Cultivation system

Abstract

To provide a cultivation system using a heat storage material that can reduce a load on carry-in / carry-out work of the heat storage material and enables coexistence of heat storage materials with different melting points.SOLUTION: A cultivation system 1 comprises: a heat storage tank 3 in which a plurality of tanks 3b accommodating a phase-changeable heat storage material 10 are detachably housed; a cultivation tank 4 in which plants are arranged; a first guide channel that connects the heat storage tank 3 with the cultivation tank 4 and guides a temperature-controlled liquid 20 between the heat storage tank 3 and the cultivation tank 4; a second guide channel that connects a heat pump unit 5a for temperature control of the temperature-controlled liquid 20 with the heat storage tank 3 and guides the temperature-controlled liquid 20 between the heat pump unit 5a and the heat storage tank 3; and a third guide channel that connects the heat pump unit 5a with the cultivation tank 4 and guides the temperature-controlled liquid 20 between the heat pump unit 5a and the cultivation tank 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cultivation system. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cultivation system that uses a temperature-controlled bed to adjust the root zone temperature of plants. The cultivation system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a temperature-controlled water generator that supplies temperature-controlled water to the temperature-controlled bed. The temperature-controlled water generator also adjusts the temperature of the water recovered from the temperature-controlled bed again and supplies it to the temperature-controlled bed again. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-216897 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when using renewable energy such as sunlight to regulate the temperature of temperature-controlled water, there are times when electricity is unavailable, such as at night. Therefore, even when using renewable energy, a commercial power source is required to stably regulate the root zone temperature, making it difficult to achieve sufficient energy conservation in the cultivation system. For example, it is possible to store hot or cold energy in a heat storage material during periods when renewable energy is available and then use the thermal energy stored in the heat storage material during periods when renewable energy is unavailable. However, to stably regulate the root zone temperature, a large amount of heat storage material is required. Furthermore, different types of heat storage material are available depending on the ambient temperature and the target root zone temperature, and replacement or the installation of different types of heat storage material may be required. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the burden of transporting and unloading the heat storage material.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to reduce the burden of transporting heat storage materials in cultivation systems that use heat storage materials, and to enable the coexistence of heat storage materials with different melting points. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention employs the following configuration as a means for solving the above problems.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a cultivation system comprising a heat storage tank in which a plurality of tanks containing phase-changeable heat storage material are detachably housed, a cultivation tank in which plants are placed, a first guide flow path connecting the heat storage tank to the cultivation tank and guiding a heat medium between the heat storage tank and the cultivation tank, a second guide flow path connecting a heat source that regulates the temperature of the heat medium to the heat storage tank and guiding the heat medium between the heat source and the heat storage tank, and a third guide flow path connecting the heat source to the cultivation tank and guiding the heat medium between the heat source and the cultivation tank.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention employs a configuration in which, in the first aspect, a switching unit is provided that is capable of switching the flow of the heat medium using the first guide flow path, the second guide flow path, and the third guide flow path.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention is the first or second aspect, wherein the heat storage tank has a configuration including a first tank that contains a first heat storage material having a relatively low melting point, and a second tank that contains a second heat storage material having a relatively high melting point.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the third aspect, wherein the heat storage tank has the first tank and the second tank stacked in a vertical direction.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the third aspect, wherein the first tanks and the second tanks are arranged alternately in the horizontal direction in the heat storage tank.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the present invention is any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the heat storage tank and the cultivation tank are stacked. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, a plurality of detachable tanks are housed in the heat storage tank. Furthermore, each tank houses a heat storage material. Therefore, when carrying in or out the heat storage material, the individual tanks can be transported to move or replace the heat storage material. Therefore, compared to carrying in or out all the heat storage materials in the heat storage tank at once, it is possible to reduce the burden of the work of carrying in and out the heat storage material. Furthermore, by installing tanks housing heat storage materials with different melting points in the heat storage tank, heat storage materials with different melting points can coexist. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a cultivation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken along line B-B. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a temperature control unit included in a cultivation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the cultivation system of the first embodiment of the present invention in a standard mode. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the cultivation system of the first embodiment of the present invention in a heat storage mode. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the cultivation system of the first embodiment of the present invention in a heat storage combined mode. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the cultivation system of the first embodiment of the present invention in a heat storage utilization mode. [Figure 9]FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the cultivation system of the first embodiment of the present invention in a bypass mode. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a cultivation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a cultivation system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the cultivation system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a cultivation system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a cultivation system 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 1. The cultivation system 1 of this embodiment is a system for cultivating plants while adjusting the temperature in the root zone of the plants. The plants are cultivated, for example, inside a pot X shown in FIG. 1, or in culture soil Y placed directly on the pot. However, the cultivation form of the plants is not particularly limited. The cultivation system 1 of this embodiment includes a stand 2, a heat storage tank 3, a cultivation tank 4, and a temperature control unit 5, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example.

[0017] 1 to 3, for convenience, one horizontal direction is referred to as the front-rear direction, and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction is referred to as the left-right direction. Also, the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction is referred to as the up-down direction.

[0018] The frame 2 supports the heat storage tank 3 and the cultivation tank 4 from below. The frame 2 also supports a part of the temperature control unit 5. Such a frame 2 supports the heat storage tank 3 and the cultivation tank 4 in a state where they are raised above the installation surface M so that a space is formed between the heat storage tank 3 and the cultivation tank 4 and the installation surface M. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the frame 2 is not installed in the cultivation system 1.

[0019] 2 and 3, the heat storage tank 3 is a tank including a storage container 3a, a plurality of tanks 3b, and a heat exchange panel 3c for the heat storage tank. The heat storage tank 3 is located above the frame 2 and below the cultivation tank 4. In other words, the heat storage tank 3 is arranged in a state where it is sandwiched between the frame 2 and the cultivation tank 4 in the vertical direction.

[0020] The storage container 3a is formed in a container shape with an internal space capable of accommodating the tank 3b. The storage container 3a has a main body 3a1 that has a bottom wall and side walls and is open upward. The storage container 3a also has a lid 3a2 that is placed on the main body 3a1 from above. The lid 3a2 is detachable from the main body 3a1. The internal space of the storage container 3a is closed when the lid 3a2 is placed on the main body 3a1, and the internal space of the storage container 3a is opened when the lid 3a2 is removed from the main body 3a1. The storage container 3a is preferably formed from a heat insulating material such as a foam material.

[0021] Each tank 3b accommodates a heat storage material 10 therein. In this embodiment, each tank 3b is formed to have the same shape. However, the shape of each tank 3b is not limited to being the same. As shown in FIG. 2, each tank 3b is arranged in a plurality in the front-rear direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, each tank 3b is arranged in a plurality in the left-right direction.

[0022] In order to accommodate a larger amount of heat storage material 10, each tank 3b abuts against the adjacent tank 3b in the front-rear and left-right directions. However, the tanks 3b may be arranged so that there is a gap between each tank 3b. Providing a gap between each tank 3b makes it easier to attach and detach the tanks 3b. Furthermore, each tank 3b may be provided with a handle or the like to make it easier to attach and detach the tanks 3b.

[0023] In the cultivation system 1 of this embodiment, each tank 3b is supported by the main body 3a1 of the storage container 3a while being placed on the heat exchange panel 3c for the heat storage tank. Each tank 3b is placed detachably. That is, each tank 3b can be removed from the storage container 3a while the other tanks 3b remain inside the storage container 3a.

[0024] Each tank 3b contains a heat storage material 10. It is preferable that the tank 3b is filled to the brim with such heat storage material 10 without leaving any gaps inside the tank 3b. This prevents the heat storage material 10 from moving inside the tank 3b due to vibrations such as earthquakes, and can suppress vibrations of the frame 2 and the like.

[0025] It should be noted that paraffin, for example, can be used as the heat storage material 10. However, the heat storage material 10 is not limited to paraffin as long as it changes phase within the temperature range of the temperature adjustment liquid 20 used in the temperature adjustment unit 5. As described above, in the cultivation system 1 of this embodiment, the heat storage tank 3 detachably accommodates a plurality of tanks 3b that store the phase-changeable heat storage material 10.

[0026] In order to improve the efficiency of heat exchange between the heat storage material 10 and the temperature control liquid 20, the tank 3b is preferably made of a material with high thermal conductivity. In addition, the tank 3b is preferably made of a lightweight material so as to reduce the burden of carrying it in and out. Such a tank 3b can be made of aluminum, for example.

[0027] The heat storage tank heat exchange panel 3c is a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the heat storage material 10 and the temperature adjustment liquid 20, and is connected to the temperature adjustment unit 5. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, two heat storage tank heat exchange panels 3c are provided in this embodiment. One heat storage tank heat exchange panel 3c is disposed below the multiple tanks 3b arranged in a front-to-back and left-to-right manner. The other heat storage tank heat exchange panel 3c is disposed above the multiple tanks 3b arranged in a front-to-back and left-to-right manner. These heat storage tank heat exchange panels 3c are disposed in direct contact with the tanks 3b.

[0028] The cultivation tank 4 is a tank capable of accommodating pots X and culture soil Y, and is placed on the heat storage tank 3. That is, in the cultivation system 1 of this embodiment, the heat storage tank 3 and the cultivation tank 4 are stacked, and as shown in FIG. 1, the heat storage tank 3 and the cultivation tank 4 overlap when viewed from above.

[0029] The cultivation tank 4 includes a cultivation container 4a and a cultivation tank heat exchange panel 4b. The cultivation container 4a is made of a heat insulating material such as a foam material, and is formed in a container shape that opens upward. The cultivation tank heat exchange panel 4b is placed on the bottom wall of the cultivation container 4a. The pots X and the culture soil Y are placed on the bottom wall of the cultivation container 4a via the cultivation tank heat exchange panel 4b.

[0030] The temperature adjustment unit 5 adjusts the temperature of a temperature adjustment liquid 20 (heat medium) and circulates and guides the temperature adjustment liquid 20. FIG. 4 is a structural diagram showing a schematic configuration of the temperature adjustment unit 5. As shown in FIG. 4, the temperature adjustment unit 5 includes a heat pump unit 5a (heat source), a piping unit 5b, a switching unit 5c, a heat storage pump 5d, and a control device 5e. Note that FIGS. 1 to 3 only show a portion of the configuration of the temperature adjustment unit 5.

[0031] The heat pump unit 5a adjusts the temperature of the temperature control liquid 20 using power supplied from an external source. This heat pump unit 5a can be supplied with power generated by renewable energy such as a solar power generation system, or power supplied from a commercial power source. The heat pump unit 5a also includes a pump that pumps the temperature control liquid 20. That is, the temperature control liquid 20 is pumped by the heat pump unit 5a and flows so as to circulate through the piping unit 5b.

[0032] 1 to 3, in this embodiment, the heat pump unit 5a is disposed below the heat storage tank 3 and the cultivation tank 4, and is placed on the installation surface M. However, the installation location of the heat pump unit 5a can be changed.

[0033] The piping unit 5b is composed of a plurality of pipes that guide the temperature adjustment liquid 20. The piping unit 5b includes a first heat storage tank connecting pipe 30 and a second heat storage tank connecting pipe 31 that are connected to the heat storage tank 3. The piping unit 5b also includes a first cultivation tank connecting pipe 32 and a second cultivation tank connecting pipe 33 that are connected to the cultivation tank 4. The piping unit 5b also includes a first bypass pipe 34 and a second bypass pipe 35.

[0034] The first heat storage tank connecting pipe 30 is a pipe having one end connected to the heat pump unit 5a and the other end connected to the heat exchange panel 3c for the heat storage tank. The second heat storage tank connecting pipe 31 is a pipe having one end connected to the heat exchange panel 3c for the heat storage tank and the other end connected to a midpoint of the first cultivation tank connecting pipe 32.

[0035] The first cultivation tank connecting pipe 32 is a pipe having one end connected to the cultivation tank heat exchange panel 4b and the other end connected to the heat pump unit 5a. The second cultivation tank connecting pipe 33 is a pipe having one end connected to the cultivation tank heat exchange panel 4b and the other end connected to an intermediate portion of the first cultivation tank connecting pipe 32.

[0036] The first bypass piping 34 is a piping having one end connected to an intermediate portion of the first heat-storage-tank connecting piping 30 and the other end connected to an intermediate portion of the second heat-storage-tank connecting piping 31. One end of the first bypass piping 34 is connected to the first heat-storage-tank connecting piping 30 on the heat pump unit 5a side of a first on-off valve 40 (described later) of the switching unit 5c. The other end of the first bypass piping 34 is connected to an intermediate portion of the second heat-storage-tank connecting piping 31 via a first three-way valve 41 (described later) of the switching unit 5c.

[0037] The second bypass piping 35 is a piping having one end connected to an intermediate portion of the first heat storage tank connecting piping 30 and the other end connected to an intermediate portion of the second cultivation tank connecting piping 33. One end of the second bypass piping 35 is connected to the first heat storage tank connecting piping 30 on the heat storage tank heat exchange panel 3c side of a first on-off valve 40 (described later) of the switching unit 5c. The other end of the second bypass piping 35 is connected to an intermediate portion of the second cultivation tank connecting piping 33 via a second three-way valve 43 (described later) of the switching unit 5c.

[0038] Such a piping unit 5b forms a first guide flow path 37 that connects the heat storage tank 3 and the cultivation tank 4. The first guide flow path 37 is formed by the first heat storage tank connecting pipe 30, the second bypass pipe 35, and the second cultivation tank connecting pipe 33. Such a first guide flow path 37 guides the temperature adjustment liquid 20 between the heat storage tank 3 and the cultivation tank 4.

[0039] The piping unit 5b also forms a second guide flow path 38 that connects the heat pump unit 5a and the heat storage tank 3. For example, the first heat storage tank connecting pipe 30, the first bypass pipe 34, and the second heat storage tank connecting pipe 31 form a part of the second guide flow path 38 for supplying the temperature regulating liquid 20 from the heat pump unit 5a to the heat storage tank 3. The first heat storage tank connecting pipe 30, the second bypass pipe 35, the first cultivation tank connecting pipe 32, and the second cultivation tank connecting pipe 33 form a part of the second guide flow path 38 for supplying the temperature regulating liquid 20 from the heat storage tank 3 to the heat pump unit 5a. The second guide flow path 38 guides the temperature regulating liquid 20 between the heat pump unit 5a and the heat storage tank 3.

[0040] The piping unit 5b also forms a third guide flow path 39 that connects the heat pump unit 5a and the cultivation tank 4. For example, the first heat storage tank connecting piping 30, the second bypass piping 35, and the second cultivation tank connecting piping 33 form a part of the third guide flow path 39 for supplying the temperature regulating liquid 20 from the heat pump unit 5a to the cultivation tank 4. The first cultivation tank connecting piping 32 also forms a part of the third guide flow path 39 for supplying the temperature regulating liquid 20 from the cultivation tank 4 to the heat pump unit 5a. Such a third guide flow path 39 guides the temperature regulating liquid 20 between the heat pump unit 5a and the cultivation tank 4.

[0041] The switching unit 5c is a unit that can switch the flow of the temperature regulating fluid 20 using a first guide flow path 37, a second guide flow path 38, and a third guide flow path 39. As shown in FIG. 4 , the switching unit 5c has a first on-off valve 40, a first three-way valve 41, a second on-off valve 42, and a second three-way valve 43.

[0042] The first on-off valve 40 is provided at a midpoint of the first heat storage tank connecting pipe 30. Furthermore, the first three-way valve 41 is provided at a connection point between the second heat storage tank connecting pipe 31 and the first bypass pipe 34. Furthermore, the second on-off valve 42 is provided at a midpoint of the first bypass pipe 34. Furthermore, the second three-way valve 43 is provided at a connection point between the second cultivation tank connecting pipe 33 and the second bypass pipe 35.

[0043] In this embodiment, the cultivation tank 4 is disposed above the heat pump unit 5a, so that the temperature control liquid 20 is prevented from flowing into the cultivation tank 4 through the first cultivation tank connecting pipe 32. However, the switching unit 5c may be provided with an on-off valve provided at a midpoint of the first cultivation tank connecting pipe 32.

[0044] Under the control of the control device 5e, the switching unit 5c is capable of changing the open / close states of the first on-off valve 40 and the second on-off valve 42 and the flow direction of the temperature regulating liquid 20 in the first three-way valve 41 and the second three-way valve 43. The switching unit 5c switches the flow state of the temperature regulating liquid 20 by changing the open / close states of the first on-off valve 40 and the second on-off valve 42 and the flow direction of the temperature regulating liquid 20 in the first three-way valve 41 and the second three-way valve 43.

[0045] The heat storage pump 5d is provided in a portion of the second heat storage tank connecting pipe 31. As shown in Fig. 4, the heat storage pump 5d is provided in a portion of the second heat storage tank connecting pipe 31 between the first three-way valve 41 and the heat storage tank heat exchange panel 3c. Under the control of the control device 5e, the heat storage pump 5d causes the temperature adjustment liquid 20 to flow when the heat pump unit 5a is stopped. Note that the heat storage pump 5d is stopped when the temperature adjustment liquid 20 is being circulated by the heat pump unit 5a.

[0046] The control device 5e controls the heat pump unit 5a, the switching unit 5c, and the heat storage pump 5d. For example, the control device 5e can selectively control the operation and stopping of the heat pump unit 5a. The control device 5e can also control the open / close states of the first on-off valve 40 and the second on-off valve 42 of the switching unit 5c. The control device 5e can also control the flow direction of the temperature adjustment fluid 20 in the first three-way valve 41 and the second three-way valve 43 of the switching unit 5c. The control device 5e can also selectively control the operation and stopping of the heat storage pump 5d.

[0047] Next, the operation of the cultivation system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 9. The cultivation system 1 of this embodiment is capable of operating in a standard mode, a heat storage mode, a heat storage combined mode, a heat storage utilization mode, and a bypass mode under the control of the control device 5e.

[0048] The standard mode is an operation mode in which the temperature-adjusted liquid 20, whose temperature has been adjusted by the heat pump unit 5a, is supplied directly to the cultivation tank 4 without being supplied to the heat storage tank 3. In this standard mode, the heat (including hot and cold heat) of the temperature-adjusted liquid 20 is used to adjust the root zone temperature of the plants. Figure 5 is a flow diagram for explaining the operation of the cultivation system 1 of this embodiment in the standard mode.

[0049] 5, in the standard mode, the control device 5e drives the heat pump unit 5a and stops the heat storage pump 5d. Also, in the standard mode, the control device 5e opens the first on-off valve 40 and closes the second on-off valve 42. Also, in the standard mode, the control device 5e sets the first three-way valve 41 to a state in which it can guide the temperature regulating liquid 20 from the first bypass piping 34 toward the heat storage tank heat exchange panel 3c. Also, in the standard mode, the control device 5e sets the second three-way valve 43 to a state in which it can guide the temperature regulating liquid 20 from the second bypass piping 35 toward the cultivation tank heat exchange panel 4b.

[0050] In such a standard mode, the temperature-adjusting liquid 20 pumped from the heat pump unit 5a is supplied to the cultivation tank 4 via the third guide flow path 39. Specifically, in the standard mode, the temperature-adjusting liquid 20 is supplied from the heat pump unit 5a to the cultivation tank 4 by being guided in the order of the first heat storage tank connecting pipe 30, the second bypass pipe 35, and the second cultivation tank connecting pipe 33.

[0051] In the standard mode, the temperature control liquid 20 supplied to the cultivation tank 4 exchanges heat with the pots X and the culture soil Y in the cultivation tank heat exchange panel 4b, and then is returned to the heat pump unit 5a via the third guide flow path 39. Specifically, in the standard mode, the temperature control liquid 20 is guided by the first cultivation tank connecting pipe 32 and returned from the cultivation tank 4 to the heat pump unit 5a.

[0052] The heat storage mode is an operation mode in which the temperature-adjusted liquid 20, whose temperature has been adjusted by the heat pump unit 5a, is supplied directly to the heat storage tank 3 without being supplied to the cultivation tank 4. In this heat storage mode, the heat (including hot heat and cold heat) of the temperature-adjusted liquid 20 is stored as latent heat in the heat storage material 10. Fig. 6 is a flow diagram for explaining the operation of the cultivation system 1 of this embodiment in the standard mode.

[0053] 6, in the heat storage mode, the control device 5e drives the heat pump unit 5a and stops the heat storage pump 5d. Also, in the heat storage mode, the control device 5e closes the first on-off valve 40 and opens the second on-off valve 42. Also, in the heat storage mode, the control device 5e sets the first three-way valve 41 to a state where it can guide the temperature control liquid 20 from the first bypass piping 34 toward the heat storage tank heat exchange panel 3c. Also, in the heat storage mode, the control device 5e sets the second three-way valve 43 to a state where it can guide the temperature control liquid 20 from the second bypass piping 35 toward the heat pump unit 5a.

[0054] In such a heat storage mode, the temperature adjustment liquid 20 pumped from the heat pump unit 5a is supplied to the heat storage tank 3 via the second guide flow path 38. Specifically, in the heat storage mode, the temperature adjustment liquid 20 is supplied from the heat pump unit 5a to the heat storage tank 3 by being guided through the first heat storage tank connecting pipe 30, the first bypass pipe 34, and the second heat storage tank connecting pipe 31 in this order.

[0055] In the heat storage mode, the temperature control liquid 20 supplied to the heat storage tank 3 exchanges heat with the heat storage material 10 in the tank 3b in the heat exchange panel 3c for the heat storage tank, and is then returned to the heat pump unit 5a via the second guide flow path 38. Specifically, in the heat storage mode, the temperature control liquid 20 is returned from the heat storage tank 3 to the heat pump unit 5a by being guided in this order through the first heat storage tank connecting pipe 30, the second bypass pipe 35, the second cultivation tank connecting pipe 33, and the first cultivation tank connecting pipe 32.

[0056] The heat storage combined mode is an operation mode in which the temperature-adjusted liquid 20, the temperature of which is adjusted by the heat pump unit 5a, is supplied to both the heat storage tank 3 and the cultivation tank 4. In this heat storage combined mode, the heat (including hot and cold heat) of the temperature-adjusted liquid 20 is stored as latent heat in the heat storage tank 3 and is used to adjust the root zone temperature of plants. Fig. 7 is a flow diagram for explaining the operation of the cultivation system 1 of this embodiment in the heat storage combined mode.

[0057] 7, in the heat storage combined use mode, the control device 5e drives the heat pump unit 5a and stops the heat storage pump 5d. Also, in the heat storage combined use mode, the control device 5e closes the first on-off valve 40 and opens the second on-off valve 42. Also, in the heat storage combined use mode, the control device 5e sets the first three-way valve 41 to a state where it can guide the temperature regulating liquid 20 from the first bypass piping 34 toward the heat storage tank heat exchange panel 3c. Also, in the heat storage combined use mode, the control device 5e sets the second three-way valve 43 to a state where it can guide the temperature regulating liquid 20 from the second bypass piping 35 toward the cultivation tank heat exchange panel 4b.

[0058] In this heat storage combined use mode, the temperature adjustment liquid 20 pumped from the heat pump unit 5a is supplied to the heat storage tank 3 via the second guide flow path 38. Specifically, in the heat storage combined use mode, the temperature adjustment liquid 20 is supplied from the heat pump unit 5a to the heat storage tank 3 by being guided through the first heat storage tank connecting pipe 30, the first bypass pipe 34, and the second heat storage tank connecting pipe 31 in this order.

[0059] In the heat storage combined mode, the temperature control liquid 20 supplied to the heat storage tank 3 exchanges heat with the heat storage material 10 in the tank 3b in the heat exchange panel 3c for the heat storage tank, and is then supplied to the cultivation tank 4 via the first guide flow path 37. Specifically, in the heat storage combined mode, the temperature control liquid 20 is supplied from the heat storage tank 3 to the cultivation tank 4 by being guided in this order through the first heat storage tank connecting piping 30, the second bypass piping 35, and the second cultivation tank connecting piping 33.

[0060] In the heat storage combined mode, the temperature control liquid 20 supplied to the cultivation tank 4 exchanges heat with the pots X and the culture soil Y in the cultivation tank heat exchange panel 4b, and then is returned to the heat pump unit 5a via the third guide flow path 39. Specifically, in the heat storage combined mode, the temperature control liquid 20 is guided by the first cultivation tank connecting pipe 32 and returned from the cultivation tank 4 to the heat pump unit 5a.

[0061] The heat storage utilization mode is an operation mode in which heat (including hot heat and cold heat) stored in the heat storage tank 3 is supplied to the cultivation tank 4. In this heat storage utilization mode, the heat stored as latent heat in the heat storage tank 3 is used to adjust the root zone temperature of plants. Fig. 8 is a flow diagram for explaining the operation of the cultivation system 1 of this embodiment in the heat storage combined mode.

[0062] 8, in the heat storage utilization mode, the control device 5e stops the heat pump unit 5a and drives the heat storage pump 5d. Also, in the heat storage utilization mode, the control device 5e closes the first on-off valve 40 and opens the second on-off valve 42. Also, in the heat storage utilization mode, the control device 5e sets the first three-way valve 41 to a state in which it can guide the temperature adjustment liquid 20 from the first bypass piping 34 toward the heat storage tank heat exchange panel 3c. Also, in the heat storage utilization mode, the control device 5e sets the second three-way valve 43 to a state in which it can guide the temperature adjustment liquid 20 from the second bypass piping 35 toward the cultivation tank heat exchange panel 4b.

[0063] In such a heat storage utilization mode, the temperature adjustment liquid 20 pumped from the heat storage pump 5d is supplied to the heat storage tank 3 via the second guide flow path 38. Specifically, in the heat storage utilization mode, the temperature adjustment liquid 20 is guided to the second heat storage tank connecting pipe 31, and is thereby supplied from the heat storage pump 5d to the heat storage tank 3.

[0064] In the heat storage utilization mode, the temperature control liquid 20 supplied to the heat storage tank 3 exchanges heat with the heat storage material 10 in the tank 3b in the heat exchange panel 3c for the heat storage tank, and is then supplied to the cultivation tank 4 via the first guide flow path 37. Specifically, in the heat storage combined mode, the temperature control liquid 20 is supplied from the heat storage tank 3 to the cultivation tank 4 by being guided in this order through the first heat storage tank connecting piping 30, the second bypass piping 35, and the second cultivation tank connecting piping 33.

[0065] In the heat storage combined mode, the temperature control liquid 20 supplied to the cultivation tank 4 exchanges heat with the pots X and the culture soil Y in the cultivation tank heat exchange panel 4b, and then is returned to the heat pump unit 5a via the third guide flow path 39. Specifically, in the heat storage combined mode, the temperature control liquid 20 is guided by the first cultivation tank connecting pipe 32 and returned from the cultivation tank 4 to the heat pump unit 5a.

[0066] The bypass mode is an operation mode in which the temperature-adjusted liquid 20, whose temperature is adjusted by the heat pump unit 5a, is not supplied to the heat storage tank 3 and the cultivation tank 4. In this bypass mode, the heat (including hot and cold heat) of the temperature-adjusted liquid 20 is not used for heat storage or for adjusting the root zone temperature of plants. Figure 9 is a flow diagram for explaining the operation of the cultivation system 1 of this embodiment in the bypass mode.

[0067] 9, in the bypass mode, the control device 5e drives the heat pump unit 5a and stops the heat storage pump 5d. Also, in the bypass mode, the control device 5e closes the first on-off valve 40 and opens the second on-off valve 42. Also, in the bypass mode, the control device 5e sets the first three-way valve 41 to a state in which it can guide the temperature regulating liquid 20 from the first bypass piping 34 toward the first cultivation tank connecting piping 32. Also, in the bypass mode, the control device 5e sets the second three-way valve 43 to a state in which it can guide the temperature regulating liquid 20 from the second bypass piping 35 toward the cultivation tank heat exchange panel 4b.

[0068] In such a bypass mode, the temperature-adjusting liquid 20 pumped from the heat pump unit 5a is guided through the first heat storage tank connecting pipe 30, the first bypass pipe 34, the second heat storage tank connecting pipe 31, and the first cultivation tank connecting pipe 32 in that order, and is then returned to the heat pump unit 5a.

[0069] The cultivation system 1 of this embodiment as described above includes a heat storage tank 3 and a cultivation tank 4. The heat storage tank 3 detachably accommodates multiple tanks 3b each containing a phase-changeable heat storage material 10. Plants are placed in the cultivation tank 4. The cultivation system 1 of this embodiment also includes a first guide flow path 37, a second guide flow path 38, and a third guide flow path 39. The first guide flow path 37 connects the heat storage tank 3 and the cultivation tank 4. The first guide flow path 37 guides the temperature regulating liquid 20 between the heat storage tank 3 and the cultivation tank 4. The second guide flow path 38 connects the heat storage tank 3 to a heat pump unit 5a that regulates the temperature of the temperature regulating liquid 20. The second guide flow path 38 guides the temperature regulating liquid 20 between the heat pump unit 5a and the heat storage tank 3. The third guide flow path 39 connects the heat pump unit 5a and the cultivation tank 4. The third guide flow path 39 guides the temperature adjustment liquid 20 between the heat pump unit 5a and the cultivation tank 4.

[0070] According to the cultivation system 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of detachable tanks 3b are accommodated in the heat storage tank 3. Furthermore, each tank 3b accommodates a heat storage material 10. Therefore, when carrying in or out the heat storage material 10, the heat storage material 10 can be moved or replaced by transporting each individual tank 3b. Therefore, the cultivation system 1 of this embodiment can reduce the burden of the work of carrying in and out the heat storage material 10 compared to when all of the heat storage materials 10 in the heat storage tank 3 are carried in or out at once. In particular, in the cultivation system 1 of this embodiment, even the heat storage material 10 that is solid at room temperature and therefore does not have fluidity at room temperature can be transported in portions, so that the burden of the work of carrying in and out the heat storage material 10 can be reduced.

[0071] The cultivation system 1 of this embodiment also includes a switching unit 5c. The switching unit 5c can switch the flow of the temperature regulating liquid 20 using the first guide flow path 37, the second guide flow path 38, and the third guide flow path 39. According to the cultivation system 1 of this embodiment, by controlling the switching unit 5c, it is possible to easily change the flow path through which the temperature regulating liquid 20 flows.

[0072] Moreover, in the cultivation system 1 of this embodiment, the heat storage tank 3 and the cultivation tank 4 are arranged in a stacked manner. According to such a cultivation system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the installation space of the cultivation system 1 of this embodiment in a plan view. Furthermore, since the heat storage tank 3 and the cultivation tank 4 are arranged in a stacked manner, the heat storage tank 3 and the cultivation tank 4 can be arranged close to each other. Therefore, it is possible to shorten and simplify the piping connecting the heat storage tank 3 and the cultivation tank 4 and the piping connecting the heat pump unit 5a to the heat storage tank 3 or the cultivation tank 4. Therefore, according to the cultivation system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the piping unit 5b, and it is possible to reduce heat loss in the piping unit 5b.

[0073] Furthermore, in the cultivation system 1 of this embodiment, heat can be transferred using a single temperature control liquid 20. Therefore, there is no need to exchange heat between the temperature control liquid 20 and another heat medium. Therefore, according to the cultivation system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to simplify the piping unit 5b. Note that, in the cultivation system 1 of this embodiment, an ethylene glycol aqueous solution or water can be used as the temperature control liquid 20.

[0074] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 10. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0075] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the cultivation system 1A of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the cultivation system 1A of this embodiment includes a tank 3d (second tank) in addition to a tank 3b (first tank). The tank 3d is stacked on the tank 3b, and like the tank 3b, a plurality of tanks 3d are provided.

[0076] Each tank 3d is detachably provided to the heat storage tank 3 and contains therein a heat storage material 11. The heat storage material 11 contained in the tank 3d has a higher melting point than the heat storage material 10 in the tank 3b. As with the heat storage material 10, paraffin can be used for such heat storage material 11.

[0077] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, tank 3d is disposed above tank 3b. However, tank 3d may be disposed below tank 3b. In other words, either heat storage material 10 having a relatively low melting point or heat storage material 11 having a relatively high melting point may be disposed above.

[0078] According to the cultivation system 1A of this embodiment, the heat storage tank 3 is equipped with heat storage materials having different melting points. That is, in the cultivation system 1A of this embodiment, tanks (tank 3b and tank 3d) that store heat storage materials having different melting points are installed in the heat storage tank 3, so that heat storage materials having different melting points can coexist. Therefore, according to the cultivation system 1A of this embodiment, it is possible to adjust the root zone temperature by utilizing latent heat in different temperature ranges.

[0079] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 11. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the first or second embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0080] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the cultivation system 1B of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, in the cultivation system 1B of this embodiment, the tanks 3d and 3b described in the second embodiment are alternately arranged in the horizontal direction (front-back and left-right directions).

[0081] In the cultivation system 1B of this embodiment, similar to the cultivation system 1A of the second embodiment, the heat storage tank 3 is provided with heat storage materials having different melting points. Therefore, according to the cultivation system 1B of this embodiment, it is possible to adjust the root zone temperature by utilizing latent heat in different temperature ranges.

[0082] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The shapes and combinations of the components shown in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0083] For example, in the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a pair of a heat storage tank 3 and a cultivation tank 4 is connected to one heat pump unit 5a. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also employ a configuration in which multiple pairs of a heat storage tank 3 and a cultivation tank 4 are connected to a heat pump unit 5a, as in the modified example shown in FIG. 12. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1...cultivation system, 1A...cultivation system, 1B...cultivation system, 2...frame, 3...heat storage tank, 3a...container, 3a1...main body, 3a2...lid, 3b...tank, 3c...heat exchange panel for heat storage tank, 3d...tank, 4...cultivation tank, 4a...cultivation container, 4b...heat exchange panel for cultivation tank, 5...temperature control unit, 5a...heat pump unit, 5b...piping unit, 5c...switching unit (switching part), 5d...heat storage pump, 5e...control device Placement, 10... heat storage material, 11... heat storage material, 20... temperature control liquid (heat medium), 30... first heat storage tank connection pipe, 31... second heat storage tank connection pipe, 32... first cultivation tank connection pipe, 33... second cultivation tank connection pipe, 34... first bypass pipe, 35... second bypass pipe, 37... first guide flow path, 38... second guide flow path, 39... third guide flow path, 40... first opening / closing valve, 41... first three-way valve, 42... second opening / closing valve, 43... second three-way valve, M... installation surface, X... pot, Y... culture soil

Claims

1. a heat storage tank in which a plurality of tanks containing a phase-changeable heat storage material are detachably accommodated; a cultivation tank in which the plants are placed; a first guide flow path that connects the heat storage tank and the cultivation tank and guides a heat medium between the heat storage tank and the cultivation tank; a second guide flow path that connects a heat source that adjusts the temperature of the heat medium to the heat storage tank and guides the heat medium between the heat source and the heat storage tank; a third guide flow path that connects the heat source and the cultivation tank and guides the heat medium between the heat source and the cultivation tank; A cultivation system comprising:

2. The cultivation system according to claim 1, further comprising a switching unit capable of switching the flow of the heat medium using the first guide flow path, the second guide flow path, and the third guide flow path.

3. The cultivation system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the heat storage tank has as the tanks a first tank that contains a first heat storage material having a relatively low melting point and a second tank that contains a second heat storage material having a relatively high melting point.

4. The cultivation system according to claim 3, wherein the first tank and the second tank are stacked vertically in the heat storage tank.

5. 4. The cultivation system according to claim 3, wherein the first tanks and the second tanks are arranged alternately in the horizontal direction in the heat storage tank.

6. 3. The cultivation system according to claim 1, wherein the heat storage tank and the cultivation tank are stacked.

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