Vertical Farm System

Abstract

The vertical farm system (1) comprises at least two modules (2), each of which has a volume closed with respect to the external environment, a first module comprising a crop cultivation device (3) and a second module comprising a collection opening (4) configurable between a closed position and an open position, a moving means configured to transport the crop from the cultivation device (3) to the collection opening (4) via a transfer passage (7), a carbon dioxide source (5) configured to infuse a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide into the first module so as to define at least one growth module (C) of the crop, and a carbon dioxide forced recovery duct (6) configured to suck in the carbon dioxide contained in the second module so as to define a collection module (P) of the crop.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vertical farm system, in particular a vertical farm system with automatic management and substantially vertical development, in particular for hydroponic or similar crops. [Background technology]

[0002] Human-caused processes, such as the extensive use of fossil fuels and the intensive farming of livestock for meat and dairy, produce large amounts of carbon dioxide which, when released into the atmosphere, is one of the main causes of global warming, including affecting the Earth's climate.

[0003] Various international governmental organizations have long been engaged in providing guidelines and protocols for significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions, or more specifically, for undertaking the reduction of carbon dioxide already present in the atmosphere.

[0004] For this reason, it is now standard practice to introduce a preset amount of carbon dioxide into greenhouse crops to promote and improve the production of cultivated plants. A ventilation system is configured to distribute a predetermined amount of outside air enriched with a flow of carbon dioxide from an industrial plant. This practice makes it possible to increase the productivity of the plants and, as a result, shorten the useful time for obtaining biomass.

[0005] However, since the sowing, laying and collection operations are managed by specialized workers, it is not always possible to introduce large amounts of CO2. In fact, to ensure people's safety, the introduction of CO2 must mainly take place at night, when no workers are working in the greenhouse. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In this context, the technical problem underlying the present invention is to propose a vertical farm system that overcomes the drawbacks of the known technology as mentioned above.

[0007] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a vertical farm system that is safe for users to use.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vertical farm system that is configured to automatically manage each stage of the crop's growth. In particular, the present invention therefore aims to provide a vertical farm system that does not necessarily require human presence at each stage of the crop's growth.

[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a vertical farm system configured to recycle at least a portion of the carbon dioxide present in the environment and / or at least a portion of the carbon dioxide produced by industry.

[0010] The stated technical problem and the specified object are substantially achieved by a vertical farm system with the technical features disclosed in the independent claims. The dependent claims correspond to further advantageous aspects of the invention.

[0011] The present invention relates to a vertical farm system.

[0012] In particular, the vertical farm system comprises at least two modules, each of which has a volume closed with respect to an external environment, a first module comprising a crop growing device and arranged in fluid connection with a carbon dioxide source to define a growth module configured to grow crops, a second module comprising a collection opening configurable between a closed position and an open position, an internal volume of which is accessible from the external environment, and the second module arranged in fluid connection with a forced recovery duct to define a collection module configured to collect crops.

[0013] Thus, the vertical farm system comprises a carbon dioxide source configured to infuse a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide into at least one growth module, and a carbon dioxide forced capture duct configured to suck in the carbon dioxide contained in the at least one collection module.

[0014] Furthermore, the vertical farm system comprises a moving means configured to transport the crop from the cultivation device to the collection opening via a transfer path formed between the growing module and the collection module.

[0015] Advantageously, the introduction of carbon dioxide into the growth module can promote and improve crop production, resulting in a reduction in the time required to produce biomass.

[0016] Advantageously, crop-available carbon dioxide can be captured directly from the external environment and / or directly from industries that generate it as waste in their processing processes, thus making it possible to use products that are generally considered waste and even harmful to the planet as nutritious products and products that can promote crop growth.

[0017] As a result, by creating a collection module that can reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide to a level that is not harmful to humans (and preferably so that it can be completely removed), users can collect their crops in complete safety.

[0018] Furthermore, thanks to the forced carbon dioxide recovery duct and the possibility of using the collection module as a compensation chamber for the collection of cultivated crops, carbon dioxide can be blown into the growth module continuously throughout the day without the need for interruptions due to the presence of a user (who is not physically inside the system 1 but collects the crops through a specific collection opening).

[0019] This overview and the following detailed description describe the possibility of blowing and / or sucking carbon dioxide in each internal volume of the individual modules of the vertical farm system. In this respect, it is specified that carbon dioxide should not be considered as the only possible gas present in said module. Usually, as a matter of fact, each module of the vertical farm system has ambient air or a specific gas mixture (depending on the crop contained therein), which can be supplemented by blowing in a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide useful for the development and cultivation of the crop. Thus, according to a possible embodiment of the invention, after a complete sucking of the carbon dioxide present in the collection module, the standard conditions (i.e. the presence of ambient air) can be restored in said module, while the collection openings remain open for a predetermined time interval. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the illustrative, and therefore non-limiting, description of preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of a vertical farm system shown in the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 shows an overall view of a vertical farm system according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a vertical farm system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a vertical farm system. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of a vertical farm system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 shows a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a vertical farm system. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 shows a schematic perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a vertical farm system. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 shows a schematic perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a vertical farm system. [Figure 8a] 1 shows a possible embodiment of a growth module and / or a harvesting module with a box-like body in a perspective view. [Figure 8b]1 shows a possible embodiment of the growth module and / or the harvesting module in a perspective view without the box-like body. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a shelf that can be deployed in a vertical farm system according to the present invention.

[0021] The drawings are merely used to illustrate embodiments of the present invention, for the purpose of making the inventive principles underlying the present invention clearer in combination with the specification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The present invention relates to a vertical farm system, generally designated by the numeral 1, with reference to the drawings.

[0023] Any modifications or variations obvious to those skilled in the art in light of this specification shall be deemed to fall within the scope of protection established by the present invention, subject to consideration of technical equivalents.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a vertical farm system 1 comprising at least two modules 2, each of which has a volume closed against the external environment, a first module comprising a crop growing device 3 and a second module comprising a collection opening 4 configurable between a closed position and an open position, the internal volume of which is accessible from the external environment. To make FIGS. 2-6 easier to understand, the crop growing device 3 is depicted only in some of the modules 2 in the aforementioned figures. In any case, as will be better explained below, the growing device 3 can be substantially installed (and therefore also depicted) in each of the modules 2 of the vertical farm system 1, i.e. in both the first module (hereafter referred to as growing module C) and the second module (hereafter referred to as collection module P), as well as in the module configured to operate as the first and second module (hereafter referred to as bifunctional module B). FIGS. 8a, 8b, 9 show possible embodiments of the crop growing device 3.

[0025] The first module is arranged in fluid communication with the carbon dioxide source 5 to define a growth module C configured to grow the crop, and the second module is arranged in fluid communication with the forced recovery duct 6 to define a collection module P configured to collect the crop.

[0026] In particular, the carbon dioxide source 5 is configured to blow a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide into the at least one growth module C, while the carbon dioxide forced capture duct 6 is configured to suck in the carbon dioxide contained in the at least one collection module P.

[0027] For example, the carbon dioxide source 5 may also be configured to infuse carbon dioxide molecules into the growth module C in an amount of 10,000 ppm.

[0028] This allows the carbon dioxide source 5 to significantly increase the carbon dioxide levels within the growth module C so as to increase crop growth by up to 50% (relative to normal growth and development rates).

[0029] Preferably, even during the carbon dioxide blowing, the pressure in the growth module C is maintained substantially at atmospheric pressure, or slightly above atmospheric pressure, as described in more detail below.

[0030] In addition, the vertical farm system 1 comprises a moving means (not shown) configured to transport the crop from the cultivation device 3 towards the collection opening 4 via a transfer passage 7 formed between the first module and the second module.

[0031] Advantageously, the introduction of carbon dioxide into the growth module C can promote and improve crop production, resulting in a reduction in the time required for biomass production.

[0032] Advantageously, crop-usable carbon dioxide can be captured directly from the external environment and / or directly from industries that generate carbon dioxide as waste in their processing processes, thus making it possible to use products that are generally considered waste and even harmful to the planet as nutritious products and products that can promote crop growth.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, the forced carbon dioxide capture duct 6 allows for reducing the carbon dioxide concentration at least within the collection module P (possibly to nearly zero) so as to allow the user to safely collect the crop.

[0034] Preferably, the transfer passage 7 is provided in a partition 8 arranged between two adjacent modules 2. More preferably, the transfer passage 7 is a mechanized opening between different areas, advantageously an opening that can be closed so as to hermetically separate the internal volumes of each of the adjacent modules 2. That is to say, when closed, the passage 7 is sealed so as to prevent the exchange of substances (i.e. vegetable crops, carbon dioxide or any gas flow) between said adjacent modules 2.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the collection opening 4 is shaped as a window at a suitable height for easy use by a user for collecting the crops.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the carbon dioxide source 5 is configured to blow an amount of carbon dioxide such that the resulting pressure within the closed volume of the growth module C is at least equal to the atmospheric pressure value.

[0037] Preferably, the carbon dioxide source 5 is configured to infuse an amount of carbon dioxide such that the resulting pressure within the closed volume of the growth module is above atmospheric pressure value.

[0038] More preferably, the difference between the pressure value within each module and the ambient pressure value is at least 0.2 bar.

[0039] This ensures that the pressure in each module is equal to or greater than the ambient pressure value, allowing the system 1 to operate in a state that avoids possible contamination from the external environment of the system 1. In particular, in the case of cracks or particularly defective / worn gaskets, the overpressure state is extremely advantageous and reliable, as it can effectively prevent the ingress of air from the outside.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the invention, the forced recovery duct 6 is configured to transport the amount of carbon dioxide aspirated from each collection module P to a carbon dioxide source, and / or a carbon dioxide collection tank (not shown), and / or to the growth module C, so as to define a closed circuit with carbon dioxide recirculation.

[0041] Advantageously, the presence of a closed circuit allowing the recirculation of carbon dioxide avoids waste and ensures that carbon dioxide is not (re)introduced into the environment.

[0042] More advantageously, the carbon dioxide aspirated from the forced recovery duct 6 can be conveyed and stored (under pressure) in a tank different from the carbon dioxide source 5 and from any module 2 of the vertical farm system 1. The presence of said tank is advantageous when it is impossible or inconvenient to reintroduce the carbon dioxide aspirated from the collection module P into a further module 2, since such a "recycled" concentration can alter the equilibrium conditions that are generated (and obtained through the retrospective operation of sensors for analyzing the air composition, if such sensors are present, as will be explained in more detail below) to maximize crop growth.

[0043] Optionally, the carbon dioxide stored in said tank may be used in preference to the operation of the carbon dioxide source 5 and thus the use of the carbon dioxide contained therein.

[0044] As will be explained in more detail below, the delivery of the carbon dioxide drawn from the forced recovery duct 5 is managed in response to a comparison of the detected carbon dioxide concentration with the desired carbon dioxide concentration within each of the other modules.

[0045] 2 shows a first embodiment of the invention, in which a first module comprises a collection opening 4 configurable between an open and a closed position, furthermore, such first module is arranged in fluid connection with a forced collection duct 6 so as to define a bifunctional module B. More precisely, the bifunctional module B is a growing and collecting module configured for both the cultivation and the collection of the crops contained therein. In particular, the moving means are configured to transport the crops from the cultivation device 3 towards any collection opening 4.

[0046] Thus, when the first module, i.e. the bifunctional module B, is configured to be primarily used as a growing module C, the cultivated crops are transported via the transport passage 7 to the second module, i.e. the collection module P, for safe collection by a user.

[0047] Otherwise, if the first module, i.e. the bifunctional module B, is used both as a growing module C and as a collecting module P, the crop is transferred from the growing device 3 to the collecting opening 4 of the second module without having to pass through the transfer passage 7, which can therefore be kept closed to prevent a part of the carbon dioxide being transferred therein. In such a case, as long as the bifunctional module B is configured as a growing module C, the carbon dioxide source 5 is configured to blow out carbon dioxide, while the forced recovery duct 6 is disabled and the collecting opening 4 remains closed. Then, when the bifunctional module B is configured as a collecting module P for the collection of the crop (following the movement of the crop to the collecting opening 4), the forced recovery duct 6 is activated to suck in the carbon dioxide (as a result, the carbon dioxide source 5 is disabled). When the amount of carbon dioxide in the bifunctional module B falls below a safety threshold, the collecting opening 4 opens to allow the user to safely collect the crop.

[0048] 3 shows a second embodiment of the invention, in which a second module comprises a crop cultivation apparatus 3, furthermore such second module is arranged in fluid connection with a carbon dioxide source 5 so as to define a bifunctional module B. More precisely, the bifunctional module B is a growing and collecting module configured for both the cultivation and the collection of the crop contained therein. In particular, the moving means are configured to transport the crop from any cultivation apparatus 3 towards the collection opening 4.

[0049] Thus, similar to what was expressed with reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the second module, i.e. the bi-functional module B, can be configured to operate primarily as a growing module C or as a collecting module P, or as a growing module C (first for growing a crop) and then as a collecting module P (for collecting the crop previously grown therein).

[0050] In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the bifunctional module B is connected to a first module configured as a growing module C. In such a first module it is therefore only possible to cultivate crops which can only be harvested after passing through the transfer passage 7 in the second module, i.e. the bifunctional module B.

[0051] 4 shows a third embodiment of the invention, in which each module 2 of the plurality of modules 2 comprises its crop cultivation device 3 and its collection opening 4 configurable between an open position and a closed position so as to define a respective bifunctional module B. More precisely, the bifunctional module B is a growing and collection module configured for both the cultivation and collection of the crop contained therein. In particular, the moving means are configured to transport the crop from any cultivation device 3 towards any collection opening 4.

[0052] That is, FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the system 1 in which each module 2 is a bifunctional module B.

[0053] In other words, the modules 2 are equivalent and interchangeable with each other, since each of them can be configured to operate as a growth module C, as a harvest module B, or as a growth and harvest module C, P.

[0054] Advantageously, each bifunctional module B is isolated with respect to the other modules 2, so that a microclimate different from the others can be generated in each of the modules for growing different crops or the same crop at different stages of growth. The term microclimate refers to a particular combination of temperature, humidity, air density and other climatic factors that affect the growth of the crops.

[0055] Advantageously, the collection opening 4 is preferably sealable to ensure that no exchange of substances (i.e., e.g., crops and / or carbon dioxide) takes place between the internal closed volume of the module 2 and the external environment when configured in the closed position.

[0056] Further advantageously, the transport passage 7 is provided with a sealable damper so as to ensure that when closed, no substances (i.e., for example, crops and / or carbon dioxide) are exchanged between the first and second modules from which they are obtained.

[0057] Generally, the entire system 1 is sealed from the outside environment by a number of gaskets configured to prevent the escape of carbon dioxide.

[0058] 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention, in which there are three different modules, more precisely a collection module P, a bifunctional module B and a growth module C. In particular, the modules 2 are arranged side by side along the same longitudinal direction. However, the modules can advantageously be arranged to form any desired shape so that the system 1 allows the user to optimize the space available for its construction and use, for example a warehouse.

[0059] Thus, the system 1 may comprise a number of modules 2 divided into collection modules P, growing modules C and bi-functional modules B according to user preferences. For example, the modules 2 may be arranged side-by-side to form a substantially square path at the corners of which the collection modules P are located, and the remaining modules 2 are configured as bi-functional modules B.

[0060] FIG. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention, in which the closed volume of at least one collection module P has a smaller volume expansion than the closed volume of each growth module C.

[0061] That is, the harvesting module P has a lower volume capacity than the other modules 2 comprised in the system 1, in particular with respect to the growth module C and / or the bi-functional module B.

[0062] A collection module P with reduced volume expansion is thereby advantageously configured to act as a compensation chamber, i.e. the amount of carbon dioxide that has to be sucked out of the forced recovery duct 6 after the transfer of the crop to be collected to such a collection module P is significantly less than the amount of carbon dioxide that the forced recovery duct 6 itself has to recover from a normal collection module P and / or from a bifunctional module B operating as a collection module P.

[0063] Advantageously, the reduced volume expansion of the collection module P therefore makes it possible to make the suction step of the carbon dioxide contained therein simpler and faster, i.e. the collection module P with reduced volume expansion makes it possible to significantly shorten the time necessary for the remediation of the carbon dioxide present therein, so as to make the access of the user for the collection of the crop safe.

[0064] Preferably, said collecting module P with reduced volume comprises a conveyor belt (not shown) arranged between the transport path 7 and the collecting opening 4 .

[0065] That is to say, said collection module P is formed as a tunnel surrounding the collection opening 4 of the adjacent growing module C (or bifunctional module B). The conveyor belt associated with the transfer passage 7 is configured to receive the crops to be guided to the collection opening 4 of the same collection module P.

[0066] Further preferably, outside the system 1, a further conveyor belt or shelf is arranged at the collection opening 4 to allow placing the crop for subsequent collection by a user.

[0067] According to one aspect of the invention, and with particular reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the system 1 comprises a control unit configured to perform the following operational steps in response to relevant external inputs received from a user: - activating a carbon dioxide source 5 to infuse one or more modules 2 of the plurality of bifunctional modules B with a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide so as to define each first growth module C for the cultivation of a crop contained therein; - after a predefined time interval, moving at least a part of the crop from a cultivation device 3 housed in a corresponding one of the first growing modules C towards a collection opening 4 of at least one corresponding module 2 of the plurality of bifunctional modules B, so as to define at least one first collection module P, - Activating the forced recovery duct 6 to suck carbon dioxide from the first collection module P to allow the collection of the crop.

[0068] That is, the control unit is substantially connected to each component of the system 1 (mobility means, carbon dioxide source, ...) so as to carry out the operations of the system 1 described above.

[0069] In particular, the control unit is configured to generate and transmit specific control signals for moving the crops and activating / deactivating the blowing and / or suction of carbon dioxide, following receipt of specific input signals generated by a user via the control panel 10 (Figure 8a), defining whether the module 2 has to operate as a growing module C and / or as a harvesting module P.

[0070] According to another aspect of the invention, the control unit is configured to perform further operational steps in response to received relevant further external inputs, namely: deactivating the forced collection duct 6 from the suction from the first collection module P, - activating a carbon dioxide source 5 to infuse a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide into at least one module 2 of the first growth module C and / or into the first collection module P so as to define each second growth module C for the cultivation of a crop contained therein; - after a predetermined time interval, moving at least a part of the crop from the cultivation device accommodated in a corresponding module 2 of the second growing module C towards the collection opening 4 of at least one corresponding module 2 of the plurality of bifunctional modules B, so as to define at least one first collection module P, - Activating the forced recovery duct 6 to suck carbon dioxide from the second collection module P to allow the collection of the crop.

[0071] Preferably, the control unit is programmed using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms.

[0072] With reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, as already mentioned, the bifunctional modules can advantageously be configured only as a growth module C, or only as a collection module P, or as a growth module and a collection module, and are therefore equivalent and interchangeable with each other. In fact, a module initially used as a growth module C can be changed into a collection module P, as long as it is connected to a forced recovery duct 6 and has its collection opening 4. Conversely, a module initially used as a collection module P can be changed into a growth module C, as long as it includes its cultivation device 3 and is connected to a carbon dioxide source 5.

[0073] Thus, according to a further aspect of the present invention, the first collection module P can be selected from one of the first growth modules C and / or the second collection module P can be selected from one of the second growth modules C.

[0074] Preferably, as mentioned above, the control unit is configured to manage the forced recovery duct 6 such that the forced recovery duct 6 transports the carbon dioxide sucked from the first collection module P and / or the second collection module P towards the carbon dioxide source 5 and / or at least one module of the first and / or second growth module C and / or the carbon dioxide collection tank.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the present invention, system 1 includes a number of sensors (not shown) for analyzing air composition configured to detect concentrations of carbon dioxide, oxygen and other gaseous substances that may be present within each growth module C and each collection module P.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally, at least some of the aforementioned sensors may be installed outside each growth module C and / or each harvesting module P to detect abnormal leakage of carbon dioxide.

[0077] Thus, advantageously, the air composition analysis sensor makes it possible to continuously monitor the level of carbon dioxide present in each module 2 of the system 1, so as to activate / deactivate / adjust the operation of the carbon dioxide source 5, the forced recovery duct 6 and the access opening (i.e., the collection window 4 and the transfer passage 7) depending on the value detected and compared to a reference value (variable depending on the part of the system 1 that needs to be activated / deactivated / adjusted).

[0078] If at least some of the aforementioned sensors installed (also) outside each growth module C and / or each collection module P detect an abnormal leakage of carbon dioxide, they are configured to send an alarm signal to a control unit and / or a visual and / or acoustic feedback device (such as a siren) to alert the user to the presence of such an abnormal leakage, which is potentially dangerous and needs to be corrected.

[0079] According to another aspect of the present invention, the control unit is configured to open the collection opening 4 of the collection module P when the multiple air composition analysis sensors detect a safe amount of carbon dioxide in the collection module P.

[0080] Thereby, the control unit will only allow the user to safely collect the crop (and thus contact the internal volume of the collection module P through the collection window 4) if an amount of carbon dioxide below 2.5%, preferably below 0.08%, is detected, since concentrations of carbon dioxide above the aforementioned levels can impair a person's performance, concentration and health, and in the worst case may be harmful to the human body.

[0081] According to a further aspect of the invention, the carbon dioxide source 5 is activated or deactivated if the air composition analysis sensors detect a carbon dioxide value in at least one growth module C that is lower or higher, respectively, than a predetermined operating limit value. In addition, the forced recovery duct 6 is activated if the air composition analysis sensors detect a carbon dioxide value in at least one collection module P that is higher than a predetermined safety value. Preferably, the carbon dioxide source 5 and the forced recovery duct 6 are activated / deactivated / adjusted depending on the carbon dioxide concentration value detected by the air composition analysis sensors in the respective associated module 2 (growth module C and collection module P, respectively). More specifically, the carbon dioxide source 5 can comprise, for example, a gas-containing tank and one or more solenoid valves adapted to regulate the supply of gas to the tank and / or the withdrawal of gas from the tank. That is, the carbon dioxide injection / extraction is controlled by the carbon dioxide concentration or pressure value detected by the sensors present in the respective growth module C. For example, the carbon dioxide source 5 is activated to start injection if the detected concentration value is lower than the optimal value or if the pressure value in the module is lower than the ambient pressure value. Conversely, in case of excessive carbon dioxide concentration or pressure, forced capture is activated via the forced capture duct 6. In particular, in the collection module P, the capture of carbon dioxide must be nearly complete, or at least to such an extent that safe collection by the user is guaranteed.

[0082] Fig. 7 shows a sixth embodiment of the invention, in which a first module and a second module are matched to each other in a single module having a volume closed to the external environment. In particular, the single module comprises a crop cultivation device 3, a collection opening 4 configurable between a closed position and an open position, the internal volume of which is accessible from the external environment, and a transfer means configured to transport crops from the respective cultivation device 3 towards said collection opening 4. Furthermore, the single module is arranged in fluid connection with a carbon dioxide source 5 and a forced recovery duct 6 so as to define a bifunctional module B configured for the cultivation and collection of crops. In particular, the single module does not have a transfer passage 7, since there is no internal partition 8.

[0083] Figures 8a and 8b show possible embodiments of the growth module and / or the harvesting module, respectively, with and without a box-like body 11 that defines the closed volume of the module with respect to the external environment.

[0084] In particular, the box-like body 11 seen in Fig. 8a consists of a number of side walls in which the collection openings 4 and / or the transfer passages 7 can be provided. One such side wall can thus coincide with the aforementioned partition 8 in which the transfer passages 7 are provided, when such a side wall is placed between adjacent modules 2.

[0085] In FIG. 8b, instead, the crop growing apparatus 3 is more clearly visible.

[0086] According to one aspect of the invention, the cultivation device 3 comprises at least one shelf 12, preferably two shelves 12 arranged opposite and spaced apart from each other and divided into a number of growing compartments 13.

[0087] Each growing section 13 may be provided with a movable tray 14 on which crops can be placed.

[0088] The movable tray 14 is preferably connected to the aforementioned moving means so as to be able to move between different growing compartments 13 of the same shelf 12, between different growing compartments 13 of different shelves or to the collection opening 4 of the collection module P depending on the growth state of the crop contained therein.

[0089] When there are at least two shelves 12 arranged opposite each other and spaced apart in the same module 2, there is a clearance gap 15 therebetween large enough to allow the passage of the movable tray 14 during movement by the moving means.

[0090] Figure 9 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention with reference to the cultivation apparatus 3. In particular, Figure 9 shows a front view of the shelves containing different crops arranged on individual movable trays 14 arranged in respective growing compartments 13.

[0091] Each growing compartment 13 is equipped with lighting means 16 and / or irrigation means 17 and / or heating / cooling means 18 for the crops.

[0092] Thereby, each growing compartment 13 has available on the movable trays 14 some of the most useful means to allow the correct cultivation of the crops contained therein, and preferably at least all of the means mentioned above, namely lighting means 16 simulating a day / night cycle, irrigation means 17 providing the various necessary nutritional compounds, and heating / cooling means 18.

[0093] Preferably, the illumination means 16 comprises a number of LED light sources arranged to emit light having the same or different wavelengths.

[0094] This allows each growing compartment to simulate a day / night cycle suited to the type of crop placed in the movable tray 14 in question. Indeed, some crop types require absorbing a single light spectrum, while others prefer to receive different overlapping light spectra.

[0095] Preferably, the irrigation means 17 is arranged to supply a hydration / nutrient solution, such as water and / or fertiliser.

[0096] Advantageously, the heating / cooling means 18 is useful for simulating temperature changes during a day / night cycle.

[0097] According to one aspect of the invention, the plurality of air composition analysis sensors also comprises further environmental sensors configured to detect environmental parameters of each of the growth modules C, including temperature, humidity, light intensity. In particular, the environmental sensors are advantageously also configured to detect and monitor variations in the aforementioned environmental parameters.

[0098] Preferably, the carbon dioxide source 5 and / or the lighting means 16 and / or the irrigation means 17 and / or the heating / cooling means 18 are configured to be activated / deactivated / adjusted depending on the environmental parameters detected by said further environmental sensors, i.e. the carbon dioxide source 5 and / or the lighting means 16 and / or the irrigation means 17 and / or the heating / cooling means 18 are connected, e.g. via a control unit, to the environmental sensors, so that their operation is adjusted based on the difference between the detected environmental parameters and pre-set environmental reference parameters.

[0099] According to a further aspect of the invention, the system 1 comprises a number of connecting conduits, each of which is configured to fluidly connect the various growth modules C and the various harvesting modules P with each other, thereby ensuring the transport of carbon dioxide within the system 1 and further ensuring the formation of a closed loop for recycling carbon dioxide.

Claims

1. A vertical farm system (1), comprising: a carbon dioxide source (5) configured to infuse a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide into at least one growth module (C); a forced carbon dioxide recovery duct (6) adapted to suck in the carbon dioxide contained in at least one collection module (P); at least two modules (2), each of which has a volume closed with respect to the external environment, a first module comprising a crop growing device (3) and arranged in fluid communication with said carbon dioxide source (5) to define a growth module (C) configured to grow a crop; at least two modules (2), the second module having a collection opening (4) configurable between a closed position and an open position, the interior volume of which is accessible from the external environment, the second module being arranged in fluid connection with the forced collection duct (6) to define a collection module (P) configured to collect the crop; - a transfer means configured to transport the crops from the cultivation device (3) to the collection opening (4) via a transfer path (7) formed between the first module and the second module.

2. 2. The system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first module comprises a collection opening (4) configurable between an open position and a closed position and is arranged in fluid connection with the forced collection duct (6) so as to define a bifunctional module configured for both growing and collecting the crop, and the moving means is configured to transport the crop from the growing device (3) towards any collection opening (4).

3. 3. The system (1) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second module comprises a crop cultivation device (3) and is arranged in fluid connection with the carbon dioxide source (5) to define a bifunctional module configured for both cultivation and collection of the crop, and the moving means is configured to transport the crop from any cultivation device (3) towards the collection opening (4).

4. 3. The system (1) of claim 1 or 2, wherein each module of the plurality of modules comprises a crop cultivation device (3) and a collection opening (4) configurable between an open position and a closed position to define a dual-function module configured for both cultivating and collecting the crop, and the moving means is configured to transport the crop from any of the cultivation devices (3) towards any of the collection openings (4).

5. and performing the following operational steps in response to received relevant external inputs: - activating said carbon dioxide source (5) to infuse a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide into one or more modules of said plurality of bifunctional modules so as to define each first growth module for the cultivation of said crop contained therein; - after a predetermined time interval, moving at least a part of said crop from a cultivation device (3) housed in a corresponding one of said first growing modules towards a collection opening (4) of at least one corresponding one of said plurality of bifunctional modules, so as to define at least one first collection module (P); A system (1) according to claim 4, comprising a control unit configured to activate the forced recovery duct (6) to suck the carbon dioxide from the first collection module (P) to enable the collection of the crop.

6. 6. The system (1) according to claim 5, wherein said first collection module (P) is selected from one of said first growth modules.

7. 6. The system (1) according to claim 5, wherein the control unit is configured to control the forced recovery duct (6) so that the forced recovery duct (6) conveys the carbon dioxide sucked from the first collection module (P) towards the carbon dioxide source (5) and / or at least one module of the first growth module and / or a carbon dioxide collection tank.

8. The control unit is adapted to perform further operational steps in response to received relevant further external inputs, i.e. - deactivating the forced recovery duct (6) from the suction from the first collection module (P), - activating said carbon dioxide source (5) to infuse a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide into at least one module of said first growing modules and / or said first harvesting module (P) so as to define each second growing module for the cultivation of said crop contained therein; - after a predetermined time interval, moving at least a part of the crop from the cultivation device (3) housed in a corresponding one of the second modules towards a collection opening (4) of at least one corresponding one of the plurality of bifunctional modules, so as to define at least one second collection module (P); A system (1) according to claim 5, configured to operate the forced recovery duct (6) to suck the carbon dioxide from the second collection module (P) in order to allow the collection of the crop.

9. 9. The system (1) according to claim 8, wherein the second collection module (P) is selected from one of the second growing modules.

10. 9. The system (1) according to claim 8, wherein the control unit is configured to control the forced recovery duct (6) so that the forced recovery duct (6) conveys the carbon dioxide sucked from the second collection module (P) towards the carbon dioxide source (5) and / or at least one module of the second growth module and / or a carbon dioxide collection tank.

11. 3. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a plurality of air composition analysis sensors configured to detect at least a carbon dioxide concentration in each growth module (C) and in each collection module (P).

12. A system comprising a plurality of air composition analysis sensors configured to detect at least a carbon dioxide concentration in each growth module (C) and each collection module (P), 6. The system (1) of claim 5, wherein the control unit is configured to enable opening of the collection opening (4) of the collection module (P) when the plurality of sensors detects a safe amount of carbon dioxide in the collection module (P).

13. the carbon dioxide source (5) is activated or deactivated when the plurality of sensors detects a carbon dioxide value in at least one growth module (C) that is lower or higher than a predetermined operating limit, respectively; 12. The system (1) according to claim 11, wherein the forced recovery duct (6) is activated when the plurality of sensors detects a carbon dioxide value in at least one collection module (P) that is higher than a predetermined safety value.

14. 3. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the carbon dioxide source (5) is configured to infuse carbon dioxide in an amount such that the resulting pressure in the closed volume of the growth module (C) is at least equal to the atmospheric pressure value.

15. 3. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the carbon dioxide source (5) is configured to infuse carbon dioxide in an amount such that the resulting pressure in the closed volume of the growth module (C) is higher than atmospheric pressure.

16. 3. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the forced recovery duct (6) is configured to transport the amount of carbon dioxide sucked from each collection module (P) to the carbon dioxide source (5) and / or the carbon dioxide collection tank and / or the growth module (C) so as to define a closed circuit with carbon dioxide recirculation.

17. 3. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closed volume of at least one collection module (P) has a smaller volumetric expansion than the closed volume of each growth module (C).

18. 18. The system (1) according to claim 17, wherein the collection module (P) comprises a conveyor belt arranged between the transfer path (7) and the collection opening (4).

19. the first module and the second module correspond to one another in a single module having a volume closed with respect to the external environment, the single module comprising a crop cultivation device (3), a collection opening (4) configurable between a closed position and an open position, the collection opening (4) having an internal volume accessible to the external environment, and a transfer means configured to transport the crops from the cultivation device (3) to the collection opening (4), the single module being arranged in fluid connection with the carbon dioxide source (5) and the forced recovery duct (6) to define a two-functional module configured for cultivation and collection of crops, The system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the single module does not have the transfer passage (7).

Images