Artificial-Light Crop Cultivation for Equal Vapor Deficit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional indoor farming methods face limitations in scaling up due to temperature increases, moisture loss, and carbon dioxide absorption, leading to undesirable crop dehydration and reduced photosynthesis efficiency, especially in daylight-free environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that maintain a constant and equal vapor deficit by controlling the power output of artificial light sources and using controllable cooling means to manage heat and moisture levels, allowing for a controlled airflow and carbon dioxide exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LED lighting is used to provide light spectrum with high lighting efficiency, then photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) is improved, but heat generation increases causing temperature rise and moisture loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful heat component from the LED lighting system by introducing active cooling mechanisms (cooling channels, fans, or heat exchangers) that remove excess heat before it can raise the cultivation space temperature, thereby maintaining high lighting efficiency while controlling temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cooling air or coolant as an intermediary substance that absorbs heat from the LED fixtures and removes it from the cultivation space, mediating between the heat-generating light sources and the temperature-sensitive crop environment
2Productivity
If air velocity over the crop is increased to supply fresh carbon dioxide, then photosynthesis efficiency is improved, but evaporation and moisture loss increase causing crop dehydration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of air velocity to an optimal range (0.1-1.0 m/s) that balances carbon dioxide supply with moisture conservation, and adjusts relative humidity (60-80%) and temperature (20-30°C) to create conditions where high photosynthesis efficiency is achieved without excessive evaporation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements monitoring systems that measure crop water status, air humidity, and carbon dioxide levels, using this feedback to dynamically adjust air velocity and humidity control mechanisms to prevent dehydration while maintaining photosynthesis efficiency
3Productivity
If cultivation area is scaled up excessively, then production output is improved, but temperature uniformity and vapor deficit control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large cultivation area into multiple zones with independent temperature and humidity control systems, allowing each segment to maintain optimal vapor deficit and temperature uniformity while collectively achieving high production output
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vertical dimension control through multi-level cultivation racks with independent environmental control for each level, enabling temperature and vapor deficit management in three-dimensional space to maintain uniformity across large cultivation areas
4Stability of the object's composition
If recirculated airflow is used with dehumidifying installation to extract excess water vapour, then moisture control is improved, but energy consumption increases offsetting production benefits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the cultivation environment to self-regulate humidity through optimized air circulation patterns and passive evaporative cooling, reducing or eliminating the need for active mechanical dehumidification and thereby lowering energy consumption while maintaining humidity control
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
Enables larger cultivation spaces with improved photosynthesis and crop development, reducing energy consumption and maintaining crop health, thus enhancing economic efficiency and yield.
Implementation Method 1
photosynthesis also depends on the absorption of carbon dioxide by the crop
Implementation Method 2
The light fittings frequently applied at the present time make use of LED lighting to provide the light spectrum
Implementation Method 3
the controllable cooling comprises a liquid cooling with a forced circulation of a liquid cooling medium in heat-exchanging contact with the artificial light sources
Implementation Method 4
an at least substantially laminar airflow, comprising an air treatment installation for maintaining and, if desired, treating said laminar airflow
Implementation Method 5
the crop will be able to evaporate more. While this increased space temperature does result in a more rapid crop development
Data Source
AI summary
In a device a crop is cultivated in an at least substantially daylight-free environment, wherein the crop is exposed in an at least substantially fully conditioned cultivation space (10) to actinic artificial light from an array of artificial light sources (30) present in the cultivation space. During a cultivation cycle a power output of the artificial light sources (30) is adapted to an energy absorption of a part of the crop (50) illuminated thereby such that the crop close to each of the array of artificial light sources is subject to an at least substantially constant and at least substantially mutually equal vapour deficit.