Closed plant cultivation greenhouse

Abstract

A closed system greenhouse comprises a cultivation structure(l), temperature control devices(2), humidity control devices(3), nursery modules(4), a liquid piping system(5), and carbon dioxide control equipment(6), all installed within the closed system greenhouse. The cultivation structure) 1) includes vertical planting beds and lighting panels arranged parallel. The planting beds are C-shaped and stacked vertically to support plant seedlings in a vertical alignment. The nursery modules(4) include lighting panels, planting trays, and fertilization systems, installed within a structure comprising a base and walls.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title of Invention

[0003] Closed Plant Cultivation Greenhouse

[0004] Technical Field

[0005] Engineering related to agriculture, particularly concerning greenhouses, specifically closed system greenhouses.

[0006] Background Art

[0007] Agriculture has been a cornerstone of human society for a long time, with the goal of producing a variety of consumable and usable products.

[0008] Since the agricultural revolution, humans have transitioned from foraging to cultivating plants for their own consumption. This shift provided greater food security than in the past, leading to societal expansion and the flourishing of arts and sciences, which are the foundations of prosperous civilizations.

[0009] From ancient times to the present, even though there has been significant development in knowledge and technology, farmers still rely on natural factors to control the quantity and quality of their produce. These factors include seasons, temperature, sunlight, and even insects.

[0010] Relying on these natural factors results in significant production instability. Therefore, modem agriculture aims to develop greenhouse systems in a closed or semi-closed manner to better control these natural factors and ensure stable production. This is demonstrated by the following prior inventions:

[0011] Patent Application Number: 1003000682 Title of Invention: Pre-fabricated Planting Bed

[0012] The pre-fabricated planting bed includes side frames for attaching to desired walls or covering with a back panel. One part of the side frame acts as a

[0013] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) water reservoir with a pump to deliver water to the planting section, consisting of water tubes with perforations or water outlets to irrigate the plants. The space between the side frames serves as a base for soil or plant pots, with a back channel to allow water to flow from top to bottom.

[0014] Patent Application Number: 1903002636 Title of Invention: Mushroom and Vegetable Cultivation System Using Tubes

[0015] This system Mushroom and Vegetable Cultivation System Using Tubes includes tubes with air-tight doors, ensuring air flows only from one end with a cooling unit and sensors to monitor temperature and humidity, sending data to a control box to adjust conditions suitable for mushrooms or vegetables inside the tubes.

[0016] Patent Application Number: 1703000058 Title of Invention: Plant Factory System

[0017] The plant factory system comprises a structure, an air conditioning and circulation system, or an artificial light system. The structure of the plant factory is a semi-enclosed room with thermal insulation that exchanges air with the outside. It includes an air conditioning and circulation system to control temperature or ventilate the plant house, as well as an artificial light system that provides white light with a color temperature between 2,500 - 7,500 Kelvin. The plant factory system also includes an irrigation system with a timed nutrient solution supply to promote plant growth. This planting system allows seedlings to be grown in any climate and any place with electricity. The yield per unit area per year is higher than that of traditional field planting, and the construction and installation costs of various systems in the plant house are not high.

[0018] However, the previous planting systems mostly use horizontal planting, which requires a high amount of space and energy for plant care. Furthermore, seedling nurseries are separate from the main plant house, leading to discontinuity

[0019] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) in production. To solve these issues, the closed-system plant house according to this invention includes a nursery module within the plant house and vertical planting, reducing space and increasing the quality of light and nutrient supply. This, in turn, reduces energy and maintenance costs while allowing plants to be grown in a variety of climates.

[0020] Summary of Invention

[0021] The closed system greenhouse comprises a cultivation structure, temperature control devices, humidity control devices, nursery modules, liquid piping systems, and carbon dioxide control equipment installed within the greenhouse. The cultivation structure includes vertical planting beds and lighting panels arranged parallel. Each bed supports vertically stacked plant seedlings, with integrated nursery modules containing lighting panels, planting trays, and fertilization systems.

[0022] This invention aims to provide a closed system greenhouse with integrated nurseries and vertical planting to improve space efficiency, lighting quality, and fertilization, reducing energy and maintenance costs while enabling diverse weather conditions for plant growth.

[0023] Brief Description of Drawings

[0024] Figure 1: Side view of one embodiment of the closed system greenhouse.

[0025] Figure 2: Top view of one embodiment of the closed system greenhouse.

[0026] Figure 3: Rear view of one embodiment of the closed system greenhouse.

[0027] Description of Embodiments

[0028] The invention will be detailed with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it may be embodied in various forms and should not be limited to the illustrated examples. These drawings aim to provide a clear and

[0029] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) complete disclosure for those skilled in the relevant field to fully understand.

[0030] Thickness and areas in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a side view of one embodiment of the closed system greenhouse according to this invention.

[0032] Figure 2 shows a top view of one embodiment of the closed system greenhouse according to this invention, wherein the closed system greenhouse comprises a cultivation structure (1), temperature control devices (2), humidity control devices (3), a liquid piping system (5), and carbon dioxide control equipment (6) installed within the area, which is suitably configured as a closed system. In another embodiment, the closed system greenhouse may additionally comprise at least one nursery module (4) installed within.

[0033] The cultivation structure (1) of this invention is intended to be the planting area for the closed system greenhouse. The suitable cultivation structure (1) comprises at least one planting bed and lighting panel positioned parallel to each other in a vertical arrangement.

[0034] The planting beds according to this invention are C-shaped in cross - section, arranged in a panel with each bed being a vertical planting bed that supports plant seedlings in a vertical stack.

[0035] Parallel to the plane of the planting beds, at least one lighting panel is arranged, which is an LED panel to provide light for the plants in the planting beds.

[0036] The suitable cultivation structure (1) allows the planting beds and lighting panels to slide in and out or side to side, either together or separately, to enhance planting efficiency and save energy in lighting.

[0037] The temperature control devices (2) are intended to maintain the temperature within the closed system greenhouse. The temperature control devices (2) comprise both hot and cold coils for exchanging temperature between

[0038] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) hot and cold air using a refrigerant circulating within the temperature control devices (2) according to this invention.

[0039] The temperature control device (2) in an appropriate form is an air conditioner (Air condition). In the closed greenhouse according to this invention, the temperature control device (2) is connected to the air duct (21) at least one position. The duct is hollow to allow air to flow through. The air outlet from the air duct (21) is positioned suitably to distribute the conditioned air throughout the closed greenhouse according to this invention, ensuring an efficient and uniform temperature distribution.

[0040] The outlet of the air duct 21 can be arranged to release air from the ceiling, or to release air from the front to the back, or to release air from the back to the front. The air distribution should be in a single direction, to create a continuous airflow and avoid turbulence, which saves energy and ensures an even temperature distribution.

[0041] Additionally, the suitable closed system greenhouse comprises at least one humidity control device (3) in the form of desiccants, ventilation fans, or a combination thereof to control the humidity level within the greenhouse by reducing excess humidity from temperature control or watering.

[0042] This does not limit the scope of the humidity control devices (3), which may alternatively be misting systems to control the humidity level in the air as specified.

[0043] The nursery modules (4) according to this invention are intended for growing seedlings within the closed system greenhouse. The suitable nursery modules (4) comprise at least one lighting panel, planting tray, and fertilization system, installed within a structure comprising a base and walls.

[0044] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) In one suitable embodiment, the nursery modules (4) are hydroponic systems, which do not use soil but rely on water flow to deliver nutrients to the seedlings.

[0045] The planting trays and lighting panels within the nursery modules (4) are arranged parallel in horizontal layers, forming stacked sets.

[0046] In each layer of the planting trays and lighting panels, continuous water flow delivers nutrients from the fertilization system installed within the nursery modules (4) to the seedlings. This allows for separate cultivation of different seedlings in each layer, as they require different nutrients and lighting conditions.

[0047] The suitable fertilization system according to this invention is a liquid fertilizer system with type A and B fertilizers mixed in appropriate proportions for different plants before distribution to the planting trays or cultivation structure (1).

[0048] Additionally, in another suitable embodiment, the nursery modules (4) are integrated with at least one position of the liquid piping system (5) to distribute fluids, such as water or fertilizers, from the fertilization system to the cultivation structure (1).

[0049] Figure 3 shows a rear view of one embodiment of the closed system greenhouse according to this invention, comprising at least one position of the liquid piping system (5) to distribute fluids throughout the greenhouse. The liquid piping system (5) comprises a network of hollow pipes connected to the drip irrigation system (51), liquid storage tank (52), and nursery modules (4), either separately or together.

[0050] The drip irrigation system (51) distributes fluids, such as water or fertilizers, to the plants in the planting beds continuously at predetermined intervals.

[0051] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) The liquid storage tank (52) according to this invention stores fluids, such as water or fertilizers, before distribution to the drip irrigation system (51). The suitable liquid storage tank (52) is a typical container comprising a base and walls.

[0052] Additionally, another suitable embodiment of the liquid piping system (5) is connected to at least one water pump installed within the liquid storage tank (52) or fertilization system for pumping fluids to the target through the liquid piping system (5) according to this invention.

[0053] The carbon dioxide control equipment (6) according to this invention maintains carbon dioxide levels in the air of the closed system greenhouse. The suitable embodiment comprises a container holding carbon dioxide gas, controlled to release the gas to replenish the air when the carbon dioxide level drops below a specified threshold.

[0054] In another suitable embodiment, the closed system greenhouse according to this invention comprises at least one sensor, which may be temperature sensors, humidity sensors, carbon dioxide sensors, oxygen sensors, pH sensors, either separately or together, to monitor conditions within the closed system greenhouse. These sensors work with control systems to send commands to various equipment within the greenhouse, ensuring appropriate temperature, humidity, or carbon dioxide levels.

[0055] Any modifications or changes to this invention may be clearly understood and implemented by those skilled in the relevant field, and such modifications may fall within the scope and intent of the invention as defined by the attached claims.

[0056] Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0057] As detailed in the Description of Embodiments.

[0058] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

Claims

Claims1. A closed system greenhouse comprising a cultivation structure (1), temperature control devices (2), humidity control devices (3), a liquid piping system (5), and carbon dioxide control equipment (6), all installed within the greenhouse, characterized by:The cultivation structure (1) comprising at least one planting bed and lighting panel positioned parallel in a vertical arrangement. The planting beds are C-shaped and stacked vertically to support plant seedlings in a vertical alignment.The temperature control devices (2) comprising both hot and cold coils for exchanging heat between hot and cold air using a refrigerant circulating within the temperature control devices (2), connected to at least one hollow air duct (21) allowing air to flow through and exit at appropriate positions.The liquid piping system (5) comprising a hollow network connecting to a drip irrigation system (51) and a liquid storage tank (52).The carbon dioxide control equipment (6) comprising a container holding carbon dioxide gas, controlled to release the gas when the ambient carbon dioxide level drops below a specified threshold.

2. The closed system greenhouse according to claim 1, further comprising a nursery module (4) that includes at least one lighting panel, planting tray, and fertilization system, all installed within a structure comprising a base and walls. The planting trays and lighting panels are arranged parallel in horizontal layers, with each layer stacked vertically, and integrated with the liquid piping system (5) for distributing fluids to the cultivation structure (1).SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)3. The closed system greenhouse according to claim 1, wherein the cultivation structure (1) is configured such that the planting beds and lighting panels can slide in and out or side to side, either separately or in combination.

4. The closed system greenhouse according to claim 1, wherein the temperature control devices (2) are air conditioners.

5. The closed system greenhouse according to claim 1, wherein the air ducts (21) release air from the ceiling, from front to back, or from back to front, ensuring continuous airflow in a single direction.

6. The closed system greenhouse according to claim 1, wherein the humidity control devices (3) include desiccants, ventilation fans, or misting systems to control humidity levels.

7. The closed system greenhouse according to claim 1, wherein the fertilization system comprises a liquid fertilizer system with type A and B fertilizers mixed in appropriate proportions for different plant types before being distributed to the planting trays or cultivation structure (1).

8. The closed system greenhouse according to claim 1, wherein the drip irrigation system (51) distributes fluids to plants in the planting beds continuously at predetermined intervals.

9. The closed system greenhouse according to claim 1, wherein the liquid storage tank (52) is a container comprising a base and walls for holding fluids.

10. The closed system greenhouse according to claim 1, wherein the liquid piping system (5) is connected to at least one water pump installed within the liquid storage tank (52) or fertilization system.SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

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