Modular Soilless Growing System with Enclosed CO2 Enrichment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soilless growing systems require substantial operator involvement, are not fully automated, and face challenges with external contamination and CO2 enrichment safety.
Innovation Solution
A modular soilless growing system comprising interconnected grow modules with enclosed volumes, artificial lighting, a nutrient module for supplying conditioned nutrient solutions, and an HVAC module for controlling the gaseous environment, including CO2 enrichment, to create optimal and controlled growing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional soilless growing systems are used, then operator involvement is required for manual monitoring and intervention, but automation extent is limited and labor intensity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors to automatically monitor environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, CO2 levels) and triggers automated responses such as activating fans, adjusting lighting, or alerting operators only when thresholds are exceeded, enabling the system to service itself with minimal human intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback control mechanism where sensors continuously monitor growing conditions, data is processed by a control unit, and adjustments are automatically made to lighting, ventilation, or nutrient delivery based on real-time conditions, creating a closed-loop automated system
2Productivity
If CO2 enrichment is implemented to enhance crop growth, then productivity increases, but safety risks from CO2 accumulation and external contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The growing system is divided into separate sealed compartments or modules where CO2 enrichment is localized to specific zones rather than the entire facility, allowing enhanced crop growth in controlled areas while maintaining safety through spatial separation and preventing uncontrolled CO2 accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses controlled ventilation systems and CO2 monitoring devices as intermediaries to regulate gas levels, automatically introducing CO2 when needed and venting excess levels, thereby mediating between the desire for high productivity and the need to maintain safe operating conditions
3Ease of manufacture
If modular system design is used, then ease of manufacture and scalability improve, but device complexity increases due to multiple interconnected components
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into standardized modular units (growth chambers, power supply modules, control units) that can be manufactured independently using standardized processes, then assembled through simple connection interfaces, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the number of components
Solution Approach 2:
The modular units are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection protocols that allow the same module to serve multiple functions or be configured in different arrangements, reducing the variety of unique components needed and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining scalability
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 automatic and controllable conditions and nutrient supplies, reduces external contamination, and safely optimizes CO2 enrichment, leading to improved crop growth and increased efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
artificial lighting configured to provide light energy to the plant
Implementation Method 2
a HVAC module configured to supply and condition a gaseous environment to the grow module, the HVAC module configured to supply carbon dioxide into the interior of the grow module
Implementation Method 3
a nutrient module configured to supply and condition an aqueous nutrient solution to the grow module
Data Source
AI summary
The soilless growing system includes one or more grow modules. Each grow module includes an enclosable volume having an interior configured to receive at least one plant in a removable plant holder in a removable grow bed. The grow bed and plant holder permit growth of the plant therethrough. There is artificial lighting to provide light energy to the plant and a nutrient module to supply and condition an aqueous nutrient solution to the grow module. An HVAC module supplies and conditions a gaseous environment to the grow module, the HVAC module supplying carbon dioxide into the interior of the grow module.