Vertical Plant Cultivation Cabinet Airflow and Heat Exchanger Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plant cultivation apparatuses face inefficiencies in temperature control, air circulation, and manufacturing costs due to suboptimal placement of cooling/heating modules and fans, leading to uneven temperature distribution and inadequate wind provision for plant growth.
Innovation Solution
A plant cultivation apparatus with a heat exchanger on the rear wall and a blower assembly positioned ahead, allowing for direct and indirect heating/cooling, along with air circulation between the light assembly and bed, ensuring uniform temperature and airflow, and a modular design for cost-effectiveness and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cooling/heating module is disposed at a lower portion and air is circulated using a fan, then the temperature control function is provided, but the direct cooling ability is insufficient and temperature control efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-location cooling module at the bottom to a distributed arrangement with heat exchangers at multiple locations (rear wall, side walls) of the cultivation chamber. This spatial redistribution enables direct cooling of plants from multiple directions simultaneously, dramatically improving temperature control efficiency and direct cooling ability without relying solely on air circulation.
2Device complexity
If the blowing fan is disposed under the cabinet, then the structure is simplified, but it is difficult to maintain uniform temperature throughout the entire cultivation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places heat exchangers at specific locations (rear wall, side walls) where they can directly influence local temperature zones. This localized heat exchange approach, combined with strategic fan placement, creates multiple temperature control zones that collectively achieve uniform temperature distribution throughout the entire cultivation space, rather than relying on a single bottom-mounted fan.
3Volume of moving object
If the blowing fan is disposed under the tray where plants grow, then the structure is compact, but it is difficult to effectively provide wind to the area where plants actually grow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces heat exchangers as intermediary components that directly contact or approach the plants for heat exchange, while fans serve as separate components that generate airflow. This separation of functions allows the system to effectively provide wind to plant areas without compromising space utilization, as the heat exchangers mediate the thermal interaction while fans provide the mechanical airflow.
4Temperature
If the heat exchanger and blower assembly are disposed over the machine compartment, then the cultivation space can be directly and indirectly heated or cooled, but the arrangement may occupy valuable space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the heat exchanger and blower assembly to serve multiple functions: they provide both direct and indirect heating/cooling, facilitate air circulation for temperature uniformity, and can be integrated with the machine compartment structure. This multi-functionality justifies the space allocation, as a single component arrangement achieves multiple temperature control objectives that would otherwise require separate systems.
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 solution enhances temperature control efficiency, promotes uniform plant growth, prevents overheating, and improves the external appearance while reducing manufacturing costs and increasing productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger is disposed on the rear wall surface of a cultivation space and a blower assembly is disposed ahead of the heat exchanger, so the cultivation space can be directly and indirectly heated or cooled
Implementation Method 2
a blower assembly is disposed ahead of the heat exchanger... the blower assembly may circulate air in the space between the bed and the light assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
A plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a cabinet having a cultivation space; a plurality of beds that is vertically disposed in the cultivation space and on which plants are cultivated; a plurality of light assemblies disposed over the plurality of beds, respectively, and radiating light toward the top surfaces of the beds; a water tank storing water to be supplied to the beds; a heat exchanger disposed on the rear surface of the cultivation space and controlling the temperature of the cultivation space; and a blower assembly disposed ahead of the heat exchanger and circulating air in the cultivation space.