Modular systems for vertical farming in bodies of water

Abstract

Modular systems tailored for vertical farming in bodies of water provide a versatile solution for crop cultivation. They encompass an undersea module and / or an above-sea module, offering versatility for independent use or seamless integration when combined. The undersea module has a modular frame and a plurality of growth components, including Growing Boards (G-Boards) and Growing Cages (G-Cages). The above-sea module features a frame, a plurality of growth components, and an enclosure for environmental control. The configuration of each of the modules enables ease of installation, maintenance, and harvesting. Combined, these modular systems offer an integrated approach to vertical farming, fostering efficiency and sustainability.

Description

MODULAR SYSTEMS FOR VERTICAL FARMING IN BODIES OF WATERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 601 ,076 filed November 20, 2023, the specification(s) of which is / are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention features modular vertical farming systems in bodies of water. Specifically, it encompasses both a modular underwater system and a modular above-water system, offering versatility for independent use or seamless integration when combined.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The projection by the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that global food production needs to increase by 70 percent to meet global demand by 2050 - despite food production already utilizing almost half of all habitable lands and is responsible for 70 percent of all freshwater withdrawals - the need to grow food in the vast marine space through zero-input agriculture via seaweed and land-crops production presents itself as an imperative 21st-century innovation.

[0004] The global vegetable market revenue amounts to US$ 1 trillion in 2023 and is projected to grow annually by 7.1 percent (CAGR) through 2028. Meanwhile, the global seaweed market grew to US$ 7.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to increase to US$14.3 billion by 2028. Seaweeds, a type of marine algae or macroalgae, are multicellular organisms that lack true roots, stems, or leaves and encompass thousands of species classified into red, brown, and green seaweeds. Seaweed is used for human food and a wide array of other products, including cosmetics, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals. Seaweed-sourced food hydrocolloids (e.g., carrageenan), for instance, a food ingredient used commercially in designing food structure relating to viscosity and texture as well as a longer shelf life, constitutes a lucrative segment of the global seaweed market, valued at US$ 872 million in 2022.

[0005] Undersea Vertical Farming (U-Vertical Farming) for seaweed cultivation and / or for growing aquatic organisms such as scallops, mussels, oysters, and clams, amongothers, constitutes a true embodiment of zero-input agriculture since it does not require any input, such as freshwater, fertilizers, or feeds. However, existing systems remain, for the most part, basic and rudimentary in terms of both structure and operations, which leads to significant demand in human labor, especially regarding the harvesting operation. The present invention constitutes a significant improvement in Il-Vertical Farming.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an objective of the present invention to provide modular systems that allow for ocean-based vertical farming (e.g., modular undersea systems and modular above-sea systems), as specified in the independent claims. Embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims. Embodiments of the present invention can be freely combined with each other if they are not mutually exclusive.

[0007] In some embodiments, the present invention features a modular undersea system for vertical farming (e.g., Undersea Vertical Farming; U-Vertical Farming). The system may comprise one or more modules, each comprising a modular frame and a plurality of growth components disposed within the frame. The modular frame, as outlined in this description, may take on a diverse array of shapes. Illustrative examples encompass, but are not confined to, a modular frame with cubic, cubic rectangular, or cylindrical configurations. Moreover, the modular frame described herein may be constructed from a variety of suitable materials, including but not limited to metal, composites, polymer, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the modular frame is solid. In other embodiments, the modular frame is hollow. In further embodiments, the modular frame comprises both solid portions and hollow portions. The aforementioned systems described herein allow for ease of installation, maintenance, and harvesting. In some embodiments, the plurality of growth components comprises growing boards (G-boards), growing cages (G-cages), or a combination thereof. The G-boards may be configured to grow seaweed, whereas the G-cages may be configured to grow aquatic organisms such as scallops, mussels, oysters, or the like.

[0008] Each module has the capability to be securely anchored beneath the sea surface. Specifically, anchoring the second end of the modular frame to the seabed is one method of achieving this stability. Furthermore, the buoyancy required to keep each module afloat is ensured by attaching one or more buoys (or other floating mechanisms)to the first end of the modular frame. In some embodiments, each module is positioned under the surface of the sea by remote operation, e.g., through embodiments utilizing a remotely operated (ROPER) UV-Hive Green Box module.

[0009] In some embodiments, harvesting the plurality of growing components from each module comprises using a robotic arm to pick up individual growing components. In other embodiments, harvesting the plurality of growing components from each module comprises using a robotic arm to pick up a group of the growing components, e.g., a row of the growing components within the modular frame. In further embodiments, harvesting the plurality of growing components from each module comprises using a robotic arm to pick up all the growing components within one of the one or more modules. Alternatively, the robotic arm may be configured to pick up each of the one or more modules as a whole. In some embodiments, the systems described herein may be arranged in a layout on the surface of the sea to allow for efficient access by a boat used for the installation, maintenance, and harvesting of each of the one or more modules.

[0010] In other embodiments, the present invention features a modular above-sea system for vertical farming (S-Vertical farming). The system comprises one or more modules, with each module comprising a modular frame, a plurality of growth components disposed within the frame, and an enclosure for at least partially controlling the environment. The aforementioned systems described herein allow for ease of installation, maintenance, and harvesting. In some embodiments, the plurality of growth components comprises a plurality of hydroponic trays.

[0011] The S-Vertical Farm introduces a cutting-edge modular design that streamlines installation, maintenance, and harvesting in vertical crop production. The modules, which can take various forms like cubic, cubic rectangular, or cylindrical, are constructed from transparent low-density polyethylene or other cost-effective transparent materials, facilitating the transmission of solar radiation for crop lighting. Alternatively, modules may be opaque or non-transparent, crafted from materials like plastic, with internal lighting provided by solar-powered LEDs. These modules remain buoyant on the sea surface, thanks to buoys or other floating mechanisms. A standout feature of the S-Vertical Farm is its ability to generate fresh water from seawater through practical methods of evaporation and condensation, including the use of heating rods andoptical-thermal evaporators. This innovative approach combines sustainability with efficient crop cultivation in a modular, sea-based vertical farming system.

[0012] As outlined in this description, the enclosure may take on a diverse array of shapes. Illustrative examples encompass, but are not confined to, a modular frame with cubic, cubic rectangular, or cylindrical configurations. Moreover, the enclosure described herein may be constructed from a variety of suitable materials. For example, the enclosure may be made of a transparent material, including but not limited to low-density polyethylene or other economical, transparent material to allow available solar radiation to be transmitted for crop lighting. Alternatively, the enclosure may be made of opaque or non-transparent material such as plastic. In embodiments in which the enclosure is made of an opaque or non-transparent material, the system may further comprise a solar-powered internal light (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)) disposed within the enclosure to provide crop lighting.

[0013] A defining feature of the S-Vertical Farm, as previously described, is its capability to generate fresh water from seawater using various practical methods of evaporation and condensation. This process may involve the application of heating rods or the utilization of an optical-thermal evaporator.

[0014] In further embodiments, the present invention may feature a system for vertical farming that combines the modular undersea system described herein with the modular above-sea system described herein. In a non-limiting embodiment, the UV-Hive Green Box module is disposed below the S-Vertical Farm.

[0015] In some embodiments, the buoyancy required to keep each module afloat is ensured by attaching one or more buoys (or other floating mechanisms) to a portion of the system, as described herein.

[0016] Any feature or combination of features described herein are included within the scope of the present invention provided that the features included in any such combination are not mutually inconsistent as will be apparent from the context, this specification, and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. Additional advantages and aspects of the present invention are apparent in the following detailed description and claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0017] The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description presented in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0018] FIGs. 1A and 1 B show the modular Undersea Vertical (UV)-Hive Green Box of the present invention that may be used for cultivating seaweed under the sea surface.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows a typical seaweed farming strategy mixed with the cultivation of other aquatic organisms.

[0020] FIG. 3 shows the labor-intensive harvesting operation for the typical seaweed farming strategy.

[0021] FIG. 4 shows non-limiting examples of a Growing Board (G-Board) for growing seaweed (left side) or a Growing Cage (G-Cage) for growing scallops, mussels, oysters, clams or other marine food organisms (right side) for a UV-Hive Green Box module.

[0022] FIG. 5 shows a non-limiting embodiment of a UV-Hive Green Box module fixed in position under the sea surface through anchoring to the seabed. The module is kept afloat by the set of buoys atop the frame of the UV-Hive Green Box.

[0023] FIG. 6 shows a non-limiting embodiment of a Remotely Operated (ROPER) UV-Hive Green Box, which is a module equipped with remotely operated Extendable / Retractable (EXT / RET) feet (e.g., telescoping) that serve to fix or anchor the module to the seabed. A set of buoys atop the frame keeps the module afloat.

[0024] FIG. 7 shows a non-limiting embodiment of a Remotely Operated (ROPER) UV-Hive Green Box, which is a module equipped with remotely operated Extendable / Retractable (EXT / RET) feet that serve to fix or anchor the module to the seabed - but are also remotely movable such that the module can be made ambulatory on command. A set of buoys atop the frame keeps the module afloat.

[0025] FIG. 8 shows a non-limiting embodiment of a Remotely Operated (ROPER) UV-Hive Green Box module that is self-propelled and self-orienting (SPROSO). Its self-propulsion is achieved through its set of solar-powered propulsion engines, and its self-orientation is accomplished through its Global Positioning System (GPS). Compared with the preceding embodiments, the SPROSO UV-Hive Green Box may be operated practically independently of the seabed depth. The module is kept afloat by the set of buoys atop the frame of the UV-Hive Green Box module.

[0026] FIG. 9 shows an example of harvesting the G-Boards from a UV-Hive Green Boxmodule achieved through a robotic arm that picks up individual G-Boards one at a time.

[0027] FIG. 10 shows an example of harvesting the G-Boards from a UV-Hive Green Box module, which is achieved using a robotic arm that picks up the G-Boards by groups such as within a row.

[0028] FIG. 11 shows an example of harvesting the G-Boards from a UV-Hive Green Box module, which is achieved using a robotic arm that picks up all of the G-Boards grouped as a unit within the module.

[0029] FIG. 12 shows a non-limiting embodiment of a layout on the sea surface of the UV-Hive Green Box modules for efficient access by the boat used for installation, maintenance, and harvesting of the modules.

[0030] FIG. 13 shows a non-limiting embodiment of a modular Sea Vertical Farm (S-Vertical Farm) designed as a sea-floating Vertical Farm.

[0031] FIG. 14 shows additional details of the embodiment in FIG. 13 for the evaporation-condensation strategy aided by a solar-powered heating rod.

[0032] FIG. 15 shows a non-limiting embodiment of a modular Sea Vertical Farm (S-Vertical Farm) designed as a sea-floating Vertical Farm.

[0033] FIG. 16 shows additional details of the embodiment in FIG. 15 for evaporation-condensation strategy aided by a solar-powered heating rod, an optical-thermal evaporator or both.

[0034] FIG. 17 shows the concept of the modular combined Above-Sea and Under-Sea Vertical Farm (AS / US-Vertical Farm) for land crops and seaweed cultivation as described herein.

[0035] FIG. 18 shows a non-limiting embodiment of the modular combined Above-Sea and Under-Sea Vertical Farm (AS / US-Vertical Farm) for land crops and seaweed cultivation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The following is a list of elements corresponding to a particular element referred to herein:

[0037] 100 Undersea Vertical (UV)-Hive Green Box module

[0038] 110 modular frame

[0039] 115 buoy

[0040] 120 top rails

[0041] 125 anchor

[0042] 130 growing board (G-board)

[0043] 140 growing cage (G-cage)

[0044] 150 extendable / retractable foot

[0045] 160 solar-powered propulsion engine

[0046] 180 robotic arm

[0047] 200 floating vertical farm

[0048] 210 housing

[0049] 215 tray frame

[0050] 220 hydroponic tray

[0051] 250 freshwater generating system

[0052] Unless otherwise explained, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which a disclosed invention belongs. The singular terms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word "or" is intended to include "and" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "comprising" means that other elements can also be present in addition to the defined elements presented. The use of "comprising" indicates inclusion rather than limitation. Stated another way, the term "comprising" means "including principally, but not necessary solely". Furthermore, variation of the word "comprising", such as "comprise" and "comprises", have correspondingly the same meanings. In one respect, the technology described herein related to the herein described compositions, methods, and respective component(s) thereof, as essential to the invention, yet open to the inclusion of unspecified elements, essential or not ("comprising").

[0053] All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. In case of conflict, the present specification, including explanations of terms, will take precedent.

[0054] Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice or test the disclosed technology, suitable methods and materials are described below. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0055] Referring now to FIGs. 1A-18, the present invention features novel modularundersea and above-sea systems for vertical farming, providing a versatile solution for crop cultivation.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the present invention features an underwater vertical farming module (100), as shown in FIG. 1. The underwater vertical farming module (100) may comprise a modular frame (110), a plurality of rails (115) attached to a top of the modular frame (110), parallel to each other and spaced a distance apart, a plurality of floatation devices (115) attached to the top of the modular frame (110), and a plurality of growing units disposed within the modular frame (110).

[0057] In some embodiments, the growing units can be removably attached to the rails (120) such that the growing units hang from the rails (120). For example, a growing unit can be attached to two top rails (115) such that the growing unit is perpendicular to the top rails. In other embodiments, a growing unit hangs from one top rail (115). In a non-limiting embodiment, the growing unit may be attached to the top rail(s) via hooks or brackets.

[0058] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of growing units may comprise growing boards (G-boards) (130), growing cages (G-cages) (140), or a combination thereof. In a non-limiting embodiment, the G-boards (130) may be configured for growing seaweed. In some embodiments, the G-boards (130) may comprise a frame with attachment components to secure the seaweed. The attachment components may be hooks, wire, rope, etc.

[0059] In another non-limiting embodiment, the G-cages (140) may be configured for raising aquatic organisms. Examples of aquatic organisms include, but are not limited to, shellfish such as oysters, scallops, and mussels. In some embodiments, the G-cage (140) may comprise a plurality of caged enclosures stacked vertically. In other embodiments, the G-cage (140) may comprise a plurality of baskets or crates stacked vertically.

[0060] In some embodiments, the modular frame (110) is cubic, cubic rectangular, or cylindrical. For example, the modular frame (110) may be a box frame. In other embodiments, the modular frame (110) is solid, hollow, or a combination thereof. For example, the modular frame (110) may comprise PVC pipe with holes drilled into thepipe. Preferably, the modular frame (110) is constructed from a material capable of prolonged use in salt water.

[0061] In some embodiments, the floatation devices (115) keep the module (100) afloat and prevent it from sinking. In a non-limiting embodiment, the plurality of floatation devices (115) are buoys or inflatables.

[0062] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the module (100) may further include anchors (125) tethered to the modular frame (110) for fixing a location of the module (100). For example, the anchors (125) may be coupled to the seabed. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGs. 6-7, the module (100) may further comprise retractable or telescoping legs (125) connected to the modular frame (110). The legs (125) may be configured to support the module (100) and anchor it as it floats. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, one or more propulsion engines (160) may be coupled to the modular frame (110) and configured to propel the module (100).

[0063] According to some embodiments, referring to FIGs. 9-11 , the present invention features an underwater vertical farm comprising a plurality of underwater vertical farming modules (100) described herein, and at least one boat having at least one mechanical arm lift (180). The at least one mechanical arm lift (180) may be configured for moving or transporting the growing units to and from the modular frame (110) or for moving an entire module (100). In some embodiments, the mechanical arm lift (180) is configured to lift one growing unit at a time or multiple growing units at a time. In some embodiments, the mechanical arm lift (180) is a robotic arm. In some embodiments, the boat may have two or more robotic arms. The plurality of modules (100) can be arranged in a layout in a body of water to allow for access by the boat to install, maintain, and harvest each of the plurality of modules (100). The body of water may be an ocean, sea, or lake. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the plurality of modules (100) may be arranged in rows that are two modules wide and between said rows is a path sufficiently wide for the boat to pass.

[0064] According to other embodiments, the present invention features a floating vertical farming module (200). The floating vertical farming module (200) allows for ease of installation, maintenance, and harvesting of plants. In some embodiments, the module (200) may comprise a housing (210) configured to provide at least a partially controlledenvironment, at least one tray frame (215) disposed in the housing (210), and a plurality of hydroponic trays (220) stacked vertically on the tray frame (215) and spaced a distance apart from each other. The hydroponic trays (220) are configured for growing plants. In other embodiments, the module (200) may further comprise one or more buoys or other floating mechanism configured to keep the module (200) afloat in a body of water.

[0065] In some embodiments, the housing (210) can provide a semi-controlled environment or a controlled environment. In some embodiments, the housing (210) may be cubic, cubic rectangular, or cylindrical. In other embodiments, the housing (210) is made of polyethylene or other transparent material to allow available solar radiation to be transmitted for crop lighting. In alternative embodiments, the housing (210) is made of an opaque or non-transparent material. In some other embodiments, the module (200) may further include solar-powered internal lighting configured for crop lighting. The solar-powered internal lighting may comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs). For example, the LEDs may emit white light, red light, blue light, or emit alternating light colors.

[0066] In some embodiments, the hydroponic trays (220) are fluidly connected to each other and configured such that fluid flows from an upper hydroponic tray to a lower hydroponic tray. In other embodiments, the hydroponic trays (220) are oriented at slight angle, e.g. ramp, so that the fluid flows down to a lower tray via gravity.

[0067] According to other embodiments, the present invention features a floating vertical farm comprising a plurality of floating vertical farming modules (200) as described herein, and a freshwater generation system (250) fluidly coupled to the modules (200). Each module (200) may comprise a plurality of tray frames (215) disposed in the housing (210), and a plurality of hydroponic trays (220) stacked vertically on each tray frame (215). In some embodiments, the plurality of modules (200) and the freshwater generation system (250) are configured to float in a body of water such as an ocean, sea, or lake.

[0068] In some embodiments, the freshwater generation system (250) is a solar-powered distillation system. Referring to FIG. 14, the distillation system may comprise a heating rod that evaporates seawater, a condenser that cools the water vapor and converts it back to liquid water, and a vessel or tank for storing the purifiedwater. A water pump may be used to circulate the water to the modules (200). In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 16, the distillation system may further include an evaporator. In other embodiments, not shown, the freshwater generation system (250) is a solar-powered desalination system.

[0069] According to some other embodiments, the present invention features a vertical farm configured to float in a body of water. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGs. 17-18, the vertical farm may comprise at least one underwater vertical farming module (100), and at least one floating vertical farming module (200). The at least one floating vertical farming module (200) may comprise a plurality of tray frames (215) disposed in the housing (210), and a plurality of hydroponic trays (220) stacked vertically on each tray frame (215). In some embodiments, the at least one floating vertical farming module (200) is coupled to the at least one underwater vertical farming module (100) such that the at least one floating vertical farming module (200) floats above the at least one underwater vertical farming module (100) when placed in the body of water. In some embodiments, the vertical farm may further comprise a freshwater generation system (250).

[0070] Undersea Vertical Farming

[0071] Undersea Vertical Farming (U-Vertical Farming) for seaweed cultivation and / or for growing aquatic organisms such as scallops, mussels, oysters, and clams, among others, constitutes a true embodiment of zero-input agriculture since it does not require any input, such as freshwater, fertilizers or feeds (FIG. 2). Existing systems, however, remain for the most part basic and rudimentary in terms of both structure and operations, which leads to significant demand in human labor especially in regard to the harvesting operation (FIG. 3). The present invention constitutes a significant improvement in the design of U-Vertical Farming.

[0072] According to some embodiments, the present invention features a UV-Hive Green Box that revolutionizes aquaculture with its modular design, offering unparalleled ease in installation, maintenance, and harvesting. Comprising modular Growing Boards (G-Boards) and Growing Cages (G-Cages), this innovative system caters to aquatic organisms like scallops, mussels, oysters, and clams. Each module features a diverse frame, whether cubic, cubic, rectangular, cylindrical, etc., constructed with materials like metal, composites, or polymer, offering both solid and hollow configurations. n

[0073] Undersea positioning is achieved by anchoring modules to the seabed, keeping them afloat with buoys atop the frame. Alternatively, remote operation via a Remotely Operated (ROPER) UV-Hive Green Box module allows precise undersea positioning. Harvesting is streamlined with a robotic arm capable of picking up individual G-Boards or entire module units. The sea surface layout optimizes efficiency, arranging modules for easy access during installation, maintenance, and harvesting operations. The UV-Hive Green Box sets a new standard for sustainable and efficient aquaculture practices.

[0074] UV-Hive Green Box Module

[0075] FIG. 1A and 1 B show the fundamental concept of the modular UV-Hive Green Box for cultivating seaweed under the sea surface. Each module comprises a box frame with vertically oriented Growing Boards (G-Boards) arranged within the Green Box frame. The starting seaweed cuttings are affixed onto each G-Board before the G-Boards are installed or arranged within the module box frame for growth. The G-Boards with affixed starting seaweed cuttings may be typically pre-installed within the UV-Hive Green Box before the whole UV-Hive Green Box is lowered and submerged under water. The UV-Hive Green Box frame may be made of metal, plastic, or hollow tubes (perforated with holes to allow water to flow in and out) made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other materials (FIG. 1 B). Buoys are attached to the top of the box frame to keep the UV-Hive Green Box afloat.

[0076] While the G-Boards of the modular UV-Hive Green Box typically grow seaweed, some or all the G-Boards within a UV-Hive Green Box module may instead grow scallops, mussels, oysters, clams, or other marine food organisms (FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the module may comprise grow cages (G-cage) for raising said shellfish and other marine food organisms.

[0077] UV-Hive Green Box Undersea Positioning

[0078] The positioning of a UV-Hive Green Box module under the sea surface may be achieved through mechanical fixing or anchoring using links and anchors to the seabed or through remote operation.

[0079] Mechanically Fixed or Anchored UV-Hive Green Box: FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a UV-Hive Green Box module fixed under the sea surface throughanchoring to the seabed. The module is kept afloat by the set of buoys atop the frame of the UV-Hive Green Box.

[0080] Remotely Operated (ROPER) UV-Hive Green Box: The undersea positioning of a UV-Hive Green Box module can be achieved through remote operation, that is, through embodiments of a remotely operated (ROPER) UV-Hive Green Box. FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a ROPER UV-Hive Green Box, which is a module equipped with remotely operated Extendable / Retractable (EXT / RET) feet that serve to fix or anchor the module to the seabed. The module is kept afloat by the set of buoys atop the frame of the UV-Hive Green Box module.

[0081] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a ROPER UV-Hive Green Box, which is a module equipped with remotely operated Extendable / Retractable (EXT / RET) feet that serve to fix or anchor the module to the seabed - but are also remotely movable such that the module can be made ambulatory on command. The module is kept afloat by the set of buoys atop the frame of the UV-Hive Green Box module.

[0082] FIG. 8 shows yet another embodiment of a ROPER UV-Hive Green Box module, which is self-propelled and self-orienting (SPROSO). Its self-propulsion is achieved through its set of solar-powered propulsion engines, and its self-orientation is accomplished through its Global Positioning System (GPS). Compared with the preceding embodiments, the SPROSO UV-Hive Green Box may be operated practically independent of the seabed depth. The module is kept afloat by the set of buoys atop the frame of the UV-Hive Green Box module.

[0083] UV-Hive Green Box Harvesting

[0084] The harvesting of the G-Boards from each module of the UV-Hive Green Box may be achieved through the use of a robotic arm that can pick up individual G-Boards one at a time (FIG. 9), by groups such as within a row (FIG. 10), or all of the G-Boards grouped as a unit within the module (FIG. 11 ). Alternatively, the robotic arm may pick up the module unit itself and, once on the boat, can have its G-Boards removed for harvesting.

[0085] UV-Hive Green Box Modules Sea Aerial Layout

[0086] FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of an aerial layout on the sea surface of theUV-Hive Green Box modules for efficient access by the boat used for installation, maintenance, and harvesting of the modules. Other sea surface aerial arrangement embodiments may also be implemented.

[0087] Modular Sea Vertical Farm (S-Vertical Farm) for Land Crops Cultivation

[0088] The modular Sea Vertical Farm (S-Vertical Farm) is designed as a sea-floating Vertical Farm module and may comprise a controlled or semi-controlled environment - that is, either having a fully closed and controlled environment or having only a semi-closed and semi-open environment. The S-Vertical Farm is designed to decouple crop production from land use or land-use conversion to agriculture by using the sea surface, instead of land, as the area for vertical crop production.

[0089] Further, a principal characteristic of the S-Vertical Farm is that fresh water is generated from seawater by employing any practical method of seawater evaporation and condensation. The condensed fresh water is then mixed with the required nutrients as input into the S-Vertical Farm’s hydroponic crop growing system. The nutrient solution is recirculated through the hydroponic crop growing system, and no waste nutrients are released into the seawater.

[0090] FIGs. 13 and 14 show an embodiment of the S-Vertical Farm wherein a solar-powered heating rod is used to facilitate seawater evaporation, which then is condensed to generate fresh water for use as input into the Vertical Farm unit. In another embodiment, FIGs. 15 and 16 show another embodiment of the S-Vertical Farm wherein an optical-thermal evaporator is employed to facilitate seawater evaporation.

[0091] Modular Combined Above-Sea and Under-Sea Vertical Farm (AS / US-Vertical Farm) for Land Crops and seaweed cultivation

[0092] FIG. 17 illustrates the concept for a modular combined above- and under-sea vertical farm (AS / US-Vertical Farm) for land crops and seaweed cultivation. FIG. 18 shows a non-limiting embodiment of the AS / US-Vertical Farm described herein.

[0093] As used herein, the term “about” refers to plus or minus 10% of the referenced number.

[0094] Although there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that modificationsmay be made thereto that do not exceed the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is only to be limited by the following claims. In some embodiments, the figures presented in this patent application are drawn to scale, including the angles, ratios of dimensions, etc. In some embodiments, the figures are representative only and the claims are not limited by the dimensions of the figures. Reference numbers recited herein, in the drawings, and in the claims are solely for ease of examination of this patent application and are exemplary. The reference numbers are not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims to the particular features having the corresponding reference numbers in the drawings.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . An underwater vertical farming module (100), the module (100) comprising: a) a modular frame (110); b) a plurality of rails (115) attached to a top of the modular frame (110), wherein the rails (115) are parallel to each other and spaced a distance apart; c) a plurality of floatation devices (115) attached to the top of the modular frame (110), wherein the floatation devices (115) keep the module (100) afloat and prevent it from sinking; and d) a plurality of growing units disposed within the modular frame (110), wherein the growing units are removably attached to the rails (120) such that the growing units hang from the rails (120).

2. The module (100) of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of growing units comprises growing boards (G-boards) (130), growing cages (G-cages) (140), or a combination thereof.

3. The module (100) of claim 2, wherein the G-boards (130) are configured for growing seaweed.

4. The module (100) of claim 2, wherein the G-cages (140) are configured for raising aquatic organisms.

5. The module (100) of claim 4, wherein the aquatic organisms are shellfish.

6. The module (100) of claim 2, wherein each G-cage (140) comprises a plurality of caged enclosures stacked vertically.

7. The module (100) of claim 1 , wherein the modular frame (110) is cubic, cubic rectangular, or cylindrical.

8. The module (100) of claim 1 , wherein the modular frame (110) is solid, hollow, or a combination thereof.

9. The module (100) of claim 1 , further comprising anchors (125) coupled to the modular frame (110) for fixing a location of the module (100).

10. The module (100) of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of floatation devices (115) are buoys.

11. The module (100) of claim 1 , further comprising retractable or telescoping legs (125) connected to the modular frame (110) and configured to support the module (100) and anchor it as it floats.

12. The module (100) of claim 1 , further comprising one or more propulsion engines (160) coupled to the modular frame (110) and configured to propel the module.

13. An underwater vertical farm comprising a plurality of underwater vertical farming modules (100) according to claim 1 , and at least one boat having at least one mechanical arm lift (180) configured for moving the growing units away from the modular frame (110) or for moving an entire module (100).

14. The vertical farm of claim 13, wherein the mechanical arm lift (180) is configured to lift one growing unit at a time or multiple growing units at a time.

15. The vertical farm of claim 13, wherein the mechanical arm lift (180) is a robotic arm.

16. The vertical farm of claim 13, wherein the plurality of modules (100) is arranged in a layout in a body of water to allow for access by the boat to install, maintain, and harvest each of the plurality of modules (100).

17. The vertical farm of claim 13, wherein the body of water is an ocean, sea, or saltwater lake.

18. A floating vertical farming module (200), the module (200) comprising: a) a housing (210) configured to provide at least a partially controlled environment; b) at least one tray frame (215) disposed in the housing (210); and c) a plurality of hydroponic trays (220) stacked vertically on the tray frame (215), and spaced a distance apart from each other, wherein the hydroponic trays (220) are configured for growing plants; wherein the module (200) allows for ease of installation, maintenance, and harvesting.

19. The module (200) of claim 18, wherein the housing (210) provides a semi-controlled environment or a controlled environment.

20. The module (200) of claim 18, wherein the housing (210) is cubic, cubic rectangular, or cylindrical.

21. The module (200) of claim 18, wherein the housing (210) is made of polyethylene or other transparent material to allow available solar radiation to be transmitted for crop lighting.

22. The module (200) of claim 18, wherein the housing (210) is made of an opaque or non-transparent material.

23. The module (200) of claim 18, further comprising solar-powered internal lighting configured for crop lighting.

24. The module (200) of claim 23, wherein the solar-powered internal lighting comprises light emitting diodes (LEDs).

25. The module (200) of claim 18, wherein the hydroponic trays (220) are fluidly connected to each other such that fluid flows from an upper hydroponic tray to a lower hydroponic tray.

26. The module (200) of claim 18, further comprising one or more buoys or other floating mechanism configured to keep the module (200) afloat in a body of water.

27. A floating vertical farm comprising a plurality of floating vertical farming modules (200) according to claim 18, wherein each module (200) comprises a plurality of tray frames (215) disposed in the housing (210), and a plurality of hydroponic trays (220) stacked vertically on each tray frame (215); and a freshwater generation system (250).

28. The vertical farm of claim 27, wherein the plurality of modules (200) and the freshwater generation system (250) are configured to float in a body of water.

29. The vertical farm of claim 28, wherein the body of water is an ocean, sea, or saltwater lake.

30. The vertical farm of claim 27, wherein the freshwater generation system (250) is a solar-powered distillation system or a solar-powered desalination system.31 .A vertical farm configured to float in a body of water, comprising: a) at least one underwater vertical farming module (100) according to claim 1 ; and b) at least one floating vertical farming module (200) according to claim 18, wherein the at least one floating vertical farming module (200) comprises a plurality of tray frames (215) disposed in the housing (210), and a plurality of hydroponic trays (220) stacked vertically on each tray frame (215); wherein the at least one floating vertical farming module (200) is coupled to the at least one underwater vertical farming module (100) such that the at least one floating vertical farming module (200) floats above the at least one underwater vertical farming module (100) when placed in the body of water.

32. The vertical farm of claim 31 , further comprising a freshwater generation system (250).

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