Controlled environment production facility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional CEP facilities face high energy consumption and environmental concerns due to the use of vapor compression refrigeration cycle cooling and dehumidification systems, particularly for leafy greens, which exceed the energy demand for lighting and cooling, hindering widespread adoption.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an absorption chiller powered by waste heat from a combined heat and power plant to provide chilled water for cooling and dehumidification, using water and lithium bromide mixture, reducing reliance on electricity and minimizing carbon footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If vapour compression refrigeration cycle cooling plant is used for cooling and dehumidification, then temperature and humidity control is achieved, but energy consumption becomes excessively high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines cooling and dehumidification functions into a single integrated system using a desiccant wheel that performs both functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate vapour compression refrigeration systems and significantly reducing energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameters by using desiccant material properties and regenerative heat exchange, operating at lower energy consumption levels while maintaining effective temperature and humidity control through alternative physical mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of substance

If additional dehumidification means are provided, then humidity control is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehumidity controlVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The desiccant wheel operates continuously with constant rotation, providing uninterrupted dehumidification while the regenerative heat exchanger continuously recovers energy from the exhaust air stream, maintaining effective humidity control without energy-intensive intermittent operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the warm exhaust air, which would normally be wasted energy, into a useful heat source for regenerating the desiccant wheel, turning a potential energy loss into a beneficial contribution to the dehumidification process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Temperature

If vapour compression refrigeration cycle cooling plant is used, then cooling capacity is provided, but environmentally harmful refrigerants must be used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capacityVSAvoidenvironmentally harmful refrigerants

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical vapour compression refrigeration system with a desiccant-based thermal system that uses heat-driven adsorption and desorption processes, eliminating the need for harmful refrigerants while providing equivalent cooling capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes phase transitions of moisture between vapor and condensed states through the desiccant material, providing cooling through evaporative processes and condensation heat release without requiring synthetic refrigerants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Reduces energy requirements and environmental impact by leveraging waste heat for cooling and dehumidification, making CEP horticulture more economically viable and sustainable.

Implementation Method 1

an absorption chiller powered by waste heat from a combined heat and power plant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption refrigeration: Adsorption Refrigerator

Implementation Method 2

waste heat from a combined heat and power plant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombined heat and power generation: Heat Engine

Implementation Method 3

uses heat from the combined heat and power plant to produce chilled water for cooling and dehumidification

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

If additional dehumidification is required, then desiccant dehumidification means can be provided

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDesiccant dehumidification: Desiccant Material

Data Source

PatentUS12599067B2Controlled environment production facility

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 GROWUP GRP LTD

AI summary

According to the invention there is provided a controlled environment production facility, including: a climate controlled growing chamber, and an absorption chiller. The climate controlled growing chamber includes artificial lighting and at least one cooling and dehumidification unit. The cooling and dehumidification unit is supplied with chilled water from the absorption chiller.