Carbon Dioxide Application Device and System for Crops

Abstract

To provide a carbon dioxide gas application apparatus and system for controlling carbon dioxide gas concentration in an agricultural greenhouse more preferably.SOLUTION: Provided is a carbon dioxide gas application apparatus for crop comprising raw gas type carbon dioxide gas supply means, combustion type carbon dioxide gas supply means, and at least one environment detection sensor. Each of the raw gas type carbon dioxide gas supply means and the combustion type carbon dioxide gas supply means is controlled on the basis of environment parameter of agricultural greenhouse detected by environment detection sensor, and carbon dioxide gas is supplied to crop. Further, provided is a carbon dioxide gas application system for crop comprising: at least two carbon dioxide gas supply means including the raw gas type and the combustion type; at least one environment detection sensor which acquires the environmental data of the agricultural greenhouse; a storage part which stores the determination condition of each carbon dioxide gas supply means; and a control part which determines whether or not carbon dioxide gas should be supplied to each carbon dioxide gas supply means on the basis of the environmental data and the determination condition acquired by the environment detection sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a carbon dioxide application device and system for crops. In particular, the present invention relates to carbon dioxide application facilities and systems for controlling the cultivation environment of crops.

Background Art

[0002] Devices for activating photosynthesis by applying carbon dioxide to crops in order to promote the growth of the crops are known.

[0003] Conventionally, for the application of carbon dioxide to crops, a method using liquefied carbon dioxide called raw gas has been adopted. Also, as another method, there is a method using carbon dioxide generated by the combustion of fuel called a combustion type.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The inventor of the present application noticed that there are problems to be overcome in the conventional carbon dioxide application device and found the necessity to take countermeasures therefor. Specifically, the following problems were found.

[0006] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a carbon dioxide application device connected to a carbon dioxide cylinder or a carbon dioxide storage tank. In such a carbon dioxide application device, carbon dioxide is supplied from the carbon dioxide cylinder or the carbon dioxide storage tank to the crops by controlling an electromagnetic valve.

[0007] In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a carbon dioxide application device capable of increasing the carbon dioxide concentration in a horticultural facility. In such a carbon dioxide application device, carbon dioxide is generated by burning fuel. The generated carbon dioxide is supplied to crops by a blower, a duct connected to the blower, and an irrigation tube.

[0008] In the above application device, although the raw gas type carbon dioxide application using a carbon dioxide cylinder can quickly supply high-concentration carbon dioxide to crops, there is a risk that carbon dioxide is excessively supplied beyond the appropriate concentration, wasting carbon dioxide. Also, although a combustion type carbon dioxide application device can supply relatively low-concentration carbon dioxide, since heat is involved in the generation of carbon dioxide, in a closed facility, there is a concern that the temperature inside the facility rises excessively, hindering the growth of crops.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of such problems. That is, the main object of the present invention is to provide carbon dioxide application equipment and a system for more suitably controlling the carbon dioxide concentration in an agricultural greenhouse.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides carbon dioxide application equipment for crops provided in an agricultural greenhouse, comprising raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means, combustion type carbon dioxide supply means, and at least one environmental detection sensor. By the environmental detection sensor, environmental parameters of the agricultural greenhouse are detected, and based on the environmental parameters, each of the raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means and the combustion type carbon dioxide supply means is controlled to supply carbon dioxide to crops.

[0011] In the present invention, there is also provided a carbon dioxide application system for crops, which includes at least two carbon dioxide supply means including a biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means and a combustion-type gas supply means, at least one environmental detection sensor for acquiring environmental data of an agricultural greenhouse, a storage unit for storing determination conditions for each of the at least two carbon dioxide supply means, and a control unit for receiving the environmental data acquired by the environmental detection sensor and determining whether to supply carbon dioxide to each of the at least two carbon dioxide supply means based on the environmental data and the determination conditions.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] The carbon dioxide application equipment and system for crops according to the present invention realize more suitable control of the carbon dioxide concentration in an agricultural greenhouse.

[0013] More specifically, in the carbon dioxide application equipment for crops of the present invention, each of the biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means and the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means is controlled based on environmental parameters detected by an environmental detection sensor. Therefore, the supply of carbon dioxide to the agricultural greenhouse is carried out by combining two different types of carbon dioxide supply means, and more suitable control of carbon dioxide supply based on the detected environmental parameters can be achieved.

[0014] In the carbon dioxide application system for crops of the present invention, based on the determination conditions stored by the storage unit and the environmental data acquired by the environmental detection sensor, the control unit determines whether to supply carbon dioxide to each of the biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means and the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means. With such a system, each of the biogas-type and combustion-type carbon dioxide application systems is controlled based on appropriate conditions, and more suitable control of the carbon dioxide concentration in the agricultural greenhouse can be realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, a carbon dioxide application facility and system for crops according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. Various elements in the drawings are merely shown schematically and exemplarily for the purpose of explaining the present invention, and the appearance and dimensional ratios may be different from the actual ones.

[0017] Furthermore, in the following description, terms indicating specific directions and positions are used as necessary. However, the use of these terms is for facilitating the understanding of the invention with reference to the drawings, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited by the meanings of these terms. Also, parts with the same reference numerals in multiple drawings refer to the same or equivalent parts.

[0018] Further, the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings (drawings regarded as a part of the entire description given). In the description of the embodiments of the present invention disclosed in this specification, references to directions or orientations are for convenience of explanation only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as "downward", "upward", "horizontal", "vertical", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", and derivative terms thereof, such as "downwardly", "upwardly", etc. should be construed as referring to the directions as described or illustrated. Such relative terms are for convenience of explanation only and do not require that the device be configured or operated in a particular direction unless specifically stated otherwise. Also, terms such as "attached", "added", "connected", and "interconnected", and similar terms, unless otherwise explicitly described separately, describe that the structures are directly or indirectly fixed or attached to each other by intervening elements, or that both are in a movable or rigid attachment or that relationship. Further, the features or benefits of the present invention are illustrated by reference to preferred embodiments. Such embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention. Also, other embodiments can be utilized and it should be understood that process or mechanical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not explicitly limited to the preferred embodiments (embodiments alone or in combination with other features) that exemplify non-limiting combinations of possible features.

[0019] Here, the "crop" in the present invention means a plant grown in various cultivation facilities such as agricultural houses or greenhouses. The carbon dioxide application equipment and system for crops of the present invention can be used, for example, to promote the growth of plants such as vegetables, fruits, flowers, grains, and the like.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a carbon dioxide application facility 100 for crops according to an embodiment of the present invention. The carbon dioxide application facility 100 for crops is provided in an agricultural greenhouse 50 and is configured to supply carbon dioxide to the crops in the agricultural greenhouse 50. The carbon dioxide application facility 100 for crops of the present invention includes a biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means 30, a combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means 20, and at least one environmental detection sensor 40. Here, the "biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means" in the present invention means, in a broad sense, means using pure gas of carbon dioxide. In such means, carbon dioxide supply may be carried out from a cylinder filled with carbon dioxide or the like, and it can also be called cylinder-type carbon dioxide supply means. Further, the "combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means" in the present invention supplies carbon dioxide generated by combustion of fuel. The environmental detection sensor 40 detects environmental parameters of the agricultural greenhouse 50. Based on the detected environmental parameters, each of the biogas-type carbon dioxide application means 30 and the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means 20 is controlled, and carbon dioxide is supplied to the crops. That is, the carbon dioxide application facility 100 for crops according to an embodiment of the present invention controls the supply of carbon dioxide by each of the biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means 30 and the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means 20 based on the environmental parameters detected by at least one environmental detection sensor 40. That is, in the carbon dioxide application facility 100 for crops of the present invention, by controlling two different types of carbon dioxide supply means based on the environmental parameters of the agricultural greenhouse 50, the carbon dioxide concentration in the agricultural greenhouse 50 can be controlled. With the above-described configuration, a more suitable supply control of carbon dioxide can be realized by combining the biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means 30 that can supply high-concentration and local carbon dioxide and the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means 20 that can supply low-concentration and wide-range carbon dioxide. That is, the supply of carbon dioxide combining two types of carbon dioxide supply means with different characteristics can enable more flexible control of the carbon dioxide concentration according to the environmental conditions of the agricultural greenhouse.

[0021] In the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means, generally, fossil fuels such as kerosene and propane gas, or biomass, etc. are used as fuels. Therefore, the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means can be operated at a relatively low cost compared to the raw gas-type carbon dioxide supply means using pure gas such as liquefied carbon dioxide. On the other hand, since heat is generated during combustion, when the temperature in the agricultural greenhouse 50 is high, the application of the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means 20 may be disadvantageous for the growth of crops. The carbon dioxide supply facility 100 for crops of the present invention can also supply carbon dioxide by the raw gas-type carbon dioxide supply means 30 in addition to the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means 20. Therefore, a more appropriate carbon dioxide supply means can be selected according to the environmental parameters related to the temperature and carbon dioxide concentration in the agricultural greenhouse 50. Therefore, with the carbon dioxide application facility for crops of the present invention, it may be possible to supply carbon dioxide more efficiently while appropriately maintaining the temperature of the agricultural greenhouse.

[0022] In the carbon dioxide application facility 100 for crops according to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the raw gas-type carbon dioxide supply means 30 and the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means 20 may be controlled based on the environmental parameters detected by the environmental detection sensor 40 at a predetermined determination time interval. Here, the "determination time interval" in the present invention corresponds to the time interval at which the supply or supply stop of carbon dioxide by each of the carbon dioxide supply means is determined. That is, each of the carbon dioxide supply means can be controlled to implement or stop the supply of carbon dioxide based on the environmental parameters at predetermined time intervals. In other words, each of the carbon dioxide supply means can be controlled based on the environmental parameters detected at a predetermined determination time interval. This means that the control of the operation of each of the carbon dioxide supply means can be intermittently implemented at a predetermined determination time interval.

[0023] By the control using the determination time interval, for example, after starting the supply of carbon dioxide, it may be possible to determine whether to continue or stop the supply after the supplied carbon dioxide has spread to the crops in the agricultural greenhouse. Therefore, the bias in the carbon dioxide concentration distribution in the agricultural greenhouse can be reduced as a whole, and more suitable control of the carbon dioxide concentration in the agricultural greenhouse can be realized.

[0024] Also, by performing such discontinuous control at predetermined time intervals, it is possible to prevent the start and stop of supply from being unnecessarily repeated in a short time. In particular, in the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means, when supplying carbon dioxide, it takes a relatively long time from the start of combustion until the carbon dioxide concentration in the agricultural greenhouse increases. By introducing a determination time interval, the determination of the continuation or stop of carbon dioxide supply is carried out based on environmental parameters that reflect the influence of the carbon dioxide supplied from the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means 20, so that more efficient carbon dioxide supply control can be achieved. Furthermore, in the control of the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means 20 with a introduced determination time interval, the occurrence of incomplete combustion due to repeated ignition and extinguishing in a short time can be more preferably prevented. From the above, the control of the carbon dioxide supply means using the determination time interval can achieve more suitable control of the carbon dioxide concentration in the agricultural greenhouse.

[0025] Furthermore, the determination time interval may be different time intervals for each carbon dioxide supply means. That is, the determination time interval may be appropriately set for each of the carbon dioxide supply means according to the growth environment of the crop and the characteristics of the carbon dioxide supply means. Therefore, the determination time interval of the biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means 30 and the determination time interval of the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means 20 may be different from each other. This means that the biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means 30 and the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means 20 can be controlled in different time cycles. By performing control using different determination time intervals depending on the supply means, it is possible to more preferably control the carbon dioxide concentration according to the characteristics of the carbon dioxide supply means to be controlled and the surrounding environment of the crop.

[0026] The determination time interval of the raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means 30 may be, for example, 1 second or more and 15 minutes or less. Emphasizing the superiority in time response, the determination time interval can preferably be 5 seconds or more and 5 minutes or less, more preferably 10 seconds or more and 3 minutes or less. The determination time interval of the combustion type carbon dioxide supply means 20 may be, for example, 1 minute or more and 60 minutes or less. Emphasizing the prevention of incomplete combustion, the determination time interval can be, for example, 3 minutes or more and 60 minutes or less, preferably 3 minutes or more and 40 minutes or less, more preferably 5 minutes or more and 30 minutes or less. When the determination time interval is within the above range, the carbon dioxide supply to the crops by each carbon dioxide supply means can be more suitably controlled.

[0027] Also, the determination time interval of the combustion type carbon dioxide supply means 20 may be relatively longer than the determination time interval of the raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means 30. In other words, the raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means 30 may control the continuation or stop of carbon dioxide supply in a shorter time period than the combustion type carbon dioxide supply means 20. By providing such a difference in determination time intervals, it becomes possible to more finely control the carbon dioxide concentration in the agricultural house 50 by causing the combustion type carbon dioxide supply means 20 to spread low-concentration carbon dioxide over a wide range while causing the raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means 30 to supply high-concentration carbon dioxide locally.

[0028] Furthermore, the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means 20 using fossil fuels such as oil is preferably controlled to provide a certain amount of time between the start and end of combustion from the viewpoint of preventing incomplete combustion. Conducting the control of the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means 20 at a relatively long determination time interval can reduce the impact that a temporary change in environmental parameters due to the supply of high-concentration carbon dioxide from the biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means 30 can have on the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means. That is, it is possible to prevent the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means from unnecessarily starting and / or ending operation along with a rapid change in environmental parameters due to the supply of carbon dioxide from the biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means, so that more efficient carbon dioxide supply can be realized. On the other hand, in the biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means 30, since incomplete combustion does not occur during application, control at a relatively short determination time interval is possible. Therefore, by using in combination the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means 20 controlled at a relatively long determination time interval and the biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means 30 controlled at a relatively short determination time interval, it is possible to achieve control of the carbon dioxide concentration with excellent time responsiveness while preventing the occurrence of incomplete combustion.

[0029] For example, the determination time interval of the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means 20 may be 2 to 600 times, 3 to 400 times, 3 to 200 times, or 3 to 100 times the determination time interval of the biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means 30. When emphasizing carbon dioxide concentration control with higher time resolution when using these two types of carbon dioxide supply means in combination, the determination time interval of the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means 20 can be 5 to 200 times, 10 to 100 times, or 10 to 50 times the determination time interval of the biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means 30. When the determination time interval of each carbon dioxide supply means is within the above range, it is possible to achieve more suitable control of the carbon dioxide concentration that balances the prevention of incomplete combustion and high time responsiveness.

[0030] In the carbon dioxide application facility for crops of the present invention, control based on time may be implemented. That is, the carbon dioxide application facility for crops may control each carbon dioxide application means so as to supply carbon dioxide in a predetermined time period and stop the carbon dioxide supply outside the predetermined time. In such an embodiment, the determination time interval may be used at least in a predetermined time period. That is, the carbon dioxide application facility for crops of the present invention may introduce the determination time interval into the carbon dioxide supply control only in, for example, the time period when photosynthesis is carried out. Further, the length of the introduced determination time interval may be changed for each predetermined time period as necessary. For example, a relatively short determination time interval may be introduced in the daytime time period when the consumption of carbon dioxide increases due to the activation of photosynthesis, and a relatively long determination time interval may be introduced in the evening time period when the photosynthesis rate decreases. As described above, by introducing different determination time intervals depending on the time period, it may be possible to more suitably perform carbon dioxide control corresponding to the photosynthesis rate, and more efficient carbon dioxide supply may be realized.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means 30 may be configured to supply carbon dioxide to crops from a carbon dioxide source 31 via an application conduit 32. More specifically, the raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means 30 may include a carbon dioxide source 31, an electromagnetic valve 33 whose opening and closing are controlled, and an application conduit 32 that extends from the carbon dioxide source 31 to the vicinity of the crops via the electromagnetic valve 33. As shown in FIG. 1, the application conduit 32 may be disposed along the longitudinal direction of each of a plurality of ridges 60 in an agricultural greenhouse. The carbon dioxide source 31 is not particularly limited as long as it can store high-concentration carbon dioxide. For example, a gas cylinder or tank filled with pure carbon dioxide gas can be used as the carbon dioxide source 31. When emphasizing efficient local supply of carbon dioxide to crops, it is preferable to use a liquefied carbon dioxide cylinder or tank capable of supplying high-concentration carbon dioxide. Further, the electromagnetic valve 33 may be configured to be able to control the outflow of carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide source 31 to the application conduit 32 by opening and closing control. That is, in the raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means 30 having the above-described configuration, the supply of carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide source 31 to the vicinity of the crops is controlled by controlling the opening and closing state of the electromagnetic valve 33.

[0032] The application conduit 32 used in the raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means 30 may be a perforated pipe having a plurality of pores. For example, the application conduit 32 may be a tube or pipe such as a tube made of synthetic resin, for example, polyethylene and / or polyvinyl chloride. Although the application conduit 32 is not particularly limited, when emphasizing more uniform supply of carbon dioxide gas, it is more preferably a drip irrigation tube having a pressure correction mechanism. For example, the application conduit 32 may be a drip irrigation tube having a wavy (for example, zigzag) flow path that repeats unevenness in the longitudinal direction. By using such a drip irrigation tube as the application conduit 32, it may be possible to supply carbon dioxide gas at a uniform flow rate over the entire length of the application conduit 32. As the drip irrigation tube having a pressure correction mechanism, for example, Drop Line (product name) manufactured by Green irrigation system (hole interval 30 cm, inner diameter 16.1 mm, wall thickness 0.3 mm, application pressure 0.1 MPa) can be used.

[0033] By disposing the application conduit 32 in the vicinity of the crop, local application of carbon dioxide gas becomes possible. Here, "local application" refers to spot-supplying carbon dioxide gas in the vicinity of the crop. That is, "local application" in the present invention does not refer to overall application in a greenhouse for agriculture, and it is sufficient if an increase in the carbon dioxide concentration is achieved in at least a partial area near the crop. Also, "in the vicinity of the crop" is within the range where carbon dioxide gas at the target concentration spreads from the application conduit to the crop, and for example, it refers to the vicinity of the root portion and / or leaf portion of the crop. Although it is merely an example, the application conduit may be disposed at a position about 0 cm (excluding 0 cm) to about 350 cm, for example, about 1 cm to about 250 cm, about 1 to about 100 cm, about 1 to about 50 cm, or about 1 to about 30 cm away from the root portion or leaf portion of the crop. Note that the above range can be appropriately changed depending on the type of crop, cultivation form, and the eaves height of the greenhouse for agriculture. The location where the application conduit 32 is disposed is not particularly limited as long as it is in the vicinity of the crop, and for example, it can be disposed near the lower part of the crop or near the growth point. Generally, plants have many stomata on the lower surface of the leaves and absorb carbon dioxide gas from the stomata according to the carbon dioxide concentration difference between the inside and outside of the leaves. Therefore, the application conduit 32 may be disposed so as to release carbon dioxide gas upward from the lower part of the crop. Also, a plurality of application conduits 32 may be disposed for each ridge 60, and for example, application conduits 32 may be disposed both near the root of the crop and at the growth point. Although FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which the application conduit 32 is disposed on the ridge 60 in the greenhouse for agriculture 50, it is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to be disposed in the vicinity of the crop, and for example, it may be disposed on a cultivation bed or the like.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the combustion type carbon dioxide supply means 20 may be configured to deliver the carbon dioxide generated during combustion to the crops. The control of the carbon dioxide supply by the combustion type carbon dioxide supply means 20 can be implemented by controlling the start (or continuation) and stop of combustion. Therefore, the combustion type carbon dioxide supply means 20 at least includes a combustion type carbon dioxide generator 21 whose combustion is controlled. By discharging the carbon dioxide generated by the combustion of fuel in such a combustion type carbon dioxide generator 21 into the agricultural greenhouse, the supply of carbon dioxide to the crops may be achieved. Further, the combustion type carbon dioxide supply means 20 may further include a fan 24 provided in the combustion type carbon dioxide generator 21. In the combustion type carbon dioxide supply means 20 having the above-described structure, the start (for example, ignition) and stop (for example, extinguishing) of the operation of the combustion type carbon dioxide generator 21 are controlled, and the carbon dioxide generated during combustion is delivered to the crops by the fan 24 provided in the combustion type carbon dioxide generator 21. In the combustion type carbon dioxide generator 21, as the fuel, for example, hydrocarbon fuels such as kerosene, propane gas, or natural gas, or biomass fuels may be used. As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel used in the combustion type carbon dioxide generator 21 may be stored in a fuel tank 23 installed outside the agricultural greenhouse and transported to the combustion type carbon dioxide generator 21 by a fuel transport pipe 22. As the combustion type carbon dioxide generator 21, for example, the photosynthesis promoter Grow Ware (product name) CG4 type series manufactured by Nepon Co., Ltd. can be used. The fan 24 may be arranged, for example, near the carbon dioxide discharge port of the combustion type carbon dioxide generator 21. Further, by using the combustion type carbon dioxide generator 21 in which the fan is incorporated, the diffusion of carbon dioxide may be implemented. The fan 24 is not particularly limited as long as it is a high static pressure fan, and can be, for example, a turbo fan. Further, a plurality of fans may be used in the combustion type carbon dioxide supply means of the present invention. The capacity and number of the fans 24 may be appropriately determined according to the scale of the agricultural greenhouse 50 in which the crop carbon dioxide application facility 100 is arranged, or the area of the region in the agricultural greenhouse 50 where carbon dioxide is used.

[0035] Further, the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means 20 may be configured to send carbon dioxide through a duct 25 disposed in the agricultural greenhouse 50. That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means 20 may include a combustion-controlled combustion-type carbon dioxide generator 21, a fan 24 provided in the combustion-type carbon dioxide generator 21, and a duct 25. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of ducts 25 may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the ridges 60 in the agricultural greenhouse. The carbon dioxide generated by the combustion-type carbon dioxide generator 21 is sent into the duct 25 by the fan 24. A plurality of holes are provided in the duct 25 extending along the longitudinal direction of the ridges 60, and carbon dioxide can be sent out from such holes toward the crops. That is, by blowing air to the crops through the duct 25, the low-concentration carbon dioxide generated by combustion is delivered. With such a structure, the carbon dioxide generated by the combustion-type carbon dioxide generator 21 can be delivered to the crops more efficiently.

[0036] Furthermore, the supply of low-concentration carbon dioxide using the duct 25 can also contribute to improving the gas flow rate near the crops. Generally, since the application by the duct is performed by blowing air with a fan, the carbon dioxide generated by combustion and the gas sent by the fan are mixed, and in the application gas, the carbon dioxide concentration decreases and the volume becomes large. By supplying the application gas to the vicinity of the crops using the duct in a state where the application gas has a larger gas volume, the gas flow rate particularly near the leaves becomes larger compared to the application method with a smaller application gas volume. When the gas flow rate near the leaves is large, the gas flow rate on the back side of the leaf surface is likely to increase. The gas flow layer on the back side of the leaf is generally called the leaf surface boundary layer, and it is said that the absorption of carbon dioxide decreases as the resistance of gas flow in the boundary layer increases in the photosynthesis of crops. From the above, when the volume flow rate of the gas is large, more efficient application can be achieved by reducing the factors that hinder the absorption of carbon dioxide by the leaves through photosynthesis.

[0037] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the carbon dioxide application facility for crops may include two or more of at least one of the biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means and the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means. This means that in the carbon dioxide application facility for crops of the present invention, at least three carbon dioxide supply means including the biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means and the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means may be included. The number and arrangement of the carbon dioxide supply means may be appropriately determined according to the scale of the agricultural greenhouse in which the carbon dioxide application facility for crops is arranged, or the area of the region in the agricultural greenhouse where carbon dioxide is used. For example, the carbon dioxide supply means may include at least two of the biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means and the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means, or may include at least four of each. With the above-described carbon dioxide application facility for crops, more suitable carbon dioxide concentration control can be achieved even in a large-scale agricultural greenhouse.

[0038] For example, in the carbon dioxide application facility for crops of the present invention, at least one carbon dioxide supply means and environmental detection sensor may be provided for each ridge in the agricultural greenhouse. That is, in the carbon dioxide application facility for crops, each of the carbon dioxide supply means may be controlled based on the environmental data detected by the environmental detection sensors installed for each ridge. This means that the carbon dioxide concentration can be independently controlled for each ridge in the agricultural greenhouse. Such a configuration may enable cultivation of crops in different cultivation environments for each ridge within one agricultural greenhouse. Generally, the environmental conditions required for crops to actively perform photosynthesis vary depending on the type of crop and the growth stage. The carbon dioxide application facility for crops of the present invention having the above-described configuration may be suitable, for example, when cultivating a plurality of varieties having different optimal carbon dioxide concentrations for growth within one agricultural greenhouse. It may also be suitable when conducting a comparative test on the optimal carbon dioxide concentration by growing the same variety of crops at different carbon dioxide concentrations.

[0039] The environmental detection sensor 40 detects environmental parameters in the agricultural greenhouse 50. The detected environmental parameters are not particularly limited as long as they are parameters involved in the growth of crops. For example, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, humidity, saturation deficit, solar radiation intensity, solar radiation amount, soil moisture, soil salt concentration, soil ground temperature, wind direction and wind speed, the difference between the amount of nutrient solution and the amount of waste solution in liquid fertilizer, and the concentration difference between nutrient solution and waste solution, water temperature, pH, the degree of wilting based on the appearance image of the crop, and / or the leaf area estimated from the leaf image, etc. are included. Emphasizing that it is an environmental parameter that can be involved in photosynthesis, the environmental detection sensor 40 preferably detects at least one environmental parameter selected from the group consisting of the carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, humidity, solar radiation intensity, solar radiation amount, photosynthesis rate, and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) in the agricultural greenhouse 50. Therefore, the environmental detection sensor 40 in the carbon dioxide application facility 100 for crops of the present invention may be at least one selected from the group consisting of a carbon dioxide concentration sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a pyranometer, a photosynthesis rate measuring instrument, and a photon sensor. Therefore, in the carbon dioxide application facility 100 for crops of the present invention, each of the raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means 30 and the combustion type carbon dioxide supply means 20 can be controlled based on at least one environmental parameter selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, humidity, solar radiation intensity, solar radiation amount, photosynthesis rate, and PPFD. By the control based on the above-described environmental parameters, more suitable control of the carbon dioxide concentration in the agricultural greenhouse can be achieved. Also, the carbon dioxide application facility for crops of the present invention may be provided with a plurality of environmental detection sensors of the same type.

[0040] Although not shown, the environmental detection sensor may be provided outside the agricultural house 50. For example, the environmental detection sensor may detect the carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, humidity, saturation deficit, solar radiation intensity, solar radiation amount, wind direction, wind speed, rainfall amount, and / or atmospheric pressure outside the agricultural house 50. In one embodiment of the present invention, the carbon dioxide application facility for crops can control each carbon dioxide supply means based on a plurality of environmental parameters inside and / or outside the agricultural house 50. Note that, as the environmental detection sensor used in the present invention, for example, a commercially available environmental detection sensor may be used.

[0041] The carbon dioxide concentration sensor is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the carbon dioxide concentration in the agricultural house 50, and can be, for example, a sensor based on the non-dispersive infrared absorption method, the solid electrolyte method, or the capacitance method. A commercially available carbon dioxide concentration sensor may be used. For example, K30 FR manufactured by Senseair or IMG-CA0011-00 manufactured by Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. can be used. In one embodiment of the present invention, the carbon dioxide application facility 100 for crops can control each carbon dioxide supply means based on the carbon dioxide concentration sensor in the growth environment of the crops. In this embodiment, the carbon dioxide concentration sensor can be arranged to detect the carbon dioxide concentration in the growth environment of the crops to which carbon dioxide is supplied. More specifically, it is desirable that the carbon dioxide concentration sensor be arranged in the agricultural house 50 while avoiding the vicinity of the delivery position of the carbon dioxide from each carbon dioxide supply means (for example, the pores of the application conduit, the fan, or the duct). That is, it is desirable that the carbon dioxide concentration sensor be arranged in the growth environment of the crops so that the carbon dioxide delivered from each carbon dioxide supply means is not directly blown. With such an arrangement, the carbon dioxide concentration in the growth environment of the crops can be detected more accurately, and more suitable carbon dioxide concentration control can be achieved.

[0042] Also, in one embodiment of the present invention, the carbon dioxide concentration sensor may be provided in each carbon dioxide supply means. In such an embodiment, in the carbon dioxide application facility for crops, control based on the amount of carbon dioxide applied by each carbon dioxide supply means to the crops can be implemented. For example, the carbon dioxide concentration sensor may be provided to detect the concentration of carbon dioxide passing through the duct. Further, the application amount of carbon dioxide supplied from the raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means may be measured by a flow rate sensor that measures the flow rate of carbon dioxide delivered from the solenoid valve to the application conduit. Note that, as the flow rate sensor, for example, a commercially available flow rate sensor may be used.

[0043] The temperature sensor is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the temperature of the growth environment of the crops. For example, a temperature sensor using a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, or a thermistor temperature detector may be used, or a commercially available temperature sensor may be used. The humidity sensor is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the temperature of the growth environment of the crops. For example, a humidity sensor such as an electrolyte type, a polymer type, or a ceramics type may be used, or a commercially available humidity sensor may be used. Further, both the temperature and humidity may be detected by a temperature and humidity sensor. In one embodiment of the present invention, a saturation deficit sensor that detects the saturation deficit based on the temperature and humidity may be used, and each carbon dioxide supply means may be controlled based on the detected saturation deficit.

[0044] The pyranometer is not particularly limited as long as it can measure the solar radiation intensity and the amount of solar radiation in the growth environment of the crops. For example, a pyranometer using a thermoelectric element or a photovoltaic element may be used, or a commercially available pyranometer may be used.

[0045] In the present invention, the term "photosynthesis rate" corresponds to the carbon dioxide exchange rate per unit leaf area, and the unit is "μmol·m -2 ·s -1It is represented by "」. Although the photosynthesis rate is not particularly limited, for example, [searched on August 19, 2021], the Internet, <URL: http: / / envbio.envi.osakafu-u.ac.jp / osakafu-content / uploads / sites / 34 / 2015 / 12 / Chamber-3.pdf> It may be measured based on the chamber method described in, or the individual leaf gas exchange method described in Yusuke Tanaka, Individual Leaf Gas Exchange Measurement and Its Application, Journal of the Crop Science Society of Japan, Vol. 85, 2016, pp. 339-346. Further, the photosynthesis rate may be measured by a photosynthesis rate measuring instrument based on the above-described method. Alternatively, it may be obtained by calculation from environmental parameters detected by a separate environmental detection sensor.

[0046] In the present invention, the "photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD)" refers to the number of photons in the wavelength range of about 400 nm to about 700 nm effective for photosynthesis among the photons passing through a unit area per unit time, and the unit is "μmol·m -2 ·s -1 " is represented. Generally, the photochemical reaction of plants starts from the step of converting photons having a certain wavelength by chlorophyll into electrons. Therefore, since the photosynthesis of crops is carried out depending on the number of photons of a specific wavelength, by performing carbon dioxide supply control based on the PPFD value, more efficient carbon dioxide supply to crops can be realized. Although not particularly limited, for measurement of PPFD, for example, a spectroradiometer capable of measuring the radiation amount by wavelength or a quantum photometer that measures only light of about 400 nm to about 700 nm can be used. Note that, for example, commercially available devices may be used for the spectroradiometer or the quantum photometer. The arrangement of these measuring devices is not particularly limited as long as it is a position not covered by the crops, and may be installed, for example, on the ceiling surface or the side surface in the agricultural house 50.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, the carbon dioxide application facility for crops can be provided in an agricultural greenhouse 50 having an openable window. The window can be opened, for example, when the inside of the agricultural greenhouse 50 is at a high temperature and / or high humidity, and can be closed when it is at a low temperature. In such an agricultural greenhouse 50, at least one of the raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means 30 and the combustion type carbon dioxide supply means 20 may be controlled based on the opening degree of the window. For example, when the opening degree of the window of the agricultural greenhouse is controlled by a window opening / closing control device, the carbon dioxide application facility for crops may control the supply of carbon dioxide based on the opening / closing state (or opening degree data) of the window acquired from the window opening / closing control device. Alternatively, an opening degree sensor for the window may be provided in the agricultural greenhouse, and at least one of the carbon dioxide supply means may be controlled according to the opening degree of the window detected by such a sensor. For example, when the window is in an open state and the inside of the agricultural greenhouse 50 is relatively hot, it is preferable to apply the raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means 30 that does not involve heat more than the combustion type carbon dioxide supply means 20. Further, when the window is in an open state, carbon dioxide leaks from the window, and thus the application of the raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means 30 may be more advantageous also in that local carbon dioxide supply to the crops is possible. On the other hand, when the window is in a closed state and the inside of the agricultural greenhouse 50 is relatively cold, it is more preferable to apply the combustion type carbon dioxide supply means 20. Also, when the window is in a closed state and the carbon dioxide concentration is particularly low, both the combustion type and the raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means may be used. As described above, the carbon dioxide application facility for crops of the present invention can more appropriately control each of the combustion type and the raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means according to the opening degree of the ventilation window, and can more suitably control the carbon dioxide concentration inside the agricultural greenhouse.

[0048] In addition, in the carbon dioxide application facility for crops of the present invention, each carbon dioxide supply means may be controlled based on the control of components that can directly or indirectly affect the carbon dioxide concentration in the agricultural greenhouse 50. Examples of components that can affect the carbon dioxide concentration include, for example, heaters, irrigation solenoid valves, irrigation pumps, openable light-shielding curtains, heat-insulating curtains, skylights, side windows, fine mist cooling, liquid fertilizer mixing tank solenoid valves, liquid fertilizer mixing tank pumps, circulation fans, ventilation fans, and the like. Further, in the carbon dioxide application facility for crops of the present invention, each of the carbon dioxide supply means may be controlled based on the control of the components as described above and the environmental parameters detected by the environmental detection sensors.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a carbon dioxide application system 200 for crops according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the carbon dioxide supply system for crops of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, a carbon dioxide application system 200 for crops includes at least two carbon dioxide supply means, at least one environmental detection sensor 40, a storage unit 13, and a control unit 11. As shown in FIG. 3, these components may be communicably connected via a communication bus 15. In the carbon dioxide application system 200 for crops of the present invention, the at least two carbon dioxide supply means include a biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means 30 and a combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means 20, and the at least one environmental detection sensor 40 may be configured to acquire environmental data of the agricultural greenhouse 50. Further, the storage unit 13 may store determination conditions for each of the at least two carbon dioxide supply means. The control unit 11 receives the environmental data acquired by the environmental detection sensor 40, and determines whether to supply carbon dioxide to each of the at least two carbon dioxide supply means based on such environmental data and the determination conditions. Therefore, the carbon dioxide application system 200 for crops of the present invention includes at least two types of carbon dioxide application systems including a biogas type and a combustion type, and the supply of carbon dioxide from each carbon dioxide application system can be controlled by the control unit 11 based on the environmental data of the agricultural greenhouse 50 and the determination conditions stored in advance in the storage unit 13. In other words, in the system of the present invention, the control unit 11 can determine the supply and stop of the supply of carbon dioxide from each carbon dioxide supply means according to the determination conditions for each carbon dioxide supply means. This means that the control unit 11 can control each of the two different types of carbon dioxide supply means in parallel based on the determination conditions separately set for each supply means. With the above-described carbon dioxide application system 200 for crops, it is possible to supply carbon dioxide by combining two types of carbon dioxide application means having different characteristics, so that more suitable carbon dioxide concentration control can be realized. Further, by providing separate determination conditions for each of the carbon dioxide means, it may be possible to achieve more flexible carbon dioxide concentration control with respect to environmental changes in the agricultural greenhouse 50 and the characteristics of the crops.

[0051] The storage unit 13 may be constituted by a semiconductor volatile memory such as a RAM having a plurality of memory elements and / or a semiconductor non-volatile memory such as a flash ROM. The storage unit 13 stores determination conditions for controlling the carbon dioxide gas supply means. Further, the storage unit 13 may store data and / or programs necessary for controlling the supply of carbon dioxide gas by the carbon dioxide gas supply means. For example, environmental data from the environmental detection sensor 40, a computer program for the operation of the control unit 11, and / or an execution history of the program may be stored in the storage unit 13. Also, a part of the storage unit 13 may be a removable recording medium.

[0052] The control unit 11 can be an integrated circuit (IC) chip such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a digital signal processing processor, for example. In the carbon dioxide gas application system 200 for crops of the present invention, the control unit 11 can control the supply of carbon dioxide gas from each of the carbon dioxide gas supply means by executing the control program stored in the storage unit 13. Also, the control unit 11 may have a memory 12 for storing the determination conditions read from the storage unit 13.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3, in the carbon dioxide gas application system 200 for crops of the present invention, the respective components may be communicably connected via interface devices 16a to 16c. The interface device is not particularly limited as long as the respective components can communicate with each other. For example, a USB terminal, an Ethernet terminal, or the like can be used. Also, one or more of the interface devices may be a wireless interface for performing wireless communication. Although not particularly limited, such a wireless interface may adopt, for example, a standard compliant with the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard that performs wireless communication using frequencies such as 2.4 GHz / 5.2 GHz / 5.3 GHz / 5.6 GHz, and / or a mobile communication system defined as so-called 5G, 4G, etc.

[0054] For example, interface devices 16a and 16b output signals to each of the raw gas type carbon dioxide gas supply means 30 or the combustion type carbon dioxide gas supply means 20 from the control unit 11. Further, the interface device 16c receives environmental data from the environmental detection sensor 40. Although the interface 16c is not particularly limited as long as it is a standard capable of acquiring environmental data from the environmental detection sensor 40, for example, SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), universal asynchronous transceiver circuit (UART; Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter), or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), or analog signal input may be used.

[0055] Also, in one embodiment of the present invention, a relay is used for the control of the raw gas type carbon dioxide gas supply means 30 and the combustion type carbon dioxide gas supply means 20. That is, based on the on-off signal from the control unit to the relay, the closed circuit or open circuit of each carbon dioxide gas supply means is switched, and the on-off of the target means is controlled. In such an embodiment, by sending an on-off signal from the control unit to the relay, the electromagnetic valve is opened and closed using the current generated by the AC-DC conversion provided in the control panel described later as a power source, and the carbon dioxide gas supply from the raw gas type carbon dioxide gas supply means 30 is controlled. Further, for the combustion type carbon dioxide gas supply means 30, a relay may be used for the non-voltage contact external input in the combustion type carbon dioxide gas generator. By controlling the on-off of the non-voltage contact using a relay, the carbon dioxide gas supply from the combustion type carbon dioxide gas supply means 30 is controlled.

[0056] The determination conditions stored in the memory unit 13 are conditions for controlling the supply and stop of carbon dioxide gas for each carbon dioxide gas supply means according to the value of the environmental data detected by the environmental detection sensor 40. That is, the determination conditions are set to determine whether the environmental data detected by the environmental detection sensor 40 is within a preset range, and to control the operation of the carbon dioxide gas supply means based on the determination result. Therefore, the control unit 11 of the present invention causes the carbon dioxide gas supply means to supply carbon dioxide gas, for example, when the value of the environmental data is within the preset range, and does not perform the supply of carbon dioxide gas when it is outside the preset range. The determination conditions may be set based on parameters that can change the carbon dioxide gas concentration in the agricultural greenhouse 50 or parameters that can be involved in the photosynthesis of crops. For example, the determination conditions may be appropriately set for the operation of each carbon dioxide gas supply means according to the values of environmental data such as the carbon dioxide gas concentration, temperature, humidity, photosynthesis rate, PPFD value, opening degree of the ventilation window, and / or solar radiation detected by the environmental detection sensor 40.

[0057] Further, the determination conditions may control each carbon dioxide gas supply means based on data of the control state obtained by communication or the like from a control device of a component that can directly or indirectly affect the carbon dioxide gas concentration in the agricultural greenhouse. For example, the determination conditions may be appropriately set for the opening and closing state of the window obtained from a window opening / closing control device that controls the opening and closing of the ventilation window in the agricultural greenhouse. Examples of components that can affect the carbon dioxide gas concentration include, for example, a heater, an irrigation solenoid valve, an irrigation pump, an openable light-shielding curtain, a heat-insulating curtain, a skylight, a side window, a fine mist air conditioner, a liquid fertilizer mixing tank solenoid valve, a liquid fertilizer mixing tank pump, a circulation fan, a ventilation fan, and the like.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the determination condition may be provided with a hysteresis characteristic at the upper limit and / or the lower limit of the value range of the set environmental data. More specifically, by changing the threshold value when the value of the environmental data changes in the high direction and when it changes in the low direction, a hysteresis characteristic may be imparted to the supply control of carbon dioxide gas. For example, for the target carbon dioxide concentration C, carbon dioxide concentration thresholds C1 and C2 are set such that C1 < C < C2. When the carbon dioxide concentration decreases from a concentration higher than the target concentration C and becomes less than the threshold C1, the supply of carbon dioxide gas is started, and when the concentration rises from a concentration less than the threshold C and becomes higher than the threshold C2, the supply of carbon dioxide gas is stopped. The determination condition may be set in this way. By using the determination condition having such a hysteresis characteristic, the occurrence of chattering (repeated start and stop of supply) near the threshold value can be prevented.

[0059] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the carbon dioxide application system 200 for crops of the present invention may further include a timing unit 14 that acquires the current time. The timing unit 14 may be constituted by, for example, time measurement software, a timer IC, or a GPS clock. The control unit 11 is communicably connected to the timing unit 14 and may be configured to acquire the time information measured by the timing unit 14. In the carbon dioxide application system 200 for crops having the above-described configuration, carbon dioxide supply control based on the time information acquired by the timing unit 14 may be executed. For example, the storage unit 13 may store determination conditions set based on a predetermined time. Therefore, the control unit 11 may determine whether to supply carbon dioxide to each of at least two carbon dioxide supply means based on the current time measured by the timing unit 14 and the determination conditions set based on the predetermined time. It can be expected that environmental conditions (for example, temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, and solar radiation, etc.) involved in the photosynthesis of crops change from morning to evening. For example, in the morning when the crops start photosynthesis, the temperature is relatively low, while at noon the temperature becomes high. Also, since photosynthesis is more actively carried out at noon than in the morning, the carbon dioxide concentration tends to decrease. Therefore, in the morning, it is preferable to apply the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means 20 accompanied by heat, and the application of the biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means 30 may be effective at noon. Further, since the photosynthesis rate decreases towards evening, by setting the target carbon dioxide concentration in the determination conditions to a lower concentration than at noon, waste of carbon dioxide can be prevented. Further, an end time may be set so as to stop the supply of carbon dioxide at night when photosynthesis does not occur. Thus, by using different determination conditions for each predetermined time range, the control of the carbon dioxide supply can achieve a more suitable control of the carbon dioxide concentration that can appropriately respond to the expected changes in environmental data.

[0060] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are flowcharts showing the flow of carbon dioxide concentration control by the crop carbon dioxide application system 200 shown in FIG. 3. In the crop carbon dioxide application system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a series of processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5 may be configured to be independently performed for each of the carbon dioxide supply means. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the operation flow of the crop carbon dioxide application system 200 will be described.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, the control of the crop carbon dioxide application system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is started by the control unit 11 executing a control program. In step S101, the control unit 11 acquires environmental data from the environmental detection sensor 40. Subsequently, the control unit 11 reads out the determination conditions stored in the storage unit 13. The read determination conditions may be stored in the buffer, cache memory (not shown), etc. in the memory 12 and / or the control unit 11. Using the acquired environmental data and the read determination conditions, it is determined whether the environmental data satisfies the condition for supplying carbon dioxide (step S102). If the condition for supplying carbon dioxide is satisfied, the control unit 11 causes the carbon dioxide supply means to supply carbon dioxide (step S103). For example, if the acquired environmental data satisfies the determination conditions of the biogas type carbon dioxide supply means 30, the solenoid valve 33 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is opened by the control unit 11. Similarly, if the acquired environmental data satisfies the determination conditions of the combustion type carbon dioxide supply means, combustion is started in the combustion type carbon dioxide generator 21 (FIGS. 1 and 2). On the other hand, if the determination conditions are not satisfied, the supply of carbon dioxide is not carried out (step S104). Thereafter, in step S105, the control unit 11 determines whether to stop the control. In this step, if there is an action that may cause the control to stop, such as the occurrence of an error in the system, the system operation stop by the administrator, or the elapse of the end time, the control unit 11 ends the control. In other cases, step S101 is performed again and the control continues.

[0062] Also, in the carbon dioxide application system for crops according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 11 may perform the control of each of the carbon dioxide application systems at a predetermined determination time interval. The determination time interval may be set for each of the carbon dioxide supply means and stored in the storage unit 13. That is, in the carbon dioxide application system for crops of the present invention, the storage unit 13 stores the determination time interval for each of at least two carbon dioxide supply means, and the determination by the control unit 11 as to whether to supply carbon dioxide to each of the at least two carbon dioxide supply means can be repeated at the determination time interval. In other words, after the control unit 11 determines the supply of carbon dioxide for each carbon dioxide supply means, it may shift to the steps for the next determination after a predetermined time interval. By introducing the determination time interval for each of the carbon dioxide supply means, the time until the carbon dioxide supplied from the carbon dioxide supply means is delivered to the crops through the application conduit and / or duct can be ensured. Further, since it also has the advantage of preventing the start and stop of the supply from being unnecessarily repeated in a short period of time, more suitable carbon dioxide concentration control can be achieved.

[0063] The determination time interval stored in the storage unit 13 may be appropriately set for each of the carbon dioxide supply means according to the ambient environment, the characteristics of the carbon dioxide supply means, etc., and may be, for example, different time intervals for each carbon dioxide supply means. That is, the control unit 11 may be controlled based on different determination time intervals for each of the carbon dioxide supply means.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, the determination time interval set for the combustion type carbon dioxide supply means 20 can be a longer time interval than that of the raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means 30 from the viewpoint of preventing the occurrence of incomplete combustion due to repeated ignition and extinguishing in a short time. Therefore, the determination time interval of the raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means stored in the storage unit 13 can be relatively shorter than the determination time interval of the combustion type gas supply means. Thus, by introducing a determination time interval according to the characteristics of the carbon dioxide supply means, the control unit 11 can control two types of carbon dioxide supply means with different characteristics, namely, the combustion type and the raw gas type, in parallel. That is, more suitable control of the carbon dioxide concentration according to the ambient environment can be realized while appropriately preventing the occurrence of incomplete combustion.

[0065] In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the carbon dioxide supply means of the carbon dioxide application system for crops may be controlled based on determination conditions and / or a determination time interval set for a predetermined time period. In other words, the determination conditions and / or the determination time interval stored in the storage unit may be different for each predetermined time period. Table 1 shows the determination conditions and the determination time interval used in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0066]

Table 1

[0067] In Table 1, the term "control execution time zone" corresponds to the time zone during which the control unit executes the control of each carbon dioxide supply means. In the embodiment shown in Table 1, for example, in the control execution time zone from 6:00 to 9:30, when the carbon dioxide concentration is less than 1500 ppm and the temperature is less than 25 °C, the carbon dioxide supply is started for the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means. The control unit determines every 20 minutes whether the environmental data satisfies this determination condition, and controls the start, continuation, or stop of the carbon dioxide supply. When 9:30 has passed, the carbon dioxide concentration in the determination condition of the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means switches to less than 1200 ppm, and the control is carried out at a determination time interval of 15 minutes. When the time passes 12:30, the control of the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means ends. Also, as shown in Table 1, a plurality of determination conditions may be set in the same time zone. For example, for the raw gas-type carbon dioxide supply means, in the control execution time zone from 8:00 to 12:00, when the carbon dioxide concentration is less than 600 ppm and the temperature is less than 25 °C (determination condition 1), or when the carbon dioxide concentration is less than 400 ppm and the temperature is 25 °C or higher (determination condition 2), the carbon dioxide supply is started. Thus, by individually setting the determination time interval and the determination conditions based on at least one environmental data for each time zone, it may be possible to achieve carbon dioxide concentration control that is more suitably adapted to the expected photosynthesis rate of the crop.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control flow in which a determination time interval for each of the carbon dioxide means is introduced in a carbon dioxide application system for crops according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control of the carbon dioxide application system for crops is started when the control unit 11 executes a control program. In step S201, the control unit 11 acquires the start time of control from the timer unit 14. Next, in step S202, the control unit 11 acquires environmental data from the environmental detection sensor 40. Subsequently, the control unit 11 reads out the determination conditions stored in the storage unit 13. The read determination conditions may be stored in a buffer, cache memory (not shown), etc. in the memory 12 and / or the control unit 11. Using the acquired time information, environmental data, and the read determination conditions, it is determined whether the environmental data satisfies the condition for supplying carbon dioxide (step S203). If the condition for supplying carbon dioxide is satisfied, the control unit 11 causes the carbon dioxide supply means to supply carbon dioxide (step S204). For example, if the acquired environmental data satisfies the determination conditions of the biogas type carbon dioxide supply means, the solenoid valve 33 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is opened by the control unit 11. Also, when the acquired environmental data satisfies the determination conditions of the combustion type carbon dioxide supply means, combustion is started in the combustion type carbon dioxide generator 21 (FIGS. 1 and 2). On the other hand, if the determination conditions are not satisfied, the supply of carbon dioxide is not carried out (step S205). Thereafter, proceeding to step S206, the control unit 11 acquires the determination time A from the timer unit 14. Subsequently, the control unit 11 reads out the determination time interval stored in the storage unit 13. Then, it is determined whether the time interval between the acquired determination time A and the start time acquired in step S201 has reached a predetermined determination time interval (step S207). If the determination time interval has been reached, the control flow shifts to step S208, and the control unit 11 acquires the determination time B from the timer unit 14. If the determination time interval has not been reached, steps S206 and S207 are repeated again. After acquiring the determination time B, in step S209, the control unit 11 determines whether to stop the operation of the system.In this step, if there is any behavior that may cause the control to stop, such as an error occurring in the system, the system being stopped by the administrator, or the expiration of a preset end time, the control unit 11 ends the control. Otherwise, the control flow returns to step S202 again. That is, the control unit 11 acquires the environmental data again and determines in step S203 whether the acquired environmental data meets the determination condition. If the determination condition is met, the control unit 11 causes the carbon dioxide gas supply means to supply carbon dioxide gas. For example, if the carbon dioxide gas supply means was in the output-on state in the previous determination, the output-on state may continue as it is. On the other hand, if the determination condition is not met, the supply of carbon dioxide gas is stopped. After the determination regarding the output of the carbon dioxide gas supply means is made, the control unit 11 acquires the determination time A in step S206 and performs the determination of the determination time interval in step S207. The determination of the determination time interval for the second and subsequent times may be performed using the time interval between the determination time B acquired in S208 and the immediately preceding determination time A. That is, in step S208, the first determination after the start of the control flow may be performed based on the time interval between the start time acquired in step S201 and the determination time A. On the other hand, the second and subsequent determinations may be performed based on the time interval between the determination time B acquired in step S208 after the previous determination and the immediately preceding determination time A. Thereafter, the control flow proceeds to step S208 and then step S209, and the above-described control flow is repeated until a determination to stop the operation is made.

[0069] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, a carbon dioxide application system 200 for crops according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a control panel 10, and the control panel 10 may include a storage unit 13 and a control unit 11. Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the control panel 10 may further include a timing unit 14. In such a carbon dioxide application system 200 for crops, the control panel 10 may be communicably connected to each of at least two carbon dioxide supply means including raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means and combustion type carbon dioxide application means, and an environment detection sensor 40. That is, the control unit 11 in the control panel 10 can determine whether to supply carbon dioxide to each of at least two carbon dioxide supply means. In this way, since the control panel 10 enables unified management of a plurality of carbon dioxide supply means, the operation cost efficiency and the ease of operation by the administrator can be further improved when the carbon dioxide application system 200 for crops operates. Although FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show an embodiment in which the control panel 10 is disposed inside the agricultural greenhouse 50, the control panel may be provided outside the agricultural greenhouse 50. Further, the control panel may be in any form of a desk type or a stand type.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, the carbon dioxide application system for crops may be configured to control the supply of carbon dioxide to a plurality of agricultural greenhouses. More specifically, in the carbon dioxide application system for crops of the present invention, at least two carbon dioxide supply means including a combustion type and a biogas type, and at least one environmental detection sensor 40 may be provided in each of the plurality of agricultural greenhouses. In the carbon dioxide application system for crops having such a configuration, the control unit 11 can determine whether to supply carbon dioxide to each of the carbon dioxide supply means based on the environmental data detected by each of the environmental detection sensors 40 in each of the plurality of agricultural greenhouses. Therefore, the carbon dioxide application system for crops of the present invention can centrally control the carbon dioxide concentration in a plurality of agricultural greenhouses. For example, the control of each carbon dioxide supply means may be collectively implemented by one control panel. The determination conditions, determination time intervals, etc. stored in the storage unit 13 can be set individually for each of the carbon dioxide gases. The control unit 11 can independently execute a control flow for each of the carbon dioxide supply means. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to collectively manage the control of the carbon dioxide supply means in a plurality of agricultural greenhouses, and by improving the operational cost efficiency of the carbon dioxide application system for crops, more suitable control of the carbon dioxide concentration can be achieved.

[0071] Although the present invention has been described above, it only shows typical examples within the scope of application of the present invention. In addition to the above, as long as the gist of the present invention is not deviated from, it is possible to select and discard the configurations listed in the above embodiments or appropriately change them to other configurations.

Industrial Applicability

[0072] The carbon dioxide application equipment and system for crops of the present invention can be suitably used in various cultivation facilities such as agricultural greenhouses or greenhouses.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0073] 100 Carbon dioxide application equipment for crops 200 Carbon dioxide application system for crops 10 Control panel 11 Control Unit 12 Memory 13 Storage Unit 14 Timing Unit 15 Communication Bus 16 Interface Device 20 Combustion-Type Carbon Dioxide Supply Means 21 Combustion-Type Carbon Dioxide Generator 22 Fuel Transport Pipe 23 Fuel Tank 24 Fan 25 Duct 30 Raw Gas-Type Carbon Dioxide Supply Means 31 Carbon Dioxide Source 32 Application Conduit 33 Electromagnetic Valve 40 Environment Detection Sensor 50 Agricultural Greenhouse 60 Furrow

Claims

1. A carbon dioxide application facility for crops provided in an agricultural greenhouse, comprising a biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means, a combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means, and at least one environmental detection sensor, wherein the environmental detection sensor detects environmental parameters of the agricultural greenhouse, and based on the environmental parameters, each of the biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means and the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means is controlled to supply carbon dioxide to the crops, each of the biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means and the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means is controlled based on the environmental parameters at a predetermined determination time interval, and the determination time interval of the biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means and the determination time interval of the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means are different time intervals from each other. A carbon dioxide application facility for crops.

2. The carbon dioxide application facility for crops according to claim 1, wherein the determination time interval of the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means is relatively longer than the determination time interval of the biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means.

3. The carbon dioxide application facility for crops according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination time interval of the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means is 5 to 200 times the determination time interval of the biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means.

4. The carbon dioxide application facility for crops according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the environmental detection sensor detects at least one of the environmental parameters selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, humidity, solar radiation intensity, solar radiation amount, photosynthesis rate, and photosynthetic photon flux density in the agricultural greenhouse.

5. The carbon dioxide application facility for crops according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means and the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means is controlled based on the opening degree of the window of the agricultural greenhouse.

6. The carbon dioxide application facility for crops according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the biogas-type carbon dioxide supply means includes a carbon dioxide source, an electromagnetic valve controlled to open and close, and an application conduit extending from the carbon dioxide source to the vicinity of the crops via the electromagnetic valve.

7. The carbon dioxide application facility for crops according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the combustion-type carbon dioxide supply means further includes a combustion-type carbon dioxide generator controlled to burn, a fan provided in the combustion-type carbon dioxide generator, and a duct.

8. The carbon dioxide application facility for crops according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising at least two of the raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means and the combustion type carbon dioxide supply means.

9. At least two carbon dioxide supply means including a raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means and a combustion type carbon dioxide supply means, At least one environmental detection sensor that acquires environmental data of an agricultural greenhouse, A storage unit that stores determination conditions for each of the at least two carbon dioxide supply means, and A control unit that receives the environmental data acquired by the environmental detection sensor and determines whether to supply carbon dioxide to each of the at least two carbon dioxide supply means based on the environmental data and the determination conditions. The storage unit stores a determination time interval for each of the at least two carbon dioxide supply means, The determination by the control unit as to whether to supply the carbon dioxide to each of the at least two carbon dioxide supply means is repeated at the determination time interval, A carbon dioxide application system for crops, wherein the determination time interval of the raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means and the determination time interval of the combustion type carbon dioxide supply means are different time intervals from each other.

10. The carbon dioxide application system for crops according to claim 9, wherein the determination time interval of the raw gas type carbon dioxide supply means stored in the storage unit is relatively shorter than the determination time interval of the combustion type gas supply means.

11. Further comprising a timekeeping unit that measures the current time, The storage unit stores the determination conditions set based on a predetermined time, The control unit determines whether to supply the carbon dioxide to each of the at least two carbon dioxide supply means based on the current time measured by the timekeeping unit and the determination conditions set based on the predetermined time. The carbon dioxide application system for crops according to claim 9 or 10.

12. The at least two carbon dioxide supply means and at least one of the environmental detection sensors are provided in each of a plurality of agricultural greenhouses, The control unit determines whether to supply the carbon dioxide to each of the at least two carbon dioxide supply means based on the environmental data detected by each of the environmental detection sensors in the plurality of agricultural greenhouses. The carbon dioxide application system for crops according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. The crop carbon dioxide application system according to any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising a control panel, the control panel including the storage unit and the control unit.

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