Vertical Farming System with Geothermal Cooling and Biodigesters
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing cost and distance of conventional farming lead to higher transportation costs and reduced freshness of produce, necessitating a system for efficient, localized plant growth near population centers.
Innovation Solution
A high growth system (HG system) featuring a sealed, low-energy vertical farm with sensors for optimal light adjustment, energy-efficient infrastructure using biodigesters and combined heat and power solutions, and geothermal cooling, enabling controlled temperature and carbon dioxide enrichment for optimized plant growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional farming is used to grow produce, then the produce can be grown on large-scale land, but the transportation distance increases and transportation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal land expansion to vertical space utilization by implementing multi-tier shelving systems that grow plants vertically in three-dimensional space, enabling high-density production in urban locations without requiring extensive land area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces controlled environment chambers as an intermediary between traditional farming and urban distribution, creating localized production facilities that can be positioned close to population centers while maintaining optimal growing conditions through environmental control systems
2Productivity
If conventional farming is used to grow produce, then the produce can be grown on available land, but the transportation time increases and freshness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing vertical shelving and multi-level growth structures, the system achieves high production capacity in compact urban spaces, eliminating the need for long-distance transportation while maintaining scalable output through stacked cultivation layers
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous monitoring and adjustment of growth conditions before harvest, using sensors and control systems to optimize plant development in advance, ensuring peak freshness at harvest time without requiring extended storage or transportation periods
3Productivity
If conventional farming is used, then produce can be grown in traditional settings, but the energy consumption and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the growing environment from open-field conditions to controlled indoor settings with regulated temperature, humidity, and lighting parameters, enabling year-round production without seasonal energy-intensive heating or cooling while reducing water consumption through recirculation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical irrigation and fertilization methods with automated liquid nutrient delivery systems that precisely control resource application, reducing waste and energy consumption associated with conventional farming equipment and operations
4Productivity
If vertical farming with sensors and lighting is implemented, then plant growth is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the farming system into modular functional units including separate lighting arrays, independent sensor nodes, and segmented shelving sections, allowing each component to be optimized independently and simplifying maintenance and scalability while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multi-functional components such as LED fixtures that provide both growth lighting and heat management, sensors that monitor multiple parameters simultaneously, and shelving units that combine structural support with irrigation channels, reducing overall system complexity through component consolidation
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 HG system provides pesticide-free, on-site produce with a low carbon footprint, enabling multiple harvests and maintaining produce freshness, while reducing transportation costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the high growth system may employ an absorption chiller and geothermal cooling system to both provide needed heating and power, as well as to be energy efficient
Implementation Method 2
Energy is supported through a solar panel array in a nearby area, such as a parking lot
Implementation Method 3
there are sensors provided on each shelf so that each plant receives an optimize amount of light—whether that is filtered sunlight or artificial light—on stacked shelving in the vertical farm
Implementation Method 4
sensors provided on each shelf so that each plant receives an optimize amount of light
Data Source
AI summary
Growing devices, systems and methods for promoting growth of seedlings may include at least one energy output device; at least one growing environment that includes a first growing environment; a nutrient solution container within the first growing environment, the nutrient solution container for supporting seedlings during growth; at least one growth assist device (GAD) associated with the first growing environment; and a controller. The controller may generate consumption data regarding operation of the at least one GAD and generation data regarding operation of the at least one energy output device. The controller may determine, based on at least one predetermined constraint, as well as consumption data and generation data, a consumption-generation plan and may control energy output to at least one GAD based on the determined consumption-generation plan. The controller may control energy generation, by at least one energy output device, based on the determined consumption-generation plan.