Dual Pump Vertical Farm Irrigation Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertical farming systems face inefficiencies in irrigation and nutrient management, particularly in recirculating and removing excess nutrient solutions, which can lead to nutrient dilution and increased costs due to standing solutions in gutters.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop irrigation system with a dual pump setup is implemented, where an irrigation line with apertures supplies aqueous nutrient solutions to grow towers, and a gutter structure captures excess solution, which is then recirculated using a primary and secondary pump system to maintain optimal nutrient levels and minimize standing water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single pump system is used to recirculate excess nutrient solution from the gutter structure, then the system complexity is reduced, but the effectiveness of removing standing water and maintaining optimal nutrient levels is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into a primary pump and a secondary pump, each serving distinct functions. The primary pump handles the main recirculation flow from the gutter structure, while the secondary pump addresses remaining standing water and provides backup capability. This segmentation allows the system to achieve thorough water removal and maintain optimal nutrient levels without requiring an overly complex single-pump design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes variable pump speeds and operational parameters to optimize recirculation efficiency. By adjusting flow rates and activation sequences of the primary and secondary pumps, the system can adapt to different operational conditions, ensuring effective removal of excess nutrient solution while maintaining energy efficiency and system simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If excess nutrient solution is allowed to stand in the gutter structure, then the system operation is simplified, but nutrient dilution and algae growth occur
Solution Approach 1:
The dual pump system operates continuously or in scheduled intervals to maintain constant recirculation of excess nutrient solution. This continuous action prevents standing water conditions that lead to nutrient dilution and algae growth, while the automated control system maintains operational simplicity by managing pump activation sequences without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that monitor nutrient solution levels and quality in the gutter structure. When standing water or algae growth is detected, the feedback system activates the appropriate pump to restore proper recirculation, thereby preventing harmful conditions while maintaining ease of operation through automated responses.
3Reliability
If the dual pump system operates continuously, then optimal nutrient levels are maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the dual pump system employs periodic activation sequences. The primary pump operates during main recirculation phases, while the secondary pump activates in intervals to address remaining standing water. This periodic operation maintains reliable nutrient levels by ensuring thorough recirculation while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by activating pumps only when and where needed. The primary pump handles the bulk of recirculation requirements, while the secondary pump provides supplementary action only when standing water persists. This approach maintains nutrient level consistency through sufficient recirculation while minimizing energy waste by avoiding unnecessary continuous pump operation.
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
This system effectively recirculates excess nutrients, maintains optimal nutrient concentrations, and reduces the risk of nutrient dilution and algae growth, enhancing crop yields and operational efficiency in vertical farming.
Implementation Method 1
a dual pump system for effectively and efficiently removing excess nutrient solution from the gutter structure
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation system for a vertical farming structure having vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, while being exposed to controlled conditions, such as lighting, airflow, humidity and nutritional support. The present disclosure describes a grow tower conveyance system that moves vertically-oriented grow towers to select positions along a grow line. An irrigation line having apertures at the select positions provides aqueous nutrient solution to the grow towers, while a gutter structure captures excess solution. In a closed loop system, the excess solution returns to a recirculation tank. The present disclosure provides a dual pump system for effectively and efficiently removing excess nutrient solution from the gutter structure.