Vertical Farm Air Distribution via Hollow Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air circulation systems in vertical farms suffer from non-uniform air distribution, inefficiencies in climate control, and increased complexity due to individual fan management, leading to suboptimal growth conditions for plants.
Innovation Solution
A centralized air circulation system that uses vertical walls with holes to distribute air horizontally between shelves, combined with a control unit for temperature, humidity, and gas level management, allowing for uniform air circulation and centralized control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fans are installed at individual shelf level for air circulation, then air distribution can be achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple motors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual fan functions into a single centralized air circulation system. One air circulation system serves multiple shelves, eliminating the need for separate motors and control systems at each shelf level. This consolidation maintains air circulation reliability while significantly reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized air circulation system performs multiple functions: it circulates air across all shelves, provides climate control, and enables uniform air distribution throughout the vertical farm. This multi-functional approach replaces numerous single-function individual fans with one universal system.
2Reliability
If vertical air flow is used with intake at top and delivery at bottom, then air circulation is achieved, but manufacturing precision is required for perforated shelves
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using vertical air flow requiring perforated shelves, the patent inverts the approach by using horizontal air flow with solid shelves. Air is delivered horizontally through ducts positioned at shelf level, eliminating the need for shelf perforations and the associated manufacturing precision requirements.
3Reliability
If individual fans are used at each shelf, then air circulation is provided, but loss of energy increases due to multiple motors requiring power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy-consuming fan units into a single air circulation system. One centralized system serves all shelves, dramatically reducing the number of motors and their associated power consumption. This maintains comprehensive air circulation coverage while minimizing energy loss.
4Reliability
If sector-based air distribution is used with individual fans, then air circulation is achieved, but manufacturing precision suffers due to non-uniform air distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning air delivery outlets at specific locations near each shelf and directing air flow horizontally across the shelf surface. This localized approach ensures uniform air distribution to all areas of each shelf, eliminating the sector-based non-uniformity caused by radial fan patterns.
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 uniform air circulation and climate control, reducing temperature, humidity, and air flow differences across shelves, thereby optimizing plant growth and minimizing the risk of single-point failures.
Implementation Method 1
a unit for air circulation (4) configured to generate an air flow; a plurality of channels (5, 6) connected to said air circulation unit (4) and configured to distribute air inside the closed environment by means of a direct air flow between the shelves (3)
Implementation Method 2
Each vertical wall (10) comprises a plurality of holes (11) configured to direct and regulate the speed of the air flow received inside the cavity towards the outside of the shelves (3)
Implementation Method 3
The air circulation unit (4) is also able to treat or condition the air controlling, for example, the humidity (introduction of moist or de-humidified air), the temperature (hot or cold air)
Implementation Method 4
the humidity (introduction of moist or de-humidified air), the temperature (hot or cold air) and the oxygen and/or CO2 level
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for air circulation between a plurality of shelves of one or more vertically extending racks contained inside a closed environment. The system comprises: an air circulation unit configured to generate an air flow; a plurality of channels connected to said air circulation unit and configured to distribute air inside the closed environment by means of a direct air flow between the shelves of the racks; an internally hollow vertical wall comprising a first surface arranged in contact with a surface of a rack, said cavity of the wall being in fluid contact with at least one channel, said first surface comprising a plurality of holes configured to direct the air flow towards the outside of the shelves of the rack. The present invention also relates to a method for air circulation between a plurality of shelves of one or more vertically extending racks contained inside a closed environment.