Vertical farming system

Abstract

This disclosure relates to an automated vertical farming system comprising: a framework structure forming a grid storage array; one or more module handling vehicles arranged to travel along a rail system and transport modules; a control system configured to control the travel and operation of one or more module handling vehicles; and stackable cultivation modules arranged to support growing plants, wherein the cultivation modules have footprints corresponding to the footprints of the columns of the framework structure so that the cultivation modules can be arranged as stacks in the columns. The cultivation modules enable the plants to grow horizontally and also provide a non-drip watering system for watering the plants.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Field The present disclosure relates to vertical farming, and more particularly to a vertical farming system and related components based on the infrastructure and control system of an automatic storage and retrieval system. The present disclosure also relates to stackable cultivation modules for vertical farming. The present disclosure also relates to stackable cultivation modules for assisting plant growth in a vertical farming system, stackable lighting modules for illuminating plants, and modules that can be configured as stackable modules for various other purposes in a vertical farming system.

Background Art

[0002] Background Automatic Storage and Retrieval System An automatic storage and retrieval system, also known as an "automated cube storage system" or a "grid storage system", is known. One such prior art system by the present applicant will be described later.

[0003] FIG. 1 discloses a prior art automatic storage and retrieval system 1 having a framework structure 100, and FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 disclose three different prior art container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 suitable for operating on such a system 1.

[0004] The framework structure 100 includes upright members 102 and a storage volume including storage columns 105 arranged in rows between the upright members 102. In these storage columns 105, storage containers 106, also known as bins, are overlapped and stacked to form a stack 107. The members 102 can typically be made of metal, such as extruded aluminum profiles.

[0005] The framework structure 100 of the automated storage and retrieval system 1 includes a rail system 108 arranged across the top of the framework structure 100, on which multiple container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 can be operated to lift storage containers 106 from storage columns 105, lower storage containers 106 into storage columns 105, and transport storage containers 106 above storage columns 105. The rail system 108 includes a first set 110 of parallel rails arranged to guide the movement of container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 in a first direction X across the top of the frame structure 100, and a second set 111 of parallel rails arranged perpendicular to the first set 110 of rails to guide the movement of container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X. Containers 106 stored in column 105 are accessed by container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 through access openings 112 in rail system 108. Container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 can move laterally above storage column 105, i.e., in a plane parallel to the horizontal XY plane.

[0006] The upright members 102 of the framework structure 100 may be used to guide the storage containers while lifting them out of the column 105 and while lowering them into the column 105. The stack 107 of containers 106 is typically freestanding.

[0007] Each of the prior art container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 comprises a vehicle body 201a, 301a, and 401a, and a first set and a second set of wheels 201b, 201c, 301b, 301c, 401b, and 401c, respectively, which enable lateral movement of the container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 in the X and Y directions. In Figures 2, 3, and 4, two wheels of each set are fully visible. The first set of wheels 201b, 301b, and 401b is arranged to engage with two adjacent rails of the first set of rails 110, and the second set of wheels 201c, 301c, and 401c is arranged to engage with two adjacent rails of the second set of rails 111. Since at least one of the sets of wheels 201b, 201c, 301b, 301c, 401b, and 401c can be raised or lowered, the first set of wheels 201b, 301b, and 401b and / or the second set of wheels 201c, 301c, and 401c can engage with the respective sets 110 and 111 of rails at any given time.

[0008] Each of the prior art container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 also includes a lifting device for transporting a storage container 106 vertically, for example, raising the storage container 106 from the storage column 105 and lowering the storage container 106 into the storage column 105. The lifting device includes one or more gripping / engaging devices adapted to engage with the storage container 106, and these gripping / engaging devices can be lowered from the vehicles 201, 301, and 401 so that the position of the gripping / engaging devices relative to the vehicles 201, 301, and 401 can be adjusted in a third direction Z perpendicular to a first direction X and a second direction Y. Some of the gripping devices of the container handling vehicles 301 and 401 are shown in Figures 3 and 4 and are indicated by reference numerals 304 and 404. The gripping devices of container handling device 201 are located within the vehicle body 201a in Figure 2 and are therefore not shown.

[0009] Conventionally, and for the purposes of this application, Z=1 identifies the uppermost layer available for storage containers below rails 110, 111, i.e., the layer directly below rail system 108; Z=2 identifies the second layer below rail system 108; Z=3 identifies the third layer, and so on. In the exemplary prior art disclosed in Figure 1, Z=8 identifies the bottom layer of the storage container. Similarly, X=1...n and Y=1...n identify the position of each storage column 105 in the horizontal plane. Thus, as an example, using the Cartesian coordinate system X, Y, Z indicated in Figure 1, it can be said that the storage container identified as 106' in Figure 1 occupies storage position X=17, Y=1, Z=6. Container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 can be said to travel within layer Z=0, and each storage column 105 can be identified by its X and Y coordinates. Therefore, it can be said that the storage containers shown in Figure 1, which extend above the rail system 108, are also arranged within layer Z=0.

[0010] The storage volume of the framework structure 100 is often referred to as the grid 104, and the possible storage locations within this grid are called storage cells. Each storage column may be identified by its position in the X and Y directions, and each storage cell may be identified by its container number in the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0011] Each of the prior art container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 is equipped with a storage compartment or storage space for receiving and loading storage containers 106 when transporting storage containers 106 across the rail system 108. This storage space may comprise cavities arranged inside the vehicle bodies 201a, 401a, as shown in Figures 2 and 4 and described, for example, in International Patent Application Publication 2015 / 193278 and International Patent Application Publication 2019 / 206487, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0012] Figure 3 shows an alternative configuration of a container handling vehicle 301 having a cantilever structure. Such a vehicle is described in detail, for example, Norwegian Patent No. 317366, the contents of which are also incorporated herein by reference.

[0013] The cavity container handling vehicle 201 shown in Figure 2 may have a footprint covering an area having dimensions in the X and Y directions that are approximately equal to the lateral spread of the storage column 105, as described, for example, in International Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 193278, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. As used herein, the term “lateral” may mean “horizontal.”

[0014] Alternatively, the cavity container handling vehicle 401 may have a footprint larger than the lateral area defined by the storage columns 105 as shown in Figures 1 and 4, as disclosed, for example, in International Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 090684 or International Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 206487.

[0015] The rail system 108 typically comprises rails having grooves on which the wheels of a vehicle run. Alternatively, the rails may have upward-projecting elements, and the wheels of the vehicle may have flanges to prevent derailment. These grooves and upward-projecting elements are collectively referred to as the track. Each rail may have one track, or each rail 110, 111 may have two parallel tracks. In other rail systems 108, each rail in one direction (e.g., the X direction) may have one track, and each rail in the other perpendicular direction (e.g., the Y direction) may have two tracks. Also, each rail 110, 111 may have two track members fastened together, each track member providing one of a pair of tracks provided by each rail.

[0016] International Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 146304, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, illustrates a typical configuration of a rail system 108 comprising rails and parallel tracks in both the X and Y directions.

[0017] In the framework structure 100, the majority of the columns are storage columns 105, i.e., columns 105 in which storage containers 106 are stored in stacks 107. In addition to the storage columns 105, there are dedicated columns within the framework structure. In Figure 1, columns 119 and 120 are such dedicated columns used by container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 to drop off and / or pick up the storage containers 106, thereby allowing the storage containers 106 to be transported to access stations (not shown) from outside the framework structure 100, or transported outside the framework structure 100, or transported inside the framework structure 100. In the art, such locations are usually called “ports,” and the columns in which the ports are located may be called “port columns” 119, 120. Transport to access stations can be in any direction, i.e., horizontal, inclined, and / or vertical. For example, the storage container 106 may be placed in a random or dedicated column 105 within the framework structure 100, and then picked up by one of the container handling vehicles and transported to port columns 119, 120 for further transport to an access station. Transport from the port to the access station may require movement along various different directions by means such as delivery vehicles, trolleys, or other transport lines. Note that the term “inclined direction” means the transport of the storage container 106 having an overall transport orientation somewhere between horizontal and vertical.

[0018] In Figure 1, the first port column 119 may be a dedicated drop-off port column from which container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 can drop off storage containers 106 that are to be transported to an access station or transfer station, and the second port column 120 may be a dedicated pickup port column from which container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 can pick up storage containers 106 that have been transported from an access station or transfer station.

[0019] An access station may typically be a picking station or storage station where product items are removed from or positioned within the storage container 106. At the picking station or storage station, the storage container 106 is usually not removed from the automated storage and retrieval system 1, but is returned to the framework structure 100 once accessed. Ports may also be used to transfer the storage container to another storage facility (e.g., another framework structure or another automated storage and retrieval system), to a transport vehicle (e.g., a train or freight car), or to a production facility.

[0020] A conveyor system equipped with a conveyor is typically used to transport storage containers between port columns 119 and 120 and the access station.

[0021] If the port columns 119, 120 and the access stations are located on different levels, the conveyor system may include a lifting device having a vertical component for vertically transporting the storage containers 106 between the port columns 119, 120 and the access stations.

[0022] The conveyor system may be arranged to transport the storage container 106 between different framework structures, for example, as described in International Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 075937, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0023] If a storage container 106 stored in one of the columns 105 disclosed in Figure 1 is to be accessed, one of the container handling vehicles 201, 301, or 401 is instructed to retrieve the target storage container 106 from its location and transport it to the drop-off port column 119. This operation involves moving the container handling vehicle 201, 301, or 401 to a location above the storage column 105 where the target storage container 106 is located, retrieving the storage container 106 from the storage column 105 using the lifting device (not shown) of the container handling vehicle 201, 301, or 401, and transporting the storage container 106 to the drop-off port column 119. If the target storage container 106 is located deep within the stack 107, i.e., if one or more other storage containers 106 are positioned above the target storage container 106, this operation also involves temporarily moving the storage containers positioned above before raising the target storage container 106 from the storage column 105. This step is sometimes referred to in the art as "digging" and may be performed by the same container handling vehicle that will later be used to transport the target storage container to the drop-off port column 119, or by one or more other cooperating container handling vehicles. Alternatively or additionally, the automated storage and retrieval system 1 may have container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401 dedicated to the task of temporarily removing storage containers 106 from the storage column 105. Once the target storage container 106 is removed from the storage column 105, the temporarily removed storage container 106 can be repositioned within the original storage column 105. However, the removed storage container 106 may be relocated to another storage column 105 as an alternative.

[0024] If a storage container 106 is to be stored in one of the columns 105, one of the container handling vehicles 201, 301, or 401 is instructed to pick up the storage container 106 from the pickup port column 120 and transport it to a location above the storage column 105 where the storage container is to be stored. After the storage container 106 has been removed from the target location in the stack 107, or positioned above the target location, the container handling vehicles 201, 301, or 401 position the storage container 106 in the desired location. The removed storage container 106 is then lowered and returned to the storage column 105, or repositioned in another storage column 105.

[0025] To monitor and control the automated storage and retrieval system 1, for example, the location of each storage container 106 within the framework structure 100, the contents of each storage container 106, and the movement of the container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401, so that the desired storage containers 106 can be delivered to the desired location at the desired time without the container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 colliding with each other, the automated storage and retrieval system 1 includes a control system 500, which is typically computerized and has a database for tracking the storage containers 106.

[0026] Vertical farming The term "vertical farming" refers to a system for cultivating plants in a facility typically located indoors, where plants are arranged in layers stacked vertically in a compact and space-saving manner. Vertical farming systems are often partially automated, with various tasks and controls performed by automated machinery or control systems. The purpose of vertical arrangement of plants is to utilize three-dimensional space to produce higher crop yields for a given two-dimensional unit area.

[0027] Some vertical farming systems cultivate plants in soil, while others are based on hydroponics, which refers to techniques for growing plants without soil.

[0028] Plants are cultivated in storage containers stored in a stack, and an automated container handling vehicle raises and transports the containers holding the plants for various purposes. It is further known to arrange a vertical farming system in a framework structure similar to the framework structure of an automated storage and retrieval system. Such systems are exemplified by the following patents and published patent applications: US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0035625, US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0246571, US Patent No. 10,549,914, US Patent No. 11,524,844, US Patent No. 10,196,209, US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0170650, International Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 033886.

[0029] What is common to the above prior art systems is that the container in which the plants grow has a horizontal cultivation tray, and the plants grow vertically from the horizontal tray. In a first case, using a container in the form of a rigid box structure causes problems with the manufacture of such containers and their transportation to a vertical farm facility. A rigid box-shaped container occupies a relatively large volume, making the transportation and storage of such containers difficult and expensive. Furthermore, arranging such box-shaped containers with vertically growing plants as a stack is not an optimal solution because it is difficult and cumbersome to provide lighting, water, and air flow to such a vertical stack of vertically growing plants.

[0030] Therefore, there is a need for a vertical farming system that improves the receptacle in which plants are cultivated, improves the arrangement for supplying water to the plants, avoids the problem of water dripping on the tracks of the rail system on which the automated vehicles of the system operate, and improves the provision of lighting, nutrients, and air flow to the growing plants.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0031]

Patent Document 1

[0032] overview This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts further described herein in a simplified form. This summary is not intended to identify any important or essential features of the invention.

[0033] This disclosure is described and characterized in the independent claims, while the dependent claims describe other features of this disclosure.

[0034] In one embodiment, stackable modules are provided, in particular stackable cultivation modules for supporting plant growth in a vertical farming system, stackable lighting modules for illuminating plants, and stackable modules for various other purposes in a vertical farming system. Each version of the stackable module may be used to support functions such as water supply and drainage, as partitions for creating an environmentally controllable cultivation chamber and other functions. Stackable water tank modules for providing water supply for cultivation modules and stackable spacer modules for providing drainage below cultivation modules are also provided herein.

[0035] This disclosure can be considered to provide a modular vertical farming system in which stackable modules are deployed as stacks within columns of a framework structure. The stackable modules are used as building blocks for constructing vertical farming columns within a framework structure, and each has, for example, a top water supply section, a plurality of cultivation modules arranged in a stacked arrangement, and a bottom spacer module that provides drainage and preferably takes in water for reuse. The columns are similar to the storage columns of the aforementioned automated storage and retrieval system, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 1. Preferred features mentioned in relation to the automated storage and retrieval system apply equally to the stackable modules, framework structure, and module handling vehicle, as described, for example, in relation to Figures 1 to 4.

[0036] Stackable modules may include support members for supporting functional components, such as vertically arranged growing boards for cultivating plants, or vertically arranged plate members for supporting other functional components such as light sources, heat sources, or air transport sources. Support members may take the form of side support members. Side support members may have vertical grooves into which vertical plates can be inserted, for example, to mount growing media or one or more functional components.

[0037] Stackable modules may have applications beyond vertical farming systems. By being able to accommodate functional components incorporated into vertical plates or held by other devices, stackable modules can be used in automated storage and retrieval systems for purposes other than vertical farming. The broader use of stackable modules in automated storage and retrieval systems having a grid-based framework structure to provide localized functionality within storage columns is within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, although this disclosure is illustrated in the context of vertical farming systems and facilities because stackable modules are the primary focus, these references should be read as also including the use of stackable modules in other types of systems or facilities having similar framework structures where stackable modules supporting functional components may provide localized benefits within columns, such as, but are not limited to, heating, lighting, air circulation, sensors, fire protection, acoustic protection, and insulation.

[0038] The support members for the stackable modules are part of a load-bearing frame that allows the stackable modules to be arranged within a stack of other modules in a column of a framework structure of a vertical farming system, for example. This may be a column of a vertical farming facility, where the column corresponds to a storage column of an automated storage and retrieval system, as described above in relation to Figure 1. As an example, the stack may have a height of more than 10 stackable modules, preferably more than 15 stackable modules.

[0039] The support members may be in the form of columns that form the sides of the frame of the stackable modules, for example, load-bearing columns. The support members may have an upper edge surface for supporting the upper module, a lower edge surface for resting on the lower module, and a body between them that transmits the load from above to the rest of the lower stack.

[0040] The upper edge surface of such a support member may be provided with engaging elements (e.g., recesses in the form of notches) to enable a gripping mechanism of a module handling vehicle to engage with the top of a stackable module in order to raise the stackable module from the stack of modules in the column, transport the stackable module around the vertical farming facility, and lower the stackable module into the column. The module handling vehicle may be similar to the container handling vehicle of the automated storage and retrieval system described above.

[0041] The support members may be considered as side support members, and may be, for example, I-shaped when stackable modules are viewed from the side. The top and bottom of the I-shape may engage with the corresponding edge surfaces of the modules above and below, providing arms and legs of the support member, including upper and lower edge surfaces, for transferring loads from module to module.

[0042] Support members of the same shape can be used in a series of stackable modules, including but not limited to cultivation modules, water tank modules, and spacer modules.

[0043] Support members of stackable modules may be held apart by horizontal members. These horizontal members may be cultivation boards or some other form of vertical plate that provide functionality within the columns of a vertical farming facility. In the case of a water tank module, the horizontal members may be a water tank or a frame that supports the water tank. In the case of a spacer module, for example, the horizontal members may be a drainage device or a water collection device.

[0044] Embodiments described herein may have “vertical plates” arranged vertically within a carrier frame, but the vertical plates do not need to be truly vertical to perform most of the functions described herein. Stackable modules having plates arranged substantially vertically within the module frame may be considered within the scope of the term “vertical plates.” Substantially vertical may be considered to be up to 10° to either side of true vertical.

[0045] In the case of a growing module, the vertical plates may be called “growth boards.” Growth boards may function as a base material for supporting porous growing media such as fiberboard (e.g., similar to insulation board) or other suitable hydroponic growing media, or they may be boards equipped with porous growing media such as areas or layers of fiberboard formed in the growing board to guide fluids such as water and / or nutrients to plants held by the growing board. Seeds may be germinated in the growing media, and plants may grow horizontally from vertically arranged growing boards.

[0046] The assembled stackable modules can have essentially the same footprint as the storage containers of a typical automated storage and retrieval system in which a vertical farm may be implemented, thereby allowing the assembled stackable modules to be arranged as stacks in the columns of the vertical farming system's framework structure in the same way that the storage containers in a typical automated storage and retrieval system's framework structure can be arranged in a typical AutoStore type automated storage and retrieval system, for example, as described above in relation to Figure 1.

[0047] As a side support member, the support member may have an upper load-transfer edge and a lower load-transfer edge, so that stackable modules can be stacked on top of each other and can withstand the weight of a stack of modules that can be more than 10 stackable modules high, and in many cases more than 15 stackable modules high.

[0048] The portion of the support member providing the upper load-bearing edge and / or lower load-bearing edge may extend the entire length or width of the grid opening in the grid rail system of a vertical farming facility or other framework structure, so that these portions of the support member are guided by the sides of the rail and portions of the upright members of the framework structure as stackable modules are raised and lowered within the column. These portions of the support member may also be arms and legs of the support member, which extend horizontally from the main body in the form of load-bearing columns. The support member may also be I-shaped.

[0049] The spaced-apart first and second support members of the load-bearing frame of the stackable module are configured to allow the stackable module to occupy a rectangular volume in which the functional components of the stackable module can be supported internally. In this way, the stackable module occupies a rectangular volume in the columns of a vertical farming facility's framework structure, similar to how storage containers occupy a rectangular volume in the framework structure of an automated storage and retrieval system as shown in Figure 1.

[0050] The upper load-transmitting edges of each support member may be provided with recesses arranged to engage with a gripping mechanism of a module handling vehicle of a vertical farming system, so that stackable modules can be raised, lowered, and transported by the system's module handling vehicle. The module handling vehicle may be the same as or similar to a container handling vehicle of a known automated storage and retrieval system, and they can handle stackable modules in the same manner as storage containers.

[0051] The recess may take the form of a rectangular slot provided in the upper edge or lip of each side support member. The gripping mechanism may include a gripper that reaches through the rectangular slot and is displaced to grip the edge of the slot. More preferably, the recess may be provided in a corner region of the upper edge of the support member to allow a portion of the gripper mechanism to extend through the recess and grip the other side of its edge.

[0052] Since stackable modules may have a modular structure, they can be easy to manufacture and transport. In this way, stackable modules can be disassembled and transported as so-called "flat packaging" and then assembled in a vertical farming facility. Stackable modules may also be disassembled in a vertical farming facility and reassembled as needed, for example, to facilitate storage when not in use.

[0053] The side support members may have two or more vertical grooves provided on their inwardly facing surfaces, so that the cultivation boards in the case of a cultivation module (or other plate) can be arranged at different positions relative to the support members, for example, to accommodate plants of different lengths.

[0054] The (one or more) vertical grooves may be partially or completely provided by vertical slots in the side support members, for example, slots molded into the surface of the inner wall of the side support member, or by a plurality of lugs protruding from the surface of the inner wall that act to define grooves that guide the edge of the grow board when the edge of the grow board is slid into position between the side support members. The grooves and engagements in the grow board can help assemble the grow module and / or provide additional rigidity to the structure.

[0055] In some embodiments of the stackable module, support members may be held in a spaced-out parallel configuration by a plurality of rods or other forms of spacers. The support members may be arranged to extend horizontally across the top and bottom of the stackable module. The support members may include slots or other support-forming parts for supporting plates or other functional components, preferably in a vertical orientation, within the rectangular volume defined by the stackable module. Such a stackable module may be a modular structure that allows for on-site assembly and disassembly, for example, by allowing different plates providing different functions to be loaded into the frame of the stackable module, for example, by sliding a new plate into a slot to replace an old one. Such plates may comprise growing media that allow the stackable module to be reloaded or harvested, or they may comprise any other functional components such as heaters, light sources, fans, insulation, fire protection, etc., that allow the stackable module to provide alternative functions.

[0056] In stackable cultivation modules, the cultivation board may be supported between a pair of support members, preferably side support members in the form of I-shaped supports. The cultivation board may have tabs on each side edge that are received in vertical slots on the inner surface of the support members. The side support members may be molded parts and may be used on either the left or right side of the stackable module to reduce manufacturing costs. Fasteners may be used to secure the cultivation board in place between the support members.

[0057] With such stackable cultivation modules, plants grow horizontally from cultivation boards with vertical slots, and since the cultivation modules do not need to have solid walls in a box-shaped storage container, light and airflow can be provided to the plants from the sides of the stack of stackable modules in a column of vertical farming facilities, rather than requiring light sources arranged above each individual container of the type with horizontal cultivation trays. This has an advantage in that it can power such services.

[0058] Stackable modules, particularly those in the form of modular stackable modules, will be described in detail in the context of vertical farming systems, but it should be understood that stackable modules, such as those in the form of modular stackable modules, can be used in automated storage and retrieval systems for purposes other than vertical farming. Vertical plates inserted into grooves in side support members may also have functions different from those of the cultivation boards. Vertical plates may be equipped with, for example, LED lamps or other types of light sources, and plates may also support sensors, or in fact any other type of equipment, such as fans, heaters, coolers, fire extinguishing equipment, or any other type of function where a box-shaped storage container may not be necessary or desirable. Vertical plates may be made of flame-retardant material to form a firewall inside the framework structure, or plates may include insulating material to form different temperature zones within the framework, reflective material to guide light, absorbent material to absorb moisture, etc.

[0059] In a second embodiment, an integrated non-drip watering system is provided for watering plants grown in a vertical farming system. The watering system may comprise the above-described cultivation board having a non-drip function and, optionally, a portable watering unit in the form of a water tank module.

[0060] According to this embodiment, receptacles holding vertically aligned cultivation boards may be arranged as a stack. In one embodiment, the receptacles may be arranged in a stack within a storage column of a framework structure of an automated storage and retrieval system (e.g., the automated storage and retrieval system described above), so that all cultivation boards in the stack can be vertically aligned with each other. In another embodiment, the receptacles may be arranged in a stack not within a storage column of an automated storage and retrieval system, for example, in a freestanding stack of an open floor plan arrangement.

[0061] A preferred watering system for this embodiment is described below, and the exemplary receptacle is the modular, stackable module described above. However, it should be understood that other types of receptacles can also be used to vertically position and hold the grow boards. For example, a box-shaped, rigid container from which most of the material has been removed from the four walls and floor (leaving four corner posts) can also hold the grow boards.

[0062] As described above, the growing board supports or comprises a growing medium. In one embodiment, the growing medium is a porous material such as fiberboard (e.g., an insulating material) or other suitable hydroponic medium. The porous growing medium has properties that allow the material to be rapidly saturated with water, thereby allowing the water to pass through the growing medium and permeate from the bottom of the upper growing board to the top of the next lower growing board, and so on, permeating down the entire length of the stack, and finally dripping or otherwise flowing out from the bottom of the bottom growing board.

[0063] In a preferred arrangement, a longitudinal watering trough, which may have a series of holes, is arranged along the upper edge of the growing board. This allows water introduced into the watering trough to be distributed along the upper edge of the growing medium through the holes in the watering trough. A longitudinal collection trough is arranged along the bottom edge of the growing board. Water that has seeped in from the bottom of the growing medium can then be collected in the collection trough. The collection trough may have one or more openings that allow the water collected in the collection trough to drip into the watering trough of the growing board arranged below. In a preferred arrangement, the collection trough may have a single opening in the form of a drain for the collection trough, which may be centrally located along the collection trough, to provide a simple drainage solution. Other arrangements, such as two or more spaced-apart openings, are also conceivable.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the water supply trough and the water collection trough are integral parts of the cultivation board, for example, parts of the frame member that surround the periphery of the vertical substrate surface of the cultivation board.

[0065] According to another embodiment of the water supply system, one or more openings in the collection trough have a valve that, in the open position, allows water to flow downward and out of the collection trough, but in the closed position prevents water from flowing out of the collection trough. In this way, the valve can be actuated to the open position when the grow boards are arranged in a stack, but can be switched back to the original closed position when the grow frame holding the grow boards is lifted and transported by a modular handling vehicle of the vertical farming system. This prevents water from dripping onto the tracks of the rail system when the grow frame is being transported above the rail system. The valve can be actuated by the action of stacking grow boards on top of another grow board, or by the action of stacking them on a structure having a device for opening the valve.

[0066] The valve in the collection trough can be operated in several ways, including electrically or mechanically, as is common with valves known in the art.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the valve comprises sealing members such as balls (e.g., metal balls (such as steel balls like stainless steel ball bearings), ceramic balls (such as balls made of stone or glass), high-density plastic balls (e.g., having a density higher than water), flaps, or other suitable sealing structures that fit into or otherwise seal the opening at the bottom of the collection trough.

[0068] According to this embodiment, each of the water supply troughs of the cultivation board may be equipped with an upwardly projecting pin that aligns with the opening of the collection trough above the water supply trough when the frames are stacked in the storage column. In this way, when stackable modules are stacked, the pin on the lower cultivation board pushes up the valve ball (or other device) of the collection trough directly above it in the stack, allowing water to flow from the collection trough to the water supply trough of the lower cultivation board. In addition, when the stackable modules are lifted by a module handling vehicle, the ball can fall into its corresponding position in the hole, thus preventing water from dripping from the collection trough during transport of the frames along the rail system of the framework structure.

[0069] At the bottom of the stack, a water collection / drainage means may be provided to collect water flowing out from the collection trough of the bottom growing board of the stack. This can take the form of a drain pipe connected to a drain nozzle having a pin that activates a valve on the bottom growing board of the stack.

[0070] The non-drip water system may also include a portable water tank, which in a preferred embodiment may be mounted between the side support members of a modular frame. The portable water tank may be provided as a water tank module that can be used in the framework structure of an automated system such as a vertical farming facility. The water tank may be filled with water at a filling station, transported by a module handling vehicle (or other lifting device such as a gantry), and placed at the top position in a column of the framework structure of a vertical farming or other system on a stack of stackable modules.

[0071] According to one embodiment, such a water tank module may have a valve similar to the valve described above for the collection trough, and in a preferred embodiment, a sphere or other sealing member actuated by a pin on the top grow board of the stack. The portable water tank provided by the water tank module avoids the need for water pipes and other water supply infrastructure to be retrofitted or installed in the framework structure of the vertical farming system, and in addition, allows for the provision of customized nutrient blends for each stack in the vertical farm. Customized nutrient blends tailored to the specific needs of the type of plants growing in a particular stack can be added to the water tank at the time of filling. The water tank module can be configured to release water (and any nutrients) at a predetermined rate to the top grow module of a given stack of the module.

[0072] In another embodiment, a complete vertical farming system is provided, comprising modular stackable modules / cultivation boards, stackable lighting modules, and a non-drip watering system as described herein, for use in the infrastructure of the automated storage and retrieval system described in the background art section above, including a framework structure, an automated handling vehicle, a control system, and other embodiments of the prior art storage and retrieval system described above.

[0073] A vertical farming system according to this embodiment comprises stackable modules that hold cultivation boards arranged in storage columns of a framework structure. When used as a vertical farming system, it may be convenient to refer to the modular, stackable modules that hold the cultivation boards as "cultivation frames." In one embodiment, cultivation frames may be arranged in adjacent columns of the vertical farming system such that stacks of cultivation frames are arranged in rows of adjacent columns. Alternatively, cultivation frames may be arranged in alternating rows of columns with rows of empty columns in between the rows containing plants. Lighting means for plants (such as stackable lighting modules) and / or active or passive ventilation means may be arranged between the rows of columns containing plants, in the space between adjacent rows of columns containing plants, or, in particular, in the empty rows between alternating rows of columns containing plants. The choice of which arrangement to use may depend on factors such as the needs of the plant species. For example, some species may require greater airflow or more frequent care or visual inspection, in which case using alternating rows of columns for growing the plants may be advantageous. In other situations, plant requirements may allow for a higher density arrangement of adjacent rows of columns housing the growing plants. Using rows of empty columns in between without plants may provide easier access for plant care and other visual monitoring, or provide greater airflow, but at the cost of lower crop yield per unit area.

[0074] In one embodiment, the spacer module is arranged at the bottom of a storage column in which stackable modules are stacked. Thus, the spacer module in the row of plant-containing columns creates a passage for arranging water conduits, ventilation conduits, electrical wiring, and other infrastructure beneath the stackable modules. In one embodiment, the spacer module comprises a drainage nozzle having a pin for operating a valve in the collection trough of the bottom grow board, and / or an electrical connector for supplying power to a stack of lighting modules as described later. The spacer module may comprise a pair of lateral support members held in a spaced-out relationship by some form of transverse member. Since the spacer module is not subject to the same concerns as providing uniform light and ventilation with respect to the grow modules described above, the spacer module may use lateral support members similar to those proposed above for the grow modules to save on manufacturing costs, but may also include additional components to help support the upper load and stabilize the stack.

[0075] Cultivation board with drain The disclosure also provides alternative embodiments of a growing board comprising a drain in the form of a liquid passage from a water trough along the upper edge of the growing board to a collection trough at the lower edge of the growing board, bypassing the porous growing medium. The drain is arranged so that a portion of the water collected in the water trough of a first upper growing board in the stack is transported directly to the water trough of a second lower growing board directly below, without the portion of the water flowing through the porous growing medium. Thus, this portion of water is available for distribution along the upper edge of the second growing board sooner than the portion of water that must first permeate through the porous growing medium. When sufficient water has been collected in the water trough of the second growing board, the drain of the second growing board can, upon collection, transport a portion of the water collected in its water trough directly to the water trough of a third next lower growing board, and so on, down the stack. This arrangement provides an alternative flow rate for water and, under certain conditions, may increase the wetting rate of the growing medium further down the stack.

[0076] In one embodiment, the drain includes a drain opening raised above the bottom of the water trough. When a sufficient amount of water is collected in the water trough so that the water level rises above the height of the drain opening, a portion of the water flows into the drain opening, through a liquid passage to the collection trough of the growing board, and then through a valve in the collection trough to the water trough of the next lower growing board.

[0077] In one embodiment, the drain comprises one or more cylindrical drain tubes that run along the vertical plane of the growing board from a water trough downward to a collection trough. The upper end of the drain tube is raised above the lowest part of the water trough. In a preferred embodiment, the drain tube is vertically aligned with a valve device in the collection trough, and the raised upper portion of the drain tube includes a pin that pushes up the valve device in the growing board directly above it. In one aspect of this preferred embodiment, deflection pieces are arranged at the upper end of the drain tube, and the deflection pieces have a surface area larger than the diameter of the drain tube. In one aspect, the deflection pieces are conical, and the base of the cone has a diameter larger than the diameter of the drain tube. The upper end of the cone functions as a pin that pushes up the valve device. The deflection pieces prevent water from flowing directly from the valve device into the drain tube when the valve is pushed upward.

[0078] All embodiments of the drained growing board are useful in, and may include, some embodiments of, stackable modular configurations, vertical farming watering systems, and vertical farming systems that utilize infrastructure for automated storage and retrieval systems, as described above.

[0079] Accordingly, the present disclosure comprises a framework structure comprising upright members arranged in rows and columns in a grid pattern, wherein the framework structure has a grid rail system supported on the upright members, the grid rail system comprising rails arranged in a first direction and a second vertical direction in a higher hierarchy of the framework structure, and the rails and upright members define columns on which stackable modules can be stacked; one or more module handling vehicles arranged to travel along the rail system and transport modules, each module handling vehicle equipped with a gripping mechanism arranged to descend into a column and grip a module and raise it out of the column, or to descend into a column; a control system configured to control the travel and operation of one or more module handling vehicles; and a plurality of stackable cultivation modules arranged to support growing plants, wherein the cultivation modules are arranged on a frame so that the cultivation modules can be arranged as a stack in the columns. The cultivation module has a footprint corresponding to the footprint of the columns of the work structure, and each cultivation module comprises a load-bearing frame that allows the cultivation modules to be arranged in a stack of other modules, and the cultivation module comprises vertically arranged cultivation boards having vertical surfaces for supporting plants in an orientation for plants to grow horizontally from the cultivation board, the cultivation boards are provided with a porous growing medium on which plants are planted and grown, the porous growing medium having properties for water to flow out from the lower edge of the growing medium when water is distributed through the growing medium, and the cultivation boards include a watering trough arranged along the upper edge of the cultivation board, the watering trough having a watering hole for distributing a portion of the water introduced into the trough to the growing medium, a drain having a raised inlet in the watering trough having a liquid passage that bypasses the growing medium and is arranged so that a portion of the water introduced into the watering trough enters the drain, and a water collecting trough arranged along the lower edge of the cultivation board to collect a portion of the water coming out of the growing medium and a portion of the water going through the drain, the water collecting trough having a valve,It can be described as providing an automated vertical farming system comprising multiple stackable cultivation modules, each provided with a water collection trough configured to open when the cultivation modules are arranged in a stack, allowing water to flow out to the modules positioned below, and to close when the cultivation modules are raised from the stack by a module handling vehicle.

[0080] Various aspects of this disclosure can be summarized as follows: an automated vertical farming system comprising a framework structure having upright members arranged in rows and columns in a grid pattern, the framework structure having a grid rail system supported on the upright members, the grid rail system comprising rails arranged in a first direction and a second vertical direction in a higher layer of the framework structure, the rails and upright members defining columns on which stackable modules can be stacked; one or more module handling vehicles arranged to travel along the rail system and transport modules, each module handling vehicle equipped with a gripping mechanism arranged to descend into a column, grip a module and raise it out of the column, or to descend into a column; a control system configured to control the travel and operation of one or more module handling vehicles; and a plurality of stackable cultivation modules arranged to support growing plants. The cultivation modules are arranged in a stack of columns, with each cultivation module having a footprint corresponding to the footprint of the columns of the framework structure, and each cultivation module having a load-bearing frame that allows the cultivation modules to be arranged in a stack of other modules, and the cultivation modules having vertically arranged cultivation boards for supporting plants in an orientation for plants to grow horizontally from the cultivation boards, the cultivation boards being provided with a porous growing medium on which plants are planted and grown, the porous growing medium having properties for water to flow out from the lower edge of the growing medium when water is distributed through the growing medium, and the cultivation boards having a water supply trough arranged along the upper edge of the cultivation board, the water supply trough having a water supply hole for distributing water into the growing medium, and a water collection trough arranged along the lower edge of the cultivation board for collecting water dripping from the growing medium, the water collection trough having a valve, the valve configured to open when the cultivation modules are arranged in a stack to allow water to flow out to the modules positioned below,An automated vertical farming system comprising multiple stackable cultivation modules, each provided with a water collection trough configured to close when the cultivation module is lifted from the stack by a module handling vehicle.

[0081] Stackable lighting modules As described above, stackable modules can perform other functions, such as supporting growing media for cultivating plants. Thus, according to another embodiment, stackable lighting modules are provided. Stackable lighting modules can be used as light sources in vertical farming systems, but they may also be used as light sources for other purposes where stackable light sources are advantageous. One such other application would be an automated storage and retrieval system for providing light inside a framework structure, or for providing outwardly directed light sources around the periphery of a framework.

[0082] According to this embodiment, the light source module may be mounted on one or preferably both sides of the crossbar of the stackable module. The crossbar may be any suitable plate-like structure. One embodiment of the crossbar advantageous for the use of stackable lighting modules in a vertical farming system is the cultivation board described above, where the light source module, rather than the growing medium, is mounted on the cultivation board. By using the same cultivation board as a mounting device for the light source module, a modular vertical farming system can be achieved in which various components are interchangeable and some components have different functions depending on the context. This provides the advantages in manufacturing, assembly, cost reduction, and logistics that a modular system offers.

[0083] The light source module may comprise an LED lamp or other form of lighting, as well as a transformer, wires, or other necessary electrical components. When used in a vertical farming system, the light source module may provide light of wavelengths favorable for plant cultivation. In a preferred embodiment, the light source module includes connectors along its upper and lower edges for electrically connecting the light source module to similar light source modules above or below when multiple stackable lighting modules are arranged in a stack. At the bottom of the stack, a spacer module may be arranged, which also has a connector for electrically connecting to the bottommost light source module of the stack. The spacer module may be connected to a power grid by a power cable and thus be able to power all the light source modules in the stack. In a preferred embodiment, the spacer module is the same component used as a spacer module for stacking cultivation modules, and in this case as well, it benefits from the modular system.

[0084] Alternatively, the light source module can be equipped with a rechargeable battery as its power source. Such a battery-powered light source module can be used, for example, as a portable light source transported by a system vehicle, or as an emergency light source that operates in the event of a power outage in the main power grid.

[0085] In a vertical farming system, stacks of stackable lighting modules may be arranged in alternating rows, and stacks of cultivation modules for holding growing plants may be arranged in an intermediate row. Thus, the light source modules provide light to the adjacent cultivation modules on both sides.

[0086] As can be understood from the above description, the various components of a vertical farming system are inherently modular, and each component has a different function depending on its use. For example, a cultivation board structure can function as a base material for supporting the growing medium when used in a cultivation module, but it can also function as a plate-like structure to which a light source module is attached when used in a stackable lighting module. Similarly, side support members are useful as components of cultivation modules, lighting modules, spacer modules, and water tank modules. Such a modular system offers advantages in manufacturing, assembly, transportation, and logistics.

[0087] When implemented in the infrastructure of an automated storage and retrieval system, the system's container handling vehicle can arrange all the various components of a vertical farm in storage columns to transform the framework structure of the storage system into a vertical farming system. The vehicle can place spacer modules at the bottom of the storage columns. Alternating columns, the vehicle can arrange stacks of stackable lighting modules and stacks of cultivation modules. The vehicle can then place stackable modules with water tanks at the top of the stacks of cultivation modules. When appropriate, the vehicle may retrieve modules from stacks, for example, cultivation modules may be lifted from the stacks and rearranged, cultivation modules may be retrieved at the time of plant harvesting and delivered to harvesting stations, and lighting modules may be retrieved when modules need to be repaired or replaced. In one embodiment, the spacer modules of the modular system may have both electrical connectors for lighting modules and drainage connectors for cultivation modules, allowing for flexible rearrangement of the vertical farming system layout.

[0088] Therefore, according to one embodiment, the following is provided: A modular vertical farming system, A framework structure comprising upright members arranged in rows and columns in a grid pattern, wherein the framework structure has a grid rail system supported on the upright members, the grid rail system comprising rails arranged in a first direction and a second vertical direction at a higher level of the framework structure, and the rails and upright members define columns on which stackable modules can be stacked, One or more module handling vehicles arranged to travel along a rail system and transport modules, each module handling vehicle being equipped with a gripping mechanism arranged to be lowered into a column, gripping a module and raising it out of the column, or lowering it into the column, A control system configured to control the driving and operation of one or more modular handling vehicles, Multiple stackable modules having footprints corresponding to the footprints of columns of a framework structure, such that stackable modules can be arranged as a stack in a column, each stackable module comprising a load-bearing frame having an upper load-transfer edge surface and a lower load-transfer edge surface, and a first support member and a second support member held in a spaced-apart parallel configuration by a transverse member, Plate-shaped members arranged as a base material for supporting a cultivation medium, thereby forming a cultivation module. Plate-shaped members arranged to support light source modules, thereby forming stackable lighting modules. A water tank or water tank assembly, which thereby forms a water tank module, A spacer frame, which forms a spacer module. One of them is a set of stackable modules A modular vertical farming system equipped with these features.

[0089] A framework and other infrastructure for automated storage and retrieval systems are also provided that can be used to implement vertical farming systems by instructing the system's vehicles to lower cultivation modules and lighting modules into alternating rows of columns. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0090] Brief explanation of the drawing The following drawings are attached to facilitate understanding of this disclosure. The drawings illustrate embodiments described herein for illustrative purposes only.

[0091] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the framework structure of a prior art automated storage and retrieval system suitable for use with an embodiment of the proposed vertical farming system.

[0092] [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle that may be suitable for transporting stackable modules, having internally arranged cavities for mounting storage containers inside.

[0093] [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a prior art container handling vehicle that may be suitable for transporting stackable modules, having a cantilever for mounting storage containers on the bottom.

[0094] [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a bottom-view perspective of a prior art container handling vehicle that may be suitable for transporting stackable modules, having internally arranged cavities for mounting storage containers inside.

[0095] [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a modular, stackable module showing a cultivation board assembled between a pair of support members.

[0096] [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the stackable module of Figure 5, which has a cultivation board in a predetermined position between a pair of support members.

[0097] [Figure 7] Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views of the stackable module of Figure 5, with cultivation boards arranged in an alternative configuration in Figure 7 and a second cultivation board arranged in further positions between the support members in Figure 8. [Figure 8] Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views of the stackable module of Figure 5, with cultivation boards arranged in an alternative configuration in Figure 7 and a second cultivation board arranged in further positions between the support members in Figure 8.

[0098] [Figure 9] Figures 9 to 16 are perspective views of alternative embodiments of stackable modules. Figures 9, 10, 13, and 14 show stackable modules with side support members, while Figures 11, 12, 15, and 16 show stackable modules with top and bottom support members. [Figure 10] Figures 9 to 16 are perspective views of alternative embodiments of stackable modules. Figures 9, 10, 13, and 14 show stackable modules with side support members, while Figures 11, 12, 15, and 16 show stackable modules with top and bottom support members. [Figure 11] Figures 9 to 16 are perspective views of alternative embodiments of stackable modules. Figures 9, 10, 13, and 14 show stackable modules with side support members, while Figures 11, 12, 15, and 16 show stackable modules with top and bottom support members. [Figure 12]Figures 9 to 16 are perspective views of alternative embodiments of stackable modules. Figures 9, 10, 13, and 14 show stackable modules with side support members, while Figures 11, 12, 15, and 16 show stackable modules with top and bottom support members. [Figure 13] Figures 9 to 16 are perspective views of alternative embodiments of stackable modules. Figures 9, 10, 13, and 14 show stackable modules with side support members, while Figures 11, 12, 15, and 16 show stackable modules with top and bottom support members. [Figure 14] Figures 9 to 16 are perspective views of alternative embodiments of stackable modules. Figures 9, 10, 13, and 14 show stackable modules with side support members, while Figures 11, 12, 15, and 16 show stackable modules with top and bottom support members. [Figure 15] Figures 9 to 16 are perspective views of alternative embodiments of stackable modules. Figures 9, 10, 13, and 14 show stackable modules with side support members, while Figures 11, 12, 15, and 16 show stackable modules with top and bottom support members. [Figure 16] Figures 9 to 16 are perspective views of alternative embodiments of stackable modules. Figures 9, 10, 13, and 14 show stackable modules with side support members, while Figures 11, 12, 15, and 16 show stackable modules with top and bottom support members.

[0099] [Figure 17] Figure 17 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a modular, stackable module arranged as a cultivation frame, having cultivation boards with cultivation media provided on opposing sides of rectangular plates.

[0100] [Figure 18]Figure 18 is a perspective view of an assembled cultivation frame from Figure 17, showing a stackable cultivation module with plants growing horizontally from vertically arranged growing media.

[0101] [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a preferred set of components for a non-drip water supply system according to one embodiment.

[0102] [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a perspective view of the components of a non-drip water system in a stack, comprising a stack of cultivation modules that provide a growing frame for growing plants, a water tank module at the top of the stack that provides a portable watering tank for supplying water to the plants in the stack, and a spacer module at the bottom of the stack that provides space below the cultivation modules for draining and collecting water.

[0103] [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a perspective cutaway of the components of the non-drip water system shown in Figure 20, illustrating the collection trough, water supply trough, and valve of the non-drip water supply system. The spacer module also shows conduits for drainage and other services. Valve details and actuators for the valve are shown in a magnified view.

[0104] [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a perspective view of a water tank module that provides a portable water supply tank for use in a system.

[0105] [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a perspective view of a spacer module illustrating an actuator for a valve of a cultivation module when stacked on top, and a drain nozzle for collecting outflowing water, both provided on transverse members that hold the side support members in a spaced-out parallel configuration.

[0106] [Figure 24]Figures 24-26 are perspective views of a vertical farming system that utilizes stackable modules (cultivation modules, water tank modules, and spacer modules) in a vertical farming facility framework structure (mirroring the infrastructure of the automated storage and retrieval system shown in Figure 1). [Figure 25] Figures 24-26 are perspective views of a vertical farming system that utilizes stackable modules (cultivation modules, water tank modules, and spacer modules) in a vertical farming facility framework structure (mirroring the infrastructure of the automated storage and retrieval system shown in Figure 1). [Figure 26] Figures 24-26 are perspective views of a vertical farming system that utilizes stackable modules (cultivation modules, water tank modules, and spacer modules) in a vertical farming facility framework structure (mirroring the infrastructure of the automated storage and retrieval system shown in Figure 1).

[0107] [Figure 27] Figure 27 is an exploded view of a stackable module comprising a first embodiment of a cultivation board with drains.

[0108] [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cultivation board with drainage from Figure 27.

[0109] [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a stack of cultivation boards with drains.

[0110] [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a close-up view of a cultivation board with a drain, illustrating the conical deflection pieces arranged at the top of the drain opening.

[0111] [Figure 31] Figure 31 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a cultivation board with a drain.

[0112] [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a side view of the stack of cultivation boards from Figure 31.

[0113] [Figure 33] Figure 33 is a perspective view of the conical deflection element.

[0114] [Figure 34] Figure 34 is a side view showing one possible arrangement of the height of the drain pipe above the bottom of the water trough on the cultivation board.

[0115] [Figure 35] Figure 35 is a perspective view of a stackable lighting module.

[0116] [Figure 36] Figure 36 is an exploded view of Figure 35.

[0117] [Figure 37] Figure 37 is a top view of Figure 35.

[0118] [Figure 38] Figure 38 is a side view of Figure 35.

[0119] [Figure 39] Figure 39 is a side cross-sectional view of Figure 35.

[0120] [Figure 40] Figure 40 is a side perspective cross-sectional view of Figure 35.

[0121] [Figure 41] Figure 41 is a perspective view showing stackable lighting modules and stackable cultivation modules arranged in alternating rows.

[0122] [Figure 42] Figure 42 is a side view of Figure 41.

[0123] [Figure 43] Figure 43 is a top view of Figure 41.

[0124] [Figure 44] Figure 44 is a perspective view showing a spacer module with an electrical connector.

[0125] [Figure 45] Figure 45 is a perspective view showing a light source module electrically connected to a spacer module.

[0126] [Figure 46] Figure 46 is a top view of the framework structure of an automated storage and retrieval system having stackable lighting modules arranged in alternating rows.

[0127] [Figure 47] Figure 47 is a front view of the lighting module, cultivation module, and spacer module arranged in the storage column.

[0128] [Figure 48] Figure 48 is a side cross-sectional view of a stackable lighting module adjacent to a cultivation module, with piping and other infrastructure arranged beneath the spacer module. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0129] Detailed explanation In summary, the embodiment provides a vertical farming system comprising stackable cultivation modules designed to be stacked with other identical cultivation modules, and a framework structure having columns on which the cultivation modules are stacked. The cultivation module has boards arranged vertically so that plants can be supported by the boards (through a growing medium) so as to grow horizontally. Along the upper end of the boards, there is a watering trough that can be filled with water to distribute to plants supported in the growing medium on the boards. Along the lower end of the boards, there is a water collection trough that captures water dripping from or flowing through plants or the growing medium. The water collection trough has a valve that opens to allow the collected water to flow out into the watering trough of the cultivation module below it in the stack. The valve is open when the cultivation module is in place on the stack and closes when the cultivation module is raised from the cultivation module below it. This can allow for easy irrigation of plants grown within the cultivation module and can help control the flow of water so that water does not leak out of the cultivation module when the cultivation module is raised from the other modules below it (e.g., by a module handling vehicle). A vertical farming system including multiple cultivation modules stacked in a column may also include a water tank module and / or spacer modules. The water tank module is positioned at the top of the stack to supply water to the cultivation modules at the top of the stack. The spacer module is positioned at the bottom of the stack to drain water from the cultivation modules. This overview is provided to introduce in a simplified form a selection of concepts further described herein. This overview is not intended to identify any important or essential features of the invention.

[0130] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the drawings are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the subject matter depicted therein.

[0131] According to one or more embodiments, an automated storage and retrieval system is provided, which includes a framework structure 100, a rail system 108, storage columns 105, automated container handling vehicles 201, 301, 401, and a control system 500, as described in the background art section and illustrated in Figures 1 to 4. The framework structure 100 of the automated storage and retrieval system 1 is constructed in a manner similar to the prior art framework structure 100 described above in relation to Figures 1 to 4. That is, the framework structure 100 comprises several upright members 102 and a first upper rail system 108 extending in the X and Y directions.

[0132] The framework structure 100 further comprises storage compartments in the form of storage columns 105 provided between members 102, and storage containers 106 can be stacked as stacks 107 within the storage columns 105.

[0133] The framework structure 100 can be of any size. In particular, it is understood that the framework structure can be considerably wider and / or longer and / or deeper than disclosed in Figure 1. For example, the framework structure 100 may have a horizontal spread of more than 700 × 700 columns and a storage depth of more than 12 containers.

[0134] The infrastructure of the automated storage and retrieval system is, in one embodiment, arranged as a vertical farming system. In the context of this disclosure, the term “vertical farming” refers to a system for cultivating plants in receptacles that can be stacked within storage columns of framework 100 and raised, lowered, and transported by container handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401. Thus, the term “container handling vehicle” in the context of the vertical farming system of this disclosure can be understood to mean an automated vehicle arranged to raise, lower, and transport the receptacles holding the plants of the vertical farm on a rail system 108. In this disclosure, the receptacles are in the form of stackable modules that can be stacked within columns of the framework structure. The stackable modules (as described in more detail below) are configured to be stacked on top of other modules and to occupy a rectangular volume within the column, similar to storage containers in known automated storage and retrieval systems. The vertical farming system of this disclosure is at least partially automated, with various tasks and controls performed by an automated container handling vehicle, a control system 500, and other structures and systems described in more detail below.

[0135] Stackable modules As described above, the plants of the vertical farming system of the present disclosure are grown in receptacles that can be arranged as self-supporting stacks within a storage column 105, for example. In one embodiment, a novel receptacle is provided in the form of a stackable module 10, as illustrated in various embodiments of Figures 5 to 16. The stackable module 10 has a footprint essentially equal to the footprint of a storage container 106 of an automated storage and retrieval system, so that the stackable modules can be stacked within the storage column 105. The stackable module comprises means for supporting vertically aligned transverse members 12 having a plate-like body 40 for supporting a growing medium 18, load-bearing means 14 for supporting the weight of a stack of multiple other stackable modules or containers 106 arranged above the stackable module in the storage column, these of which are in the form of side support members 22, and means for engaging with a gripping mechanism of a module handling vehicle, which may be the same as or similar to the gripping mechanism of a prior art container handling vehicle shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4.

[0136] In the context of the vertical farming system described later, the horizontal members 12 are arranged as cultivation boards 16, providing vertical, plate-like substrates to support the growing medium 18 on which the plants 20 are cultivated (see Figure 17). When used to support the cultivation boards, the stackable modules 10 may be called stackable cultivation modules. Since the cultivation boards 16 are vertically aligned within the cultivation modules 10, the plants 20 grow horizontally from the growing medium 18.

[0137] While the stackable module 10 will be described in detail in the context of a vertical farming system, it should be understood that the horizontal members 12 can have many other functions. For example, the horizontal members 12 may be equipped with a power supply to provide power to equipment inside the framework 100. The horizontal members 12 may also be equipped with LED lights, sensors, fans, or other equipment. The horizontal members 12 may be made of flame-retardant or insulating material, or used to support such material, so as to form a firewall, thermal partition, or acoustic insulation when arranged as a stack in a row of adjacent columns. The horizontal members 12 may have the same plate-like form as shown in Figure 5, with the rectangular body of the horizontal member 12 supporting components that provide other functions, thereby increasing the functionality of the component, or they may have a different shape or provide other functions and comprise material that is loaded in place between a pair of support members 22.

[0138] Figures 5 to 8 illustrate a first embodiment of the stackable module 10. According to this embodiment, the means for supporting the crossbar 12 comprises two side support members 22. In a preferred embodiment, the support members 22 are identical so that the side support members 22 can be used on both sides of the crossbar 12. In a preferred embodiment, the side support members 22 are "I" shaped so that the vertical segments of the "I" are arranged to cast minimal shadows on the crossbar 12 when illuminated from a light source at an oblique angle to the crossbar. This is particularly valuable when the crossbar 12 is used as a growing board 16 for growing plants. The vertical segments of the "I" may have a width corresponding to half or less of the total width of the side support member 22 so as to minimize the shadows cast on plants.

[0139] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the side support member 22 is equipped with one or more vertical grooves 24 arranged to receive cooperating protrusions or tabs 46 arranged on the transverse member 12. As shown in Figure 7, the grooves 24 may be arranged to provide alternating lateral positions on the transverse member 12.

[0140] The side support members 22 are preferably made of injection-molded plastic. The side support members 22 may include vertically extending ribs to reinforce the side support members 22 and assist in load transmission. The side support members 22 may be molded to include grooves 24, recesses 30 for gripping mechanisms of modular handling vehicles, holes for fasteners, and other such features as needed.

[0141] According to the embodiments shown in Figures 5 to 8, the side support member 22 is itself a load-bearing means 14, and the side support member 22 has an upper load-transmitting edge surface 26 and a lower load-transmitting edge surface 28, respectively. These load-transmitting edges preferably have a length corresponding to the lateral dimensions of the storage container 106 of the automated storage and retrieval system, so that the stackable module 10 has a corresponding footprint. Arranged along the upper load-transmitting edge surface 26 are engaging elements (e.g., notches) 30 arranged to engage with the gripping mechanism of the module handling vehicle.

[0142] Figures 9 to 16 illustrate alternative embodiments of the stackable module 10.

[0143] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate an embodiment having a rectangular side support member 32. Similar to the previously described embodiment, this embodiment has an upper load-transfer edge surface and a lower load-transfer edge surface, and an engagement element (e.g., a notch) for engaging with the gripping mechanism of the modular handling vehicle. The rectangular side support member 32 is provided with an opening to minimize the impact of the side support member 32 on providing light and / or ventilation to the cross member 12.

[0144] Figure 10 shows a plate member 12 attached to the groove 24. In this embodiment, the spacer rod 34 separates the side support member 32 and provides lateral stabilization for the side support member 32.

[0145] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate embodiments having an upper rectangular support member 36 and a lower rectangular support member 38, respectively. The rectangular support members have one or more grooves for supporting the plate member 12 and have footprints corresponding to the storage container 106. The upper rectangular support member 36 and the lower rectangular support member 38 are provided with openings to minimize the effect of shadows. According to this embodiment, the load-bearing means 14 is provided in the form of a plurality of support rods 39 arranged at the corners of the rectangular support members 36, 38. The load-bearing means 14 may be provided in the form of a wider support when shading is not a consideration. In these embodiments, the support members 36, 38 are held in a spaced-out parallel relationship by the support rods 39, and they collectively provide transverse members to maintain their relationship.

[0146] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate an embodiment having I-shaped side support members 22 spaced apart by spacer rods 34. Figures 14 and 16 illustrate an embodiment in which the upper support member 36 and lower support member 38 have shapes other than rectangles, in an example having an "X" shape. In this embodiment, the load-bearing means 14 is a support rod 39.

[0147] Non-drip water supply system Plants 20 grown in a vertical farming system require water to grow. Plants 20 may also require specific nutrients or nutrient blends to grow well and yield the best possible harvest. According to one embodiment, a watering system is provided for plants grown on a growing medium 18 supported by a growing board 16 mounted by a receptacle hereafter referred to as a “growing module,” wherein multiple such growing modules are arranged as a stack within a vertical farming facility. The watering system is described later in an embodiment where the watering system is implemented within the infrastructure of an automated storage and retrieval system, and the growing modules are arranged as a stack within a storage column 105. However, it should be understood that the watering system can also be implemented in other types of vertical farming systems. For example, the growing modules may be arranged in a freestanding stack within a facility having an open floor plan where the growing modules are stacked and arranged by any suitable type of module handling device, such as a gantry crane. The growing modules can also be stacked manually.

[0148] The cultivation board 16 is installed inside the receptacles so that the cultivation medium 18 of each receptacle in the stack of receptacles is vertically aligned, as shown in Figures 20, 24, and 26. When vertically aligned, water is introduced into the cultivation medium of the topmost receptacle. The cultivation medium is preferably porous and has properties that allow the cultivation medium to be rapidly saturated, so that when more water is introduced beyond the saturation point, the water drips or otherwise flows out into the cultivation medium immediately below the top cultivation medium. When this next cultivation medium itself is saturated, the next cultivation medium will drip or otherwise flow out the water into the cultivation medium below it. This process proceeds along the length of the stack, saturating all the cultivation medium with water, and the water exits the stack by dripping or otherwise flowing out from the bottom cultivation medium of the stack of receptacles.

[0149] As can be understood, when receptacles holding the growing medium are lifted from the column by modular handling vehicles 201, 301, and 401 and transported along the rail system 108, water dripping from the bottom of the growing medium presents a technical challenge. The water dripping from the bottom of the growing medium enters the track of the rail system, which can interfere with the operation of the vehicles. Therefore, according to one embodiment, the water supply system of the present disclosure provides a non-drip function.

[0150] In one embodiment of the water supply system of this disclosure, the receptacle to which the cultivation board 16 is attached is the stackable module 10 of this disclosure as described above. This embodiment will be described with reference to embodiments of the stackable module shown in Figures 17 and 18, but alternative embodiments of the stackable module 10 shown in Figures 9 to 16 are also within the scope of this embodiment. Although this disclosure is described in relation to the stackable module 10, it should be understood that the non-drip function of the water system works with other types of receptacles supporting vertically aligned cultivation boards, such as storage containers 106, as long as the vertically aligned cultivation media 18 in the stack are in fluid communication with each other.

[0151] The water supply system of the present disclosure comprises a cultivation board 16, as shown by embodiments in Figures 5-8, 17 and 19. The cultivation board 16 comprises a vertical surface 40, which may be perforated by a plurality of holes 42. A wall of frame members 44 surrounds the vertical surface 40. The frame members 44 have raised or protruding portions 46 that are inserted into grooves arranged in the side support members 22 of the stackable module 10. More than one groove is provided in the side support members 22, allowing for various configurations of the cultivation board 16, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, and allowing water to flow from one to the other, as long as each of the cultivation boards in the stack of stackable modules is vertically aligned within the stack. Mounting means 41 are provided for attaching a cultivation medium 18 to the vertical surface 40. According to one embodiment, the mounting means 41 includes retaining rods 43 arranged to be inserted into holes along the side edges of the frame member 44, as shown in Figures 17 and 18, so that the retaining rods pass in front of the cultivation medium 18 and firmly hold the cultivation medium against the vertical surface 40.

[0152] The water supply troughs 48 are arranged along the upper edge of the cultivation board 16. In one embodiment, the water supply troughs 48 are integrated with the upper edge of the frame member 44. The water supply troughs 48 are provided with one or more water distribution holes 50 along the length of the water troughs 48. The holes 50 are positioned so that water introduced into the water supply troughs 48 flows through the holes 50 to the upper edge of the cultivation medium 18.

[0153] The water collection trough 52 is positioned below the bottom edge of the growing medium 18 when the growing medium 18 is attached to the vertical surface 40, along the lower edge of the growing board 16, as shown in Figure 18. The water collection trough 52 collects water dripping from the saturated growing medium 18. According to one embodiment, the water collection trough 52 is an integrated lower part of the frame member 44. The water collection trough 52 is further equipped with a channel 54 with a valve 56. When the valve 56 is in the open position, water is allowed to flow downward from the collection trough 52. Thus, when arranged in a stack of stackable modules, the water flowing out of the channel 54 flows into the water supply trough 48 of the next lower growing board in the stack.

[0154] The valve 56 may be any type of valve known to those skilled in the art and may function based on any actuation means known in the art. According to a preferred embodiment, the valve 56 comprises a movable body that is sealed and placed within the waterway 54. According to one embodiment, the movable body is a ball 58, such as a steel ball or a ball bearing. The movable body may also include a flap or other suitable seal. When the ball 58 is stationary within the passage 54, the valve 56 is in the closed position, and when the ball 58 is pushed upward, the valve 56 is in the open position. According to a preferred embodiment, the ball 58 is pushed upward by pins 60 arranged within a water supply trough 48 of a lower stackable module. The length and position of the pins 60 are selected such that when the first grow board 16 is positioned on top of the second grow board 16 in the stack, the pins 60 in the water supply trough of the second grow board push upward the ball 58 in the collection trough of the first grow board. This allows water to flow through all the growing media in the stack. When the stackable module 10 is lifted from the stack by the module handling vehicle, the sphere 58 falls back into place in the waterway 54, thereby closing the valve 56. The cultivation module 10, holding the saturated cultivation medium, can then be transported along the rail system without water dripping onto the rail system's tracks.

[0155] In one embodiment, the water supply system of the present disclosure also includes a portable water tank 70 in the form of a water tank module, as shown in Figures 19, 20, 22, and 24, which can be moved around using a module handling vehicle or other lifting device. The water tank module 70 is arranged to be transportable by a module handling vehicle, similar to how a container handling vehicle of an automated storage and retrieval system can transport storage containers. In one embodiment, the water tank module 70 is mounted between side support members 22, so that the same side support members 22 for stackable modules 10 can be used with the water tank module 70, thus making good use of manufacturing logistics. In one embodiment, the water tank of the water tank module 70 is attached to the side support members 22 by a water tank bracket 72. The water tank module 70 is equipped with a water tank valve 74, which, in a preferred embodiment, is actuated to the open position by a pin 60 on the top growing board of the growing module 10 in the stack in which the water tank module 70 is placed. The water tank valve 74 may operate on the same principle as valve 56.

[0156] The water tank of the water tank module 70 is filled with water at a filling station or other suitable location and transported by a module handling vehicle to a stack of cultivation modules 10 in a column, where it is placed on top, and there the water tank valve 74 is operated to the open position so that water begins to flow down along the cultivation medium of the stack. In one embodiment, a nutrient blend may be added to the water tank at the time of filling. The water tank module 70 may be equipped with means for monitoring the water level in the water tank. Such means may be visual means such as a water tank made of transparent material, or the water tank may be equipped with a water level sensor that communicates with a control system 500 of an automatic storage and recovery system, so that the water tank module can be automatically replenished by the system when needed. In such a case, the filled water tank module 70 may be transported to the stack at the same time as, or almost at the same time as, empty water tank modules 70 are recovered for filling.

[0157] As can be understood, the water collection trough 60 of the bottom growing board 16 of the stack can be completely filled with water seeping through the stack. Thus, a water supply system according to one embodiment provides a drain nozzle 76 arranged to actuate a valve 56 in the bottom collection trough 60, which guides excess water to be discarded or collected and reused. In one embodiment, the drain nozzle 76 is arranged within a spacer module 78 as shown in Figure 23. Multiple spacer modules 78 arranged in a row of columns containing plants form a passage through which drain pipes, ventilation ducts, electrical wiring or other infrastructure equipment connected to the drain nozzle 76 may be arranged. According to a preferred embodiment, the spacer module 78 comprises two side support members 22, between which an extension bracket 80 is mounted, which holds the nozzle 76 in a raised position. In a preferred embodiment, the extension bracket 80 is identical to a water tank bracket 72, which is simply installed upside down. Similarly, the drain nozzle 76 may have the same components as a water tank valve, which has both a sealing means and an operating pin. In this preferred embodiment, the various components of the stackable modules, water tank modules, and spacer modules are all interchangeable and modular, and such modularity offers manufacturing and logistical advantages.

[0158] A complete vertical farming system In another embodiment, a complete vertical farming system and method are provided, as shown in Figures 24, 25, and 26 and other accompanying drawings. In a preferred embodiment, the vertical farming system comprises stackable modules, cultivation boards, a water supply system, and stackable lighting modules, which are described in detail herein, and are implemented in an infrastructure of an automated storage and retrieval system. Plants are grown in a cultivation medium supported within the stackable modules. Multiple such stackable modules are arranged as a stack in a storage column of a framework structure 100. Lighting and / or ventilation are provided to the plants from the sides of the storage column, which is made possible by the plants growing horizontally from cultivation boards that do not have side walls that block light or airflow. A container handling vehicle of the system places the stackable modules in the storage column to form a stack and transports a water tank module 70 to the top of the stack. The container handling vehicle retrieves the stackable modules at an appropriate time and transports them to a harvesting location, this activity may be automatically directed by a control system 500. Water flowing out from the bottom of the stack is collected and reused. Therefore, the vertical farming system of this disclosure can be implemented relatively easily in automated storage and retrieval facilities because many of its components are modular and easy to manufacture and transport. The water tank module eliminates the need for a complex water supply infrastructure to be installed in the framework. In a preferred embodiment, sections of the framework structure 100 may be installed in a closed, environmentally controlled space based on the needs of the plants.

[0159] Cultivation board with drain As illustrated in Figures 27 to 34, the Disclosure further provides alternative embodiments of the cultivation board 16 equipped with a drain 82. The drain 82 provides a liquid passage from a water trough 48 of the cultivation board to a water collection trough 52, bypassing the porous cultivation medium 18. Embodiments of the cultivation board with a drain are useful in relation to, and may constitute part of, stackable modules using the infrastructure of automated storage and retrieval systems as described above, vertical farming watering systems, and some embodiments related to vertical farming systems.

[0160] Figure 27 shows an exploded view of a stackable module comprising a first embodiment of the cultivation board 16 with drains 82. Except for the cultivation board 16 with drains 82, the remaining components of the stackable module are as described above. The cultivation board 16 with drains 82 comprises, as described above, a vertical substrate surface 40 for supporting the porous growing medium 18, a water supply trough 48, a water collection trough 52, and a valve device 56. Except for the drain function described later, the cultivation board with drains functions essentially the same as the cultivation board without drains as described above. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 27, the drains 82 comprise a cylindrical drain pipe 84 arranged vertically along the substrate 40 and extending from the water trough 48 to the water collection trough 52. The drain pipe 84 has an upper end 86, to which a conical deflection piece 88 is attached. As shown in Figures 28 and 34, the upper end 86 of the drain pipe 84 is raised to a distance D1 above the bottom of the water trough 48. Conical deflection pieces 88 are arranged on the upper end 86, and such conical deflection pieces extend to a distance D2 above the upper end 86, where D2 is large enough so that the upper end 90 of the conical deflection pieces 88 can push the sphere 58 of the valve device 56 of the higher stacked growing boards to the open position. Thus, as shown in Figure 28, the drain pipe 84 creates a water channel 92 that bypasses the growing medium 18.

[0161] Figure 29 shows multiple drained growing boards arranged in a stack, with the water channel 92 bypassing all of the growing media in the stack.

[0162] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 27 to 30, the upper end 90 of the conical deflection piece 88 functions as a pin 60 that pushes the sphere 58 upward. As shown in Figure 30, the deflection piece 88 has a diameter larger than the diameter of the drain pipe 84 so that the water flowing out of the valve 56 is deflected into the water trough 48.

[0163] Figures 31 and 32 illustrate an alternative embodiment in which the drain pipe 84 is not vertically aligned with the valve device 56. In this embodiment, the pin 60 described above acts on the valve 56.

[0164] Figure 34 illustrates that the upper end 86 of the drain pipe 84 is raised to a distance D1 above the lowest point of the water trough 48. The distance D1 can be selected according to the desired water level in the trough 48 required for water to begin flowing into the drain 84. In one embodiment, D1 is at least half the maximum height of the water trough 48. D1 may also be 25% to 75% of the height of the water supply trough.

[0165] Stackable lighting modules In another embodiment, stackable lighting modules 93 are provided, as shown in Figures 35 to 48. The stackable light modules 93 of this disclosure can generally be used for a variety of purposes in automated storage and retrieval systems, and are particularly useful in the vertical farming systems described above.

[0166] Figures 35 to 40 show one embodiment of a stackable lighting module 93. The stackable lighting module in this embodiment comprises two side support members 22, which in this particular embodiment are I-shaped side support members. While the stackable lighting module will be described later in relation to this embodiment, it should be understood that various alternative forms of support members, such as those shown in Figures 9 to 16, may also be used.

[0167] Horizontal members 12 are arranged between the side support members 22. The horizontal members 12 may be any suitable plate structure. In the embodiment shown in Figures 35 and 36, which is particularly useful in modular vertical farming systems, the horizontal members 12 are cultivation boards 16 as described above. This allows the cultivation boards to perform different functions in the modular vertical farming system and has the advantages that a modular system provides. One or more light source modules 94 are attached to the horizontal members 12, 16. In a preferred embodiment, two light source modules 94 are attached to the horizontal members, one on each side as shown. The light source modules 94 may be attached to the horizontal members 12, 16 by means known in the art, including screw-connected brackets 95, or by other known means such as snap fasteners, fitting slots and connecting pieces.

[0168] The light source module 94 comprises one or more lamps 96 and one or more, preferably two, electrical connectors 97. The electrical connectors 97 are arranged such that when multiple stackable lighting modules 93 are arranged in a stack, the connector of one module snaps into an upper or lower module, thus creating a series electrical connection. The light source module 94 also comprises various other components known in the art of light sources, such as electrical wiring 98 and transformers 99.

[0169] As described above, the side support members are provided with notches for engaging with the gripping device of a module handling vehicle. Thus, the module handling vehicle can insert the lighting modules into the storage columns of an automated storage and retrieval system to provide light for various purposes. In a preferred use scenario, the stackable lighting modules are used as light sources for growing plants in a vertical farming system as described above. Figures 41 to 48 illustrate the stackable lighting modules of the present disclosure used for this purpose. As shown in Figure 41, the stackable lighting modules are arranged in a stack of alternating storage columns in a vertical farming facility, with the growing modules supporting the growing plants arranged in the intermediate columns B and B'. The stackable light source modules are arranged with two light source modules, one on each side, so that the lighting modules can provide light to the growing modules on both sides, as in the case of the light source module in column A'.

[0170] All light source modules in the stack are electrically connected to each other by connectors 97. However, the connected stack must be supplied with current, for example, from a power grid. In its simplest form, the current can be connected to either the top or bottom light source module of the stack by a power cable having a suitable connector 97.

[0171] A preferred embodiment for supplying power to a stack of lighting modules is illustrated in Figures 44 to 48. In this embodiment, as in the above, the spacer module 78 is arranged at the bottom of the storage column. In this embodiment, the spacer module 78 also includes an electrical connector 97 for connecting to the bottom module of the stack. The connector 97 of the spacer module 78 is connected to a power grid by means known in the art, for example, by a power cable running inside a conduit in the space below the spacer module.

[0172] In the preceding description, various aspects of the vertical farming system and related components of the present disclosure have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments. For explanatory purposes, specific numbers, systems, and configurations have been described to provide a complete understanding of the system and how it works. However, this description is not intended to be constrained. Various modifications and variations of the exemplary embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the system that are apparent to those skilled in the art with respect to the subject matter of the disclosure, are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. (Explanation of symbols) List of reference codes Prior art (Figures 1-4): 1. Prior Art Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems 100 Framework Structures 102 Upright members of a framework structure 104 Storage Grid 105 Storage Column 106 Storage Containers 106' Specific location of the storage container 107 stacks 108 Rail System 110 Parallel rails in the first direction (X) 112 Access openings 119 First port column 120 Second port column 201 Container Handling Vehicles with Advanced Technology 201a Vehicle body of container handling vehicle 201 201b Drive mechanism / Wheel arrangement / First set of wheels in first direction (X) 201c Drive mechanism / Wheel arrangement / Second set of wheels in second direction (Y) 301 Cantilever container handling vehicle using advanced technology 301a Vehicle body of container handling vehicle 301 301b Driven means / First set of wheels in the first direction (X) 301c Drive mechanism / Second set of wheels in the second direction (Y) 304 Gripping device 401 Container handling vehicles using advanced technology 401a Vehicle body of container handling vehicle 401 401b Driven means / First set of wheels in the first direction (X) 401c Drive mechanism / Second set of wheels in second direction (Y) 404 Gripping device 404a Lifting Band 404b Grippa 404c guide pin 404d Lifting Frame 500 Control Systems X First direction Y Second direction Z Third direction 10 stackable modules 12 Crosspiece 14. Load-bearing means 16 Cultivation Boards 18. Cultivation medium 20 plants 22 Side support member 24 vertical groove 26 Upper load-transfer edge surface 28 Lower load-transfer edge surface 30 Notches / Recesses 32 Rectangular side support members 34 Spacer Rod 36 Upper support member 38 Lower support member 39 Support rod 40 Vertical substrate surface 41 Mounting means 42 Perforation 43 Retaining rod 44 Frame members 46. ​​Elevated or protruding portion 48 Water supply trough 50 Water distribution hole 52 Water collection trough 54 waterways 56 valves 58 balls 60 pins 70 Water Tank Modules / Water Tanks 72 Water Tank Bracket 74 Water Tank Valve 76 Drain nozzle 78 Spacer Modules 80 Extension Bracket 82 Drain 84 Drain pipe 86 Upper end of drain pipe 88 Deflection piece 90 Upper end of deflection piece 92 Waterways 93 Stackable lighting modules 94 Light Source Modules 95 Bracket 96 Lamp 97 Connectors 98 Wiring 99 Transformer

[0173] This specification also includes the following numbered clauses: Clause 1. An automated vertical farming system, A framework structure comprising upright members arranged in rows and columns in a grid pattern, wherein the framework structure has a grid rail system supported on the upright members, the grid rail system comprising rails arranged in a first direction and a second vertical direction at a higher level of the framework structure, and the rails and upright members define columns on which stackable modules can be stacked, One or more module handling vehicles arranged to travel along a rail system and transport modules, each module handling vehicle being equipped with a gripping mechanism arranged to be lowered into a column, gripping a module and raising it out of the column, or lowering it into the column, A control system configured to control the driving and operation of one or more modular handling vehicles, Multiple stackable cultivation modules arranged to support growing plants, wherein the cultivation modules have footprints corresponding to the footprints of the columns of the framework structure, so that the cultivation modules can be arranged as stacks in columns, Each cultivation module comprises a load-bearing frame that allows the cultivation modules to be arranged in a stack of other modules, and each cultivation module comprises vertically arranged cultivation boards for supporting plants in an orientation for plants to grow horizontally from the cultivation boards, the cultivation boards are provided with a porous growing medium into which plants are planted and grown, the porous growing medium having properties for water to drain out from the lower edge of the growing medium when water is distributed through the growing medium, The cultivation board includes water supply troughs arranged along the upper edge of the cultivation board, the water supply troughs having water distribution holes for distributing water to the cultivation medium, A water collection trough is provided, arranged along the lower edge of a growing board to collect water dripping from a growing medium, the water collection trough having a valve, the valve being configured to open when the growing modules are arranged in a stack to allow water to flow out to the modules positioned below, and to close when the growing modules are lifted out of the stack by a module handling vehicle, and a plurality of stackable growing modules are provided. An automated vertical farming system equipped with [the necessary components]. Clause 2. The automated vertical farming system as described in Clause 1, wherein the valve comprises a retractable sealing member, the water supply trough comprises an actuator in the form of a pin that protrudes upward as needed, the actuator of the cultivation module is arranged to cooperate with the sealing member of the module above, so that when arranged in a stack, the sealing member of the valve of the cultivation module is pushed upward by the actuator of the module directly below in the stack, and the sealing member is arranged to return to a sealed engaged state and close the valve when the cultivation module is raised out of the stack. Clause 3. The sealing member is a sphere, as described in Clause 2 of the automated vertical farming system. Clause 4. An automated vertical farming system according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising a plurality of water tank modules, each provided with a water tank held within the frame of the water tank module, wherein the frames of the water tank modules are configured to be stacked on top of the top cultivation module in the stack within the columns of the vertical farming system. Clause 5. The automated vertical farming system as described in Clause 4, wherein each water tank module is equipped with a valve arranged to be opened by an actuator of the top cultivation module on which the water tank module is located. Clause 6. An automated vertical farming system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the frame of the cultivation module comprises side support members having vertical guides in the form of slots for supporting cultivation boards in a vertical configuration within stackable cultivation modules. Clause 7. The water tank of the water tank module is mounted between two side support members of the water tank module, and the side support members of the water tank module are compatible with the side support members of the cultivation module and have notches for engagement with a gripping mechanism of a module handling vehicle to raise or lower the water tank module into the column of the framework structure of the vertical farming system, as described in Clause 6, as subject to Clause 4 or 5. Clause 8. An automated vertical farming system as described in any of the preceding clauses, comprising spacer modules arranged at the base of each stack to lift the stack of cultivation modules from the floor of the vertical farming system, thereby creating a longitudinal passage beneath the row of stacks of cultivation modules. Clause 9. Each spacer module is equipped with drainage nozzles arranged to collect water leaving the water collection trough of the lowest growing module in the stack, and the drainage nozzles are connected to drainage pipes arranged in a passage formed beneath the row of stacked growing modules, in the automated vertical farming system as described in Clause 8. Clause 10. The drain nozzle of the spacer module is supported between a pair of side support members of the spacer module, the side support members of the spacer module are compatible with the side support members of the cultivation module and the water tank module, and the side support members have notches for engagement with a gripping mechanism of a module handling vehicle to raise or lower the spacer module into the column of the framework structure of the vertical farming system, as described in Clause 9, as subject to Clause 7. Clause 11. The automatic vertical farming system as described in Clause 10, wherein the side support members of the stackable cultivation modules, water tank modules, and spacer modules each comprise an I-shaped support column. Clause 12. An automated vertical farming system as described in any of the preceding clauses, comprising means of lighting and ventilation for plants. Clause 13. The lighting means illuminates plants growing within a stack of cultivation modules from the sides of the stack, as described in Clause 12 of the automated vertical farming system. This specification also includes the following numbered items: Item 1. An automated vertical farming system, A framework structure comprising upright members arranged in rows and columns in a grid pattern, wherein the framework structure has a grid rail system supported on the upright members, the grid rail system comprising rails arranged in a first direction and a second vertical direction at a higher level of the framework structure, and the rails and upright members define columns on which stackable modules can be stacked, One or more module handling vehicles arranged to travel along a rail system and transport modules, each module handling vehicle being equipped with a gripping mechanism arranged to be lowered into a column, gripping a module and raising it out of the column, or lowering it into the column, A control system configured to control the driving and operation of one or more modular handling vehicles, Multiple stackable cultivation modules arranged to support growing plants, wherein the cultivation modules have footprints corresponding to the footprints of the columns of the framework structure, so that the cultivation modules can be arranged as stacks in columns, Each cultivation module comprises a load-bearing frame that allows the cultivation modules to be arranged in a stack of other modules, and the cultivation module comprises vertically arranged cultivation boards having vertical surfaces for supporting plants in an orientation for plants to grow horizontally from the cultivation boards, the cultivation boards are provided with a porous growing medium into which plants are planted and grown, the porous growing medium having properties for water to drain out from the lower edge of the growing medium when water is distributed through the growing medium, The cultivation board includes a water supply trough arranged along the upper edge of the cultivation board, the water supply trough having a water distribution hole for distributing a portion of the water introduced into the trough to the cultivation medium, and a drain having a raised inlet within the water supply trough, which has a liquid passage that bypasses the cultivation medium and is arranged so that a portion of the water introduced into the water supply trough enters the drain. A water collection trough is provided, arranged along the lower edge of a growing board to collect a portion of the water flowing from the growing medium and a portion of the water flowing through the drain, wherein the water collection trough has a valve, which is configured to open when the growing modules are arranged to allow water to flow out to the modules positioned below, and to close when the growing modules are lifted out of the stack by a module handling vehicle, and a plurality of stackable growing modules are provided. An automated vertical farming system equipped with [the necessary components]. Item 2. The automated vertical farming system as described in Item 1, wherein the valve comprises a liftable sealing member, the water supply trough comprises an actuator in the form of a pin that protrudes upward as needed, the actuator of the cultivation module is arranged to cooperate with the sealing member of the module above, so that when arranged in a stack, the sealing member of the valve of the cultivation module is pushed upward by the actuator of the module directly below in the stack, and the sealing member is arranged to return to a sealed engaged state and close the valve when the cultivation module is raised out of the stack. Item 3. The sealing member is a sphere, as described in Item 2 for the automated vertical farming system. Item 4. An automated vertical farming system as described in Item 2 or 3, comprising drain pipes arranged along the vertical surface of the growing board. Item 5. The drain pipe is axially aligned with the sealing member, and the actuator is a component connected to the upper end or the upper end of the drain pipe, as described in Item 4 of the automated vertical farming system. Item 6. An automated vertical farming system according to any of the preceding items, comprising a plurality of water tank modules, each provided with a water tank held within a frame of a water tank module, wherein the frames of the water tank modules are configured to be stacked on top of the top cultivation module in a stack within a column of the vertical farming system. Item 7. The automated vertical farming system described in Item 6, wherein each water tank module is equipped with valves arranged to be opened by actuators on the top cultivation module in which the water tank module is located. Item 8. An automated vertical farming system according to any of the preceding items, wherein the frame of the cultivation module comprises side support members having vertical guides in the form of slots for supporting cultivation boards in a vertical configuration within stackable cultivation modules. Item 9. An automated vertical farming system as described in Item 8, when subject to Item 6 or 7, wherein the water tank of the water tank module is mounted between two side support members of the water tank module, the side support members of the water tank module are compatible with the side support members of the cultivation module, and have notches for engagement with a gripping mechanism of a module handling vehicle to raise or lower the water tank module into the column of the framework structure of the vertical farming system. Item 10. An automated vertical farming system as described in any of the preceding items, comprising spacer modules arranged at the base of each stack to lift the stack of cultivation modules from the floor of the vertical farming system, thereby creating a longitudinal passage beneath the row of stacks of cultivation modules. Item 11. The automated vertical farming system described in Item 10, wherein each spacer module is equipped with drainage nozzles arranged to collect water leaving the water collection trough of the bottommost growing module in the stack, and the drainage nozzles are connected to drainage pipes arranged in a passage formed beneath the row of stacked growing modules. Item 12. An automated vertical farming system as described in Item 11, when subject to Item 9, wherein the drain nozzle of the spacer module is supported between a pair of side support members of the spacer module, the side support members of the spacer module are compatible with the side support members of the cultivation module and the water tank module, and the side support members have notches for engagement with a gripping mechanism of a module handling vehicle to raise or lower the spacer module into the column of the framework structure of the vertical farming system. Item 13. The automatic vertical farming system described in Item 12, wherein the side support members of the stackable cultivation modules, water tank modules, and spacer modules each comprise an I-shaped support column. Item 14. An automated vertical farming system as described in any of the preceding items, comprising lighting and ventilation means for plants. Item 15. Lighting means for illuminating plants growing within a stack of cultivation modules from the side of the stack, as described in Item 14 of the automated vertical farming system. This specification also describes embodiments numbered as follows: Embodiment 1. A modular vertical farming system, A framework structure comprising upright members arranged in rows and columns in a grid pattern, wherein the framework structure has a grid rail system supported on the upright members, the grid rail system comprising rails arranged in a first direction and a second vertical direction at a higher level of the framework structure, and the rails and upright members define columns on which stackable modules can be stacked, One or more module handling vehicles arranged to travel along a rail system and transport modules, each module handling vehicle being equipped with a gripping mechanism arranged to be lowered into a column, gripping a module and raising it out of the column, or lowering it into the column, A control system configured to control the driving and operation of one or more modular handling vehicles, Multiple stackable modules having footprints corresponding to the footprints of columns of a framework structure, such that stackable modules can be arranged as a stack in a column, each stackable module comprising a load-bearing frame having an upper load-transfer edge surface and a lower load-transfer edge surface, and a first support member and a second support member held in a spaced-apart parallel configuration by a transverse member, Plate-shaped members arranged as a base material for supporting a cultivation medium, thereby forming a cultivation module. Plate-shaped members arranged to support light source modules, thereby forming stackable lighting modules. A water tank or water tank assembly, which thereby forms a water tank module, A spacer frame, which thereby forms a spacer module. One of them is a set of stackable modules A modular vertical farming system equipped with these features. Embodiment 2. A modular vertical farming system according to Embodiment 1, comprising: a water supply trough arranged along the upper edge of the cultivation board, the water supply trough having a water supply hole for distributing a portion of the water introduced into the trough to the cultivation medium; a drain having a raised inlet in the water supply trough and having a liquid passage that bypasses the cultivation medium, arranged so that a portion of the water introduced into the water supply trough enters the drain; and a water collection trough arranged along the lower edge of the cultivation board for collecting a portion of the water coming out of the cultivation medium and a portion of the water passing through the drain, the water collection trough having a valve configured to open when the cultivation modules are arranged to allow water to flow out to modules positioned below, and to close when the cultivation modules are lifted out of the stack by a module handling vehicle. Embodiment 3. The modular vertical farming system according to Embodiment 2, wherein the cultivation board is a plate-like member for supporting light source modules when stackable modules are arranged as stackable lighting modules. Embodiment 4. A modular vertical farming system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the light source module is provided with electrical connectors along the upper and lower edges of the light source module, and the connectors are arranged such that when a plurality of stackable modules comprising light source modules are arranged in a stack, the connector of the first light source module engages with the connector of a vertically adjacent light source module. Embodiment 5. The modular vertical farming system according to Embodiment 4, wherein the spacer frame comprises a drainage device arranged to connect to a valve of the bottommost cultivation module when a stack of cultivation modules is arranged above the spacer frame, and an electrical connector arranged to connect to a power cable arranged to connect to an electrical connector of the bottommost light source module when a stack of stackable modules comprising light source modules is arranged above the spacer frame. Embodiment 6. A modular vertical farming system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the upper load-transmitting edge surface is provided with recesses arranged to engage with a gripping mechanism of a modular handling vehicle for the vertical farming facility. Embodiment 7. A modular vertical farming system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the first support member and the second support member are each, optionally, side support members in the form of a support column, and optionally the side support members have an I-shaped outer form. Embodiment 8. A kit of parts for assembling stackable modules comprising functional components of a vertical farming facility, wherein the kit of parts comprises: A first support member and a second support member for forming a load-bearing frame, It is a horizontal member, Cultivation board for supporting the growing medium, Plate-shaped member for supporting the light source module, A water tank, or a water tank assembly comprising a water tank frame and, if necessary, a water tank. A spacer frame equipped with a drainage device operably connectable to the cultivation board and an electrical connector operably connectable to the light source module. A horizontal member equipped with one of the following A kit of parts that includes [the necessary components]. Embodiment 9. A kit of components according to Embodiment 8, wherein the plate-shaped member for supporting the light source module and the cultivation board are the same components. Embodiment 10. A method for constructing a vertical farming facility, The present invention relates to constructing a framework structure comprising upright members arranged in rows and columns in a grid pattern, wherein the framework structure has a grid rail system supported on the upright members, the grid rail system comprising rails arranged in a first direction and a second vertical direction at a higher level of the framework structure, and the rails and upright members define columns on which stackable modules can be stacked. To provide one or more module handling vehicles arranged to travel along a rail system and transport containers of the system, wherein each module handling vehicle is equipped with a gripping mechanism arranged to be lowered into a column, grip a module, and raise it out of the column, or lowered into the column. To provide a control system configured to control the driving and operation of one or more modular handling vehicles, To provide a plurality of stackable modules having footprints corresponding to the footprints of the columns of a system, such that the stackable modules can be arranged as a stack in a column, wherein each stackable module comprises a load-bearing frame having an upper load-transfer edge surface and a lower load-transfer edge surface, and a first support member and a second support member held in a parallel configuration spaced apart by a transverse member, the transverse member is Members arranged as a base material for supporting a cultivation medium oriented vertically, thereby forming a cultivation module in which plants grow horizontally from the cultivation medium. A light source module, which thereby forms a stackable lighting module, A water tank or water tank assembly, which thereby forms a water tank module, A spacer frame, which forms a spacer module. It is one of the things Includes, The method further includes the steps of using a module handling vehicle to lower cultivation modules into alternating column rows and stackable lighting modules into intermediate column rows. Embodiment 11. The method according to Embodiment 10, further comprising the step of using a vehicle to lower a spacer module into a column before lowering the cultivation module and / or stackable lighting module. Embodiment 12. The method according to Embodiment 10 or 11, further comprising the step of using a module handling vehicle to place a module with a water tank on top of a stack of cultivation modules. This specification also includes the following numbered examples: Example 1. A cultivation module for stacking with other cultivation modules within a column of a framework structure, arranged to support growing plants, wherein the cultivation module is A frame that allows cultivation modules to be stacked with other cultivation modules in one of the columns, A vertically arranged cultivation board for supporting plants so that the plants supported by the board can grow horizontally from the cultivation board, the cultivation board being arranged to receive a growing medium for planting and cultivating plants, A water supply trough arranged along the upper portion of the cultivation board, having water distribution holes for distributing water to the cultivation medium, A water collection trough, arranged along the lower portion of a growing board to collect water from a growing medium, the water collection trough has a valve, the valve is configured to open when growing modules are arranged in a stack to allow water to flow out to growing modules positioned below the growing modules, and to close when a growing module is raised from a growing module positioned below it in the stack, and A cultivation module equipped with the following features. Example 2. The cultivation module according to Example 1, wherein the valve comprises a liftable sealing member, and the water supply trough comprises an actuator arranged to cooperate with the sealing member of an upper cultivation module, so that when arranged in a stack, the sealing member of the valve of the cultivation module is pushed upward by the actuator of the cultivation module positioned below it in the stack, and the sealing member is arranged to return to a sealed engaged state and close the valve when the cultivation module is raised from the cultivation module positioned below it in the stack. Example 3. The cultivation module described in Example 2, wherein the sealing member is a sphere. Example 4. A cultivation module according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the frame comprises side support members for supporting a cultivation board in a vertical configuration within the cultivation module, and each side support member optionally has a vertical guide in the form of a slot for receiving and supporting a portion of the cultivation board. Example 5. A cultivation module according to any of the preceding examples, further comprising a cultivation medium, wherein the cultivation medium has the property that when water is distributed through the cultivation medium, water flows out from the lower part of the cultivation medium, and the cultivation medium is porous if necessary. Example 6. A cultivation module according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the frame further comprises engaging elements for engagement with a gripping mechanism of a module handling vehicle, which is arranged to raise the cultivation module from or lower the cultivation module into the columns of a framework structure. Example 7. An automated vertical farming system comprising a framework structure including a plurality of upright members arranged in a grid to form columns, and a plurality of cultivation modules according to any one of Examples 1 to 6 stacked on at least one of the columns. Example 8. The automated vertical farming system according to Example 7, wherein the framework structure comprises a grid rail system supported on upright members, and the grid rail system comprises rails arranged in a first direction and a second vertical direction in the upper layers of the framework structure. Example 9. One or more module handling vehicles arranged to travel between columns and transport modules, each module handling vehicle being equipped with a gripping mechanism arranged to descend into the column and grasp and raise a cultivation module from the column, or to lower into the column, and as needed, A control system configured to control the driving and operation of one or more modular handling vehicles An automated vertical farming system as described in Example 7 or 8, further comprising: Example 10. Multiple water tank modules, A frame configured to allow stacking of water tank modules on top of the top cultivation module in a stack of multiple cultivation modules within a column of a vertical framework structure, The water tank is held within the frame of the water tank module. An automated vertical farming system as described in any one of Examples 7-9, further comprising multiple water tank modules, each equipped with a water tank module. Example 11. The automated vertical farming system described in Example 10, wherein each water tank module is equipped with valves arranged to be opened by actuators on the top cultivation module in which the water tank module is located. Example 12. An automated vertical farming system according to Example 10 or 11, wherein the water tank module includes an engaging element for engaging with a gripping mechanism of a module handling vehicle to raise the water tank module from a column of the framework structure of the vertical farming system or to lower the water tank module into the column. Example 13. An automated vertical farming system according to any of Examples 7-12, further comprising spacer modules arranged at the base of each stack of cultivation modules to lift the stack of cultivation modules and thereby create a passage beneath the row of stacks of cultivation modules. Example 14. An automated vertical farming system as described in Example 13, in which each spacer module is equipped with drainage nozzles arranged to collect water leaving the water collection trough of the bottommost cultivation module in the corresponding stack, and the drainage nozzles are connected to drainage pipes arranged in a passage formed beneath the row of stacks of cultivation modules. Example 15. An automated vertical farming system according to Example 13 or 14, wherein the spacer module has an engaging element for engaging with a gripping mechanism of a module handling vehicle to raise the spacer module from the column of the framework structure of the vertical farming system or to lower the spacer module into the column. Example 16. An automated vertical farming system according to any of Examples 7-15, further comprising at least one lighting module for illuminating plants arranged within a cultivation module and / or at least one ventilation module for ventilating plants arranged within a cultivation module. Example 17. The automated vertical farming system described in Example 16, wherein at least one lighting module is arranged to illuminate plants growing within the stack of cultivation modules from the side of the stack. Example 18. The water supply trough includes a drain having a liquid passage that bypasses the growing medium, and the drain has a raised inlet within the water supply trough arranged so that a portion of the water introduced into the water supply trough can enter the drain. The water collection troughs are arranged to collect water through the drains, in the cultivation module described in any of Examples 1-6 or the automated vertical farming system described in any of Examples 7-17. Example 19. The cultivation module or automated vertical farming system described in Example 18, wherein the drain includes drain pipes arranged along the vertical surface of the cultivation board. Example 20. The valve is equipped with a liftable sealing member, and the water supply trough is equipped with an actuator arranged to cooperate with the sealing member of the upper cultivation module, so that when arranged in a stack, the sealing member of the valve of the cultivation module is pushed upward by the actuator of the cultivation module positioned below it in the stack, and the sealing member is arranged to return to a sealed engaged state and close the valve when the cultivation module is raised from the cultivation module positioned below it in the stack. The cultivation module or automated vertical farming system as described in Example 19, wherein the drain pipe is axially aligned with the sealing member, and the actuator is either the upper end of the drain pipe or a component connected to the upper end of the drain pipe.

Claims

1. A module for stacking with other modules within a column of a framework structure, wherein the module is A frame that enables the module to be stacked with the other modules in one of the columns, the frame comprising a first support member and a second support member, each having an upper load-transfer surface and a lower load-transfer surface, Equipped with, The first support member and the second support member are held in a spaced-apart parallel configuration by a horizontal member, and the horizontal member is A cultivation board arranged as a substrate for supporting a cultivation medium, thereby forming a cultivation module. Lighting supports arranged to support light sources, thereby forming stackable lighting modules, A water tank or water tank assembly that thereby forms a water tank module, or A spacer frame, which thereby forms a spacer module. A module that includes one of the following.

2. The cultivation boards are arranged vertically to support the plants so that the plants supported by the boards can grow horizontally from the cultivation boards, and the cultivation boards are arranged to receive a growing medium for planting and cultivating the plants. Water supply troughs are arranged along the upper portion of the cultivation board, and the water supply troughs have water distribution holes for distributing water to the cultivation medium. The cultivation module according to claim 1, wherein a water collection trough is arranged along the lower portion of the cultivation board to collect water flowing from the cultivation medium, the water collection trough has a valve, the valve is configured to open when the cultivation module is arranged in the stack to allow water to flow out to a cultivation module positioned below the cultivation module, and close when the cultivation module is raised from the cultivation module positioned below it in the stack.

3. The cultivation module according to claim 2, wherein the valve comprises a liftable sealing member, and the water supply trough comprises an actuator arranged to cooperate with the sealing member of an upper cultivation module, so that when arranged in a stack, the sealing member of the valve of the cultivation module is pushed upward by the actuator of the cultivation module positioned below it in the stack, and the sealing member is arranged to return to a sealed engaged state and close the valve when the cultivation module is raised from the cultivation module positioned below it in the stack.

4. The cultivation module according to claim 3, wherein the sealing member is a sphere.

5. The module according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the module is configured as a cultivation module, and the cultivation board is further arranged to support a light source module.

6. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the module is configured as a lighting module, the light source module is provided with electrical connectors on the upper and lower portions of the light source module, and the electrical connectors are arranged such that when a plurality of modules comprising light source modules are arranged in a stack, the connector of the first light source module engages with the connector of a vertically adjacent light source module.

7. The module according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the module is configured as a spacer module, and the spacer frame comprises a drainage device arranged to connect to the valve of the lowest cultivation module when a stack of cultivation modules is arranged above the spacer frame, and / or an electrical connector arranged to connect to the power cable of the lowest lighting module when a stack of lighting modules is arranged above the spacer frame.

8. The module according to any of the claims, wherein the first support member and the second support member are, if necessary, side support members in the form of a support column, and if necessary, the side support members have an I-shaped outer shape.

9. The module according to any one of the claims, wherein the first support member and the second support member are arranged to support the transverse member in a vertical configuration within the module, and optionally each of the first support member and the second support member has a vertical guide in the form of a slot for receiving and supporting a portion of the transverse member.

10. The cultivation module according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising the cultivation medium, wherein the cultivation medium has the property that when water is distributed through the cultivation medium, the water flows out from the lower portion of the cultivation medium, and optionally the cultivation medium is porous.

11. The module according to any one of the claims, wherein the frame further comprises engaging elements for engaging with a gripping mechanism of a module handling vehicle, which is arranged to raise the module from or lower the module into the columns of the framework structure.

12. An automated vertical farming system comprising a framework structure including a plurality of upright members arranged in a grid to form columns, and a plurality of modules according to any one of claims 1 to 11 stacked on at least one of the columns.

13. The automated farming system according to claim 12, wherein the framework structure comprises a grid rail system supported on the upright members, and the grid rail system comprises rails arranged in a first direction and a second vertical direction at a higher level of the framework structure.

14. The aforementioned automated vertical farming system is One or more module handling vehicles arranged to travel between columns and transport modules, each module handling vehicle being equipped with a gripping mechanism arranged to descend into the column, grip a module and raise it out of the column, or to descend into the column, and as needed, A control system configured to control the driving and operation of one or more modular handling vehicles. The automated vertical farming system according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising the above.

15. A kit of parts for assembling stackable modules comprising functional components of a vertical farming facility, wherein the kit of parts comprises: A first support member and a second support member for forming a load-bearing frame, It is a horizontal member, Cultivation board for supporting the growing medium, Lighting support for supporting a light source, A water tank, or a water tank assembly comprising a water tank frame and, if necessary, a water tank. Spacer frame with drainage device and / or electrical connector A horizontal member equipped with one of the following A kit of parts that includes [the necessary components].

16. The kit of components according to claim 15, wherein the lighting support and the cultivation board are the same component.

17. A method for constructing a vertical farming facility, wherein the method is To construct a framework structure comprising upright members arranged in a grid pattern to define columns into which stackable modules can be stacked, The present invention provides one or more module handling vehicles arranged to travel between the columns and transport containers of the system, wherein each module handling vehicle is equipped with a gripping mechanism arranged to descend into the column, grip a module, and raise it out of the column, or to descend into the column. To provide a control system configured to control the driving and operation of one or more modular handling vehicles, The present invention provides a plurality of stackable modules having footprints corresponding to the footprints of the columns of the system, thereby enabling the stackable modules to be arranged as a stack on the columns. Includes, Each of the aforementioned stackable modules is, A frame that enables the module to be stacked with other modules in one of the columns, the frame comprising a first support member and a second support member, each having an upper load-transmission surface and a lower load-transmission surface, Equipped with, The first support member and the second support member are held in a spaced-apart parallel configuration by a horizontal member, and the horizontal member is A cultivation board arranged as a substrate for supporting a cultivation medium, thereby forming a cultivation module. Lighting supports arranged to support light sources, thereby forming stackable lighting modules, A water tank or water tank assembly that thereby forms a water tank module, or A spacer frame, which thereby forms a spacer module. Equipped with one of the following, The method further includes the step of using the module handling vehicle to lower cultivation modules into alternating rows of columns, and lowering stackable lighting modules into intermediate rows of columns such that each cultivation module is adjacent to a lighting module.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of using the vehicle to lower the spacer module into the column before lowering the cultivation module and / or the stackable lighting module.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, further comprising the step of using the module handling vehicle to position a module having a water tank on top of a stack of cultivation modules.

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