Modular Environmental Control System for Greenhouses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing environmental control systems for enclosed structures like greenhouses are costly and inefficient, requiring significant resources for construction, maintenance, and climate control, while also facing challenges in adapting to varying crop requirements and environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A modular environmental control system that includes air chambers, ducts, and removable air conditioning modules, allowing for flexible expansion and reconfiguration to accommodate different sizes and types of enclosed structures, as well as varying environmental and crop-specific requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional environmental control systems are used for enclosed structures, then temperature and humidity control is achieved, but construction and maintenance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the enclosed structure into multiple zones with independent environmental control. Each zone has its own air handling unit, allowing targeted climate control only where needed rather than conditioning the entire structure, thereby reducing construction and operational costs while maintaining effective temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The environmental control system uses dynamic adjustment of ventilation rates, heating, and cooling based on real-time sensor data from within the structure. This allows the system to optimize energy consumption and reduce costs by actively responding to changing conditions rather than maintaining constant high-level control throughout.
2Temperature
If traditional environmental control systems are used for enclosed structures, then climate control is achieved, but maintenance effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control system into modular zones with independent units, maintenance can be performed on individual components without shutting down the entire system. This modular approach simplifies repair operations and reduces maintenance downtime and costs while preserving continuous climate control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-diagnostic capabilities and automated monitoring that detect issues before they require manual intervention. Sensors and control algorithms continuously monitor system performance and can automatically adjust parameters or alert operators to problems, reducing the frequency and complexity of maintenance operations.
3Temperature
If enclosed structures are used for crop production, then control over temperature and humidity is improved, but construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements environmental control in modular segments rather than requiring a fully enclosed expensive structure. By using localized air handling units and zone-based control, the system achieves effective temperature and humidity management for crop production without the need for complete structural enclosure, reducing construction costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The environmental control system is designed to serve multiple functions including temperature control, humidity regulation, and air quality management within a unified platform. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment and structures, lowering overall construction costs while maintaining comprehensive environmental control for crop production.
4Productivity
If full environmental control is implemented in enclosed structures, then crop production control is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts environmental parameters based on real-time crop needs and external conditions. Sensors monitor crop status, weather forecasts, and internal environment conditions to optimize heating, cooling, and ventilation only when and where needed, maintaining high crop production control while minimizing energy and resource consumption through adaptive management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies environmental control locally to specific zones or even individual crop rows rather than uniformly across the entire structure. By targeting control measures only to areas where crops require intervention, the system achieves effective crop production management while significantly reducing overall resource consumption compared to full-structure conditioning.
Data Source
AI summary
Modular environmental control systems and methods for enclosed structures are described. In an embodiment, a first air chamber having one or more first openings receives air from an enclosed structure. The first air chamber includes one or more second openings configured to receive ambient air. The one or more second openings are selectively closable. A first duct delivers air from the enclosed structure to the first chamber via the one or more first openings in the first air chamber. A second air chamber receives air from the first air chamber and has one or more openings configured to deliver air to the enclosed structure. A plurality of air conditioning modules are removably mounted to a divider positioned between the first air chamber and second air chamber. Air from the first chamber is selectively received into the second chamber by passing through the air conditioning modules. A second duct is configured to deliver air from the one or more openings of the second chamber to the enclosed structure.