Vertically constructed cultivation system for cultivating plants and method of operation thereof

Abstract

The plant cultivation system (1) includes a cultivation container (2), a plurality of cultivation trays (5) for cultivating plants, the cultivation trays (5) being arranged on a series of cultivation planes (Li), the cultivation planes (Li) being arranged one on top of the other at respective preset heights relative to a horizontal reference plane (Z), and a box-shaped air distribution duct (9) having two air diffusion walls (10), the two air diffusion walls (10) extending substantially vertically within the cultivation container (2), the two air diffusion walls (10) being parallel to each other and dimensioned to be adjacent to the cultivation trays (5). The air diffusion walls (10) face each of the cultivation trays (5) in the cultivation plane and have a plurality of through openings (14), the plurality of through openings (14) facing each of the cultivation trays (5) being configured to selectively convey conditioned air from the air distribution duct (9) to the cultivation trays (5).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This patent application claims priority to Italian Patent Application No. 102020000021334, filed September 9, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a vertically constructed cultivation system for growing plants and a method of operation thereof.

[0003] In particular, the present invention relates to the distribution of conditioned / climatized air in vertically constructed growing systems (vertical farms), to which the following discussion will explicitly refer without loss of generality. [Background technology]

[0004] As is known, vertically constructed growing systems (so-called "vertical farms") are structured to implement high-density plant growing processes (e.g., plants / vegetables) in closed growing containers by so-called artificial growing systems, which differ from conventional growing systems at least in that they use soil-free growing trays, controlled lighting and power systems, and a conditioning system for delivering conditioned air into the closed growing containers. Typically, the growing trays are mounted on a support frame and arranged on a series of overlapping growing planes at greater height levels, advantageously utilizing the vertical space available in the growing containers in addition to the conventional horizontal space.

[0005] In the cultivation systems described above, the regulation system does not guarantee a correct distribution of temperature and humidity inside the cultivation containers. In particular, the aforementioned cultivation systems exhibit a certain degree of inhomogeneity in the temperature and humidity of the air inside the cultivation containers as the height of the cultivation plane changes. This variation results in the implementation of an optimal cultivation process only in some cultivation planes, exposing the remaining cultivation planes to different weather conditions, which significantly affects the cultivation results in terms of the quantity of plants produced and either their qualitative or organoleptic properties.

[0006] Cultivation systems are also described in US Pat. No. 5,629,991 and US Pat. No. 5,629,991. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019077571 [Patent Document 2] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 102318523 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to realize a vertically constructed cultivation system having a conditioning system capable of uniformly distributing conditioned air inside the cultivation containers so as to guarantee the same conditions of air humidity and temperature in all cultivation trays, regardless of the height level of the associated cultivation plane. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] For this purpose, the present invention provides a cultivation system for cultivating plants, the cultivation system comprising a closed cultivation container extending along a horizontal reference axis and having vertical side walls extending parallel to said reference axis, a plurality of cultivation trays for cultivating plants, the cultivation trays being arranged in said cultivation container substantially horizontally next to one another in suitable positions and lying on a series of cultivation planes, the series of cultivation planes being arranged one on top of the other at respective preset heights relative to the horizontal reference plane so as to form a plurality of vertical rows of cultivation trays, and an air conditioning system which distributes conditioned air through at least one box-shaped air distribution duct to the cultivation containers. and an air conditioning system configured to feed air into the growing trays, the air distribution duct being vertically interposed between two vertical rows of growing trays, the air distribution duct including two air diffusion walls opposite each other, the two air diffusion walls extending on respective vertical planes parallel to each other and to the reference axis, the two air diffusion walls having support means, the support means being structured to support the growing trays arranged on the two rows of trays in their respective growing planes, and the two air diffusion walls having a plurality of through openings for selectively releasing the conditioned air present in the air distribution duct towards the growing trays of the two rows of trays.

[0010] Preferably, the cultivation system is also realized as defined in the corresponding appended claims.

[0011] The present invention further relates to a method of operating a cultivation system for cultivating plants, the cultivation system comprising: a closed cultivation container extending along a horizontal reference axis and having vertical side walls extending parallel to said reference axis; a plurality of cultivation trays for cultivating plants, the cultivation trays being arranged in the cultivation container substantially horizontally alongside one another in suitable positions and overlying a series of cultivation planes, the series of cultivation planes being arranged one on top of the other at respective preset heights relative to the horizontal reference plane to form a plurality of vertical rows of the cultivation trays; and an air conditioning system, the air conditioning system directing conditioned air into at least one box-shaped container. and an air conditioning system configured to feed air into the growing containers by an air distribution duct, the air distribution duct being vertically interposed between two vertical rows of growing trays, the air distribution duct including two air diffusion walls opposite each other, the two air diffusion walls extending on respective vertical planes parallel to each other and to the reference axis, the two air diffusion walls having support means structured to support the growing trays disposed above the two rows of trays in their respective growing planes, the two air diffusion walls having a plurality of through openings for selectively releasing conditioned air present in the air distribution duct towards the growing trays of the two rows of trays.

[0012] Preferably, an operating method for a cultivation system is provided as defined in the corresponding appended claims.

[0013] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show non-limiting embodiments thereof. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic plan view of a vertically constructed cultivation system for the production of plants implemented in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows cross section II of the vertically constructed cultivation system shown in FIG. 1 with parts removed for clarity and parts on an enlarged scale. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic side view of an air diffusion wall included within the subject matter of the vertically constructed growing system of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view with enlarged scale parts of an air diffusion wall included within the subject matter of the vertically constructed cultivation system of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view with enlarged scale parts of an air diffusion wall included within the subject matter of the vertically constructed cultivation system of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the subject matter of a vertically constructed growing system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so as to enable those skilled in the art to realize and use the present invention. Various modifications of the described embodiments will be immediately apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles disclosed may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, as defined in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the present invention should not be considered as being limited to the embodiments described and shown, but it should be accorded the widest scope of protection consistent with the principles and features described and claimed herein.

[0016] The invention is essentially based on the idea of ​​using an air distribution duct with a box shape (approximately parallelepiped), which is formed by a vertical air diffusion wall on which through-openings are obtained, which are arranged above a horizontal growing surface in order to diffuse conditioned air towards the growing trays lying on the growing surface itself.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1, reference number 1 indicates a vertically constructed cultivation system for cultivating plants.

[0018] In the following discussion, the term plant will be understood to mean any plant product. Preferably, the plant product is for food use. By way of non-limiting example, the plants can include salad, vegetable, herb (e.g., rocket, basil, mint), or similar selections. However, it will be understood that the subject matter of the cultivation system of the present invention is not limited to the cultivation of food-grade plants of the types listed above, but that it can be used in addition to, or as an alternative to, the cultivation of other types of plants (e.g., flowers or plants) commonly grown in conventional greenhouses.

[0019] The growing system 1 comprises a temperature and / or humidity controlled container (hereinafter referred to as a conditioned / conditioned growing container 2). The growing container 2 is essentially closed and can comprise, for example, a box-shaped body / module. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the growing container 2 extends along a reference axis A and has a generally parallelepiped shape. It is understood that the present invention is not limited to a growing container 2 corresponding to a module, but can also correspond to a closed room in a building (shed).

[0020] With reference to the schematic embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, a vertically constructed growing system 1 comprises one or more support frames 3, which are arranged inside the growing containers 2 and preferably rest on a horizontal plane Z.

[0021] The cultivation system 1 also includes a series of cultivation trays 5 for cultivating plants, the cultivation trays 5 being mounted on a frame 3. Referring to the accompanying drawing, the cultivation trays 5 are supported by the frame 3 so that they overlie a series of horizontal cultivation planes Pi (i ranging from 1 to n), the cultivation planes Pi being arranged one on top of the other, at predetermined distances from each other associated with respective levels or heights Li (i varying from 1 to n) measured along a vertical axis B relative to a plane Z.

[0022] The growing trays 5 can have a polygonal shape and are structured to support and grow plants. According to a preferred embodiment, the growing trays 5 have a generally rectangular shape and preferably have the same dimensions. The growing trays 5 can be structured so that they are stably connected onto the frame 3 but are easily removable / detachable (separable).

[0023] In the example shown in Figure 1, the growing trays 5 lying on the same growing plane Pi (i varies between 1 and n) are arranged one after the other, substantially coplanar, so as to form one or more rows (only two of which are shown in Figure 1) next to each other, which extend into the growing container 2 and are parallel to each other and to the reference axis A. Preferably, the growing trays 5 of one row are adjacent to each of the growing trays 5 of the other rows present in the same growing plane Pi.

[0024] In the example shown, rows of growing trays 5 of a growing plane Pi are arranged below and / or above associated rows of growing trays lying on other growing planes Pi, such that they are vertically aligned and thus form associated vertical columns of rows of growing trays 5.

[0025] 1 and 2 and the following discussion, solely for the purpose of enhancing understanding of the present invention (but without limiting its scope), depict two vertical columns formed by two rows of growing trays 5, the two columns being vertically oriented, adjacent to each other, and extending along a plane Z parallel to the reference axis A. However, it is understood that the growing system 1 according to the present invention is not limited to two columns of rows of growing trays 5, but can include multiple columns. It is further understood that the number of growing trays 5 in each row and / or the number of rows of growing trays 5 present on each growing plane Pi and / or the number of tray columns and / or the number of growing planes Pi can be varied according to the dimensional and / or production characteristics of the growing system 1.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, the cultivation system 1 further includes an air conditioning system 6 (or conditioning system), which is configured to condition air and deliver it into the cultivation container 2.

[0027] The conditioning system 6 includes a conditioning device 20 configured to generate / provide a conditioned air flow (i.e., air flow FA), where at least the temperature and humidity are automatically controlled based on the cultivation process implemented by the cultivation system 1.

[0028] The conditioning system 6 further comprises one or more air distribution ducts 9 (only one of which is shown in the accompanying figures) arranged inside the growing container 2, and at least one delivery duct 7 connecting the conditioning device 20 to the one or more air distribution ducts 9.

[0029] With reference to the accompanying figures, the air distribution duct 9 is preferably made from a metal material (sheet metal) and extends parallel to the axis A. The air distribution duct 9 has a box shape and has a generally rectangular vertically elongated cross section transverse to the axis A.

[0030] The air distribution duct 9 is preferably formed by an internally hollow body, which is parallelepipedal in shape and vertically elongated. In the example shown, the air distribution duct 9 has two preferably flat lateral air diffusion walls 10 lying on respective substantially vertical planes spaced apart and parallel to each other and to the axis A. The air distribution duct 9 further has a flat horizontal lower wall 11 perpendicular to the vertical walls 10 and parallel to the axis A, a flat horizontal upper wall 12 parallel to the lower wall 11, and two opposite flat vertical side walls 13 perpendicular to the axis A. Preferably, the air distribution duct 9 can be modular, i.e., it can be divided into a plurality of vertical sections which are configured to be connected at the associated flanks or side walls 13 in use so that they are flush with each other. For this purpose, on the side wall portions 13 (which are intended to be connected to one another), through openings (not shown) may be obtained, preferably vertical slits configured to allow the conditioned air to pass through the vertical portions constituting the air distribution ducts 9.

[0031] According to the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the air distribution duct 9 preferably has a lower wall 11, which preferably rests on the plane Z, for example by means of feet or a pedestal.

[0032] In the example shown, the air distribution duct 9 is interposed between two columns of a row of stacked growing trays 5 and has two air diffusion walls 10, the two air diffusion walls 10 being adjacent to each of the two columns of the row of growing trays 5.

[0033] Through openings 14 are obtained on the two vertical walls 10, the through openings 14 being arranged so that they face the respective growing trays 5 present in the growing plane Pi.

[0034] The air distribution duct 9 extends vertically with its upper wall 12 lying on a plane arranged above the growing plane Pn, on which the growing trays lie, placed at a maximum height Ln from the plane Z. The height of the air diffusion wall 10 is advantageously greater than or equal to the maximum height Ln of the growing plane Pi (i=n).

[0035] The air distribution duct 9 extends horizontally such that the distance between its side walls 13 is greater than or equal to the length of the row of growing trays 5 measured parallel to the axis A. The length of the air distribution wall 10 measured horizontally (parallel to the axis A) is advantageously greater than or equal to the length of the row of growing trays 5.

[0036] It will be understood that the vertical and / or horizontal dimensions of the vertical wall portion 10 can be varied as desired according to one or more of the following characteristics: the internal dimensions of the growing container 2, the number of growing planes Pi and / or the number of growing trays 5, the dimensions and shape of the growing trays 5.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the air distribution duct 9 is connected at the top to the delivery duct 7 and is structured to receive conditioned air and selectively diffuse it to the growing trays 5 through through openings 14. Preferably, the connection can be made by making through openings in the upper wall 12 that communicate directly with the delivery duct 7. For example, the upper wall 12 can also define a lower horizontal wall of the delivery duct 7 and can be perforated. Preferably, the upper wall 12 can comprise a perforated metal sheet.

[0038] The technical effect obtained thanks to the air distribution ducts 9 is to generate an air flow FL that directly brushes the growing trays 5 and thus the plants being grown. By conveying conditioned air directly towards the growing trays 5 through the through-openings 14, it is possible to ensure uniformity of the air properties (at least humidity and temperature) surrounding the growing trays 5. In this way, uniform temperature and air humidity conditions are advantageously achieved in the space surrounding the growing trays 5 and the associated plants.

[0039] 1, 2 and 3, the through openings 14 may advantageously include slits 15. Preferably, the slits 15 extend horizontally on the air diffusion wall 10, linearly and parallel to each other and to the axis A. Preferably, the slits 15 of one air diffusion wall 10 may be approximately flush with the slits 15 formed on the other air diffusion wall 10 of the air distribution duct 9. Preferably, the slits 15 may be formed on the air diffusion wall 10 such that they are parallel to and slightly above the associated growing plane Pi on which the growing trays 5 are placed.

[0040] Preferably, the slits 15 may face substantially one row of the growing trays 5 of the plane Pi and may be arranged below the row of the growing trays 5 of the immediately upper row associated with the plane Pi+1. Preferably, the slits 15 of each row of growing trays 5 of the growing plane Pi may be arranged parallel to the slits 15 of other rows of growing trays 5 present in other growing planes Pi.

[0041] Preferably, the slits 15 facing laterally to the rows of cultivation trays 5 arranged on the cultivation plane Pi are aligned with one another and can be longitudinally discontinuous between them, i.e. they can be longitudinally separated from one another by a preset stretch.

[0042] The Applicant has found that the use of linear slits 15 extending immediately adjacent to the rows of growing trays 5 has the technical effect of generating a generally horizontal laminar air flow that brushes the plant products present in the growing trays 5. The horizontal laminar air flow increases the uniformity of the air temperature and humidity because their horizontal extension covers the entire upper growing surface of the growing trays 5.

[0043] In the example shown, where the growing trays 5 of a row lie on the same growing plane Pi, the slits 15 of the two air diffusion walls 10 are coplanar and can be structured to convey air flows FL horizontally in opposite directions to each other.

[0044] The width of the slits 15 measured vertically can vary based on the air flow rate / volume to be provided to the growing tray 5. Preferably, the width of the slits 15 can range between about 2 mm and about 3 cm. The length of the slits 15 measured horizontally can vary based on the dimensions of the associated growing tray 5, for example, the length of its side facing the associated air diffusion wall 10.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment (not shown), each shutter or partition may be slidably positioned over the slit 15. The partitions may be coupled to the associated air diffusion wall 10 such that they may be vertically displaced between a closed position (e.g., a lowered position) in which they fully close the associated slit 15, and an open position in which they fully open the associated slit 15. The partitions may further be vertically displaced between the closed and open positions to regulate the amount of air released through the slit 15. The partitions may, for example, comprise elongated rectangular laminar plates of metal or similar material, which are configured to slide vertically while resting on one side of the associated air distribution wall 10, or vice versa, between the open and closed positions. The displacement of the partitions may be selectively controlled manually or, additionally or alternatively, via respective actuators that are electronically controlled by the electronic control system 100.

[0046] The technical effect of the movable partition is that the slits 15 can be selectively closed when there are no growing trays 5 and / or the flow rate of air released from each slit 15 can be adjusted according to the type of plants being grown in the adjacent growing trays 5.

[0047] In the example shown, the delivery duct 7 comprises a tubular element which preferably extends horizontally within the growing container 2 along the entire length of the air distribution duct 9 while remaining above the same.

[0048] The technical effect obtained by feeding air into the upper wall 12 of the air distribution duct 9 through the delivery duct 7 is to increase the uniformity of the air distribution pressure in the air distribution duct 9 itself, and therefore to ensure uniformity in the flow rate of the air flow FL exiting the slit 5.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the growing trays 5 are connected to the air distribution ducts 9 in an easily removable (separable) manner. Preferably, a guide or support element 18 can be arranged on the air diffusion wall 10, for example a horizontal plate-like element, which is stably fixed on the air diffusion wall 10 and has a protruding horizontal inner part on which the growing trays 5 are arranged to rest.

[0050] 5 and 6, the support elements 18 of the growing tray 5 are preferably positioned on the wall 10, directly below the slits 15 that release air toward the tray 5 itself. Preferably, the distance measured vertically between the support element 18 and the associated adjacent slit 15 can closely approximate the vertical thickness of the tray 5, e.g., measured at the resting side. In this way, the laminar air flow generated by the slits 15 is advantageously directed to fill / transverse the plant product in the tray 5 itself.

[0051] In the example shown, the growing tray 5 is substantially rectangular in shape, with one side supported by the air distribution duct 9 and the opposite side supported by a vertical column or wall of the frame 3 (Figure 5).

[0052] According to an embodiment (not shown), the cultivation system 1 may include a plurality of air distribution ducts 9 extending parallel to each other and to the axis A at a predetermined distance from each other that substantially corresponds to the width of the cultivation tray 5 measured transversely to the axis A. According to this embodiment, the cultivation tray 5 has opposite sides parallel to the axis A, which are both supported by two adjacent air distribution ducts 9. For example, the cultivation tray 5 may include one side that is arranged to rest on a support element 18 of the air diffusion wall 10 of one distribution duct 9 and an opposite (parallel) side that is arranged to rest on a support element 18 of the air diffusion wall 10 of another adjacent air distribution duct 9.

[0053] It is further understood that, according to a possible embodiment, the air distribution duct 9 can have through openings 14 on one vertical wall 10, while the other vertical wall 10 can have no through openings 14. This embodiment can, for example, include only a column of a row of growing trays 5 facing an air diffusion wall 10 with through openings 14, while the other air diffusion wall 10 can have no adjacent growing trays 5.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the conditioning device 20 is arranged outside the growing container 2, and the delivery duct 7 extends into the growing container 2 such that it crosses the vertical wall 2 a of the growing container 2 and, due to the initial stretch, extends at least partially outside the vertical wall 2 a, and is connected with the outlet channel of the conditioning device 20 to receive the conditioned air.

[0055] The air conditioning system 6 further comprises at least one suction duct 8, which is structured to have one or more suction openings 21 arranged in the growing container 2.

[0056] In the example shown, the suction duct 8 extends from the growing container 2 through the vertical wall 2a to the outside thereof and is connected to an inlet channel to the conditioning device 20 to provide it with air to be treated / conditioned. In the example shown, the suction openings 21 are arranged in the growing container 2 in a substantially vertical direction, flush with one another, one above the other and at different heights. It will be understood that the suction openings 21 may also be located in positions in the growing container 2 other than those shown in the accompanying figures. For example, according to an embodiment (not shown), the suction openings 21 may be located on the bottom wall of the growing container, i.e., in plane Z or in a side wall of the growing container on a plane parallel to the axis A.

[0057] Referring to the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the air conditioning system 6 further includes a ventilation assembly 40, which is arranged along the delivery duct 7 and is configured to generate air flow inside the delivery duct 7 itself and convey it into the air distribution duct 9 at a specific flow rate / pressure.

[0058] With reference to the preferred exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the ventilation assembly 40 includes a tubular duct connected to the delivery duct 7 and one or more fans (only one of which is shown in the accompanying figures) disposed within the tubular duct to receive conditioned air from an inlet channel at a particular flow rate / pressure and generate a flow of conditioned air in an outlet channel having a preset flow rate / pressure greater than the flow rate / pressure present in the inlet channel.

[0059] Preferably, the ventilation assembly 40 may be integrated into the delivery duct 7 such that a fan is located downstream of the conditioning device 20 and immediately upstream of the air distribution duct 9 .

[0060] Advantageously, the fan may be located in the middle stretch of the delivery duct 7 between the vertical wall 2 a and the side wall 13 of the air distribution duct 9 .

[0061] It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to locating a single fan in the intermediate stretch of the delivery duct 7, and the invention may alternatively and / or additionally provide one or more fans in the end stretch of the delivery duct 7 extending immediately above (i.e. adjacent the upper wall 12) the air distribution duct 9. Preferably, the fans may be intubated axial fans.

[0062] The applicant has found that the use of a ventilation assembly 40 along the associated delivery duct 7 close to each air distribution duct 9 has the technical effect of optimizing the release of conditioned air at the growing trays 5 and ensuring the possibility of conveying a high air flow rate into the air distribution duct 9 (which is higher than the flow rate achievable by using the conditioning device 20 alone).

[0063] This solves either the technical problem of high power consumption by the regulating device 20 or the technical problem of the difficulty in generating a laminar flow FL with a high air flow rate. Indeed, to compensate for the pressure drop along the initial stretch of the delivery duct 7 and to ensure the realization of a high flow rate in the air distribution duct 9 and through the slits 15, it is necessary to use a regulating device 20 with a particularly powerful ventilation system, the power consumption of which, however, has a large impact on the overall power consumption of the regulating device 20.

[0064] Therefore, the use of a ventilation assembly 40 in the delivery duct 7 close to the air distribution duct 9 makes it possible, on the one hand, to guarantee a certain flow rate in the air distribution duct 9 and the ability to generate a laminar flow FL characterized by high intensity in the plants, and, on the other hand, to use a conditioning device 20 with a reduced-power ventilation system so as to significantly reduce its electrical consumption.

[0065] The electronic control system 100 is further configured to selectively control a ventilation assembly 40 disposed in the associated delivery duct 7. Preferably, the electronic control system 100 is configured to selectively control the rotational speed of a fan of the ventilation assembly 40 to regulate the air flow rate emitted from the air distribution duct 9 towards the associated grow tray 5.

[0066] The technical effect obtained either thanks to the use of a ventilation assembly 40 in each delivery duct 7 or by selective control of the ventilation assembly 40 itself is that the air distribution in the air distribution ducts 9 can be precisely regulated. In this way, it is possible to regulate the laminar flow rate emitted from the slits 15 of the air distribution ducts 9 according to the cultivation procedure implemented and / or the type of plant product being cultivated in the cultivation trays 5 adjacent to the air distribution duct 9 itself.

[0067] Referring to the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the cultivation system 1 further includes a feeding system 22 (schematically shown in FIG. 1 ) for feeding liquid to the cultivation trays 5. The feeding system 22 can preferably be aeroponics and is structured to selectively spray liquid in the cultivation trays 5. It is understood that the liquid can be based on a mixture of water and nutrients (fertilizer) suitable for the plants. The feeding system 22 can be structured to selectively and in a controlled manner in terms of amount and / or type and / or moment by spraying the liquid into the cultivation trays 5.

[0068] 1 , the feed system 22 may include, for each horizontal row of growing trays 5, at least one delivery pipe or duct 23 through which liquid is circulated, and a series of spraying devices (e.g., nozzles (not shown)) preferably positioned directly below the growing trays 5 in the growing plane Pi for spraying liquid towards the lower surface of said growing trays 5, and which are hydraulically connected to the delivery duct 23 for receiving liquid from the feed assembly 24. The feed assembly 24 is of a known type and therefore will not be described further other than to specify that it may include a liquid-containing tank (not shown) and a hydraulic pump (not shown) that draws liquid from the tank and provides it at the input to the delivery duct 23.

[0069] 1 , the cultivation system 1 may further include a liquid suction system 25, which is structured to suck the dispersed sprayed liquid into each of the cultivation trays 5. According to the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, the liquid suction system 25 includes a liquid collection tank 26, which is located directly below the cultivation trays 5 and is structured to collect and contain liquid that settles during spraying. The liquid suction system 25 may further include a suction duct, which extends into the liquid collection tank 26 and is connected to a suction device 27, which is configured to suck liquid from the liquid collection tank and empty the liquid collection tank in use.

[0070] Referring to the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1, the cultivation system 1 preferably further includes a lighting system 28 configured for controlled illumination of the plant products in the cultivation trays 5. Preferably, the cultivation system 1 may include a plurality of LEDs, which are preferably arranged on a support bar 29 located above the cultivation trays 5 (Figure 6).

[0071] The electronic control system 100 includes one or more electronic control units configured to oversee the cultivation processes implemented by the cultivation system 1. Among other things, the electronic control system 100 is configured to control the regulation system 6, the feeding system 22, the liquid suction system 25, and the lighting system 28.

[0072] The operating method for the cultivation system 1 essentially comprises the steps of activating the conditioning device 20 and feeding the conditioned air flow FA through the delivery duct 7 to the air distribution duct 9, which is adapted to diffuse the air flow FL through the slits 15 in the cultivation tray 5, and sucking the air FR from the cultivation container 2 through the suction duct 8.

[0073] The method includes selectively discharging conditioned air present in the air distribution duct through the through openings 14 toward the growing trays present in the two rows of trays in opposite directions to each other.

[0074] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of selectively activating the ventilation assemblies 40 to increase the rate of regulated air flow in the associated air distribution ducts 9 .

[0075] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of selectively controlling the rotational speed of the fan of the ventilation assembly 40 to regulate the rate of flow of the regulated air flow in the associated air distribution duct 9 .

[0076] The above-described cultivation system is advantageous because it ensures uniform distribution of air temperature and humidity in all cultivation planes of the system, guaranteeing the implementation of identical cultivation conditions in all trays.

[0077] In addition, the structure of the air distribution walls of each distribution duct advantageously allows for the distribution of air and the support of the trays at the same time without the need for additional frames, which allows for optimizing the space occupied inside the growing containers, reducing complexity, simplifying assembly and reducing the construction costs of the system.

[0078] The distribution of multiple air distribution ducts in the space inside the container further allows for improved uniformity of air temperature and humidity and avoids the need for repeated reversals of air flow direction in the system, where air diffusion is achieved by air emission from one side wall of the container and air suction from the opposite side wall of the container.

[0079] Finally, it is clear that modifications and variations can be made to the cultivation system and operation method described and shown above without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention according to the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1. Cultivation system 2 growing containers 2a Vertical wall 3 Support frame 5 cultivation trays 6. Air conditioning system, conditioning system 7 Delivery duct 8 Suction duct 9 Air distribution duct 10 Air diffusion wall, vertical wall, air distribution wall 11 Lower wall 12 Upper wall 13 Side wall 14 Through opening 15 Slit 18 Support element 20 Adjustment device 21 Suction opening 22 Feeding System 23 Delivery Duct 24 Feeding assembly 25 Liquid Aspiration System 26 Liquid collection tank 27 Suction device 28 Lighting System 29 Support bar 40 ventilation assembly 100 Electronic Control System A Reference axis B Vertical axis FA Air Flow FL Air Flow FR Air Li level, height Ln Maximum height Pi cultivation plane Pi+1 plane Pn cultivation plane Z plane

Claims

1. A cultivation system (1) for cultivating plants, the cultivation system (1) comprising: a closed growing container (2) extending along a horizontal reference axis (A) and having vertical side walls extending parallel to said reference axis (A); a plurality of cultivation trays (5) for cultivating the plants, the cultivation trays (5) being arranged in the cultivation container (2) in suitable positions next to each other in a substantially horizontal direction and lying on a series of cultivation planes (Pi), the series of cultivation planes (Pi) being arranged one above the other at respective preset heights (Li) relative to a horizontal reference plane (Z), thereby forming a plurality of vertical rows of the cultivation trays (5); In the cultivation system (1), The cultivation system includes an air conditioning system (6) configured to deliver conditioned air into the cultivation containers (2) through at least a box-shaped air distribution duct (9), the air distribution duct (9) being vertically interposed between two vertical rows of cultivation trays (5); The air distribution duct (9) comprises two air diffusion walls (10) arranged opposite each other, the two air diffusion walls (10) extending on respective vertical planes parallel to each other and to the reference axis (A); The two air diffusion walls (10) have support means (18), which are structured to support the growing trays (5) arranged on the two rows of the growing trays in each of the growing planes, and the two air diffusion walls (10) have a plurality of through openings (14) for selectively releasing the conditioned air present in the air distribution duct (9) toward the growing trays (5) of the two rows of the growing trays; The air conditioning system (6) comprises a conditioning device (20) designed to generate conditioned air and at least one delivery duct (7) connecting the conditioning device (20) to at least one of the air distribution ducts (9), the air distribution duct (9) being connected at its upper part to the delivery duct (7), the delivery duct (7) comprising a tubular element that extends horizontally inside the growing container (2) along the entire length of the air distribution duct (9) while remaining above the air distribution duct (9); said growing trays (5) being connected in a removable and separable manner to the associated air distribution ducts (9) via said support means (18); The cultivation system (1), characterized in that the through opening (14) includes a slit (15), which extends linearly and parallel to the reference axis (A) and to the cultivation plane (Pi) of the cultivation tray (5).

2. 2. The cultivation system of claim 1, further comprising a partition wall slidably mounted on the vertical air diffusion wall portion (10) at the through opening to regulate the conditioned air supplied to the cultivation tray (5).

3. 3. The cultivation system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising two air distribution ducts (9) that are parallel and spaced apart from each other, interposed between two respective rows of cultivation trays, supporting the associated cultivation trays (5) by means of the support means (18), and both discharging the conditioned air towards the respective two rows of trays through the respective through openings (14).

4. 4. The cultivation system according to claim 1, wherein the cultivation tray (5) comprises one side arranged to rest on the support means (18) of the air diffusion wall (10) of the distribution duct (9) and an opposite side arranged to rest on a vertical support frame (3).

5. 4. The cultivation system according to claim 3, wherein the air distribution duct (9) is arranged at an intermediate position in the inner space of the cultivation container (2) and is spaced apart and separated from the vertical side walls of the cultivation container (2).

6. 4. The cultivation system according to claim 3, wherein the air distribution ducts (9) extend parallel to each other and to the reference axis (A) at a predetermined distance from each other corresponding to the width of the cultivation tray (5), the cultivation tray (5) comprising one side arranged to rest on a support means (18) of an air diffusion wall (10) of one distribution duct (9) and an opposite side arranged to rest on a support means (18) of the air diffusion wall (10) of another adjacent air distribution duct (9).

7. 2. The cultivation system according to claim 1, wherein the slits (15) of the air diffusion wall (10) of the air distribution duct (9) are coplanar and structured to convey air flows (FL) horizontally in opposite directions to each other.

8. 8. The cultivation system according to claim 7, wherein the slits (15) face a row of cultivation trays (5) in the cultivation plane (Pi) and are arranged below a row of cultivation trays (5) in the plane immediately above.

9. 9. A cultivation system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the slits (15) of each row of cultivation trays (5) of a cultivation plane (Pi) are arranged parallel to the slits (15) of other rows of cultivation trays (5) present in other cultivation planes (Pi).

10. 9. A cultivation system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the slits (15) facing laterally to the rows of cultivation trays (5) arranged on the cultivation plane (Pi) are aligned with one another and are longitudinally discontinuous between them, such that they are longitudinally separated from one another by a predetermined stretch.

11. 11. The cultivation system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cultivation system comprises at least one ventilation assembly (40) arranged along the delivery duct (7) to receive the conditioned air and configured to generate a flow of conditioned air and convey the flow of conditioned air inside the delivery duct (7) into each air distribution duct (9) at a preset flow rate / pressure.

12. 12. The cultivation system of claim 11, wherein the ventilation assembly (40) comprises one or more fans arranged along the delivery duct (7) and adapted to receive the conditioned air from an inlet channel at a specific flow rate / pressure and to generate a flow of conditioned air in an outlet channel having a preset flow rate / pressure greater than the flow rate / pressure present in the inlet channel.

13. 13. The cultivation system according to claim 12, wherein the cultivation system includes electronic means (100) configured to selectively control the rotation speed of the fan of the ventilation assembly (40) to regulate the air flow rate emitted from the air distribution duct (9) towards the associated cultivation tray (5).

14. 14. A cultivation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air distribution duct (9) is made from a metallic material.

15. 15. The cultivation system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the air conditioning system (6) further comprises at least one suction duct (8), the at least one suction duct (8) being structured to have one or more suction openings (21) arranged in the cultivation container (2).

16. 16. The cultivation system according to claim 15, wherein the suction duct (8) extends from the cultivation container (2) through the vertical wall (2a) to the outside thereof and is connected to an inlet channel to a conditioning device (20) to provide the conditioning device (20) with air to be treated / conditioned.

17. 17. The cultivation system according to claim 16, wherein the suction openings (21) are arranged in the cultivation container (2) in a substantially vertical direction, flush with one another, one above the other and at different heights.

18. 17. The cultivation system according to claim 16, wherein the suction opening (21) is arranged on the bottom wall of the cultivation container (2).

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