Method and device for optimization of plant root-zone temperature
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing farming methods struggle to efficiently accumulate chill hours for plants due to climate variability, leading to poor crop production and quality, and existing cooling systems are complex, require external power, and are difficult to control.
Innovation Solution
A compact, autonomous device using liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) for temperature-controlled fluid streams through irrigation systems to regulate root-zone temperature, employing phase transitions without a closed refrigeration cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional cooling systems are used to control root-zone temperature, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity and external power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of carbon dioxide from liquid to gas (sublimation) to generate cooling effect. Liquid CO2 stored in the pressurized chamber transitions to gaseous state in the expansion chamber, absorbing heat from the root-zone environment and providing passive cooling without complex mechanical refrigeration systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to operate autonomously using the inherent properties of carbon dioxide phase transition. The expansion valve automatically regulates CO2 release, and the phase change process itself provides the cooling action without requiring external power supply or complex control mechanisms
2Reliability
If natural temperature changes are relied upon for chill hour accumulation, then no additional equipment is needed, but temperature control precision and reliability deteriorate due to climate variability
Solution Approach 1:
The system actively modifies the temperature parameter in the root-zone environment by introducing controlled CO2 expansion. This changes the thermal conditions from passive natural variation to active controlled cooling, ensuring reliable chill hour accumulation regardless of ambient climate conditions
3Productivity
If chemical treatments are used to break plant dormancy, then productivity is improved, but harmful factors and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the typically harmful effect of excessive cold (frost damage to above-ground plant parts) into a beneficial effect by directing cooling only to the root-zone. This allows accumulation of necessary chill hours for dormancy break and flowering initiation while protecting the rest of the plant from cold damage, eliminating the need for chemical dormancy breakers
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 precise and immediate temperature control of plant roots, promoting chill hour accumulation, enhancing crop growth and quality, and operating independently without external power or coolant supply.
Implementation Method 1
employing phase transitions without a closed refrigeration cycle
Implementation Method 2
an expansion chamber adapted for receiving an amount of liquid CO2 from said pressurized chamber... a heat exchanger chamber in heat conductive contact with said pressurized and expansion chamber, for cooling fluid received therein
Data Source
AI summary
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.