culture solution pump is configured to deliver culture solution from the culture solution reservoir to the cultivation units to provide culture solution to cultivation trays inserted in the hydroponic cultivation units. From each sector, the culture solution is, optionally after passing through the cultivation tray, transported from the first, uppermost positioned, hydroponic cultivation unit to the next hydroponic cultivation unit, which is at least substantially vertically positioned below the first hydroponic cultivation unit. The culture solution circulation system may further comprise air pumps and stones configured to supply the nutrition solution with dissolved oxygen required for creating a favourable environment for the plants. The culture solution circulation system may further comprise a water temperature controller comprising a cooler and a heater, configured for maintaining the temperature of the culture solution within a predetermined temperature range, optimal for the growth of the plants.

[0025] In accordance with an embodiment of the hydroponic system or the shelf assembly, it may further comprise at least one transport channel. Each of the at least one transport channel may be arranged at a respective back unit outlet of a first hydroponic cultivation unit on a first higher level and arranged to end at a second lower arranged hydroponic cultivation unit arranged beneath the first higher level. In a preferred embodiment, the transport channel is arranged to end at a position close to or corresponding to the position of a cultivation tray inlet of a cultivation tray when being placed on the lower arranged hydroponic cultivation unit. The transport channel is thus configured for transporting the culture solution between hydroponic cultivation units. The hydroponic system or shelf assembly may further comprise at least one light source. Each of the at least one light source may be disposed over a back side of one hydroponic cultivation unit on a first level and be configured to emit a plant-compatible light to thereby support growth of the plants being cultivated on another hydroponic cultivation unit on a second level, wherein the second level is one level lower than the first level. The at least one light source preferably comprises a plant-compatible LED lamp. The hydroponic cultivation system may further comprise a lighting system configured to control and balance the length of time and hours of the day for which the light sources are providing light to the plants on the hydroponic cultivation unit. The lighting system is configured to control the light sources such that the plants will receive an optimal amount of light enabling the plants to grow into high quality plants. The hydroponic cultivation system further comprising a control system for controlling variables such as pH, temperature, and concentration of the nutrients in the culture solutions.

[0026] Brief descriptions of the drawings

[0027] The invention disclosure will by way of example be described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings, which shows presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure.

[0028] Figure la shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a cultivation tray according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure lb shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a cultivation tray according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 1c shows a bottom view of a container and of a cultivation board according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a cultivation tray together with plant capsules according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3a shows a side view of a principal sketch of a cultivation tray according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 3b shows a side view of a principal sketch of a cultivation tray according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 4 shows schematic perspective front view of multiple hydroponic cultivation units vertically assembled according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 5a shows a schematic perspective top view of a shelf and a back unit according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 5b shows a schematic perspective top view of a shelf, a back unit, and a sealing member according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective part bottom and part side view of a shelf, a back unit, transport channels and a lighting system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 7a shows a schematic perspective side view of a cultivation tray in a relation to a shelf and a back unit according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 7b shows a schematic perspective side view of a cultivation tray in a relation to a shelf and a back unit according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 8 shows a schematic illustration of a vertical hydroponic cultivation system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 9 shows a schematic view of a hydroponic cultivation system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0041] Detailed description

[0042] The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the disclosure are shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to the skilled person.

[0043] Fig. la, lb and 1c illustrate a perspective, an exploded and a bottom view of a cultivation tray 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. la, the cultivation tray comprises a container 30 and a cultivation board 20. The cultivation board 20 is provided with multiple plant accommodation portions 22, each having a through hole 23, which is visible in Fig. 1c. Further, a culture solution inlet 25 is arranged in the cultivation board 20. As shown in Fig. 1c, the inlet 25 is arranged having an inclined elongated surface 26 configured to guide the culture solution to enter the container through a hole 27. The cultivation board may be removably arranged at the top of the container. It is noted that in the embodiment as mentioned above, the container and the cultivation board of the cultivation tray 50, can be of an integrated structure. As seen in the figures, the container comprises multiple outlets 32, 39, 39’ from which culture solution exits the cultivation tray. At least two of the outlets are arranged at different heights (hl, h2) with respect to the bottom 33 of the container which is visible in Fig. 1c, which will be explained in further detail below.

[0044] As shown in the figures the container 30 comprises a bottom 33 opposing to a top opening of the container, a front and a back wall, 41, 41’, and two opposite sidewall(s) 40, 40’, which together form a reservoir for retaining and enabling a flow of the culture solution therein to support the growth of plants being cultivated in the cultivation tray.

[0045] As shown in Fig. lb, the container 30 is provided with a flow channel 47 which is arranged to distribute culture solution in the container to all plants, i.e., which is arranged such that the culture solution passes all plant accommodation portions. In the exemplifying embodiment herein the flow channel 47 is U-shaped. Other shapes are conceivable. When the container 30 is covered with the cultivation board 20 each of the plant accommodation portions 22 are thus supplied with culture solution via the flow channel. The flow channel can also bring convenience as it can be used for collecting unwanted matter and observing the culture solution in the container. Because roots of the plants being cultivated in the cultivation tray are typically submerged in the culture solution, the flow channel thus also provides a root-growing zone for the plants being cultivated.

[0046] The shown flow channel is provided as a U-shaped channel, formed e.g., by shape casting the container in a U-shaped form. Alternatively, one or more flowsplitting walls or bars 42 can used to divide the container to form flow channels (not shown). The flow-splitting walls or bars 42 may be arranged protruding from the bottom 33 of the container as integrated portions of the container 30, which protrude upwards from the bottom of the container 30 in the cultivation tray 50.

[0047] It is noted that in the cultivation tray as described above, represents only illustrating embodiments, and in real practice, the flow-splitting walls or bars can be of variable numbers, lengths, orientations, and heights. The flow channels may be e.g., one of a U-shape, W-shape, M-shape, S-shape or other applicable shape.

[0048] As shown in the figures, the cultivation board 20 may comprise a substantially rectangular surface 29 with four sides having plant accommodation portions 22 which may be evenly distributed in a zigzag pattern across the surface. Other shapes of the surface over which the plant accommodation portions are distributed of the cultivation board are conceivable. The inlet 25 is here arranged in the cultivation board. Optionally the inlet 25 is arranged in the container wall or other opening which reaches the container. The inlet 25 has a recess which is arranged having an inclined elongated surface 26 configured to guide the culture solution to enter the container through a hole 27, which is visible in Fig. 1c

[0049] Referring now to Fig. la and Fig. lb, on top of the sidewall 40 of the container and on a corresponding position of the cultivation board, grooves 28, 38 may be arranged to provide a reference or guide when positioning the cultivation board as it is placed on top of the container.

[0050] Referring now to Fig. 1c, the back wall 41 of the container has a step profile portion 45, in which a first step 34 and a second step 35 are arranged at a first height hl and a second height h2 in relation to the bottom 33 of the container, respectively. The first height hl and the second height h2 are shown in more detail in Figs. 3a and 3b.

[0051] The first step 34 and the second step 35 of the step profile portion are further configured to provide the outlets 32, 39, 39’, respectively, for culture solution flowing in the cultivation tray 50.

[0052] Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of a cultivation tray 50 wherein a plant capsule 2 comprising plant seeds in different growth stages are inserted in the plant accommodation portions 22 according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figs. 3a and 3b is an illustrative principal side view of the cultivation tray 50 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. As shown in the figures, the cultivation tray has an inflow and an outflow ’ arranged at the back wall 41’. As shown further in the figures, the container 30 has a step profile portion 45 arranged at the back wall 41’, wherein two steps 34, 35 are arranged at the heights hl and h2 in relation to the bottom 33 of the container, respectively.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 3a, culture solution entering the cultivation tray 50 via the inlet 25 will flow along the bottom of the container and exit the container via the first outlet 32 arranged in the first step 34, thereby enabling a first fluid level 71 which corresponds to the level / height of the first outlet 32. As long as the flow of the culture solution is kept under a threshold level and the first outlet 32 is open, the first fluid level is maintained. The first fluid level / height hl is selected to provide an air region 73 below the through holes 23 of the plant accommodation for creating a favourable environment for the development of plants with longer roots.

[0055] In Fig. 3b the first outlet 32 is sealed by a sealing member 61. The culture solution is then flowing at a second fluid level 72, which is higher than the first fluid level 71, and in level with the second outlet 39, 39’. The second fluid level 72 selected to contact the plant accommodation portions 22 protruding from the cultivation board 20 such that it keeps the capsules / plants wet during the growing stages of seed propagation and roots development.

[0056] The hydroponic cultivation unit

[0057] Fig. 5a and 5b illustrates a schematic top view of an embodiment of a hydroponic cultivation unit 100 according to a second aspect of the inventive concept. The hydroponic cultivation unit 100 comprises a shelf 160 and a back unit 15 for supporting at least one cultivation tray 50 as described above. The shelf comprises a support surface 161, configured to receive and support the cultivation tray 50 when positioned onto the hydroponic cultivation unit 100 such that at least parts of its back end is received by or bear against the back unit 15, as seen in Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b. The support surface 161 may be encompassed by two sidewalls 162, 162’, and a front and a back wall 163, 163’, e.g., folded edges, which are configured to create a limited space for the placement of one or more (movable) cultivation trays. It is noted that in the embodiment as mentioned above, the shelf and the back unit of the hydroponic cultivation unit, can be of an integrated structure.

[0058] The shelf 160 may further comprise protective sheets (not shown in the figures) arranged along the sidewalls 162 and 162’ such that a portion of the support surface 161 is covered. This arrangement shields the culture solution on top of the shelf from excessive light exposure, thereby minimizing the growth of undesirable contaminants like bacteria and algae in the solution.

[0059] As shown in the figures, the back unit 15 comprises a collector channel 14, which is arranged extending along a back portion of the shelf, here the back wall 163’ of the shelf 160, and configured to collect the flowing culture solution exiting from at least one of the outlets 32, 39, 39’ of the cultivation trays 50. The cultivation trays are preferably positioned such that the outlets 32, 39, 39' are positioned above the collector channel 14.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 5a, the collector channel 14 comprises a bottom 13 opposing to the top opening of the collector channel 14, which is encompassed by four sidewalls, 18, 18’, 19, 19’, and having back unit outlets 12 in the bottom. The collector channel 14 thereby forms a reservoir for collecting and further transporting the culture solution, allowing a continuous flow of the culture solution. Other shapes of the collector channel are conceivable, e.g., a tub shape.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 5a, the collector channel 14 is here divided into a first and a second section 17 and 17’ divided by a separation bar 11 arranged vertically between the two opposing sides 19 and 19’ of the collector channel. The first and the second section are configured to retain culture solutions having different compositions of water and nutrients. The first section suitable for a culture solution with water, no additives, the second section suitable for a culture solution with water and additives. In a preferable embodiment, the separation bar 11 can be integrated portions of the collector channel. The number of sections in the collector channel may be selected to one or more sections. The number of sections is preferably selected to match the need for a specific type of plant to have one or more different culture solution compositions for different growth stages.

[0062] It is noted that in the collector channel as described above, the way by which the separation bar 11 separate the bottom 13 of the collector channel 14 to thereby form a first and second section 17, 17’ only represents one illustrating embodiment, and in real practice, the separation bars can be of variable numbers, orientations, and heights affecting the number of sections.

[0063] A back portion of the shelf 160 is at least partly positioned above the collector channel 14. Alternatively, it is fixated to the collector channel or arranged to bear against the collector channel to allow flow of any culture solution leaked on the shelf to the collector channel. The shelf 160 may comprise at least one drainage member 164 positioned along the back wall 163’, above the second section 17’ of the collector channel (not shown in the figure) configured to serve as a back-up for guiding external culture solution that have been leaked from the cultivation tray 50 to the second section 17’ of the collector channel. By guiding the excess amount of culture solution to the second section the risk of contaminating a culture solution having lower concentrations of additives with a culture solution having a higher concentration of additives is drastically reduced. As shown in Fig. 5b, the back unit 15 further comprises one or more optionally removable dam members 60, which here are arranged at the back unit 15. A dam member 60 may be configured to block the culture solution from flowing through the outlet 32 of a cultivation tray positioned above it, and thereby adjust the passageway and the fluid level of the culture solution in the cultivation tray, see for instance dam member 60 which comprises a sealing member 61 (indicated as a dashed surface in Fig. 5b) and a first through-hole 62. With reference now also to Fig. 3b, the sealing member 61 is configured to block the culture solution from flowing through the outlet 32 of the cultivation tray 50, and thereby adjust the passageway and the fluid level of the culture solution in the cultivation tray. Alternatively, the dam member does not comprise a sealing member, but instead the dam member comprises the first through-hole 62 and a second through-hole 63, see e.g., third dam member 60 in Fig. 5. The second though-hole 63 is configured to allow culture solution to flow through the first outlet 32 of the cultivation tray, thereby adjusting the fluid level of culture solution to the first fluid level hl, as described in more detail in in Fig. 3a. The first through-hole 62 is configured to allow a continuous flow of the culture solution even in the absence of a cultivation tray 50. Thus, in absence of the cultivation tray, even if the culture solution enters the hydroponic cultivation unit, e.g., via the culture solution supply or from another hydroponic cultivation unit, the culture solution is to continue to flow through the second through hole of the dam member, down to the collector channel. As shown in the Fig. 5b, the dam member may further comprise support members 65 configured to support one or more dam members 60. The dam member may further be mounted to one of the sidewalls 18, 18’, 19, 19’ of the collector channel (not shown in the figures).

[0064] It is noted that in the dam member as described above, the way by which the sealing member 61 and the through-holes 62, 63 are arranged at the dam member to thereby form a blockage and / or a passage for the culture solution represents only illustrating embodiments, and in real practice, the sealing member can be out of different shapes, such as a through-hole fitting plug, or a plate, wherein the sealing member may be made out of a suitable material e.g., metal (e.g., aluminium), a polymer plastic (e.g., ABS), or some other materials.

[0065] Fig. 7a and 7b show schematic perspective side views of a cultivation tray in a relation to the shelf and the back unit according to different embodiments of a guiding member for positioning of a cultivation tray in the hydroponic cultivation unit according to the present disclosure. As seen in Fig. 7a, the guiding member may be the back wall 163’ of the shelf, or as seen in Fig. 7b, the guiding member may be a bar 165 extending along the back unit. The guiding member is configured to interact with a correspondingly shaped interaction portion 36, 37 of the cultivation tray, respectively. The interaction portion of the cultivation tray 50 may be implemented by or arranged at the protruding portion of the bottom 33, e.g., as one of the steps 34, 35 in step profile of the wall of the container, or at a grip portion 37 of the step profile as illustrated in Fig. 7b. Other implementations of the interaction portion and guiding members are conceivable.

[0066] As seen in Fig. 7a, when the cultivation tray is correctly positioned, the interaction portion 36 of the cultivation tray bears against the backwall 163’ such that the outlets of the cultivation tray is placed above the collector channel 14. The back wall 163’ is also configured to guide the cultivation tray when moving the cultivation tray along the back unit sideways over the shelf.

[0067] Referring now to Fig. 7b, when the cultivation tray is correctly positioned, the interaction portion, here the grip portion 37 of the step profile portion, is configured to interact with the bar 165 extending along the back unit such that the outlets of the cultivation tray is positioned above the collector channel 14 and such that the cultivation tray is movable along the bar 165.

[0068] The hydroponic cultivation system

[0069] Compared with conventional hydroponic cultivation devices, all the parts for the hydroponic cultivation unit as described above, such as the removable cultivation trays and the removable shelf and back unit, can be conveniently mass- manufactured and are easy to install. The installation of the hydroponic cultivation units into a shelf assembly requires no inclination and allows for recycling of culture solutions during cultivation of the plants.

[0070] Furthermore, because of the designs of the hydroponic cultivation unit as described and illustrated above, it is suitable for modular use in a hydroponic cultivation system. Specifically, multiple hydroponic cultivation units can be combinatorically assembled to form a hydroponic cultivation system. Details will be provided in the following through specific embodiments.

[0071] Fig 4. is a schematic perspective front view of a shelf assembly 200 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept, and shows three stacked hydroponic cultivation units 100, 100', 100" forming a shelf assembly in three levels. Each hydroponic cultivation unit 100 here supports five cultivation trays 50. Referring now to two adjacent hydroponic cultivation units, e.g., hydroponic cultivation unit 100 which is arranged on the highest level and hydroponic cultivation unit 100', which is arranged in the middle level. Transport channels 16 are disposed between the two adjacent levels of the hydroponic cultivation units, preferably at positions above the inlets of the cultivation trays. The transport channels 16 are configured to provide transport between the two neighbouring / adjacent levels of the hydroponic cultivation units 100 in the multi-level hydroponic cultivation system. More specifically, each transport channel 16 is connected to a back unit outlet 12 in a specific section of a collector channel 14 (visible in Figs. 7a and 7b) of a hydroponic cultivation unit 100 on an upper level (i.e., level n+1), and is lead to (an expected position of) an inlet or terminated above (an expected position of) an inlet of a cultivation tray placed on the hydroponic cultivation unit 100’ on a lower neighbouring level (i.e. level n) arranged at the corresponding specific section of the collector channel. The positioning of the transport channel is configured to allow a flow of a culture medium within the same section in a top-bottom-manner through all hydroponic cultivation units of the shelf assembly.

[0072] Fig. 6 illustrates a schematic perspective part bottom and part side view of the shelf 160, the back unit 15, transport channels 16 and a lighting system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The transport channels are configured to be arranged at the back unit outlets 12 such that the culture solution is transported from a first hydroponic cultivation unit 100 to another hydroponic cultivation unit 100’ vertically positioned below the first hydroponic cultivation unit, seen in Fig. 4. The transport channel 16 can have a composition with a high mechanic strength, which can be a metal (e.g., aluminium), a polymer plastic (e.g., ABS), or some other materials. Preferably, the transport channel 16 has a composition of a polymer plastic, which is advantageous over other materials by its resistance to acids, alkali, rust, and corrosion.

[0073] Because the growth of plants needs light, the multi-level hydroponic cultivation system, as described above thus needs to include a lighting system. The lighting system can comprise a power source, a plurality of plant-compatible light sources 1, and a wiring circuit (not shown in the drawings). The power source (not shown in the drawings) is configured to supply power to each of the plurality of plant-compatible light source via the wiring circuit and each of the plurality of plantcompatible light sources is configured to support growth of the plants being cultivated on the hydroponic cultivation unit on each level.

[0074] In the present disclosure, a plant-compatible light source 1 is disposed on the underneath a shelf of a hydroponic cultivation unit on an upper level (i.e., level n+1), and configured to provide plant-compatible light to support the growth of plants being cultivated at the hydroponic cultivation unit on a lower neighbouring level (i.e., level n).

[0075] Fig. 8 is a schematic illustration of the main structure of a hydroponic cultivation system 300 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The hydroponic cultivation system 300 comprises a plurality of hydroponic cultivation units 100, 100', 100", which are supporting cultivation trays 50. The plurality of hydroponic cultivation units 100 are vertically stacked above one another to form a multi-level shelf-like structure. The plurality of hydroponic cultivation units 100 can be based on any of the embodiments of the hydroponic cultivation unit as described above.

[0076] As seen in Fig. 8, the five cultivation trays 50 on one hydroponic cultivation unit 100 each has plants that are in different stages of growing. When seen from the left to right, the plants in the respective cultivation trays have an individual progression in their life cycle. The plants in the cultivation tray the farthest to the left is in the first growing stages such as the stages of seed propagation and root development while the plants in the cultivation tray farthest to the right is at a later stage of growth, being ready for harvest. This is due to a cultivation method according to the current inventive concept in which the ability to in an advantageous manner provide at least two levels of culture solution is utilized together with a time scheme.

[0077] Fig. 9 shows a schematic view of the hydroponic cultivation system 300. In this exemplifying embodiment, each hydroponic cultivation unit is provided with two sections, 17, 17', for which sections a respective culture solution is required. The hydroponic cultivation system 300 comprises a culture solution circulation system 90 configured for supplying each section of (at least) the uppermost positioned hydroponic cultivation unit 100 with a respective culture solution concentration and collecting / retrieving the respective outflow from each corresponding section of the lowest positioned hydroponic cultivation unit. The culture solution circulation system 90 may comprise a respective culture solution pump 91, 91' and a culture solution reservoir 92, 92'. Each culture solution pump 91, 91’ is configured to deliver culture solution from its respective culture solution reservoir 92, 92’ to the cultivation trays 50 of the respective section 17, 17’ of at least the top hydroponic cultivation unit 100 to provide culture solution to the plants in that section. For each section 17, 17’ the culture solution is then transported by means of transport channels 16 as described above with reference to Fig. 4. The culture solution circulation system further comprises air pumps and stones (not shown in the figures) configured to supply the culture solutions with dissolved oxygen required for the plants. The hydroponic cultivation system further comprises a control system 80, configured to control the nutrients ratio and pH levels in the culture solutions such that the plants are provided with optimal condition at all time. The control system 80 comprising sensors 81, 81’ configured for all time monitoring and signalling when variables such as e.g., pH, temperature, nutrition concentration deviates from pre-determined values. The control system 80 may further be linked to a cloud-based web-system which is monitoring the growing process of the plants and the nutrients ratio and pH in the culture solution. The cloud-based web-system may further provide a time scheme for seeding, for altering between the fluid levels 71, 72 within the cultivation trays and for harvesting of the plants. The person skilled in the art realizes that the present disclosure by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0078] Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed disclosure, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cultivation tray (50) for hydroponic cultivating of plants in a continuously flowing culture solution, said cultivation tray comprising: a container (30) for said culture solution; and a cultivation board (20) provided with at least one plant accommodation portion (22), wherein said cultivation board is arranged on top of said container; wherein said container comprises multiple outlets (32, 39, 39’) of which at least two are arranged at different heights (hl, h2) of the container, and wherein at least one of said multiple outlets (32, 39, 39’) is arranged to be selectively sealed.

2. A cultivation tray according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of said multiple outlets (32) is arranged on an elevated portion (34) of said container (30), or on at least one step profile portion (45, 45’) of said container.

3. A cultivation tray according to any preceding claim, further comprising an interaction portion (36, 37).

4. A cultivation tray according to claim 1, further comprising at least one flow channel (47).

5. A cultivation tray according to claim 1, further comprising an inlet (25).

6. A hydroponic cultivation unit (100) for accommodating at least one cultivation tray according to any preceding claim comprising: a shelf (160); and a back unit (15); wherein said back unit comprises a collector channel (14) and at least one back unit outlet (12), wherein said back units is configured to receive at leastRECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91 ) ISA / EPone cultivation tray (50) such that at least one of said multiple outlet (32, 39, 39’) of the cultivation tray is positioned above the collector channel (14).

7. The hydroponic cultivation unit according to claim 6, wherein the collector channel (14) is divided into at least two sections (17, 17’), each section having at least one back unit outlet (12), respectively.

8. The hydroponic cultivation unit according to any of claims 6 and 7, further comprising at least one guiding member configured to position the at least one cultivation tray (50) in relation to the back unit (15).

9. The hydroponic cultivation unit according to claim 8, wherein said guiding member is one of a back wall (163) or a bar (165) extending along said back unit (15), said guiding member being configured to interact with a correspondingly shaped interaction portion (36, 37) of the cultivation tray.

10. The hydroponic cultivation unit according to any of claims 6 to 9, further comprising at least one sealing member configured to seal at least one of said multiple outlets of the cultivation tray.

11. The hydroponic cultivation unit according to claim 10, further comprising at least one dam member comprises said sealing member (61) and / or at least one opening (62, 63) configured to allow a culture solution flow to the collector unit.

12. A shelf assembly comprising a plurality of hydroponic cultivation units (100) according to any of claims 6-11, wherein the hydroponic cultivation units are positioned vertically above each other.

13. A hydroponic system comprising a hydroponic cultivation unit (100) according to any of claims 6-11, a culture solution circulation system configured for supplying each section of the hydroponic cultivation unit withRECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91 ) ISA / EPa respective culture solution concentration and collecting / retrieving the respective outflow from each section.

14. A hydroponic system comprising a shelf assembly according to claim 13, and a culture solution circulation system configured for supplying each section of the uppermost positioned hydroponic cultivation unit with a respective culture solution concentration and collecting / retrieving the respective outflow from each section of the lowest positioned hydroponic cultivation unit.RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91 ) ISA / EP

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