Frost-protection module, frost-protection system for plants, and method therefor

Abstract

The invention relates to a frost-protection module (10) for plants (3) and to a frost-protection system (100) for plants (3) which is formed by the frost-protection modules (10). A plurality of frost-protection systems (100) can be correspondingly distributed as an arrangement in the planting area (200) for plants (3) so that the planting area (200) can be heated. A body (20) of the frost-protection module (10) consists, for example, mainly of carbon. An ignition device (24) is used to temperature-controlledly trigger the burning process of the body (20) of the frost-protection module (10).

Description

[0001] Frost protection module, frost protection system for plants and methods for its use

[0002] The invention relates to a frost protection module for plants.

[0003] The invention also relates to a frost protection system with several frost protection modules for protecting plants in a growing area from frost.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for protecting plants from frost.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] German patent DE 32 38 44 C2 discloses pyrotechnic fog compositions that generate impenetrable fog in the visible and infrared ranges. The fog compositions also contain cesium or rubidium compounds, which are dispersed during combustion and absorb infrared radiation.

[0007] The German translation DE 69805912 T2 of European patent EP 0 878 125 B1 discloses a method and a device for protecting crops such as grapevines from frost and hail. The protection for the grapevines consists of two tarpaulins and a plastic cover that protects two rolls of the tarpaulin. The tarpaulins are rolled up by means of a spring system located at the ends of metal tabs.

[0008] German patent application DE 10 2017 116 571 A1 discloses a planting system, such as a vineyard, for fruit plants arranged in rows, which can be attached to a wire frame. A heating device is provided, comprising a heating cable. The heating cable is guided in a hollow profile. This profile is attached to a fastening wire, and the heating cable includes an electrically conductive heating element and an electrically conductive cold conductor.

[0009] International patent application WO 2021 / 052700 A1 relates to a combustion pot for frost protection of agricultural crops. A fuel and a wick for the fuel are contained within a container. The contents of the container are ignited by means of a spark plug body that can be inserted into the container. A receiving chamber located between the spark plug body and the container is provided for molten fuel. Furthermore, it is possible to insert a new spark plug body into a previously used container, thus eliminating the need to dispose of the container.

[0010] US Patent 3,615,287 A relates to an inexpensive igniter for lubrication pots and the like, which can be ignited by a conventional battery, such as those used in a car or truck, or by a suitable moderate-voltage power source. The lubrication pots are suitable for use in or near orchards.

[0011] Patent specification DD 236 443 A1 discloses a method and a product for protecting plants and crops from frost damage. For this purpose, a disc of charcoal dust and wood flour is set on fire.

[0012] French patent application FR 2 424 958 A2 discloses a combustible torch for outdoor use, particularly for frost protection of grapevines, early vegetables, fruit trees, etc. The torch has a slow-burning body made of a mixture of cellulose material impregnated with a flammable substance such as paraffin. To facilitate ignition, a pellet of pyrotechnic material is attached to the body.

[0013] US Patent 4,519,774 A relates to a detonator divided into at least two separate chambers (compartments). One of these compartments is filled with a freezing liquid, and another contains an ingredient that, in the presence of a selected ingredient, causes combustion. At sub-zero temperatures, the freezing liquid in the capsule compartment freezes and expands, causing all components of the capsule to rupture essentially simultaneously, resulting in a combination of the first and second ingredients and instantaneous combustion.

[0014] The diploma thesis at the Karl-Franzens University of Graz entitled “Frost protection in fruit and wine growing” from June 2018 reveals in the chapter “Methods of frost control and their effectiveness” among other things the use of smoking, paraffin candles or heating wires.

[0015] The final report from April 2018 by the Bavarian State Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Forestry reveals: "Investigations into damage mitigation during late frosts in Franconian vineyards." The active application of heat can be achieved, for example, using frost protection candles or a heating wire.

[0016] A combination of early bud break and a sudden cold snap can cause significant damage to vineyards, fruit growers, and ornamental plants. The aforementioned state-of-the-art devices and methods aim to mitigate the risk of late frosts affecting plants such as flowering fruit trees or grapevines.

[0017] This is especially true for late frost damage to grapevines in the climate of southern Germany, Austria, Switzerland, parts of France, and Italy. After the young, green tissue has budded in spring, temperatures below -2°C are sufficient to cause frost damage to the vine (or buds). The extent of the damage depends on various factors, particularly the duration of the frost exposure, the humidity, the vine's stage of development, and the grape variety. The resulting economic losses can be threatening to the existence of individual wineries.

[0018] However, there are no reliable forecast models for the occurrence of such a late frost period, and there may be years in which no protective measures for the plants are necessary.

[0019] Similar risks exist in all fruit-growing regions of Central Europe, some of which are cultivated on slopes and in low mountain ranges or in the Alpine foothills.

[0020] The mechanism of frost relies on two components, depending on the conditions: heat loss from plants and soil due to the influx of cold air (< 0°C), and heat loss through radiation, primarily from infrared radiation into the cold, clear night sky. Radiation loss is less pronounced under cloud cover. Conversely, under clear night skies, radiation loss is the dominant factor.

[0021] To prevent or mitigate such frost damage to plants, various known methods are usually used, but each presents specific difficulties in implementation with regard to cost or efficiency.

[0022] Known methods include: the use of a fog machine, sprinkler spray, helicopter spraying, electric heating, hot air blowers, frost protection candles, extensive use of growth retardants, or insuring damages as part of a risk assessment. The disadvantages of current systems and / or methods are: release of pollutants, disruption of the plant's life cycle, costly logistics or installation, the need for manual ignition and monitoring of open flames, expensive equipment, a lack of electrical power source, or limited scalability from small plots (< 1 hectare) to larger areas.

[0023] Overview of the invention

[0024] The invention is based on the objective of creating a frost protection module and a frost protection system for plants that are cost-effective, pollutant-free, can be used without any action by the user, and require little logistics and installation effort.

[0025] The above problem is solved by a frost protection module and a frost protection system for plants comprising the features of claim 1 and claim 8 respectively.

[0026] Furthermore, the invention aims to create a method for protecting plants from frost that is cost-effective and easy to use, requires no user involvement, and involves minimal logistics and installation effort.

[0027] This problem is solved by a method comprising the features of claim 12.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, a frost protection module for plants is defined by a body, which is defined by a casing. A residue-free combustible energy carrier is provided within the casing. An electronic or pyrotechnic igniter is associated with the body. The body is provided with the casing, which also encloses the electronic or pyrotechnic igniter. A control unit is communicatively connected to the igniter in order to ignite it depending on the temperature.

[0029] The frost protection module according to the invention has the advantage that the energy carrier and the igniter are protected from the elements by the encapsulation. Furthermore, such a frost protection module can be manufactured simply and with few components, making it cost-effective to produce and use. The body, the encapsulation, the energy carrier, and the igniter can be made from low-emission or even emission-free materials. Due to the automatically controlled control unit, the frost protection module can be used without user intervention and requires minimal logistical and installation effort.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the covering consists of water-repellent paper, cardboard or foil.

[0031] The energy source is, for example, charcoal, which is available in bulk form. The advantages of using charcoal are that it is inexpensive, has a long burning time, exhibits high infrared emission compared to a candle flame, produces very little soot during combustion, generates low emissions, and leaves a small amount of ash residue due to complete combustion.

[0032] The shape of the casing defines the shape of the body and also keeps the bulk material in the desired shape. The casing can be cylindrical, conical, or pyramidal, for example. A pyramidal shape (with a base and, for example, three or four sides) is particularly suitable for the casing, as the bulk material then remains stable even when a large part of the casing (packaging) has already burned away.

[0033] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, ventilation areas are formed in the casing. The ventilation areas are preferably designed such that they open after ignition of the igniter in order to supply atmospheric oxygen to the body or the energy carrier.

[0034] Such ventilation zones have the advantage that, due to a lack of oxygen, charcoal in a completely enclosed container often ignites poorly. However, the charcoal is protected from external weather influences as long as the outside temperature has not yet fallen below a certain threshold and thus the igniter has not yet been ignited. The designated ventilation zones only open upon initial ignition (after the temperature has fallen below the threshold), so that only then is the ignition aided by the supply of air. The ventilation zones are, for example, thin foil sections within the container that quickly melt away upon initial ignition, exposing the air holes.

[0035] According to a further embodiment of the frost protection module according to the invention, a promoter can be assigned to the igniter as an initial ignition aid. The igniter, or the igniter and the promoter, are positioned, for example, in a recess of the body.

[0036] The detonator is preferably an electric (pyrotechnic) detonator, as it is easy to ignite and very cost-effective. Furthermore, the detonator preferably has a mass of less than 1 g and thus constitutes a negligible fraction of the approximately 2 kg of energy carrier (charcoal).

[0037] Furthermore, it is advantageous to use an initial ignition aid (promoter) with the igniter, which generates sufficient energy to ignite the more difficult-to-ignite charcoal. Suitable ignition aids include organic, highly flammable compounds, including waxes, etc., with a weight of approximately 10–100 g.

[0038] Furthermore, the frost protection module can be positioned above ground using a ground bracket. This has the advantage that the combustion energy is not in contact with the ground, thus eliminating the risk of ground fire.

[0039] The frost protection system according to the invention is characterized by the fact that it consists of several frost protection modules. Each igniter of the several, for example at least four, frost protection modules of the frost protection system is communicatively connected to the common control unit. The several frost protection modules of the frost protection system are distributed within a planting area.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment of the frost protection system, the control unit has several, for example four, output channels, each of which is connected to an igniter of the frost protection module for its activation.

[0041] According to another advantageous embodiment of the frost protection system, the control unit is provided with at least a temperature sensor, a power supply, for example from a photovoltaic module with a battery, and logic.

[0042] In one embodiment, an arrangement comprises multiple frost protection systems, each with its own associated frost protection modules and control unit. The multiple frost protection systems of the arrangement are distributed throughout the planting area.

[0043] The control unit can be described as a central functional element whose electronics preferably have multiple functions. For example, one or more output channels can be provided for triggering the igniter. A temperature sensor measures the ambient temperature of the frost protection module. The power supply consists, for example, of a battery and a mini PV module for autonomous operation over extended periods (>6 months). A logic system is included that utilizes both active time windows and determined temperature scenarios to trigger the available channels.

[0044] The inventive method for protecting plants from frost is characterized by several steps. First, to form a frost protection system, an igniter of each associated frost protection module is connected to a control unit via an output channel of the control unit. Several such frost protection systems are positioned in a planting area, with the control unit for each system positioned above the soil of the planting area. Each control unit measures the current local temperature in the planting area, and when the temperature surrounding the respective control unit falls below a certain threshold, the igniter of the respective frost protection module is electronically ignited via an output channel of the control unit, thus initiating the combustion process of the respective module.The multiple frost protection systems are preferably distributed regularly in the planting area using the frost protection modules assigned to the control unit.

[0045] Below is an example of how a planting area can be equipped with frost protection systems. Without limiting the invention to this, it is assumed that there are four frost protection modules per system.

[0046] As early as November, 400 frost protection modules, comprising 100 frost protection systems each with a control unit, are regularly distributed across the vineyard to be protected. The four frost protection modules (burners) of each system are connected to the output channels of their respective control units. The control unit is pre-programmed, for example, so that ignition is only possible during frost events occurring later than March 15th (i.e., in the following year), and only if temperatures have been above 15°C for a predetermined period starting in February of that following year. The ignition sequence can then be staggered across the four output channels so that not all four modules ignite simultaneously, but rather the burning time is optimized, while maintaining a reserve for subsequent nights.

[0047] Optionally, temperatures can be stored, scenarios and trends evaluated, and the data made available via communication. The electronics are primarily designed for longevity and scenario flexibility.

[0048] An important aspect of systems distributed across a vineyard is their self-organization and local response, as temperatures are not uniform across the entire vineyard. For example, if one burner ignites, only its immediate surroundings heat up, and the neighboring burner may not ignite immediately depending on the ambient conditions.

[0049] According to various embodiments, the frost protection system with its multiple (four) frost protection modules can be deployed in the planting area to be protected from frost. One possibility is that each individual frost protection module sits on a ground support, allowing it to be positioned in the ground. The frost protection module, or rather the compressed body, is held above the ground. Another deployment option is to position the frost protection module directly on the ground. A support can be provided, for example, to ensure secure positioning on the ground.

[0050] In one embodiment, the frost protection module can be a pressed body with channels or slots that allow the supply of atmospheric oxygen and thus optimal combustion behavior.

[0051] In one embodiment, the press body has inhibitors and / or promoters pressed into it in certain areas to influence its combustion behavior. The burn-off behavior of the press body can be designed so that a faster initial phase transitions into a slower plateau phase.

[0052] In one embodiment, a coating surrounds the pressed body. This coating can be a water-repellent layer, for example, wax-like, to increase weather resistance. Fire protection can be achieved, for example, by coating or encasing the pressed body with an inorganic material, such as alumina. After ignition, no open flame is produced, but only a slow glow of the pressed body.

[0053] The main component of the compressed bodies is preferably carbon. The advantages are that carbon is inexpensive, that it burns without residue and without emitting hydrocarbons, that it can be compressed to maintain its shape, that its ignition and combustion behavior can be easily adjusted with oxidizing agents (e.g., KN03), that the CO2 produced during combustion is harmless to plants, that CO2 is heavier than air, so that an air / CO2 mixture with a certain temperature difference remains at ground level ("heat lake"), and that carbon can be obtained naturally (charcoal).

[0054] The application of frost protection systems outdoors or in greenhouses has the advantage during the period when frost only occurs statistically sporadically that a plant population in the vulnerable growth phase (for example, during bud formation or flowering), which resulted from previous warm periods, can be quickly and easily protected from frost.

[0055] A combination of the self-activating frost protection systems (heat sources) deployed in the planting area with other protective measures, such as heat shielding through partial covering with foil or air turbulence measures, increases the desired protective effect against frost.

[0056] For the successful application of the frost protection system, including any other protective measures mentioned above, the required energy and the necessary frost protection systems should be estimated. The estimate for efficient protection is based on 1 hectare of cultivated land and a required application time of 12 hours. For simplicity and as an example, it is assumed that the critical energy loss threshold (cooling at night) is reached when 1 kg of water freezes per square meter. Using the latent heat of fusion of water (333 kJ / kg), this results in a heat loss of approximately 1,000 kWh / ha. This rough estimate makes it clear that electrical heating of 1 hectare overnight (approximately 12 hours) requires a connected load of approximately 80 kW to reliably compensate for the heat loss. The major advantage is that no human intervention or monitoring is required.

[0057] Brief description of the drawings

[0058] The invention and its advantages are described in more detail below with reference to the attached schematic drawings.

[0059] Figure 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of the frost protection module according to the invention.

[0060] Figure 2 schematically shows a cross-section along the length of the frost protection module from Fig. 1.

[0061] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the frost protection module along the section line AA from Fig. 1.

[0062] Figure 4 shows a 3-dimensional view of another embodiment of the frost protection module according to the invention.

[0063] Figure 5 shows a 3-dimensional view of a further embodiment of the frost protection module according to the invention.

[0064] Figure 6 shows a 3-dimensional view of an additional embodiment of the frost protection module according to the invention.

[0065] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the frost protection module from Fig. 6 along the section line BB.

[0066] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a possible embodiment of the frost protection module.

[0067] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the frost protection module.

[0068] Figure 10 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of an antifreeze system consisting of several antifreeze modules.

[0069] Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the control unit that is communicatively connected to the frost protection modules of the frost protection system.

[0070] Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of a possible installation method for frost protection modules in a planting area. Figure 13 schematically shows an embodiment of the positioning of a frost protection system with four frost protection modules in the planting area.

[0071] Figure 14 schematically shows an embodiment of an arrangement for positioning several frost protection systems in a planting area.

[0072] Figure 15 shows several infrared images of the burning behavior of an antifreeze module according to one embodiment at different times.

[0073] Figure 16 shows a top view of an embodiment of a press body which is provided with channels and / or slots to positively influence the supply of atmospheric oxygen.

[0074] Figure 17 shows another embodiment of the press body, which has a promoter (oxidizing agent) and an inhibitor (passive layer) pressed in to influence the combustion behavior.

[0075] The following exemplary embodiments of the invention and its advantages will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The proportions in the figures do not always correspond to the actual proportions, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

[0076] Detailed description of the drawings and embodiments

[0077] Figures 1 to 3 show different views of a possible embodiment of an antifreeze module 10. In the embodiment shown here, the antifreeze module 10 is cylindrical, with its combustible body 20 completely enclosed by a casing 22. The combustible body 20 consists of a residue-free burning energy carrier 12. The energy carrier 12 is, for example, present in bulk form within the casing 22. The combustible body 20 contains an electronic or pyrotechnic igniter 24, which can be ignited by means of a control unit 14 (see Fig. 10).

[0078] The casing 22 is only one possible embodiment for spatially stabilizing the combustible body 20. The casing 22 can be omitted, for example, if the energy carrier 12, which is in bulk form, is treated in such a way that the individual parts of the bulk material hold together and form a stable shape. The casing 22 for the combustible body 20 consists of, or comprises, for example, water-repellent paper, cardboard, and / or film.

[0079] Figure 4 shows a 3-dimensional view of a further embodiment of the frost protection module 10 according to the invention. The frost protection module 10 has the shape of a pyramid, which has a triangle as its base.

[0080] Figure 5 shows a 3-dimensional view of a further embodiment of the frost protection module 10 according to the invention. The frost protection module 10 has the shape of a cone, which has a circle as its base.

[0081] Figure 6 shows a 3-dimensional view of a further embodiment of the frost protection module 10 according to the invention. The frost protection module 10 has the shape of a pyramid, which has a quadrilateral, in particular a square, as its base.

[0082] The embodiments of the spatial shape of the frost protection module 10 described above serve only for description and should not be interpreted as a limitation of the invention.

[0083] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view (internal structure) along section line BB of the embodiment of the frost protection module 10 from Fig. 6. In the region of a tip 17 of the pyramid's casing 22, at least one igniter 24 and one promoter 23 are provided. The combustible energy carrier 12 is present in the casing 22 as bulk material. According to one possible embodiment, approximately 2 kg of charcoal can be filled into the casing 22.

[0084] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a possible embodiment of the frost protection module 10. In this embodiment, the frost protection module 10 also has the shape of a pyramid with a flattened section 18, i.e., no point 17 as in Figure 7. As already mentioned in the description of Figure 8, the igniter 24 and the propellant 23 are also provided in the upper region of the pyramid. Apart from the flattened section 18, the structure is identical to that of the embodiment shown in Figure 7.

[0085] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the frost protection module 10. According to one possible embodiment, the casing 22 has several ventilation areas 16. The ventilation areas 16 of the casing 22 only open during initial ignition in order to support the ignition of the energy carrier 12 by supplying air. According to one possible embodiment, the ventilation areas 16 are so thin that they melt away quickly during initial ignition, thus exposing openings for an air supply to promote the combustion process of the energy carrier 12.

[0086] Figure 10 shows a schematic view of an antifreeze system 100, which consists of several antifreeze modules 10. In the embodiment of the antifreeze system 100 shown here, four antifreeze modules 10 are connected to a control unit 14 by means of an output channel 15 each, without limiting the invention thereto. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the control unit 14 need not be limited to four output channels 15. Depending on the design of the control unit 14, two or more output channels 15 can be provided.

[0087] A possible configuration of the control unit 14 (central functional element) is shown in Figure 11. The control unit 14 is an electronic component and includes at least one temperature sensor 40, a power supply 41, for example, consisting of a battery 42 with a photovoltaic module 43, and a logic module 44. The control unit 14 can trigger the individual frost protection modules 10 according to the program to be executed. The temperature sensor 40 measures the ambient temperature of the frost protection system 100 (see Figure 10). The power supply 41, consisting of the battery 42 and the photovoltaic module 43 (mini PV), provides autonomous power for extended periods (preferably more than 6 months). The logic module 44 can determine both active time windows and temperature scenarios, which are used to trigger the igniters 24 via the available output channels 15 (see Figure 10).

[0088] One possible embodiment for positioning a single frost protection module 10, as shown in Figure 12, can be achieved using a ground support 30. The ground support 30 comprises a rod 31 which carries a plate 32. The rod 31 is inserted into the ground 5, and the plate 32 supports the frost protection module 10, which is thereby spaced apart from the ground 5. A base 21 of the frost protection module 10 rests on the plate 32 of the ground support 30. Of course, the frost protection module 10 can also be placed directly on the ground 5 without the ground support 30.

[0089] Figure 13 shows a possible embodiment of the arrangement of a frost protection system 100 in a planting area 200. The control unit 14 can be positioned above the ground 201 at one of the plants 3. The frost protection modules 10 of the frost protection system 100 are placed between the plants 3 and connected to the output channels 15. The output channels 15 are connected to the control unit 14.

[0090] Figure 14 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of an arrangement for the placement of several of the frost protection systems 100 according to the invention in a planting area 200 of the plants 3 to be protected against frost. The majority of the frost protection systems 100 are distributed in a grid pattern over the planting area 200 in order to achieve the most optimal warming of the planting area 200. In the present embodiment, for example, each frost protection system 100 has four output channels 15, each of which is connected to a frost protection module 10 in order to achieve the controlled triggering of the individual frost protection modules 10 of a frost protection system 100.

[0091] Figure 15 shows several infrared images of the combustion behavior of an antifreeze module 10 at different times. In the present embodiment, the antifreeze module 10 is designed in the form of a pyramid. When the temperature surrounding the respective control unit 14 of the antifreeze module 10 falls below a certain threshold (Tmin), the energy carrier 12 at the apex 17 of the pyramid (see Figs. 7, 11) is electronically ignited within less than 3 minutes of an electronic signal from at least one temperature sensor 40 via the associated output channel 15 to the control unit 14, and the combustion process of the body 20 is started. After 5 minutes, the combustion process is fully initiated, and a temperature of more than 200°C already prevails locally (in and, if applicable, also around the pyramid antifreeze module 10). After one hour, a large part of the pyramid is already glowing, and after approximately...After 4 hours, most of the pyramid has already burned completely, leaving only a pile of embers.

[0092] Figure 16 schematically shows a vertical cross-section of a possible further embodiment of the frost protection module 10. The frost protection module 10 consists of a pressed body 20 (pressed body) which represents the energy carrier 12 of the frost protection module 10. In the embodiment shown here, the pressed body 20 is not surrounded by any casing 22 (see Figures 2 and 3), since the energy carrier 12 is treated within the body 20 in such a way—namely, pressed—that the body 20 and the energy carrier 12 are held together, forming a stable shape, thus eliminating the need for a casing 22. The body 20 of the frost protection module 10 carries an igniter 24, which is inserted into the body 20. The igniter 24 can be installed during the manufacture of the body 20. To achieve optimal combustion behavior, the body 20 is provided with channels and / or slots 27. The channels and / or slots 27 serve to supply atmospheric oxygen to the body 20.

[0093] Figure 17 shows an embodiment of the body 20 of an antifreeze module 10, wherein the body 20 has at least one promoter 23 (oxidizing agent) molded into it. The promoter 23 can be selectively introduced into areas, for example, into recesses 26, of the body 20 in order to influence a specific combustion behavior of the molded body 20. Likewise, an inhibitor 25 (passive layer) can be molded into the body 20, the inhibitor 25 also being introduced into a recess 26 of the body 20. With this embodiment as well, the combustion behavior of the body 20 can be influenced and adapted as desired.

[0094] The number and positioning of promoters 23 or inhibitors 25 in the body 20 of an antifreeze module 10 shown in Fig. 17 is for descriptive purposes only and should not be interpreted as a limitation.

[0095]

[0096] 3 plants

[0097] 5 Floor

[0098] 10 Frost protection module

[0099] 12 energy sources

[0100] 14 Control unit

[0101] 15 Output channel

[0102] 16 Ventilation area

[0103] 17 top

[0104] 18 Flattening

[0105] 20 bodies, pressed bodies

[0106] 21 Base

[0107] 22 Envelope

[0108] 23 Promoter

[0109] 24 detonators, ignition device

[0110] 25 Inhibitor

[0111] 26 Formation

[0112] 27-channel slot

[0113] 30 floor mount

[0114] 31 Staff

[0115] 32 plate

[0116] 40 Temperature sensor

[0117] 41 Energy supply

[0118] 42 Battery

[0119] 43 photovoltaic modules

[0120] 44 Logic

[0121] 100 antifreeze system

[0122] 200 planting area

[0123] 201 Floor

[0124] AA section plane

[0125] BB section plane

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 25 September 2025 (25.09.2025) 1. A frost protection module (10) for plants (3), comprising a body (20) defined by a casing (22) containing charcoal as a residue-free burning energy carrier (12); characterized by an electronic or pyrotechnic igniter (24) associated with the body (20) in the casing (22); a control unit (14) communicatively connected to the igniter (24) to ignite the igniter (24) depending on the temperature; and several ventilation areas (16) formed in the casing (22) which open only after ignition of the igniter (24) to supply atmospheric oxygen to the energy carrier (12).

2. The frost protection module (10) according to claim 1, wherein the covering (22) consists of water-repellent paper, cardboard or foil and the charcoal is in bulk form.

3. The frost protection module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering (22) is cylindrical, conical or pyramidal in shape.

4. The frost protection module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a promoter (23) is associated with the igniter (24).

5. The frost protection module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the igniter (20) or the igniter (20) and the promoter (23) are each positioned in the upper region of the body (20).

6. The frost protection module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a floor support (30) with which the frost protection module (10) is positioned above a floor (5, 201). AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) 7. A frost protection system (100) with several frost protection modules (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each igniter (24) of the several frost protection modules (10) is communicatively connected to the common control unit (14) and the frost protection modules (10) of the frost protection system (100) are distributed within a planting area (200).

8. The frost protection system (100) according to claim 7, wherein each output channel (15) leads from the igniter (24) of the respective frost protection module (10) to the common control unit (14) of the respective frost protection module (10) for triggering the igniter (24).

9. The frost protection system (100) according to one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the control unit (14) comprises at least a temperature sensor (40), a power supply (41), for example from a photovoltaic module (43) with battery (42), and a logic (44).

10. An arrangement with multiple frost protection systems (100) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the multiple frost protection systems (100) with the multiple frost protection modules (10) and the respective control unit (14) are distributed within the planting area (200).

11. A method for protecting plants (3) from frost by means of several frost protection modules (10) according to claims 1 to 6, characterized by the following steps: Connecting one igniter (24) of each frost protection module (10) of several frost protection modules (10) to a control unit (14) via one output channel (15) of the control unit (14) to form a frost protection system (100); Positioning several frost protection systems (100) in a planting area (200) of the plants (3), wherein the control unit (14) for each frost protection system (100) is positioned above the ground (201) of the planting area (200); and Measuring the current local temperature in the planting area (200) by means of each control unit (14) at its location, and when the temperature surrounding the respective control unit (14) falls below a certain threshold value (Tmin), the igniter (24) of the AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) The frost protection module (10) is electronically ignited and the combustion process of the body (20) is started.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the igniter (24) together with a promoter (23) of the body (20) is ignited via a power supply (41) of the control unit (14) and its output channels (15), so that the combustion process of the body (20) is started.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a logic (44) of the control unit (14) uses both active time windows and determined temperature scenarios for triggering the output channels (15) connected to the respective igniter (24).

14. The method according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the multiple frost protection systems (100) with the frost protection modules (10) assigned to the respective control unit (14) are regularly distributed in the planting area (200). AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

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