Synergistic aeroponic greenhouse

Abstract

Described herein is a synergistic aeroponic greenhouse that houses aeroponically grown plants that not only serves the purpose of growing plants, but also serves the plurality of purpose of evaporative cooling of the greenhouse, providing structural support to the greenhouse and its roof, and helps in isolating the multiple shoot (108) zones to reduce pest spread. A vertically oriented aeroponic plant supporting structure (s) encloses a continuous and long root zone (103) that receives mist. The aeroponic misters (205) positioned within the root zone (103) sprays fine mist on the suspended roots. A continuous and long shoot zone (108) is defined by the sides of the vertically oriented aeroponic structure. The frame structure of the side walls of the aeroponic plant supporting structure also serves as a load bearing member of both said greenhouse as well as the vertically oriented aeroponic plant supporting structure.

Description

[0001] SYNERGISTIC AEROPONIC GREENHOUSE

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS: This application is a PCT application that claims priority to and the benefit of the non-provisional patent application titled “Synergistic aeroponic greenhouse”, application number 202341072476, filed in the Indian Patent Office on 24 October 2O23.The specification of the above referenced patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] This invention in general relates to agricultural equipment and greenhouse structure, and specifically refers to a greenhouse system with synergistic aeroponics.

[0005] Controlled environment agriculture in greenhouses in tropical regions or in the hot summer seasons in cold regions face overheating challenges. The “greenhouse” effect traps heat from the sun within the greenhouse, and exemplarily, the temperature within the greenhouse may be in the range 4 to 8 Celsius exceed over the ambient temperature external to the greenhouse.

[0006] There is a need to cool the internal greenhouse environment in warmer periods to create an optimum growing environment for plants. For example, in the case of growing greens such as Lettuce, the ideal growing temperature is about 24C with 75% humidity with sufficient airflow and carbon dioxide.

[0007] In non-ventilated greenhouses, insufficient venting / air exchange will lower carbon dioxide levels in the greenhouse during the day, resulting in poor growth.

[0008] Compared to compressor based cooling systems, evaporative cooling is energy efficient for greenhouse applications. Currently, evaporative cooling in greenhouse is accomplished by either by fan and pad systems or by foggers. There are significant challenges in current cooling technologies applied to greenhouses. As a first challenge, the pads in fan and pad evaporative cooling system require to be maintained and serviced, and require a large amount of clean water. Poor quality water affects the performance of evaporative cooling in pads. Hence, the greenhouse consumes copious amounts of clean water for the fan and pad system as well as for irrigation of the plants.

[0009] As a second challenge, the fans applied in fan and pad cooling system are high pressure fans. High pressure is required to draw air through the wet pads to effect evaporative cooling. In terms of air exchange rate or air flow rate, the air flow efficiency of high pressure fans is lesser than that of low pressure fans large volume for a given energy input.

[0010] As a third challenge, greenhouses are typically tall structures and a large volume of air is heated up and a large volume of air within the greenhouse needs to be cooled. The height of the crop may be 15 cm, but the height of the greenhouse may be 800 cm. There is a need to reduce the height and volume of greenhouses and thereby reduce the cost of the structure of the greenhouse.

[0011] As a fourth challenge, energy is spent on additional circulation fans to move and mix air to avoid hotspots and to avoid air stratification within the greenhouse.

[0012] As a fifth challenge, there is a need to increase the planting density in a greenhouse. The Covid pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of the food system, and has reinforced the need to grow food locally. In order to grow food locally, at the point of consumption or near the point of consumption, and to be economically comparable to regular agriculture field production, the productivity of locally grown food must be high, planting density must be extremely high and the energy consumption must be low. There is an unmet need to increase the density of planting in orders of magnitude more than the productivity of existing agricultural and the currently available controlled environmental agriculture systems. Current agricultural system involve plantations in fields with transport taking time in the order of weeks or days over long distances. With the given agricultural productivity per acre of land, by 2050 we will run out of agricultural land to feed the growing population. There is an urgent need to develop growing systems with increased productivity. In addition to the lack of sufficient arable land by 2050, we may run short on energy for agricultural activities. Hence, we need to significantly increase the density of plants grown to make CEA economically viable.

[0013] In existing greenhouses, when pests enter greenhouse, the pests get established rather quickly given the ideal climatic conditions and food availability for pests. Hence, there is a need to control or minimize the spread of pests within the greenhouse. We need to reduce or eliminate pesticide application.

[0014] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The apparatus and system described herein addresses the above unmet challenges.

[0016] Described herein is a synergistic aeroponic greenhouse system that not only serves the purpose of growing plants efficiently by aeroponics, but also serves the triple purpose of evaporative cooling of the greenhouse, providing structural support to the greenhouse and its roof, and helps in isolating the multiple shoot zones thereby reducing or eliminating pest movement between zones.

[0017] The evaporatively cooled greenhouse comprises a vertically oriented aeroponic plant supporting structure (s) with side walls that enclose a continuous and long rootzone that receives aeroponic misting wherein roots are suspended in air. The aeroponic misters positioned within the root zone sprays fine mist on the suspended roots. A continuous and long shoot zone is defined by the sides of the vertically oriented aeroponic structure on which the leaves and stem part of the plant is exposed. The rootzone and shoot zone are separated by side walls of the aeroponic structure. The frame of the side walls of the aeroponic plant supporting structure also serves as a load bearing member of both the greenhouse as well as the vertically oriented aeroponic plant supporting structure.

[0018] Roof panels directly connect adjacent top section of the frame structures. Insect blocking mesh defines the interface of the continuous and long root zone of the vertically oriented aeroponic structure with the environment external to the greenhouse. Exhaust fans are located at one end of the long shoot zone. The exhaust fans draw external air through the mesh, pulls the external air throughout the length of the continuous and long root zone, and evaporatively cools and humidifies the external air as it the passes over misted roots and wet internal walls of the long root zone, and thereafter pulls the cooled and humidified air over the leaves and stem parts of plants, and exits the humidified air from the greenhouse.

[0019] Advantageously, the apparatus described herein reduces the temperature within the greenhouse by evaporative cooling, by synergistically utilizing the aeroponic root zone.

[0020] Advantageously, the apparatus described herein reduces the energy consumption by the application of energy efficient fans that do not necessarily require a high pressure rating.

[0021] Advantageously, the system described herein results in a shorter and compact greenhouse, thereby reducing the wind load and effectively reducing the cost of greenhouse construction. Advantageously, the system described herein results in a higher planting density using a substantially vertical frame.

[0022] Advantageously, the system described herein results in a lower cost of structure by applying the aeroponic frame itself as a supporting structure for the greenhouse.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawing. For illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawing. However, the invention is not limited to the specific components disclosed herein. The description of a component referenced by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that component shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates an evaporative cooled greenhouse structure wherein air external to the greenhouse is pulled in and cooled through the aeroponic root zone, and the cooled air is further passed through the shoot zone.

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates in detail the interior of the aeroponic root zone.

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates air conduits that channel air between the root zone and shoot zone.

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates the air movement into, within and exit out of the greenhouse. FIG. 5 illustrates the air movement into, within and exit out of the greenhouse, wherein additional internal fans generate air momentum within the greenhouse, and a buffer zone is included.

[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates the air movement and the inclusion of a buffer zone.

[0030] FIG. 7A illustrates a front sheet with cutouts.

[0031] FIG. 7B illustrates a roots penetrable thin film membrane.

[0032] FIG. 7C illustrates seed placements in the cutouts with the rear backing of a root penetrable thin film membrane.

[0033] FIG. 7D illustrates seedling growth in the cutouts with the rear backing of a root penetrable thin film membrane.

[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates an active component level architecture of an aeroponics system.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates an evaporative cooled greenhouse structure wherein air external to the greenhouse is pulled in and cooled through the aeroponic root zone 103, and the cooled air is further passed through the shoot zone 108. The evaporative cooled greenhouse comprises a vertically oriented aeroponic plant supporting structure (s) 104 with side walls 109 that encloses a continuous and long root zone 103 that receives aeroponic misting wherein roots are suspended in air. The aeroponic misters 205 positioned within the root zone 103 sprays fine mist 204 on the suspended roots 203. A continuous and long shoot zone 108 that is defined by the sides of the vertically oriented aeroponic structure on which leaves and above the root part of the part is exposed. The rootzone 103 and shoot zone 108 are separated by side walls 109. The frame structure 104 of the side walls of the aeroponic plant supporting structure also serves as a load bearing member of both said greenhouse as well as the vertically oriented aeroponic plant supporting structure.

[0037] The roof panels 101 directly connect adjacent top sections of frame structures 104. Insect blocking mesh 110 defines the interface of the continuous and long root zone 103 of the vertically oriented aeroponic structure with environment external to the greenhouse. Exhaust fans 102 are located at one end 106 of the long shoot zone 103. The exhaust fans 102 draw external air through the mesh 110, pulls the external air throughout the length of the continuous and long root zone 110, and evaporatively cools and humidifies the external air as it the passes over misted roots 203 and wet internal walls of the long root zone 103, and thereafter pulls the cooled and humidified air over the leaves and stem parts of plants, and exits the humidified air from the greenhouse.

[0038] The adjacent shoot zones 108, 111, 112 and 113 are isolated from one another by the fixation of insect blocking mesh at one end of the continuous and long shoot zones (not shown), and thereby pests are prevented from transmitting by air between shoot zones 108, 111, 112 and 113.

[0039] Exhaust fan(s) 102 is mounted on a non air permeable wall 105. Exemplarily, the non permeable wall 105 may be a flexible plastic sheet or a stiff polycarbonate, glass or fiber glass composite.

[0040] The vertically oriented aeroponic plant supporting structure is substantially triangular 104. The base of the triangular vertically oriented aeroponic structure is anchored to the ground via spikes (not shown). A rectangular section may also be implemented, however a triangular section provides greater resistance to twisting and torsion.

[0041] The base of the triangular vertically oriented aeroponic structure sits within a nutrient flow channel. The material of the nutrient flow channel is a water proof plastic, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) pond liner.

[0042] The roof panels 101 are composed of a flexible polysheet. In another embodiment, the roof panels are composed of a stiff sheet composed of one or more of polycarbonate, fiber glass and glass.

[0043] In another embodiment, push fans 502, i.e. circulation fans, may be located within the root zone 103 and shoot zone 108. The push fans may also be located within the shoot zone 108. Push fans provide added air momentum and positive pressure. Supplemental plant grow lights 207 may be suspended from the roof panels 107. Supplemental plant grow lights 207 may be switched on under cloudy conditions or during night to enhance plant growth.

[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates in detail the interior of the aeroponic root zone 103. In one embodiment, misters are fixated 205 within the aeroponic structure. In another embodiment, misters 205 move and mist the roots within the root zone 103, while the guide 206 is above and out of the misting zone.

[0045] The adjacent shoot zones 108, 111, 112, 113 are isolated from one another by the fixation of insect blocking mesh at one end 107 of the continuous and long shoot zones 108. Whereby, pests are prevented from transmitting by air between shoot zones 108. FIG. 2 only shows a few rooting 103 and shooting zones 108, the actual synergistic aeroponic greenhouse may contain any number of such zones.

[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates air conduits 301 that channel air between the root zone 103 and shoot zone 108. The air conduit connects 301 the root zone 103 and shoot zone 108, and the air conduit 301 channels cool air from the root zone 103 into the shoot zone 108. The air conduit 301 is located at the end 106 of the root zone 103 opposite to the end 107 with the insect blocking mesh and exhaust fan 102.

[0047] FIG. 4 illustrates the air movement into 401, within and exit out 402 of the synergistic aeroponic greenhouse.

[0048] FIG. 5 illustrates the air movement into 401, within and exit out 402 of the synergistic aeroponic greenhouse, wherein additional internal push fans 502 generate air momentum within the greenhouse, and a buffer zone 501 is included. The buffer zone 501 is an empty space that serves as an air “reservoir”. FIG. 6 illustrates the air movement and the inclusion of a buffer zone 501.

[0049] In one embodiment, sidewalls 109 are composed of a hard plastic or stiff foam which house plants. In another embodiment, the sidewalls 109 comprise a front layer of a platsic that supports the plant from seed to harvest, and a rear layer of a thin film cellulosic disposable and biodegradable membrane that holds on to the rear of the front layer by surface tension of a nutrient solution.

[0050] The front layer maybe composed of one or more of a biaxially oriented polyester film or high density polyethylene.

[0051] FIG. 7A illustrates a front sheet with cutouts.

[0052] FIG. 7B illustrates a roots penetrable thin film membrane.

[0053] FIG. 7C illustrates seed placements in the cutouts with the rear backing of a root penetrable thin film membrane.

[0054] FIG. 7D illustrates seedling growth in the cutouts with the rear backing of a root penetrable thin film membrane.

[0055] The side walls comprise a non permeable surface with cavities to inserts plants or seeds, and a water absorbent membrane backing the non permeable surface.

[0056] Exemplarily, the water absorbent membrane is a cellulosic membrane.

[0057] FIG. 8 illustrates an active component level architecture of an aeroponics system.

[0058] Described herein is an exemplary illustration of the working of the invention, the dimensions and component numerical specifications are not meant to be limiting. Triangular aeroponic frames are made of coated (water resistant) aluminum tubes. The triangular frames are about 210 cm tall and separated center to center by 210 cm. Insect Mesh no. 50 (capable of blocking white fly pests) defines the interface between one end of the root zone 103 of the aeroponic structure and the external environment. The relative humidity of the external environment is 50%. 900 RPM exhaust fans of blade diameter 18 inches, i.e. low to medium speed high volume fans push air from the shoot zone 108 to the external environment. The exhaust fans 102 are therefore instrumental in also pulling dry air from the external environment through the insect mesh 110 into the wet root zone 103 of the aeroponic frames. The root zone 103 comprises wet cellulosic layer (45 gsm) abutting a non permeable plastic front layer. The roots in the root zone 103 are aeroponically misted with misters 205 that deposit water particles of approx. 50 micron size at a pressure of about 100 to 150 psi. As dry air is pulled through wet misted roots and the wet internal cellulose lined walls, evaporative cooling is accomplished. Baby leaf spinach plants are grown on the front layer in the shoot zone. The cooled and humid air drawn through the root zone 103 is then passed through the shoot zone 108 and the humidified cooled air cools the environment around the baby spinach leaves. An effective temperature drop of 5 degree celcius was achieved, achieving a drop in temperature from 30C to 25C. The length of the root zone and the shoot zone are 100ft.

[0059] The front sheet holding the plants can be light blocking as well as reflective by one of three techniques. The plastic sheet may be composed of a white opaque pigment that is reflective in the direction of the plants. Alternatively, a metallized PET sheet will both reflect light towards the plant side and as well as block out light in the root zone. An example of a metallized PET sheet is a Aluminum coated sheet. Alternatively, the rear of the plastic sheet facing the roots may be painted with a light blocking paint. Alternatively, a secondary dark colored plastic sheet may be fused to a white reflective plant facing plastic sheet.

[0060] The rear layer is preferably a porous surface that allows roots to easily penetrate. Exemplarily, it is a cellulosic layer that is composed of loosely held cellulosic fibers. The loose hold of cellulosic fiber is accomplished by one or more of the following techniques: use of adhesives within the cellulosic layer with lower fiber bonding strength, addition of fiber lubricants, additives that reduces the bond between fibers etc. Exemplarily, the rear layer is a single ply or two ply sheet of softened bonded cellulosic fibers.

[0061] In another embodiment, the rear cellulosic layer may be selectively punched and made porous in the region of the cut hole to allow easy passage of the roots.

[0062] The rear cellulosic layer may additionally contain a controlled release fertilizer (CEF). Exemplarily, the relative proportion of Nitrogen Phosphorous Potassium (NPK) in the controlled release fertilizer may be customized based on crop type. Exemplarily, the rear cellulosic layer may be infused with humic acid prior to seeding. It has been observed that seedlings develop higher chlorophyll content in their cotylydons and first set of true leaves when the rear cellulosic layer 102 has been pre imbibed with nutrients or other growth enhancing materials.

[0063] The rear cellulosic layer 102 may also contain carbon particulates in the form of powdered charcoal or activated carbon, with the ability to absorb non desirable growth inhibitory organics from the nutrient mix, such as root exudates.

[0064] FIG. 8 illustrates an active component level architecture of the underlying aeroponics system. The aeroponic system comprises reservoir / tank 805, misters 205, filters 802, control system, pressure tank, solenoids 804, 806, pressure sensors, flow sensors, booster pumps 801 and other sensor modules along with Internet of things (IOT) Connectivity. The misters are 205 positioned on pipes. Examples of pipe material includes high tensile pressure bearing plastics or stainless steel. The misters preferably provide fine mist, with droplet sizes for example in the range 50 microns The mister module comprising the pipes and connected misters 205 need to serviceable, the misters 205 need to be easily replaceable and the mister 205 functional performance must be easily gauged. Performance parameters of the misters 205 include output flow rate in milliliters per minute, and spray pattern shape consistency. In some cases, a failed mister 205 may not mist, instead drips or linearly jets out nutrients. In addition, the misters 205 at a pressure of about 100 psi will preferably create droplets in the range of 50 microns. Mist droplets larger than 100 microns may not provide the aeroponic growth advantage. The misters 205 must be easily removed for replacement or cleaning and subsequent refitting. Misters 205 are connected in a fashion that a minimal level of redundancy is established.

[0065] Optionally, CO2 can be supplemented to increase plant growth. Exemplarily, Carbon dioxide is preferred in the range of 500 to 800 ppm. The effectiveness of raising the CO2 concentration dependent on a number of plant growth factors, such as the lighting intensity, type of crop, temperature, ventilation type and external air exchange magnitude and frequency. Stale air and the boundary layer around the leaf needs to refreshed with C02 enriched air.

[0066] The light sources are preferably linear light sources such as LEDs (light emitting diode). The linear light sources may be in the form of batten lights, LED strip lights or LED rope lights. The LED can be full spectrum (380nm-730nm), or one or more of a combination of red, blue, green, white, infrared, far red and UV. Certain LED wavelengths are suitable for specific stages of plant growth. For example, LEDs with a higher concentration in the blue wavelength keep the plants compact, increases pigmentation and does not dry out the cotyledons that have just emerged from the seeds. Red light enables plant extension, and stimulates flowering and fruiting. Far red LEDs create plant leaf surface and stem length elongation by initiating shade responses. Green light penetrates a canopy deeper than other light wavelengths, providing the lower and older leaves to photosynthesize and maintain freshness. In high density farming, it is essential to maintain a minimum level of photosynthesis in the lower leaves, and reduce the rate of lower leaf senescence.

[0067] Filters 802 filter the recirculating nutrient media to remove particulate matter that may clog the fine misting nozzles. The filtration system comprises of both coarse filters and fine filters. Coarse filters filter out seed shells, decayed vegetation, pieces of roots etc. Examples of filters include particle strainers and basket filters. The fine filters, for example filtration pores in the range of 50 microns removes fine particulate matter, both organic and inorganic. Examples of organic matter include algae remnants, decayed matter etc. and inorganic includes fine rust particles, chemical deposits, nutrient deposits etc. In some cases, the filters may support colonization of beneficial bacteria and fungi that enhance plant growth and health.

[0068] The filtration unit 802 can have inline filtration components as well as edge filtration modules located at the reservoir. The filtration unit 802 may also be columnar with multiple layers of filtration starting from coarse to fine. There may be an activated carbon filtration layer that removes organic toxins, such as root exudates that may inhibit plant growth.

[0069] The reservoir is communication maybe coupled to a nutrient dosing system. The nutrient dosing system comprises one or more of Macronutrient part A concentrate, Micronutrient part B concentrate, water with low total dissolved solids and other additives. Examples of inorganic fertilizers include Calcium nitrate, calcium Ammonium nitrate, Potassium nitrate, chelated Iron, Potassium phosphate, Magnesium sulfate, Borax, Sodium molybdate, Zinc sulfate, Copper sulfate, and Manganese sulfate.

[0070] The reservoir may also include UV-C lighting (short-wavelength, typically, 200 to

[0071] 280 nanometers of the ultraviolet spectrum) to sterilize the nutrients. The UV-C lighting is preferably located at point where there is turbulent movement of the nutrients within the reservoir tank. UV-C reduces the chance of Algae outbreaks. Some UV-C systems come with inbuilt flow modules. Inline UV-C clairifiers may be used in the return line into the tank.

[0072] The reservoir may be temperature controlled using a chiller or heater. Exemplarily, electric resistance heaters or forced hot air heaters may be utilized for heating. Higher oxygenation levels are achieved at lower temperatures. The reservoir is aerated using air pumps, thereby avoiding staleness and maintaining high oxygen levels.

[0073] The reservoir may include a drain that enables reservoir fluid exchange, and the drain may be automated with a motor and associated controls.

[0074] The control system that controls and monitors all input parameters and output performance, comprises multiple modules such as Processing modules, Sensing modules, Communication modules and Actuation modules. Client user interfaces may be provided in one or more of the following: User Interface (UI) displays at site, mobile phone applications, or web apps accessible for personal computers.

[0075] Examples of processing modules comprises robust programmable logic controllers (PLC), and versatile Arduino, Raspberry Pi etc. In another embodiment, data is collected from the farm via sensors, and transmitted via transmission modules.

[0076] Communication modules, i.e the transmission and receiver modules may comprise Ethernet based connections from the farm to the internet cloud or central server, or Wi-Fi based connections to the cloud or central server. The Wi-Fi system may comprise access points, transceivers, routers and gateways. In another embodiment, the communication modules may transmit data and receive instructions from distributed computing device networks.

[0077] Sensors include one or more of temperature sensors, humidity sensors, pressure sensors, flow sensors, carbon dioxide sensors, dissolved oxygen sensors, pH sensors, electrolytic conductivity sensors, light intensity sensors, light wavelength sensors, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) sensors, imaging sensors, wind anemometers, level sensors. Discrete reservoirs supply pH up adjustment solution 807, pH down adjustment solution 809, macronutrients 807, micronutrients 808, and reverse osmosis filter water 809.

[0078] For the purpose of conserving water, water condensate from the dehumidifier, air condi tioner / H VAC system may be collected and fed into the water supply tank post filtering or sterilization.

[0079] The software intelligence modules actuates and modulates the actuators. Intelligence and controls are applied for regular operations of various components as well as predictive maintenance of the components.

[0080] Alarms are controlled by the intelligence modules or at a local component level. For example, if the CO2 level exceeds 1500mm, the alarm is actuated by the input from a localized sensor at a local decision level, or is actuated by a central processing module. The alarm may be in the form of an online electronic message to the farm operator through SMS, MMS, Social Media Group message, etc. The alarm may also be in the form of one or more of lighted LEDs, flashing lights, warning audio announcements and sirens.

[0081] Actuators include solenoids, pumps 801, linear motion actuators, light switches, pH dosing pumps, Macronutrient dosing pumps, micronutrient dosing pumps, cameras, air blowers, mixing pumps, aeration pumps etc. The plant growing structures can be tagged to enable Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI) label-compliant with electronic produce traceability. The PTI system allows tracing the source of the produce, and identifies the path of the system from production to shipping. Contamination risk and allergen tracking can also be accomplished using PTI.

[0082] The software intelligence optimally recommends seeding schedule for a given target harvest. It suggests the number of seeds to be planted, type of plant to be planted (if not already defined), setting the DAS (days after seeding for the harvest) etc. The software intelligence optimally manages the harvest queue.

[0083] The plant expansive structures may be RFID tagged or may be tagged with other types of electronic signatures. As the plant expansive structure moves across over time, a camera captures plant properties and inferences from image analytics may be tagged to the RFID and such information is stored either locally or in the cloud. Examples of image analytics include size of crop, chlorophyll pigmentation level, coloration, nutrient deficiency signalling coloration and patterns.

[0084] The aeroponic system disclosed herein can be used for multiple end grow applications, including but not limited to growing greensbeans, tomato, rice and corn. The systems can be implemented in a conventional farm, vertical farm in a shed, research environments, smaller scaled home and hobby, and in preferably controlled environment agriculture environments.

[0085] The sprayed nutrients that flows over the roots and internal walls are collected in in a sloped floor tray underneath, and the sloped tray feed into a main drain. The sloped floor tray may be composed of a waterproof sheet such as HDPE pond liners. The drains may be designed with a small sloping gradient, for example 1 cm every meter to facilitate water flow. The section of the rack drains may have a central U portion to facilitate water aggregation and faster drain through concentrated central flow. The nutrient solution from the main drain is either gravitationally fed to the reservoir tank, if the reservoir tank is at a lower level, or the nutrient solution in pumped upto a larger reservoir.

[0086] The foregoing examples have been provided merely for explanation and are in no way to be construed. While the synergistic aeroponic greenhouse has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration synergistic aeroponic greenhouse has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, the synergistic aeroponic greenhouse is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the design and functionality extends to all functionally equivalent structures and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. While particular embodiments are disclosed, it will be understood by those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, that the synergistic aeroponic greenhouse disclosed herein is capable of modifications and other embodiments may be effected and changes may be made thereto, without departing from the scope and spirit of the synergistic aeroponic greenhouse disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMSI / We claim,1. An evaporative cooled greenhouse housing plants grown aeroponically, comprising: vertically oriented aeroponic plant supporting structure (s) with side walls (109) that encloses; a continuous and long rootzone (103) that receives aeroponic misting wherein roots are suspended in air, and wherein aeroponic misters (205) positioned within said root zone (103) sprays mist on said suspended roots; a continuous and long shoot zone (108) that is defined by the sides of the vertically oriented aeroponic structure on which leaves and above the root part of the part is exposed; wherein said rootzone (103) and shoot zone (108) are separated by said side walls (109); frame structure (104) of said side walls (109) that serves as a load bearing member of both said greenhouse as well as said vertically oriented aeroponic plant supporting structure; roof panels (101) that directly connect adjacent top section of said frame structure (104); insect blocking mesh (110) that defines the interface of said continuous and long rootzone (103) of the vertically oriented aeroponic structure with environment external to said greenhouse; exhaust fans (102) located at one end of said long shoot zone (113), whereby said exhaust fans (102) draw external air through saidmesh (110), pulls said external air throughout the length of said continuous and long root zone (103), and evaporatively cools and humidifies said external air as it the passes over misted roots (203) and wet internal walls of said long root zone (110), and thereafter pulls said cooled and humidified air over the leaves and stem parts of plants, and exits said humidified air from the greenhouse.

2. The evaporatively cooled greenhouse of claim 1 , wherein said side walls (109) comprise a non permeable surface with cavities to inserts plants or seeds, and a water absorbent membrane backing the non permeable surface.

3. The evaporatively cooled greenhouse of claim 2, wherein said water absorbent membrane is a cellulosic membrane.

4. The evaporatively cooled greenhouse of claim 1 , wherein an air conduit (301) connects the root zone (103) and shoot zone (108), and said air conduit channels (301) cool air from the root zone (103) into the shoot zone (108), said air conduit (301) is located at the end (106) of the root zone (103) opposite to the end (107) with the insect blocking mesh (110) and exhaust fan (102).

5. The evaporatively cooled greenhouse of claim 1, wherein misters (205) move and mist the roots within the root zone (103).

6. The evaporatively cooled greenhouse of claim 1, wherein adjacent shoot zones (108, 111, 112, 113) are isolated from one another by the fixation of insect blocking mesh at one end of the continuous and long shoot zones, and thereby pests are prevented from transmitting by air between shoot zones.

7. The evaporatively cooled greenhouse of claim 1, wherein said exhaust fan (102) is mounted on a non air permeable wall.

8. The evaporatively cooled greenhouse of claim 1, wherein the vertically oriented aeroponic plant supporting structure (104) is substantially triangular.

9. The evaporatively cooled greenhouse of claim 9, wherein base of said triangular vertically oriented aeroponic structure is anchored to the ground via spikes.

10. The evaporatively cooled greenhouse of claim 9, wherein base of said triangular vertically oriented aeroponic structure sits within a nutrient flow channel.

11. The evaporatively cooled greenhouse of claim 1 , wherein said roof panels (101) are composed of a flexible polysheet.

12. The evaporatively cooled greenhouse of claim 1, wherein push fans (502) are located within the root zone.

13. The evaporatively cooled greenhouse of claim 1, wherein push fans are located within the shoot zone.

14. The evaporatively cooled greenhouse of claim 1, wherein said roof panels (101) are composed of a stiff sheet composed of one or more of polycarbonate, fiber glass and glass.

15. The evaporatively cooled greenhouse of claim 1, wherein plants grow lights (207) are suspended from the roof panels.

16. The evaporatively cooled greenhouse of claim 1, where sidewalls (109) comprise a front layer of a plastic that supports the plant from seed to harvest; anda rear layer of a thin film cellulosic disposable and biodegradable membrane that holds on to the rear of said front layer by surface tension of a nutrient solution.

17. The evaporatively cooled greenhouse of claim 1, wherein said front layer is composed of one or more of a biaxially oriented polyester film or high density polyethylene.

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