Plant Growth Control via Root Temperature and Leaf Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional glass horticulture methods are inefficient in energy management and land use, particularly in densely populated areas, as they require significant energy to maintain temperature and sunlight, and occupy large spaces, necessitating improved methods for plant growth in controlled environments.
Innovation Solution
A method that controls root temperature, actinic light, and carbon dioxide assimilation through leaf heating and adjustable lighting spectra, optimizing photosynthesis, sap flow, and carbon dioxide uptake while minimizing energy consumption by using a system of light-emitting diodes and infrared radiators in a multi-layer cultivation setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional glass horticulture methods are used to maintain temperature and provide sunlight in greenhouses, then plant growth can be sustained in controlled environments, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using LED lighting systems that can dynamically adjust spectral composition and intensity to match plant photosynthetic requirements, replacing traditional continuous spectrum lighting. This enables precise control of light parameters (wavelength, intensity, duration) to optimize plant growth while minimizing energy consumption by eliminating unnecessary spectral components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality through targeted root zone heating systems that provide thermal energy only where needed (at the root level) rather than heating the entire greenhouse air space. This localized approach maintains optimal root temperature for nutrient uptake and growth while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to ambient temperature control.
2Productivity
If traditional greenhouses are built in densely populated areas to enable plant cultivation, then plant production can be maintained, but land area consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by implementing vertical farming systems with multiple cultivation layers stacked vertically. This transforms the traditional two-dimensional horizontal greenhouse layout into a three-dimensional vertical structure, enabling multiple plant growth cycles to occur in the same footprint area simultaneously, thereby dramatically increasing productivity per unit land area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting through multi-layer cultivation systems where planting trays are stacked vertically in nested configurations. Each layer contains plants at different growth stages or different plant varieties, allowing efficient use of vertical space and enabling high-density cultivation that maximizes output from minimal land area.
3Productivity
If root temperature is controlled separately from air temperature to optimize plant growth, then plant development can be enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating temperature control into distinct functional zones: root zone heating independent of ambient air temperature control. This is achieved through dedicated heating elements positioned at the substrate level with independent temperature sensors and control systems, allowing precise root temperature management without affecting overall greenhouse climate control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by implementing a centralized climate control system that coordinates multiple subsystems (lighting, heating, ventilation, irrigation) through a single control interface. This intermediary control layer manages the complexity of separate root zone and air temperature control by providing unified monitoring and adjustment, simplifying operation while maintaining enhanced plant development capabilities.
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 approach allows for precise control of climate parameters to enhance plant growth efficiency with minimal energy consumption, enabling optimal photosynthesis, root pressure, and carbon dioxide assimilation, thus improving overall plant development in a controlled environment.
Implementation Method 1
A method that controls root temperature, actinic light, and carbon dioxide assimilation through leaf heating and adjustable lighting spectra, optimizing photosynthesis, sap flow, and carbon dioxide uptake while minimizing energy consumption by using a system of light-emitting diodes
Implementation Method 2
A method that controls root temperature, actinic light, and carbon dioxide assimilation through leaf heating and adjustable lighting spectra, optimizing photosynthesis, sap flow, and carbon dioxide uptake while minimizing energy consumption by using a system of light-emitting diodes and infrared radiators
Implementation Method 3
Sunlight is applied as the main source of actinic light, i.e. optionally visible light of a wavelength such that a plant response is thereby initiated or influenced, such as a photosynthesis in the leaf
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A system for growing a plant (1) in an at least partly conditioned environment comprises a cultivation base (11) for receiving a culture substrate (3) with a root system (4) of the plant therein. Root temperature control means (12) are provided which are able and adapted to impose a predetermined root temperature on the root system, and lighting means (20,21,22) which are able and adapted to expose leaves of the plant to actinic artificial light. According to the invention leaf heating means are also provided, which are able and adapted to impose on the leaf of the plant a leaf temperature varying from an ambient temperature. In a method for growing the plant a carbon dioxide assimilation management of a leaf system of the plant is thus influenced, and a supply of actinic light, the root temperature and the carbon dioxide assimilation management are adapted to each other.