Flow Distribution Assembly for Vertical Gardening Air Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air circulation methods in vertical farming are inefficient, leading to stagnant air pockets and non-uniform carbon dioxide distribution, and require large space-consuming filters.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a flow distribution assembly with a housing, ducts, and fans that direct ambient air horizontally through ducts with holes to reach plant growing regions, optionally incorporating carbon dioxide dispersion and compact filtration, reducing the need for large filters and improving air circulation and CO2 distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wall mounted oscillating fans are used for air circulation, then air can be circulated in the space, but stagnant air pockets remain and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The air circulation system is segmented into multiple distributed outlets along the wall, with each outlet containing a small fan. This segmentation allows air to be introduced at multiple locations simultaneously, eliminating stagnant pockets that would occur with a single centralized fan source.
Solution Approach 2:
Each local outlet is equipped with its own fan and can be independently controlled, allowing air circulation to be optimized for specific local conditions. This enables targeted air movement in different zones of the greenhouse without requiring a single high-power fan.
2Productivity
If large can filters are used for air filtration, then air can be filtered effectively, but a large volume of space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is divided into multiple smaller filter units distributed along the wall, each serving a specific zone. This eliminates the need for one large centralized filter housing, reducing overall space requirements while maintaining total filtration capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter housing uses a thin-walled corrugated pipe structure that provides structural integrity with minimal material thickness. This thin-film approach allows the filter to occupy significantly less space compared to traditional bulky filter housings.
3Productivity
If carbon dioxide is released into a large general area, then carbon dioxide can be distributed, but non-uniform distribution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Carbon dioxide injection points are segmented and distributed along the wall at multiple locations, matching the distribution of air outlets. This ensures uniform mixing and delivery of CO2 throughout the greenhouse space, preventing concentration gradients that occur with single-point injection.
Solution Approach 2:
Air flow acts as an intermediary medium that carries carbon dioxide from injection points to plant zones. By controlling air flow patterns through the distributed outlets, uniform CO2 distribution is achieved without direct injection into the general space.
4Productivity
If ceiling mounted HVAC systems are used, then air circulation can be provided, but the system is ineffective in vertical growing configurations and occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The air circulation system transitions from ceiling-mounted (vertical dimension) to wall-mounted horizontal distribution. This dimensional change allows the system to adapt to vertical growing configurations by introducing air horizontally along the wall, which then distributes vertically through convection and plant canopy interaction.
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
The system ensures even CO2 distribution to plants, reduces energy costs, and allows for frequent filter changes, addressing space limitations and inefficiencies in traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a fan for directing ambient air through the housing and into the duct, so that air can be directed from the duct toward the plant growing region
Implementation Method 2
The duct has an end coupled to the housing's air outlet portion, the duct defining a plurality of holes therealong. The duct extends linearly away from the housing, and is configured to be supported by and along the shelf to an opposite end of the ducts.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow distribution assembly provides air circulation to a rack-based vertical gardening system. The distribution assembly includes a housing having air inlet and outlet portions. At least one elongated duct has an end fluidly coupled to housing’s air outlet portion, the duct adapted to extend along a shelf of the rack, to an opposite end thereof. A fan is fluidly coupled to the housing’s air inlet portion and is supportable by the rack so that it can direct ambient air into the air inlet portion. The duct has a plurality of openings arranged to direct air at a plant growing area of the gardening system when the distribution assembly is mounted on a rack system. Optionally, the air inlet portion is positionable laterally outboard of plant growing regions of the vertical gardening system.