Circulation system

Abstract

To provide a circulation system 1 capable of realizing a plant factory even in an area where access to a water source is difficult or an area where a lifeline is not prepared.SOLUTION: The circulation system 1 includes a closed system facility 2 housing a cultivation device 6 therein, an atmospheric water generator 3 for taking out water vapor in collected air as water, and a watering device 4 for watering a plant P of the cultivation device 6. Both a device air supply port 19 and a device exhaust port 20 of the atmospheric water generator 3 are faced to the inside of the closed system facility 2, and indoor air in the closed system facility 2 is circulated through the atmospheric water generator 3. The watering device 4 is constituted to spray the water extracted by the atmospheric water producing device 3 to the plant P of the cultivation device 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a circulation system that can realize plant factories and land-based aquaculture. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, due to the global population increase and growing awareness of food safety, attention has been focused on plant factory technology, which allows agricultural products to be cultivated safely and systematically even on land unsuitable for open-field cultivation (see, for example, Patent Document 1, etc.). Similarly, land-based aquaculture technology, which can be installed even in places far from water sources such as groundwater or waterworks, is also seen as promising (see, for example, Patent Document 2, etc.). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-178598 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6784879 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, in deserts and arid regions where access to water sources is difficult or where lifelines are underdeveloped, the introduction of this technology would be extremely beneficial. However, since it is generally difficult to supply water in these types of regions, there has been a problem in that the technology described above, which requires regular water replenishment, cannot be adopted as is.

[0005] Meanwhile, atmospheric water generators that generate water from atmospheric air have recently been attracting attention. In these types of atmospheric water generators, the temperature of air containing water vapor is lowered below the dew point temperature to forcibly condense the water vapor, and the liquefied water is collected. Because water vapor is always present in the air, atmospheric water generators that convert water vapor in the air into liquid water are expected to be one way to solve water problems in areas with limited access to water sources or areas without infrastructure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Taking into consideration the current situation described above, the present invention has as its technical objective the provision of a circulation system that makes it possible to realize plant factories and land-based aquaculture even in areas where access to water sources is difficult or where lifelines are underdeveloped.

[0007] The circulation system according to the invention of claim 1 comprises a closed system facility housing a cultivation device inside, an atmospheric water generation device that extracts water from collected water vapor in the air, and an irrigation device that irrigates plants in the cultivation device, wherein both the device air inlet and device exhaust outlet of the atmospheric water generation device face the closed system facility, and the circulation system is configured to circulate indoor air in the closed system facility via the atmospheric water generation device, and the irrigation device is configured to spray water extracted by the atmospheric water generation device on the plants in the cultivation device.

[0008] The circulation system of the invention of claim 2 comprises a closed system facility housing an aquaculture tank inside, an atmospheric water generation device that extracts water vapor from collected air as water, and a water supply device that supplies water to the aquaculture tank, with both the device air inlet and device exhaust outlet of the atmospheric water generation device facing the closed system facility, and is configured to circulate indoor air within the closed system facility via the atmospheric water generation device, and the water supply device is configured to supply water extracted by the atmospheric water generation device to the aquaculture tank.

[0009] The invention of claim 3 is the circulation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the atmospheric water generating device is disposed within the closed system facility.

[0010] The invention of claim 4 is a circulation system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a storage tank for storing water extracted by the atmospheric water generating device, a storage tank water level sensor for detecting the water level in the storage tank, a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the outdoor air outside the closed system facility and the indoor air, and a controller, wherein the heat exchanger has an intake air blower that takes in the outdoor air into the heat exchanger and supplies it into the closed system facility, an exhaust blower that takes in the indoor air into the heat exchanger and discharges it outside the closed system facility, an outside air damper that adjusts the flow rate of the outdoor air taken into the heat exchanger, and an exhaust damper that adjusts the flow rate of the indoor air discharged from the heat exchanger, and the controller opens and closes the outside air damper and the exhaust damper to operate or stop the intake air blower and the exhaust blower based on the detection value of the storage tank water level sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, even in areas where access to water sources is difficult or where lifelines are underdeveloped, water vapor in the air can be effectively utilized to realize plant factories and land-based aquaculture. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a circulation system of a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a refrigerant circuit of the atmospheric water generating device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the circulation system. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart of heat exchanger control. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a circulation system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the circulation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show preferred embodiments of the present invention. The drawings show preferred embodiments, but the present invention can be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0014] First, an overview of a circulation system 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The circulation system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a closed system facility 2 that houses a cultivation shelf 6 as a cultivation device, an atmospheric water generating device 3 that extracts collected water vapor from the air as water, and an irrigation device 4 that irrigates each plant P on the cultivation shelf 6. The closed system facility 2 is a closed building whose roof, walls, and floor are surrounded by board materials such as expanded polystyrene or urethane foam. The closed system facility 2 has extremely high airtightness and thermal insulation. In Figure 1, the closed system facility 2 is conceptually represented by a two-dot chain line, and entrances and windows are not shown.

[0015] 1 and 2 lowers the temperature of air containing water vapor below the dew point temperature to forcibly condense the water vapor and extract water. The atmospheric water generation device 3 includes a refrigerant circuit 11 in which a compressor 12, a condenser 13, an expansion valve 14, and an evaporator 15 are connected in a closed circuit by refrigerant piping 16, an evaporator fan 17 that takes air into the atmospheric water generation device 3, and a condenser fan 18 that exhausts air outside the atmospheric water generation device 3. The atmospheric water generation device 3 of the first embodiment is located in a closed system facility 2. In other words, because the atmospheric water generation device 3 is located in a location with a good operating environment, it operates stably and is less likely to break down.

[0016] The compressor 12 compresses the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe 16. The condenser 13 cools and liquefies the compressed refrigerant using air passing through the condenser 13. The expansion valve 14 adiabatically expands the liquefied refrigerant. The evaporator 15 heats and evaporates the expanded refrigerant using air passing through the evaporator 15.

[0017] The refrigerant circuit 11, evaporator fan 17, and condenser fan 18 are disposed within a substantially box-shaped housing 10. An apparatus air inlet 19 and an apparatus exhaust port 20 are opened in the housing 10, connecting the inside and outside of the housing 10. The evaporator fan 17 faces the apparatus air inlet 19 via the evaporator 15. The condenser 13 faces the apparatus exhaust port 20 via the condenser fan 18. A drain pan 21 is disposed below the evaporator 15 within the housing 10 to receive water that is forcibly condensed and liquefied in the evaporator 15. A drain pan water level sensor 22 is disposed within the drain pan 21 to detect the water level in the drain pan 21. A condenser temperature sensor 23 that detects the temperature around the condenser 13 and an evaporator temperature sensor 24 that detects the temperature around the evaporator 15 are also disposed within the housing 10.

[0018] Air taken into the housing 10 from outside the housing 10 through the device air inlet 19, mainly driven by the evaporator fan 17, passes through the evaporator 15 and the condenser 13, and is then discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the device exhaust port 20, mainly driven by the condenser fan 18. Here, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 12 flows sequentially from the condenser 13 through the expansion valve 14 to the evaporator 15, and then returns to the compressor 12, completing the cooling cycle.

[0019] That is, when the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe 16 flows through the evaporator 15, it absorbs heat from the air passing through the evaporator 15 and evaporates. At this time, the surface of the evaporator 15 is cooled to a temperature lower than the dew point temperature, and the water vapor contained in the air passing through condenses on the surface of the evaporator 15, turning into water that drips into the drain pan 21 below and is collected. The air that has been cooled after passing through the evaporator 15 absorbs heat from the compressed refrigerant as it passes through the condenser 13, and is then discharged to the outside of the housing 10 via the device exhaust port 20.

[0020] In the first embodiment, both the apparatus air inlet 19 and the apparatus exhaust port 20 of the atmospheric water generation apparatus 3 (housing 10) face the inside of the closed system facility 2. In this case, since the atmospheric water generation apparatus 3 is arranged inside the closed system facility 2, the apparatus air inlet 19 and the apparatus exhaust port 20 of the housing 10 are naturally both located inside the closed system facility 2. In other words, the inside of the closed system facility 2 and the inside of the housing 10 of the atmospheric water generation apparatus 3 are in communication with each other via the apparatus air inlet 19 and the apparatus exhaust port 20.

[0021] Indoor air within the closed system facility 2 is drawn into the housing 10 through the device air inlet 19, driven mainly by the evaporator fan 17, passes through the evaporator 12 and the condenser 14, and is then returned to the closed system facility 2 through the device exhaust port 20, driven mainly by the condenser fan 18. In other words, the indoor air within the closed system facility 2 is configured to circulate via the atmospheric water generator 3. Therefore, even in areas where access to water sources is difficult or where lifelines are not yet in place, water can be obtained by effectively utilizing the water vapor in the indoor air within the closed system facility 2. Furthermore, if the atmospheric water generator 3 is located outside the closed system facility 2, the indoor air within the closed system facility 2 can be circulated through the atmospheric water generator 3 by connecting ducts to the device air inlet 19 and the device exhaust port 20, respectively, with the end openings of these ducts facing the inside of the closed system facility 2.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, the circulation system 1 of the first embodiment includes a storage tank 5 that stores water extracted by the atmospheric water generating device 3. In the first embodiment, the storage tank 5 is located outside the closed system facility 2. However, if the size of the closed system facility 2 allows, it goes without saying that the storage tank 5 may be located inside the closed system facility 2. It is desirable to ensure that the volume of the storage tank 5 is large enough to accommodate the amount of water vapor circulating (required amount of water vapor) within the closed system facility 2. A storage tank water level sensor 25 that detects the water level of the storage tank 5 is provided inside the storage tank 5.

[0023] A drain recovery pipe 26 leading to the drain pan 21 of the atmospheric water generating device 3 is connected to the storage tank 5. A variable drain on-off valve 27, a filter 28 that filters the water from the drain pan 21, and a drain pump 29 that supplies the water from the drain pan 21 to the storage tank 5 are provided in this order from upstream to downstream of the drain recovery pipe 26. If a water supply source W such as a water pipe is accessible, a water supply pipe 30 communicating with the water supply source W may be connected to the storage tank 5. In this case, a variable water supply on-off valve 31 is provided in the water supply pipe 30.

[0024] In the first embodiment, when drain pan water level sensor 22 detects that water has accumulated up to the upper limit water level of drain pan 21, controller 8 (described later) opens drain on-off valve 27 and operates drain pump 29 to automatically supply water from drain pan 21 to storage tank 5. When drain pan water level sensor 22 detects that water has been released down to the lower limit water level of drain pan 21, controller 8 stops operation of drain pump 29 and closes drain on-off valve 27, thereby stopping the supply of water from drain pan 21 to storage tank 5.

[0025] Meanwhile, a cultivation shelf 6, which is an example of a cultivation device, is arranged within the closed system facility 2. The cultivation shelf 6 is provided with multiple shelves 32 arranged vertically. A tray-shaped or pot-shaped cultivation container 33, for example, is arranged on each shelf 32. A plant P is planted in the culture medium within each cultivation container 33. A medium moisture sensor 34 that detects the amount of moisture contained in the culture medium inside is arranged in each cultivation container 33. There are no particular limitations on the type of medium moisture sensor 34, but it is preferable to use one that is inserted into the culture medium and measures the moisture content from the resistance value, dielectric constant, etc. of the culture medium.

[0026] In the first embodiment, lighting devices 35 that irradiate light onto plants P in each cultivation container 33 are arranged corresponding to each shelf of the cultivation shelf 6. Each lighting device 35 is configured, for example, by an LED module having a group of LED light sources.

[0027] The irrigation device 4, which irrigates the plants P on the cultivation shelves 6, includes a main sprinkler pipe 36 extending from the storage tank 5 into the closed-system facility 2. The main sprinkler pipe 36 is connected to the storage tank 5 separately from the drain recovery pipe 26. A plurality of branch sprinkler pipes 37 corresponding to each shelf of the cultivation shelves 6 are branched and connected to the downstream side of the main sprinkler pipe 36. A sprinkler nozzle 38 is provided at the downstream end of each branch sprinkler pipe 37 to spray water onto the medium and plants P in each cultivation container 33. A variable sprinkler opening / closing valve 39 and a sprinkler pump 40, which supplies water from the storage tank 5 to each sprinkler nozzle 38 (described later) are provided in this order from upstream to downstream in the middle of the main sprinkler pipe 36. A variable irrigation control valve 41 is provided at the middle of each branch sprinkler pipe 37.

[0028] In the first embodiment, the controller 8 is configured to open the sprinkler opening / closing valve 39 and each irrigation control valve 41 and operate the sprinkler pump 40 based on the growth conditions of the plants P in each cultivation container 33 and the detected values ​​of each medium moisture sensor 34, and to spray water from the storage tank 5 onto the plants P in each cultivation container 33. The water in the storage tank 5 is basically water extracted by the atmospheric water generating device 3. Therefore, the irrigation device 4 of the first embodiment is configured to spray the water extracted by the atmospheric water generating device 3 onto the plants P in each cultivation container 33.

[0029] For example, when the detection value of any of the medium moisture sensors 34 falls below a set lower limit, the controller 8 opens the water sprinkler valve 39 and each irrigation control valve 41 to operate the water sprinkler pump 40, and water from the storage tank 5 is sprayed onto the plants P in the corresponding cultivation container 33. The amount of water to be sprayed may be set in advance, or when the detection value of the corresponding medium moisture sensor 34 exceeds a set upper limit, the controller 8 closes the water sprinkler valve 39 and the corresponding irrigation control valve 41 to stop the operation of the water sprinkler pump 40 and stop spraying. The set lower limit and set upper limit themselves may be included on the lower side or the upper side.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 1, the circulation system 1 of the first embodiment includes a heat exchanger 7 that exchanges heat between outdoor air outside the closed system facility 2 and indoor air inside the closed system facility 2. In the first embodiment, the heat exchanger 7 is disposed inside the closed system facility 2. A casing 42 of the heat exchanger 7 mainly houses a heat exchange element 43, an intake air blower 44, and an exhaust blower 45.

[0031] The casing 42 is provided with an outside air port 46 that takes in outside air into the casing 42, an exhaust port 47 that discharges indoor air outside the closed system facility 2, a return air port 48 that takes indoor air into the casing 42, and an air intake port 49 that supplies the outdoor air after passing through the heat exchanger 7 into the closed system facility 2. The casing 42 is provided with an air intake path 50 through which the outdoor air passes so as to be taken in from the outside air port 47 and blown out from the air intake port 49, and an exhaust path 51 through which the indoor air passes so as to be taken in from the return air port 48 and blown out from the exhaust port 47.

[0032] An outside air duct 52 is connected to the outside air port 46. The outside air port 46 is connected to the outside of the closed system facility 2 via the outside air duct 52. An exhaust duct 53 is connected to the exhaust port 47. The exhaust port 47 is connected to the outside of the closed system facility 2 via the exhaust duct 53. A return air duct 54 is connected to the return air port 48. The return air port 48 is connected to the inside of the closed system facility 2 via the return air duct 54. An intake air duct 55 is connected to the intake air port 49. The intake air port 49 is connected to the inside of the closed system facility 2 via the intake air duct 55.

[0033] The heat exchanger 7 of the first embodiment has an outside air damper 56 that adjusts the flow rate of outdoor air taken into the heat exchanger 7, and an exhaust damper 57 that adjusts the flow rate of indoor air discharged from the heat exchanger 7. In this case, the outside air damper 56 is disposed in the outside air duct 52. The exhaust damper 57 is disposed in the exhaust duct 53.

[0034] The heat exchange element 43 is made of paper, for example, and exchanges sensible heat and latent heat, i.e., performs total heat exchange, between the outdoor air passing through the intake air passage 50 and the indoor air passing through the exhaust air passage 51. The heat exchange element 43 is not limited to a total heat exchange type, and a sensible heat exchange type may also be used. However, from the viewpoint of bringing the outdoor air close to the temperature and humidity of the indoor air before supplying it into the closed system facility 2, it is desirable to use a total heat exchange type heat exchange element 43. An intake air filter 58 for removing dust is attached to the heat exchange element 43 upstream of the intake air passage 50. Furthermore, an exhaust filter 59 for removing dust is attached to the heat exchange element 43 upstream of the exhaust air passage 51.

[0035] The intake air blower 44 takes in outdoor air from the outside air port 46 into the intake air passage 50 in the casing 42, performs total heat exchange in the heat exchange element 43, and then supplies the air into the closed system facility 2 from the intake air port 49. The intake air blower 44 is located downstream of the intake air passage 50 inside the casing 42. The exhaust blower 45 takes in indoor air from the return air port 48 into the exhaust passage 51 in the casing 42, performs total heat exchange in the heat exchange element 43, and then discharges the air outside the closed system facility 2 from the exhaust port 47. The exhaust blower 45 is located downstream of the exhaust passage 51 inside the casing 42.

[0036] In the first embodiment, the controller 8 opens and closes the outside air damper 56 and the exhaust damper 57 to operate or stop the supply air blower 44 and the exhaust blower 45 based on the detected value of the indoor humidity sensor 62 (described later) and other factors, thereby ventilating the closed system facility 2. For example, when high-temperature, high-humidity outdoor air is supplied to the heat exchanger 7 from the outside air outlet 46 via the outside air duct 52 and low-temperature, low-humidity indoor air is supplied to the heat exchanger 7 from the return air outlet 48 via the return air duct 54, total heat exchange occurs between the outdoor air and the indoor air in the heat exchange element 43. Thereafter, the outdoor air is supplied into the closed system facility 2 at a reduced temperature and humidity, and the indoor air is discharged to the outside of the closed system facility 2 at an increased temperature and humidity.

[0037] Conversely, when low-temperature, low-humidity outdoor air is supplied to heat exchanger 7 from outside air port 46 via outside air duct 52, and high-temperature, high-humidity indoor air is supplied to heat exchanger 7 from return air port 48 via return air duct 54, total heat exchange occurs between the outdoor air and the indoor air in heat exchange element 43. The outdoor air is then supplied into closed facility 2 with an increased temperature and humidity, and the indoor air is discharged outside closed facility 2 with a decreased temperature and humidity. In other words, by ventilating closed facility 2 using heat exchanger 7, it is possible to supply outdoor air into closed facility 2 after bringing the temperature and humidity closer to those of the indoor air.

[0038] Although details will be described later, in the first embodiment, when the detection value of the water storage level sensor 22 (the water volume in the storage tank 5) falls below a lower limit (which may be a predetermined value), the outside air damper 56 and the exhaust damper 57 are fully opened or opened widely, and the air supply blower 44 and the exhaust blower 45 are operated, so that outdoor air containing water vapor from outside the closed system facility 2 can be supplied into the closed system facility. If the detection value of the water storage level sensor 22 (the water volume in the storage tank 5) is above the lower limit, the outside air damper 56 and the exhaust damper 57 can be fully closed or opened slightly. The air supply blower 44 and the exhaust blower 45 are stopped from operating. The lower limit itself may be included on the lower side or the upper side.

[0039] In this case, the outdoor air outside the closed system facility 2 can be brought close to the temperature and humidity of the indoor air before being supplied into the closed system facility 2, thereby preventing a drop in the dew point temperature of the indoor air, particularly in winter, and ensuring the water collection capacity of the atmospheric water generator 3 regardless of the season or environment. Even in summer, coupled with the high airtightness and insulation of the closed system facility 2, it is easy to maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity inside the closed system facility 2 while reducing power consumption, making it easy to ensure a suitable growth environment for the plants P throughout the year. Because the indoor air inside the closed system facility 2 can be kept on the drier side, it is believed that this helps the transpiration of the plants P and also helps promote their growth.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, an indoor temperature sensor 61 that detects the temperature inside the closed system facility 2 and an indoor humidity sensor 62 that detects the humidity inside the closed system facility 2 are disposed inside the closed system facility 2 of the first embodiment. The indoor humidity sensor 62 is preferably located at an upper part inside the closed system facility 2, as water vapor tends to accumulate at the top. A plurality of ventilation fans 63 that circulate (convect) the indoor air inside the closed system facility 2 are also disposed inside the closed system facility 2. An outdoor temperature sensor 64 that detects the temperature outside the closed system facility 2 is disposed outside the closed system facility 2. Although detailed illustration is omitted, a control panel having a display unit such as an LCD display, various operation switches, a controller 8, etc. is also disposed inside the closed system facility 2.

[0041] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the hardware configuration of the circulation system 1 in the first embodiment will be described. The circulation system 1 in the first embodiment includes a controller 8 that controls various aspects of the circulation system 1. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the controller 8 includes a CPU, which is a central processing unit that executes arithmetic processing and control processing, as well as a ROM that stores control programs and data, a RAM that temporarily stores control programs and data, a HDD that is an auxiliary storage device that stores various programs, data, etc., a communication I / F that has the function of connecting the controller 8 to a communication network, a connection I / F that is an interface such as a USB standard that connects an external device to the controller 8, and a DC-AC inverter. The controller 8 is not limited to a single controller, and multiple controllers may be used. When multiple controllers are used, they are connected to each other via a system bus.

[0042] The controller 8 is electrically connected to a solar power generation device 65, a wind power generation device 66, an engine power generation device 67, a battery 68, and the like. The solar power generation device 65 is a device in which solar panels are arranged on the roof or the like of the closed system facility 2 and generate electricity using sunlight. The wind power generation device 66 is a device in which a windmill (wind power generator) is arranged around the closed system facility 2 and generates electricity using wind power. The engine power generation device 67 generates electricity by connecting the drive shaft of a generator to the output shaft of an engine and operating the generator with the power of the engine. The battery 68 is a rechargeable and dischargeable device made up of a secondary battery, a large-capacity capacitor, or the like. Power from each of the power generation devices 65 to 67 is charged into the battery 68. Power is supplied to the controller 8 and each electrical and electronic device from the battery 68.

[0043] The controller 8 is electrically connected to the compressor 12, expansion valve 14, evaporator fan 17, condenser fan 18, drain pan water level sensor 22, condenser temperature sensor 23, evaporator temperature sensor 24 of the atmospheric water generating device 3, each culture medium moisture sensor 34 of the cultivation shelf 6, each lighting device 35, each irrigation control valve 41, the heat exchanger 7's air supply blower 44, exhaust blower 45, outside air damper 56, exhaust damper 57, as well as the drain opening / closing valve 27, drain pump 29, water supply opening / closing valve 31, sprinkler opening / closing valve 39, sprinkler pump 40, storage tank water level sensor 25, indoor temperature sensor 61, indoor humidity sensor 62, each blower fan 63, and outdoor temperature sensor 64.

[0044] Next, heat exchanger control according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4. The flowchart in Figure 4 is an example of heat exchanger control according to the first embodiment. The algorithm shown in the flowchart disclosed below is pre-stored as a program in the ROM or HDD of the controller 8, and is read into the RAM and then executed by the CPU. The controller 8 according to the first embodiment performs heat exchanger control by opening and closing the outside air damper and the exhaust damper to activate or stop the intake air blower 44 and the exhaust blower 45 based on the detection value of the storage tank water level sensor 25.

[0045] That is, controller 8 reads the detection value of storage tank water level sensor 25 (S01) and determines from the read detection value whether the water volume in storage tank 5 has fallen below a preset lower limit (S02). If the water volume in storage tank 5 is below the lower limit (S02: YES), controller 8 fully opens outside air damper 56 and exhaust damper 57 and activates intake air blower 44 and exhaust blower 45 (S03). This causes total heat exchange between the outdoor air outside closed system facility 2 and the indoor air inside closed system facility 2 in heat exchange element 43 of heat exchanger 7, allowing the outdoor air containing water vapor outside closed system facility 2 to approach the temperature and humidity of the indoor air before being replenished into closed system facility 2. Therefore, even in areas with limited access to water sources or areas without infrastructure, water can be reliably procured by effectively utilizing water vapor in the air.

[0046] Furthermore, as described above, a drop in the dew point temperature of indoor air can be suppressed, particularly in winter, and the water collection capacity of the atmospheric water generating device 3 can be ensured regardless of the season or environment. Even in summer, coupled with the high airtightness and insulation of the closed system facility 2, it is easy to maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity within the closed system facility 2 while suppressing power consumption, making it easy to ensure a suitable growth environment for the plants P throughout the year.

[0047] Once the controller 8 of the first embodiment executes step S03 (fully opens the outside air damper 56 and the exhaust damper 57 and activates the intake air blower 44 and the exhaust blower 45), this state continues for a while. During this time, whenever the water in the drain pan 21 reaches the upper water level, the controller 8 opens the drain on-off valve 27 and activates the drain pump 29, automatically supplying the water from the drain pan 21 to the storage tank 5. Next, the controller 8 reads the detection value of the storage tank water level sensor 25 (S04), and determines from the read detection value whether the water volume in the storage tank 5 has reached (exceeded) a preset upper limit (S05). If the water volume in the storage tank 5 has not reached the upper limit (NO in S05), the controller 8 returns to step S03. If the amount of water in storage tank 5 has reached the upper limit (S05: YES), controller 8 stops the operation of air supply blower 44 and exhaust blower 45, and fully closes outside air damper 56 and exhaust damper 57 (S06).

[0048] As can be seen from the above explanation, according to the configuration of the first embodiment, the indoor air in the closed system facility 2 is circulated via the atmospheric water generating device 3, so that even in areas where access to a water source is difficult or where lifelines are not yet in place, water can be obtained by effectively utilizing the water vapor in the indoor air in the closed system facility 2, making it possible to realize a plant factory.

[0049] Next, an overview of a circulation system 100 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. In the description of the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described so far are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0050] In the circulation system 100 of the second embodiment, an aquaculture tank 106 for land-based aquaculture of seafood F is housed in the closed facility 2 instead of the cultivation shelves 6. The circulation system 100 of the second embodiment includes a water supply device 104 that supplies water (freshwater) to the aquaculture tank 106 instead of the irrigation device 4. The aquaculture tank 106 is provided with a dissolved oxygen sensor 132 that detects the dissolved oxygen concentration of the water (freshwater) therein, an aquaculture tank water level sensor 133 that detects the water level of the aquaculture tank 106, and a water temperature sensor 134 that detects the water temperature of the aquaculture tank 106. Indoor air can be supplied to the water in the aquaculture tank 106 by an aeration blower 137. A lighting device 135, for example, composed of an LED module having a group of LED light sources, is located above the aquaculture tank 106.

[0051] The water supply device 104, which supplies water to the aquaculture tank 106, is equipped with a sprinkler pipe 136 extending from the storage tank 5 into the closed-system facility 2. The sprinkler pipe 136 is connected to the storage tank 5 separately from the drain recovery pipe 26. A variable sprinkler on-off valve 39, a sprinkler pump 40 that supplies water from the storage tank 5 to the aquaculture tank 106, and a variable sprinkler control valve 141 are provided in this order from upstream to downstream in the sprinkler pipe 136. A discharge pipe 169 that discharges water from the aquaculture tank 106 to the outside (in this case, the storage tank 5) is connected to the aquaculture tank 106. The tip of the discharge pipe 169 is connected to the drain recovery pipe 26 between the drain on-off valve 27 and the filter 28. A variable discharge on-off valve 170 is provided in the middle of the discharge pipe 169.

[0052] In the second embodiment, the controller 8 opens the sprinkler opening / closing valve 39 and the sprinkler control valve 141 and operates the sprinkler pump 40 based on the detected values ​​of the aquaculture tank water level sensor 133, the water temperature sensor 134, etc., to supply water from the storage tank 5 into the aquaculture tank. As in the first embodiment, the water in the storage tank 5 is water extracted by the atmospheric water generating device 3. Therefore, the supply device 104 of the second embodiment is configured to supply the water extracted by the atmospheric water generating device 3 to the aquaculture tank 106.

[0053] The controller 108 of the second embodiment is electrically connected to a dissolved oxygen sensor 132, a culture tank water level sensor 133, a water temperature sensor 134, a lighting device 135, an aeration blower 137, a sprinkler control valve 141, a drainage opening / closing valve 170, etc. of the culture tank 106, instead of those related to the cultivation shelf 6. It goes without saying that the second embodiment can also perform the same heat exchanger control as the first embodiment.

[0054] In the second embodiment, indoor air within the closed-system facility 2 is circulated via the atmospheric water generating device 3. This allows water to be procured by effectively utilizing the water vapor in the indoor air within the closed-system facility 2, even in areas with limited access to water sources or areas without infrastructure, making land-based aquaculture feasible. Furthermore, outdoor air containing water vapor outside the closed-system facility 2 can be brought close to the temperature and humidity of the indoor air before being supplied to the closed-system facility 2, ensuring more reliable water supply. This can prevent a drop in the dew point temperature of the indoor air, particularly in winter, ensuring the water collection capacity of the atmospheric water generating device 3 regardless of the season or environment. Even in summer, combined with the airtightness and high thermal insulation of the closed-system facility 2, it is easy to maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity within the closed-system facility 2 while reducing power consumption, making it easier to ensure a favorable growth environment for seafood F throughout the year.

[0055] The configuration of each part in the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, minerals and nutrients (fertilizers) may be manually or automatically added to the storage tank 5. The oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in the indoor air within the closed system facility 2 may be monitored periodically or as needed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] P plant F-fish 1,100 Circulation System 2. Closed system facilities 3. Atmospheric water generator 4. Irrigation equipment 5. Reservoir 6 Cultivation shelf 7 Heat exchanger 8 Controller 19 Equipment air supply port 20 Equipment exhaust port 42 Casing 43 Heat exchange element 44 Air supply blower 45 Exhaust Blower 46 Outside air vent 47 Exhaust port 48 Return air port 49 Air supply port 50 Air supply path 51 Exhaust duct 52 Outdoor air duct 53 Exhaust duct 54 Return air duct 55 Air supply duct 56 Outdoor air damper 57 Exhaust damper 104 Water supply equipment 106 Aquaculture Tank

Claims

1. The system includes a closed system facility that houses a cultivation device inside, an atmospheric water generating device that extracts collected water vapor from the air as water, and an irrigation device that irrigates plants in the cultivation device, Both the device air inlet and device exhaust port of the atmospheric water generating device are configured to face the inside of the closed system facility, and indoor air in the closed system facility is circulated through the atmospheric water generating device, and the irrigation device is configured to spray water extracted by the atmospheric water generating device onto plants in the cultivation device. Circulatory system.

2. The system comprises a closed system facility housing an aquaculture tank inside, an atmospheric water generating device that extracts collected water vapor from the air as water, and a water supply device that supplies water to the aquaculture tank, Both the device air inlet and device exhaust outlet of the atmospheric water generating device are configured to face the inside of the closed system facility, and indoor air in the closed system facility is circulated through the atmospheric water generating device, and the water supply device is configured to supply water extracted by the atmospheric water generating device to the aquaculture tank. Circulatory system.

3. The atmospheric water generating device is disposed within the closed system facility.

3. A circulation system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The system includes a storage tank for storing the water extracted by the atmospheric water generating device, a storage tank water level sensor for detecting the water level of the storage tank, a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between outdoor air outside the closed system facility and the indoor air, and a controller, The heat exchanger includes an intake air blower that takes in the outdoor air into the heat exchanger and supplies it into the closed system facility, an exhaust blower that takes in the indoor air into the heat exchanger and discharges it outside the closed system facility, an outdoor air damper that adjusts the flow rate of the outdoor air taken into the heat exchanger, and an exhaust damper that adjusts the flow rate of the indoor air discharged from the heat exchanger, the controller opens and closes the outside air damper and the exhaust damper based on the detection value of the storage tank water level sensor, thereby activating or stopping the supply air blower and the exhaust blower.

3. A circulation system according to claim 1 or 2.

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