56 results about "Vertical farming" patented technology

The present invention relates to a modular and scalable system for intelligent vertical farming infrastructure, using the latest in water recycling sciences, and artificial-intelligence based automation. This helps to combat the issue of sustainable Agriculture+its minimizing usage of water, energy, and space. It combines a vertical farming structure with multiple levels of cultivation with an irrigation and drainage system to achieve recirculation of water. The water recycling unit consists of rainwater harvesting, wastewater collection and multi-stage treatment subsystems, which can guarantee a continuous supply of high-quality recycled water for irrigation. The invention also combines a network of Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled sensors and AI-based control circuitry to track and manage environmental conditions (e.g. light intensity, humidity, temperature, and nutrient levels).

A vertical farm system including at least one enclosure, the at least one enclosure separated into a day section and a night section, a plurality of racks disposed within the at least one enclosure and configured to hold plants, a conveyor system configured to move the plurality of racks through the day and night section of the at least one enclosure, and at least one of an irrigation system, a lighting system or an automated harvesting system disposed within the at least one enclosure, the at least one of the irrigation system, the lighting system and the automated harvesting system being stationary relative to the plurality of racks.

A vertical farm system including at least one enclosure, the at least one enclosure separated into a day section and a night section, a plurality of racks disposed within the at least one enclosure and configured to hold plants, a conveyor system configured to move the plurality of racks through the day and night section of the at least one enclosure, and at least one of an irrigation system, a lighting system or an automated harvesting system disposed within the at least one enclosure, the at least one of the irrigation system, the lighting system and the automated harvesting system being stationary relative to the plurality of racks.

Verbascum nigrum extracts are disclosed, as well as processes for preparing the same and uses as active ingredients in nutraceuticals. In particular, it is disclosed an enzymatic process wherein a specific enzyme cocktail is used for selectively releasing and extracting compounds from a Verbascum nigrum biomass. It is also disclosed a hydroalcoholic process for releasing and extracting different compounds from a Verbascum nigrum biomass. Said Verbascum nigrum biomass is advantageously obtained from vertical farming, which allows to maximize the stability and properties' reproducibility of the botanical with respect to the corresponding wild-growing plants. The resulting enzymatic and hydroalcoholic extracts can be advantageously used singularly or in combination thereof, thus taking benefit of the overall active compound mixture. Specifically, the extracts can be suitable used in nutraceutical compositions and food supplements.

The utility model discloses a modularized three-dimensional planting device which comprises a three-dimensional planting plate, a liquid adding assembly is installed on the top of the three-dimensional planting plate, liquid needed by planting is conveniently added into the planting device through the liquid adding assembly, and the liquid adding assembly comprises an installation groove, a fixing pipe and a liquid inlet spray head. The mounting groove is formed in the top of the three-dimensional planting plate, the fixing pipe is mounted in the mounting groove, and the liquid inlet nozzles are symmetrically mounted on the two sides of the fixing pipe. The fixing pipe in the liquid adding assembly is installed on the top of the planting plate through the installation groove, after liquid for planting enters the fixing pipe, the liquid can enter the liquid adding hole through the liquid inlet spray head and finally enter the planting groove through the liquid adding hole, plants are planted in the planting groove, and the planting effect is good. And therefore, a worker can conveniently add the planting liquid to the planted plants.

A vertical farming system includes: a plurality of grow trays for receiving a growth medium for germinating, propagating and / or growing living organisms, each grow tray including a bottom tray surface; a plurality of support units, each support unit including a single platform including+ a top platform surface for supporting the bottom tray surface of a grow tray from below, wherein each bottom tray surface and / or each top platform surface are configured such that when a grow tray is supported on top of a support unit, a ventilation space is defined between the bottom tray surface and the top platform surface. Each support unit includes a fan mounted to the platform, the fan being configured to generate an airflow through the ventilation space. A support structure supports the plurality of support units in a vertically spaced arrangement.

A food production system includes; a renewable energy source; a data center at least partially powered by the renewable energy source; and a food production system with at least a portion being a vertical farm (VF) powered at least partially by the renewable energy source. The food production system has integrated energy and water management

A watering system for a vertical farming facility, comprising stackable propagation modules having load-bearing frames to allow the propagation modules to be placed in a self-supporting stack of other modules within the vertical farming facility. The propagation modules support vertically positioned propagation boards for supporting plants grown in a vertical farming facility where plants grow horizontally from the propagation boards. The propagation board comprises a porous propagation medium, a watering trough extending along the upper edge of the propagation board provided with holes for distributing water into the propagation medium, a water collection trough extending along the lower edge of the propagation board positioned to collect water flowing out of the propagation medium, and a valve provided within the water collection trough, the valve being positioned to allow water to flow out of the water collection trough when the valve is open and to prevent water from flowing out of the water collection trough when the valve is closed.

A crop growth container (600, 800, 900, 1000) for storing and cultivating crops (612) in a vertical farming system (1100), comprises a base (601) and side walls (602, 603, 604, 605) upwardly extending from the base (601), the base (601) and side walls (602, 603, 604, 605) defining an interior space (606); wherein the base (601) and / or a side wall (602, 603, 604, 605) comprises a water inlet (708, 816) for feeding water into the interior space (606), wherein the water inlet (708, 816) comprises an inlet opening (702, 804, 903) which is arranged above a predetermined maximum water fill level (609) of the interior space (606).

An illuminable storage grid is for storing and cultivating crops within containers. The illuminable storage grid includes a plurality of horizontally extending container supporting frameworks distributed vertically with vertical offsets. Each container supporting framework includes a container support for supporting a plurality of containers and a support displacement system for displacing the container support horizontally. Each container support is arranged above a lowermost container supporting framework display(s) at least one hole with an opening of at least a maximum horizontal cross section of the containers to be stored. At least one of the container supports above the lowermost container supporting framework is an illuminable container support enabling illumination.

The invention discloses a working method of a dynamic photovoltaic sunshade and vertical agriculture combined productive building facade, which comprises the following steps: step 1, a photovoltaic panel is driven by a second rotating unit to rotate at 150 degrees on a horizontal plane, and the photovoltaic panel is driven by a first rotating unit to rotate at 150 degrees on a vertical plane, so that the photovoltaic panel moves along the moving direction of the sun; 2, maximizing the energy extraction efficiency of the photovoltaic panel through a solar controller, and storing the electric energy extracted by the photovoltaic panel through a lithium battery pack to provide the electric energy for the work of the productive building facade; and 3, the sliding block controller is manually controlled to enable the box body to vertically move along the sliding rail track, and when the box body moves to a preset position, the box body is fixed through a locking device. The productive building facade comprises two independent dynamic photovoltaic sun-shading systems and an outer wall vertical agricultural system, and in the working state, the angle of a photovoltaic panel is adjusted through an angle adjusting mechanism so as to meet the requirements of different environmental conditions or scenes.

The present disclosure provides a modular pot for vertical farming comprising a body (1) having an upper end (10), a lower end (11), aright portion (12), a middle portion (13), and a left portion (14), wherein a first virtual vertical line (100) virtually separates the right portion (12) from the middle portion (13), and a second virtual line virtually (101) separates the middle potion (13) from the left portion (14); an anterior side (15) and a posterior side (16); a space gap (17) in the middle portion (13) configured to receive irrigation / fertigation water; a right pipe (120) passing through the right portion (12); and a left pipe (140) passing through the left portion (14), wherein the right (120) and left pipes (140) are configured to be in fluid communication with the space gap (17). The present disclosure also provides a modular vertical farming assembly, and a method of irrigating / fertigating plants in the assembly.

A system that includes a vertical farming facility; a plant receptacle including a base element providing a cavity for a plant and at least two rim portions that extend outwardly from opposing sides of the base element, the at least two rim portions are part of a single-piece circumferential rim of the base element; and a gripper for handling the plant or the plant receptacle; the gripper includes a gripper head with a first and second gripping element, the first gripping element includes two first lateral holding arms and the second gripping element includes two second lateral holding arms; the gripper head is transferable between a clamping position, in which the first and second gripping elements clamp the plant or the plant receptacle, and a release position, in which the first and second gripping elements release the plant or the plant receptacle.

Facility layouts and configurations for an automated crop production system for controlled environment agriculture. In particular implementations, the core of the facility comprises a controlled growth environment and a central processing system. The controlled growth environment includes systems for exposing crops housed in modules, such as grow towers, to controlled environmental conditions. The central processing system may include various stations and functionality both for preparing crop-bearing modules to be inserted in the controlled growth environment, for harvesting crops from the crop-bearing modules after they have been extracted from the controlled growth environment, and for cleaning or washing crop-bearing modules for re-use. The controlled growth environment may include vertical farming structure having vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers along one or more grow lines. The conveyance mechanisms may include a return transfer mechanism that creates a return or u-shaped path for each grow line.

The invention relates to a vertical farming system designed to maximise the use of agricultural space while providing an effective solution for tuber crops and other, similar crops. The system comprises a cylindrical steel column (1) which is fixed to a concrete base (17) and on which metal supports are mounted, the supports being capable of holding racks (4) for pots (3). Each rack (4) can contain from two to eight pots (3), thereby providing flexibility for different crops. The racks (4) are arranged in a circular manner around the column (1), allowing optimal use of space.

The present invention is a vertical farming system including a set of transportable farming modules, each module having a plurality of vertically arranged farming tiers. Each tier includes a distinct aqueous input, a distinct aqueous drain output, and a distinct aqueous overflow output.

A method for using artificial intelligence software to manage and optimize the energy consumption of a vertical farm and greenhouse, comprising a grid of solar panels supplying solar power, solar cells, and sensors throughout the vertical farm, which can heat or cool the greenhouse, with heating and cooling controlled according to plant species and growth stage, and comprising a composite cycle sensor and instrumentation, to which data from both the vertical farm and greenhouse is fed; an outdoor light measuring sensor that measures and estimates the conditions of solar power in the solar grid and transmits the data to the artificial intelligence software; and the artificial intelligence software determines how much light various plants in the hydroponic greenhouse require to maximize the yield from those plants.

A planting system is provided that includes a rotationally molded chassis defining: (i) an "interior" where a plant may be positioned; and (ii) an outer portion at least partially defining a perimeter around the inner portion. The chassis generally includes a stacking element that enables one chassis to be stacked with another. The disclosed planting system generally further includes: (i) a means for delivering liquid to the tray; (ii) means for discharging liquid from the chassis; and (iii) means for supporting the plant that facilitate the growth of the plant within the chassis.

A rack assembly provides a portable support structure for supporting and holding one or more support members, one or more light holders, and a storage container for growing plants in vertical farming with minimal to no soil. Sections of the rack assembly are selectively adjustable. The rack assembly is preferably adapted for vertical farming by using one or more pipes or support members, each of which contain one or more plants within one or more pot holders, with at least one or more light holders with a light fixture that provides adequate lighting for the plants to grow, and with the storage container holding water and / or nutrients for plant growth.

Methods, structures, and devices for modular above-ground vertical farming in an outdoor environment. Structures include a rigid top bed, at least one rigid shaded bed, and a framework adapted for mechanical coupling to the top bed and at least one shaded bed. The framework supports the top bed and the at least one shaded bed and maintains the top bed and the at least one shaded bed in vertically stacked alignment. The framework may comprise a plurality of supports. The top bed and the at least one shaded bed each comprise a horizontal platform with a top surface surrounded by at least one wall and configured to receive a plant growing medium. The structure may include two vertically stacked enclosures wherein each enclosure defines a plurality of openings permitting the exchange of air within an interior space defined by the enclosure and fresh air from outside the interior space.

A plant receptacle conveying apparatus for a vertical farming system is provided, the apparatus comprising: a platform for supporting a plant receptacle; a stand for supporting the platform; a first actuator for raising and / or lowering the platform; and a second actuator for laterally moving the platform or a part thereof. Related systems and methods are also provided.

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.

A smart Autonomous Vertical Farming System in an indoor farm comprising a Computer server, a Planning and Control system, a Library containing images and reference data, a plarlity of wireless routers for data transmission to and from all parts of the indoor farm. with routes for movement inside and through the Vertical Farming System. The indoor farm is provided with a plurality of racks with a plurality of racks with a plurality of trays of plants placed on the racks, wherein new data are gathered by a plurality of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR), said data including images of the plants, health condition and growth status of the plants obtained from the AMRs. The data transmitted through the wireless routers to the Computer Server, wherein the Computer Server schedules daily operations for the AMRS and maintenance works to be carried out by the AMRs autonomously transitted to each AMR. The 3D positioning tags, wireless beacons and designated landmarks in the indoor farm form a Route Guidance System, for movements of the AMRs for the daily operations and maintenance within the vertical farming system and the movements are planned and executed using the Route Guidance System.

An irrigation system for a vertical farm system including one or more irrigation stations, each of the one or more irrigation stations including one or more tanks that hold irrigation fluid, and one or more spigots that deliver the irrigation fluid from the one or more tanks to the vertical farm system. Each of the one or more irrigation stations includes a plurality of sub-assemblies, and each sub-assembly includes a corresponding one of the one or more tanks and a corresponding one of the one or more spigots.

The apparatus described herein advantageously eliminates the need for plant plugs / growing media for seeds. An expansive sheet expands as the plants grow on the sheet. A vertically aligned plant supporting expansive structure comprises a front layer of a corrugated plastic with an elastic memory that supports the plant from seed to harvest. A rear layer of a thin film cellulosic disposable and biodegradable membrane holds on to the rear of the front layer by surface tension of a nutrient solution. Artificial plant grow lighting illuminating plants supported on the front layer. Aeroponic misters are positioned behind the rear layer, wherein two of the vertically aligned plant supporting expansive structures with their respective rear layers face the misters and create an enclosed aeroponic misting space.

A heat transfer system for a vertical farming module comprises a closed circuit with a cooling fluid circulating therein and having a fluid-cooled light-supporting tube transmitting heat from a lighting equipment of the vertical farming module to the cooling fluid. The heat transfer also comprises a heat pump operating with a system fluid; an air handling unit receiving the cold system fluid from the heat pump to reduce humidity of the air in the vertical farming module; a heating system receiving the heated system fluid from the heat pump and fluidly connected to a greenhouse located adjacent to the vertical farming module for heating the greenhouse with a warmed air generated by the heating system. A method for energy management in a vertical farming module and a greenhouse is also provided.

A vertical farming apparatus comprises a frame for supporting plant troughs or pots, a base for supporting the frame, and an array of gutters supported by the frame. The array of gutters comprises an upper formation of gutters above a lower formation of gutters. Containers for housing plants are supported by and arranged to drain into a gutter in the array of gutters. An irrigation system is arranged to irrigate the containers. The lower formation of gutters is arranged in a tiered configuration such that each gutter in the lower formation is at least partially offset in a first horizontal direction from the other gutters in the lower formation and is at least partially offset in a first horizontal direction from the gutters in the upper formation. A supply system is arranged to supply gaseous carbon dioxide, air and mixtures of carbon dioxide and air to the containers interchangeably.

The invention provides a compact and self-sustained refrigeration system for agricultural uses, including in Vertical Farming. Greenhouses. LDS. Orchards. and home gardening uses, including in field extreme situations, in post-Harvest uses and in Aquaculture including Algae Farming, independent of external power supply, fueled by small amounts of liquid carbon dioxide.

The present disclosure relates to a stackable module comprising functional components. The stackable module includes a load-bearing frame including a first support member and a second support member held by a cross member in a spaced apart and parallel configuration. The cross member forms part of the functional component. The load-bearing frame is configured to enable the stackable modules to occupy a cubic volume within which the functional components are supported. The functional component may be a functional component of a vertical agricultural system.