Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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AN AEROPONIC FARMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an aeroponic farming system and more
particularly to an aeroponic farming system according to the preamble of claim
1.
The present invention further relates to a method for aeroponic farming and
more
particularly to a method according to preamble of claim 12.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Aeroponic farming is the process of growing plants in an air or mist
environment without the use of soil or an aggregate medium, known as
geoponics.
Aeroponic farming differs from conventional hydroponic farming, known as
aquaponics. Unlike hydroponics, which uses a liquid nutrient solution as a
growing
medium and essential minerals to sustain plant growth, aeroponics is conducted
without a growing medium. Accordingly, in aeroponic farming the roots or root
part of the plant is not placed or immersed in any solid or liquid growing
medium.
The basic principle of aeroponic growing is to grow plants suspended
in a closed or semi-closed environment by spraying the dangling roots or the
plant
with an atomized or sprayed, nutrient rich water solution, meaning growing
liquid.
The leaves and crown, often called the aerial shoot, extend above and outside
the
closed environment. The roots of the plant are separated by the plant support
structure to which the plant is supported such that the roots extend from the
plant
support structure to the closed environment. Often, foam or other elastic
material
is compressed around the lower stem or the plant and inserted into an opening
in
the plans support structure.
During the aeroponic growing process the roots of the plant are sprayed
with the growing liquid at certain intervals in the growing chamber which
provides
the closed environment. Excessive growing liquid flows or drops to bottom of
the
growing chamber from the bottom of the growing chamber the excessive growing
liquid may be drained by utilizing gravity.
The plants need several different essential minerals to grow well. A
drawback is that some of the needed minerals precipitate if they are mixed in
same
liquid.
Microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, spores, unicellular
eukaryotic organisms in growing liquid may create solid particles.
The solid particles in growing liquid are harmful for aeroponic farming.
One of the problems associated with the prior art is that there is no
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efficient system or method for reducing solid particles in growing liquid.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an aeroponic farming
system and method for aeroponic farming so as to overcome or at least
alleviate
the prior art disadvantages.
The objects of the invention are achieved by an aeroponic farming
system which is characterized by what is stated in the independent claim 1.
The
objects of the invention are further achieved by a method for aeroponic
farming
which is characterized by what is stated in the independent claim 12.
The preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the
dependent claims.
The invention is based on the idea of providing an aeroponic farming
system for growing plants having an aerial shoot and underground root part.
The
aeroponic farming system comprises a plant support base for supporting the
plant,
the plant support base comprises a support opening arranged to support the
plant
such that the plant extends through the plant support base via the support
opening
and such that the aerial shoot is arranged on a first side of the plant
support base
and the root part is arranged on a second side the plant support base. The
aeroponic farming system further comprises a growing chamber provided on the
second side of the plant support base. The growing chamber comprises growing
chamber walls defining a closed chamber space. The aeroponic farming system
further comprises a lower liquid space comprising a first growing liquid space
arranged to retain first growing liquid and a second growing liquid space
arranged
to retain second growing liquid. The aeroponic farming system further
comprises
a spraying arrangement arranged to spray first growing liquid and second
growing
liquid inside the closed chamber space of the growing chamber. The aeroponic
farming system further comprises a partitioning wall arranged to divide the
closed
chamber space into an upper growing space and the lower liquid space and
discharge excessive first growing liquid sprayed into the upper growing space
from
the upper growing space to the first growing liquid space and arranged to
discharge excessive second growing liquid sprayed into the upper growing space
from the upper growing space to the second growing liquid space.
In one embodiment, the aeroponic farming system comprising a plant
support base for supporting the plant, the plant support base comprises a
support
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opening arranged to support the plant such that the plant extends through the
plant support base via the support opening and such that the aerial shoot is
arranged on a first side of the plant support base and the root part is
arranged on
a second side the plant support base, a growing chamber provided on the second
side of the plant support base, the growing chamber comprising growing chamber
walls defining a closed chamber space, a partitioning wall arranged to divide
the
closed chamber space into an upper growing space and a lower liquid space, the
aeroponic farming system further comprises the lower liquid space comprising a
first growing liquid space arranged to retain first growing liquid and a
second
growing liquid space arranged to retain second growing liquid, a spraying
arrangement arranged to spray first growing liquid and second growing liquid
inside the closed chamber space of the growing chamber into the upper growing
space, and the partitioning wall is arranged to discharge excessive first
growing
liquid sprayed into the upper growing space from the upper growing space to
the
first growing liquid space and discharge excessive second growing liquid
sprayed
into the upper growing space from the upper growing space to the second
growing
liquid space.
In one embodiment of the invention, the partitioning wall is made of
liquid impermeable material.
That simplifies discharging excessive first and second growing liquid
sprayed into the upper growing space from the upper growing space to the first
growing liquid space and the second growing liquid space.
In one embodiment of the invention, the aeroponic farming system
further comprises a lower liquid space wall arranged to divide the lower
liquid
space to the first growing liquid space and the second growing liquid space.
That simplifies a structure of the aeroponic farming system.
In one embodiment of the invention, the aeroponic farming system
further comprises a first separate growing liquid reservoir provided to the
first
growing liquid space and arranged to retain first growing liquid.
That simplifies a structure of the aeroponic farming system.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the aeroponic farming
system further comprises a second separate growing liquid reservoir provided
to
the second growing liquid space and arranged to retain second growing liquid.
That simplifies a structure of the aeroponic farming system.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the aeroponic
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farming system further comprises a first separate growing liquid reservoir
provided to the first growing liquid space and arranged to retain first
growing
liquid and a second separate growing liquid reservoir provided to the second
growing liquid space and arranged to retain second growing liquid.
That simplifies a structure of the aeroponic farming system.
In one embodiment of the invention, the aeroponic farming system
further comprises a water supply arranged supply water to the spraying
arrangement.
That enables purifying the spraying system.
In alternative embodiment of the invention, the aeroponic farming
system further comprises a water supply arranged supply water to the spraying
arrangement, and the water supply is connected to a water supply network
That enables purifying the spraying system.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the aeroponic
farming system further comprises a water supply arranged supply water to the
spraying arrangement, and the water supply comprises a water reservoir
arranged
to retain water.
That enables purifying the spraying system.
In a further alternative embodiment of the invention, the aeroponic
farming system further comprises a water supply arranged supply water to the
spraying arrangement, the water supply comprises a water reservoir arranged to
retain water, and the water reservoir is connected to a water supply network.
That enables purifying the spraying system.
In one embodiment of the invention, the spraying arrangement
comprises one or more first growing liquid nozzles arranged to spray first
growing
liquid and second growing liquid inside the closed chamber space of the
growing
chamber.
That simplifies a structure of the aeroponic farming system.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the spraying
arrangement comprises one or more first growing liquid nozzles arranged to
spray
first growing liquid, second growing liquid and water inside the closed
chamber
space of the growing chamber.
That simplifies a structure of the aeroponic farming system.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the spraying
arrangement comprises one or more first growing liquid nozzles arranged to
spray
first growing liquid and one or more second growing liquid nozzles arranged to
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spray second growing liquid inside the closed chamber space of the growing
chamber.
That separates spraying of first and second growing liquid and reduces
need for cleaning the first growing liquid nozzles.
5 In a
further alternative embodiment of the invention, the spraying
arrangement comprises one or more first growing liquid nozzles arranged to
spray
first growing liquid and water, and one or more second growing liquid nozzles
arranged to spray second growing liquid and water inside the closed chamber
space of the growing chamber.
That provides cleaning of the first and second growing liquid nozzles.
In one embodiment of the invention, the growing chamber walls being
non-transparent.
That provides a dark environment for tubers and thus, the tubers do not
comprise alkaloids.
In one embodiment of the invention, the aeroponic farming system
comprises a growing liquid separation arrangement arranged to separate and
discharge excessive first growing liquid sprayed into the upper growing space
from
the upper growing space to the first growing liquid space or to the first
growing
liquid reservoir in the first growing liquid space and arranged to separate
and
discharge excessive second growing liquid sprayed into the upper growing space
from the upper growing space to the second growing liquid space or to the
second
growing liquid reservoir in the second growing liquid space.
That simplifies a structure of the aeroponic farming system.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the aeroponic farming
system comprises a growing liquid separation arrangement comprising a tilting
device arranged to tilt the partitioning wall to a first tilted position to
discharge
excessive first growing liquid to the first growing liquid space or to the
first
growing liquid reservoir and arranged to tilt the partitioning wall to a
second tilted
position to discharge excessive second growing liquid sprayed into the upper
growing space from the upper growing space to the second growing liquid space
to the second growing liquid reservoir.
That simplifies a structure of the aeroponic farming system.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the aeroponic
farming system comprises a growing liquid separation arrangement comprising a
first discharge connection and a second discharge connection provided to the
partitioning wall, the first discharge connection being arranged to discharge
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excessive first growing liquid sprayed into the upper growing space from the
upper
growing space to the first growing liquid space or to the first growing liquid
reservoir in the first growing liquid space and the second discharge
connection
provided to the partitioning wall between the upper growing space and the
second
growing liquid space, the second discharge connection being arranged to
discharge
excessive second growing liquid sprayed into the upper growing space from the
upper growing space to the second growing liquid space or to the second
growing
liquid reservoir in the second growing liquid space
That simplifies a structure of the aeroponic farming system.
In a further another alternative embodiment of the invention, the
partitioning wall is made of liquid impermeable plate material or liquid
impermeable fabric material, the aeroponic farming system comprises a growing
liquid separation arrangement provided to the partitioning wall, and the
growing
liquid separation arrangement is arranged to separate and discharge excessive
first growing liquid sprayed into the upper growing space from the upper
growing
space to the first growing liquid space or to the first growing liquid
reservoir in the
first growing liquid space and arranged to separate and discharge excessive
second
growing liquid sprayed into the upper growing space from the upper growing
space to the second growing liquid space or to the second growing liquid
reservoir
in the second growing liquid space.
That simplifies a structure of the aeroponic farming system.
In an yet alternative embodiment of the invention, the aeroponic
farming system comprises a growing liquid separation arrangement arranged to
separate and discharge excessive first growing liquid sprayed into the upper
growing space from the upper growing space to the first growing liquid space
or to
the first growing liquid reservoir in the first growing liquid space and
arranged to
separate and discharge excessive second growing liquid sprayed into the upper
growing space from the upper growing space to the second growing liquid space
or to the second growing liquid reservoir in the second growing liquid space.
That simplifies a structure of the aeroponic farming system.
In an yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, the
partitioning wall is made of liquid impermeable material and the partitioning
wall
is provided with a growing liquid separation arrangement arranged to separate
first growing liquid and second growing liquid.
That simplifies a structure of the aeroponic farming system.
In an yet another further alternative, embodiment of the invention,
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the partitioning wall is made of liquid impermeable material and the aeroponic
farming system comprises a growing liquid separation arrangement arranged to
separate first growing liquid and second growing liquid.
That simplifies a structure of the aeroponic farming system.
In one embodiment of the invention, the aeroponic farming system
comprises a sanitizing arrangement comprising a sanitizing device arranged to
provide the aeroponic farming system with a sterilant.
That reduces harmful solid particles in the aeroponic farming system.
In one embodiment of the invention, the aeroponic farming system
comprises a sanitizing arrangement comprising a first sterilant device
arranged to
provide first growing liquid with a sterilant.
That reduces harmful solid particles in the aeroponic farming system.
In an alternative embodiment, the aeroponic farming system comprises
a sanitizing arrangement comprising a second sterilant device arranged to
provide
second growing liquid with a sterilant.
That reduces harmful solid particles in the aeroponic farming system
In another alternative embodiment, the aeroponic farming system
comprises a sanitizing arrangement comprising a first sterilant device
arranged to
provide first growing liquid with a sterilant and a second sterilant device
arranged
to provide second growing liquid with a sterilant.
That reduces harmful solid particles in the aeroponic farming system.
In one embodiment of the invention, the sanitizing device is arranged
to release ozone into water for sanitizing the aeroponic farming system.
That reduces harmful solid particles in the aeroponic farming system.
In one embodiment of the invention, the aeroponic farming system
comprises a first growing liquid circulation arrangement arranged to supply
first
growing liquid from the first growing liquid space to the one or more first
growing
liquid nozzles.
That reduces use of fertilizers.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the aeroponic farming
system comprises a second growing liquid circulation arrangement arranged to
supply second growing liquid from the second lower liquid space to the one or
more second growing liquid nozzles.
That reduces use of fertilizers.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the aeroponic
farming system comprises a first growing liquid circulation arrangement
arranged
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to supply first growing liquid from the first growing liquid space to the one
or more
first growing liquid nozzles and a second growing liquid circulation
arrangement
arranged to supply second growing liquid from the second lower liquid space to
the one or more second growing liquid nozzles.
That reduces use of fertilizers.
In one embodiment of the invention, the aeroponic farming system
comprises a synchronizing device arranged to synchronize spraying first
growing
liquid and second growing liquid.
That reduces use of fertilizers.
In another embodiment of the invention, the aeroponic farming system
comprises a synchronizing device arranged to synchronize spraying first
growing
liquid, water and second growing liquid.
That reduces use of fertilizers.
In one embodiment, the first and second growing liquid nozzles are
.. arranged inside the closed chamber space of the growing chamber.
In one embodiment, the first and second growing liquid are water based
liquids comprising nutrients, such as nitrogen and calcium. This promotes a
growth
of the plants.
In one embodiment, the first growing liquid comprises nitrogen,
potassium and phosphorus, and second growing liquid comprises calcium. Thus,
calcium in second growing liquid does not precipitate with nitrogen, potassium
or
phosphorus in first growing liquid.
In one embodiment, the aeroponic farming system comprises a
sanitizing arrangement comprising a sterilant arranged to growing liquid.
This further reduces growth of microorganisms on surfaces of the
aeroponic farming system and thus, reduces blocking of the nozzle heads and
the
growing liquid pump.
In one embodiment, the aeroponic farming system comprises a
sanitizing arrangement comprising a sanitizing device arranged to provide
first
growing liquid and second growing liquid with a sterilant.
That further reduces growth of microorganisms on surfaces of the
aeroponic farming system and thus, reduces blocking of the nozzle heads and
the
growing liquid pump.
In one embodiment, the sterilant comprises a surfactant.
Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension (or
interfacial tension) between two liquids, between a gas and a liquid, or
between a
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liquid and a solid. Surfactants both eliminates, removes, kills, or
deactivates all
forms of microorganisms present in growing liquid and increases water absorbed
by the roots. The surfactants also reduce required growing liquid and thus
less
energy is needed for pumping the growing liquid.
In one embodiment, the sterilant comprises a biodegradable surfactant.
Saponins which are found in various plant species are an example of
the biodegradable surfactant. Biodegradable surfactants are not harmful for
the
plants.
In one embodiment, the sterilant comprises a bio-activator.
The bio-activator comprises biologically active molecules which
eliminates, removes, kills, or deactivates all forms of microorganisms present
in
growing liquid. An example of the bio-activator is naturally occurring micro-
organisms which stimulates the bacteria in growing liquid so that the waste
quickly
decomposes.
That further reduces growth of microorganisms in first band second
growing liquid and on surfaces of the aeroponic farming system and thus,
reduces
blocking of the nozzle heads and the growing liquid pump.
In one embodiment, the sterilant comprises ozone.
Ozone effectively eliminates, removes, kills, or deactivates all forms of
microorganisms present in growing liquid.
In one embodiment, the sanitizing arrangement eliminates, removes,
kills, or deactivates at least 99 % of microorganisms.
In one embodiment, the aeroponic farming system comprises a
sanitizing arrangement comprising a sanitizing device arranged to release
ozone
into water for sanitizing the aeroponic farming system.
Ozone effectively eliminates, removes, kills, or deactivates all forms of
microorganisms present in the aeroponic farming system. Thus, there is less
culture on surfaces of the aeroponic farming system.
In one embodiment, the sanitizing arrangement eliminates, removes,
kills, or deactivates at least 99,9 % of microorganisms.
In one embodiment, the synchronizing device is arranged to
synchronize the supply of growing liquid such that the supply of first growing
liquid and second growing liquid is cyclic and first and second growing liquid
are
sprayed in different time.
That reduces use of fertilizers.
In one embodiment, the first growing liquid circulation arrangement
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comprises a first ultrasonic circulation pump arranged to provide first
growing
liquid through the one or more first growing liquid nozzles finely suspended
in air.
That promotes a growth of small roots and thus the plants require less
growing liquid.
5 In one embodiment, the second growing liquid circulation arrangement
comprises a second ultrasonic circulation pump arranged to provide second
growing liquid through the one or more second growing liquid nozzles finely
suspended in air.
That promotes a growth of small roots and thus the plants require less
10 growing liquid.
In one embodiment, the aeroponic farming system further comprises a
first growing liquid aerator in connection with the first liquid space or with
the first
growing liquid reservoir for reducing an amount of culture in first growing
liquid.
In other words the first growing liquid aerator mixes air with first growing
liquid.
Typically, the first growing liquid aerator is used to add oxygen to growing
liquid.
In one embodiment, the aeroponic farming system further comprises a
second growing liquid aerator in connection with the second liquid space or
with
the second growing liquid reservoir for reducing an amount of culture in
second
growing liquid. In other words, the second growing liquid aerator mixes air
with
second growing liquid. Typically, the second growing liquid aerator is used to
add
oxygen to growing liquid.
In one embodiment, the sanitizing arrangement is arranged in
connection with the first and the second growing liquid circulation
arrangement.
In an alternative embodiment, the sanitizing arrangement is arranged
in connection with the first growing liquid space and with second growing
liquid
space.
In one embodiment, the growing chamber comprises a first and a
second growing liquid reservoir inside the growing chamber for storing growing
liquid inside the closed chamber space of the growing chamber.
In one embodiment, the first and the second growing liquid reservoir
are a first and a second separate reservoir or container arranged inside the
closed
chamber of the growing chamber.
In another embodiment, the first and the second growing liquid
reservoir are formed by the chamber walls of the growing chamber. Thus, the
chamber walls are provided waterproof such that the growing liquid reservoir
is
formed inside the growing chamber.
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In one embodiment the sanitizing arrangement comprises a growing
liquid filter arranged between the partitioning wall and the first growing
liquid
space.
That reduces blocking of the first nozzle heads and the first growing
liquid pump.
In one embodiment the sanitizing arrangement comprises a growing
liquid filter arranged between the partitioning wall and the second growing
liquid
space.
That reduces blocking of the second nozzle heads and the second
growing liquid pump.
In one embodiment the growing liquid filter covers more than 80 % of
a horizontal area of the partitioning wall.
This reduces blocking of the growing liquid filter.
In one embodiment the growing liquid filter comprises a filter layer
with a rating between 0.5-100 micron.
This further reduces blocking of the nozzle heads and the a growing
liquid pump.
In one embodiment the growing liquid filter comprises an active carbon
filter.
This removes harmful substances from growing liquid and further
reduces blocking of the nozzle heads.
In one embodiment the sanitizing arrangement comprises a first
ultraviolet light radiator arranged to radiate ultraviolet light to first
growing liquid.
In one embodiment the sanitizing arrangement comprises a second
ultraviolet light radiator arranged to radiate ultraviolet light to second
growing
liquid.
In one embodiment the sanitizing arrangement comprises a first
growing liquid filter for clarifying first growing liquid and the sanitizing
device
comprising a first ultraviolet light radiator arranged to radiate ultraviolet
light to
clarified first growing liquid.
In one embodiment the sanitizing arrangement comprises a second
growing liquid filter for clarifying second growing liquid and the sanitizing
device
comprising a second ultraviolet light radiator arranged to radiate ultraviolet
light
to clarified second growing liquid.
In one embodiment, the partitioning wall is made of liquid impermeable
plate material or liquid impermeable fabric material and provided with one or
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more first discharge connections allowing excessive growing liquid flow
through
the partitioning wall from the upper growing space to the lower liquid space.
In
this embodiment, the excessive growing liquid is guided through the first
discharge
connection(s) in the partitioning wall form the upper growing space to the
lower
liquid space for discharging the excessive growing liquid from the upper
growing
space. This provides a controlled discharge of the growing liquid.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the aeroponic farming
system further comprises a first circulation pump inlet filter.
That reduces an amount of solid particles in first growing liquid.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the aeroponic farming
system further comprises a first circulation pump outlet filter.
That reduces an amount of solid particles in first growing liquid.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the aeroponic farming
system further comprises a second circulation pump inlet filter.
That reduces an amount of solid particles in second growing liquid.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the aeroponic farming
system further comprises a second circulation pump outlet filter.
That reduces an amount of solid particles in second growing liquid.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the thermal adjustment
device is arranged to adjust the temperature of the first growing liquid in
the first
growing liquid reservoir.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the thermal adjustment
device is arranged to adjust the temperature of the second growing liquid in
the
second growing liquid reservoir.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the thermal adjustment device is
arranged to adjust the temperature of the first growing liquid in the first
growing
liquid reservoir and the temperature of the second growing liquid in the
second
growing liquid reservoir.
Accordingly, the temperature inside the growing chamber may be upon
pumping or supplying first and second growing liquid via the spraying
arrangement.
The first and the second circulation pump are in some embodiments
arranged inside the growing liquid reservoir. In alternative embodiments, the
first
and the second circulation pump are in some embodiments arranged outside the
growing liquid reservoir.
When the thermal adjustment device is provided in connection with or
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to the growing liquid reservoir the circulated and sprayed growing liquid may
be
already in desired temperature and the thermal adjustment device in the
growing
liquid circulation arrangement may be omitted, but may also be included in
some
embodiments.
The thermal adjustment device is a heating device or a cooling device
or a combined heating and cooling device.
In some embodiments, the aeroponic farming system comprises a first
thermal adjustment device and a second thermal adjustment device.
In one embodiment of the invention, the aeroponic farming system
further comprises a first inlet arrangement.
That eases adding first growing liquid to the system.
In one embodiment of the invention, the aeroponic farming system
further comprises a second inlet arrangement.
That eases adding second growing liquid to the system.
In one embodiment, the first thermal adjustment device is arranged in
connection with the first inlet arrangement.
That eases a temperature control of the system.
In one embodiment, the first thermal adjustment device is arranged in
connection with the second inlet arrangement.
That eases a temperature control of the system.
In one embodiment, the first thermal adjustment device is arranged in
connection with the second inlet arrangement and the second inlet arrangement.
That eases a temperature control of the system.
In one embodiment, the second thermal adjustment device is arranged
in connection with or to the first growing liquid reservoir
That eases a temperature control of the system.
In one embodiment, the second thermal adjustment device is arranged
in connection with or to the second growing liquid reservoir.
That eases a temperature control of the system.
In one embodiment, the second thermal adjustment device is arranged
in connection with or to the second and the first growing liquid reservoir.
That eases a temperature control of the system.
The first growing liquid inlet arrangement or the first growing liquid
supply channel may be connected to the one or more first growing liquid
nozzles
or to the first growing liquid reservoir.
That eases a temperature control of the system.
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The second growing liquid inlet arrangement or the second growing
liquid supply channel may be connected to the one or more second growing
liquid
nozzles or to the second growing liquid reservoir.
That eases a temperature control of the system.
Relating to the above mentioned embodiments with the first and the
second thermal adjustment device, several different embodiments may be
provided. In one embodiment, the first thermal adjustment device is a heating
device and the second thermal adjustment device is a cooling device. In
another
embodiment, the first thermal adjustment device is a cooling device and the
second
thermal adjustment device is a heating device. In a further embodiment, the
first
thermal adjustment device is a heating device and the second thermal
adjustment
device is a heating device. In an alternative embodiment, the first thermal
adjustment device is a cooling device and the second thermal adjustment device
is
a cooling device.
Having two thermal adjustment devices enables controlling the
temperature of the first and second growing liquid in detail and also
providing
different temperatures in different parts of the aeroponic farming system.
Further,
having a heating device and a cooling device enables controlling the
temperature
such that the temperature of the first and second growing liquid may be both
increased and decreased depending on the need.
In one embodiment, the growing chamber is provided with a thermal
insulation arranged to thermally insulate the closed chamber space.
In an alternative embodiment, the thermal insulation or a thermal
insulation layer is provided to the growing chamber walls.
The thermal insulation of the growing chamber enables maintaining
desired temperature inside the growing chamber and also maintaining desired
temperature of the growing liquid inside the growing chamber. Effects of
temperature variations in the surroundings of the aeroponic farming system may
be minimized inside the growing chamber. Further, efficiency of the aeroponic
farming system may be increased as the thermal energy escaping from the
growing
chamber is minimized or decreased.
The present invention relates also to a method for aeroponic farming of
plants having an aerial shoot and an underground root part. The aeroponic
farming
being carried with an aeroponic farming system comprising a growing chamber
having growing chamber walls defining a closed chamber space for
accommodating the root part of the plant and a lower liquid space comprising a
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first growing liquid space arranged to retain first growing liquid and a
second
growing liquid space arranged to retain second growing liquid. The method
comprises spraying first growing liquid in the closed chamber space to the
root
part of the plant, collecting excessive sprayed first growing liquid inside
the closed
5 chamber space of the growing chamber to first growing liquid space,
spraying
second growing liquid in the closed chamber space to the root part of the
plant, and
collecting excessive sprayed second growing liquid inside the closed chamber
space of the growing chamber to the second growing liquid space.
In one embodiment, the aeroponic farming being carried with an
10 aeroponic farming system comprising a growing chamber having growing
chamber walls defining a closed chamber space for accommodating the root part
of the plant. The aeroponic farming system further comprises a partitioning
wall
arranged to divide the closed chamber space into an upper growing space and a
lower liquid space , and the lower liquid space comprising a first growing
liquid
15 space arranged to retain first growing liquid and a second growing
liquid space
arranged to retain second growing liquid. The aeroponic farming system further
comprises a plant support base for supporting the plant, and the upper growing
space is provided between the plant support base and the partitioning wall for
enclosing the root part of the plant. The aeroponic farming system further
comprises a spraying arrangement arranged to spray first growing liquid and
second growing liquid and a water supply arranged supply water to the spraying
arrangement. The method comprises the following processing steps carried out
successively:
- spraying first growing liquid in the upper growing space of the closed
chamber
space to the root part of the plant;
- collecting excessive sprayed first growing liquid inside the upper growing
space
of the closed chamber space of the growing chamber to first growing liquid
space;
- spraying water to the root part of the plant with the spraying arrangement;
- collecting excessive sprayed water inside the upper growing space of the
closed
chamber space of the growing chamber to the first growing liquid space;
- spraying second growing liquid in the upper growing space of the closed
chamber
space to the root part of the plant;
- collecting excessive sprayed second growing liquid inside the upper growing
space of the closed chamber space of the growing chamber to the second growing
liquid space;
- spraying water to the root part of the plant with the spraying arrangement;
and
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- collecting excessive sprayed water inside the upper growing space of the
closed
chamber space of the growing chamber to the second growing liquid space.
In one embodiment of the invention, the aeroponic farming system
further comprises a spraying arrangement arranged to spray first growing
liquid
and second growing liquid, the method further comprises circulating the
collected
first growing liquid from first growing liquid space to the spraying
arrangement
and circulating the collected second growing liquid from the second growing
liquid
space to the spraying arrangement.
That reduces use of fertilizers.
In one embodiment of the invention, the aeroponic farming system
further comprises a water supply arranged supply water to the spraying
arrangement, and the method further comprises spraying water to the root part
of
the plant with the spraying arrangement.
That enables adjusting a concentration of the first and second growing
liquid.
In one embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the
following processing steps carried out successively:
- spraying first growing liquid in the closed chamber space to the root
part of the plant;
- collecting excessive sprayed first growing liquid inside the closed
chamber space of the growing chamber to first growing liquid space;
- spraying water to the root part of the plant with the spraying
arrangement;
- collecting excessive sprayed water inside the closed chamber space of
the growing chamber to the first growing liquid space;
- spraying second growing liquid in the closed chamber space to the
root part of the plant;
- collecting excessive sprayed second growing liquid inside the closed
chamber space of the growing chamber to the second growing liquid space;
- spraying water (to the root part of the plant with the spraying
arrangement; and
- collecting excessive sprayed water inside the closed chamber space of
the growing chamber to the second growing liquid space.
That reduces harmful solid particles in the aeroponic farming system.
In one embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises
sanitizing first growing liquid.
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That reduces harmful solid particles in the aeroponic farming system.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the method further
comprises sanitizing water.
That reduces harmful solid particles in the aeroponic farming system.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the method further
comprises sanitizing second growing liquid.
That reduces harmful solid particles in the aeroponic farming system.
In a further another alternative embodiment of the invention, the
method further comprises sanitizing first growing liquid and second growing
liquid.
That reduces harmful solid particles in the aeroponic farming system.
In a yet further another alternative embodiment of the invention, the
method further comprises sanitizing first growing liquid, second growing
liquid
and water.
That reduces harmful solid particles in the aeroponic farming system.
In one embodiment, the method further comprises filtering first
growing liquid with a growing liquid filter for creating clarified first
growing liquid
and sanitizing the clarified first growing liquid with a sterilant.
That reduces harmful solid particles in the aeroponic farming system.
In one embodiment, the method further comprises filtering second
growing liquid with a growing liquid filter for creating clarified second
growing
liquid and sanitizing the clarified second growing liquid with a sterilant,
That reduces harmful solid particles in the aeroponic farming system.
In one embodiment, the method comprises mixing air with first and
second growing liquid with an aerator in the first and the second growing
liquid
space for reducing an amount of culture in first and second growing liquid.
According to the above mentioned, the method for aeroponic farming is
carried out with an aeroponic farming system as described above.
An advantage of the invention is that it enables using and spraying in an
aeroponic farming system such minerals which precipitate when they are mixed
in
same liquid.
Furthermore, the invention enables circulating growing liquid such that
microorganisms present in growing liquid does not prevent spraying growing
liquid.
Furthermore, the invention enables reducing growth of
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microorganisms on surfaces of aeroponic farming system.
Furthermore, the invention enables improving utilization of growing
liquids.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is described in detail by means of specific embodiments
with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which
Figure 1 shows schematically an aeroponic growing system according
one embodiment to the present invention;
Figure 2 shows schematically a side view of the aeroponic growing
system of figure 1;
Figure 3 shows schematically an end view of the aeroponic growing
system of figure 1;
Figure 4 shows schematically a plant support base according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 5, 6, 7, 8a, 8b, 9, 10a and 10b show schematically different
embodiments of the aeroponic farming system according to the present
invention;
Figure 11a shows schematically a first growing liquid space according
to one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 11b shows schematically a second growing liquid space
according to one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 12 shows schematically one embodiment of a sanitizing
arrangement of the aeroponic farming system according to the present
invention;
and
Figure 13 shows schematically one embodiment of the aeroponic
farming system according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Figure 1 shows schematically one embodiment of an aeroponic farming
system 2. The aeroponic farming system 2 comprises a plant support base 4 to
which plants 50 are supported. The aeroponic farming system 2 further
comprises
an upper plant support 8, 10 provided above, or on a first side, of the plant
support
base 4. The aeroponic farming system 2 further comprises growing chamber 6
provided under, or on a second side, of the plant support base 4.
The plant support base 4 comprises a plant support surface and may be
provided as plant support plane or plant support plate or plant support layer.
In the embodiment shown in the figures, the plant support base 4 is
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arranged substantially horizontally. The upper plant support 8, 10 is provided
in
vertical direction above the plant support base 4. The growing chamber 6 is
provided in vertical direction under the plant support base 4.
It should be noted, that in alternative embodiments the plant support
base 4 may be arranged in angle to the horizontal direction or inclined or
even in
vertical direction. Therefore, the upper plant support 8, 10 is provided on
the first
side of the plant support base 4 and the growing chamber 6 is provided on the
second side of the plant support base 4.
The upper plant support 8, 10 and the growing chamber 6 are arranged
on opposite sides the plant support base.
Figure 2 shows schematically a side view of the aeroponic farming
system 2 of figure 1, plants 50 supported to the aeroponic farming system 2
and
the structure of the growing chamber 6 inside the growing chamber 6.
The plant 50 comprise an aerial shoot 52, or stem. The aerial shoot 52
means upper part of the plant 50 growing on or above ground and receiving
light
in natural growing environment. The plant 50 further comprises a root part 54,
or
roots. The root part 54 means lower part of the plant growing underground and
not receiving light in natural growing environment. Accordingly, the root part
54
is growing in the soil of the ground and the aerial shoot 52 extends from the
ground.
As shown in figure 2, the root part 54 of the plant 50 comprises tubers
56 which may be potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes or the like. Further, the plant
50
may be root vegetable plant and the root part 54 may be formed as a root
vegetable.
The aeroponic farming system 2 or method for aeroponic farming
according to the present invention are most suitable for tuber plants and root
vegetable plants. However, the aeroponic farming system 2 and method may also
be used for farming any other plants having the root part 54 and the aerial
shoot
52.
The plant support base 4 comprises one or more support openings or
receptacles 40 providing a through-hole through plant support base 4. The
support
openings 40 extend through the plant support base from the first side to the
second
side of the plant support base 4.
The plant support base 4 is arranged to support the plant 50 such that
the plant extends through the plant support base 4 via the support opening 40
and
such that the aerial shoot 52 is arranged on the first side of the plant
support base
4 and the root part 54 is arranged on a second side the plant support base.
Thus, in
figure 2, the aerial shoot 52 extends from the plant support base 4 above the
plant
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support base 4 and the root part 54 extends from the plant support base 4
under
the plant support base 4.
The upper plant support 7, 8, 10 is provided on the first upper side of
the plant support base 4 for supporting the aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50.
5 Accordingly, the upper plant support 7, 8, 10 comprises support members
7, 8, 10
arranged to support aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50.
In the embodiments of figures, the upper plant support 7, 8, 10 is
connected, attached or supported to the aeroponic farming system 2 or the
plant
support base 4 or the growing chamber 6. Accordingly, the upper plant support
7,
10 8, 10 is integral part of the aeroponic farming system 2.
In alternatively embodiments, the upper plant support 7, 8, 10 is a
separate structure which is provided separate from the plant support base 4
and
the growing chamber 6 and separate from other structures of the aeroponic
farming system 2. The separate upper support 7, 8, 10 is in some embodiments
15 surrounding the plant support base 4 and/or the growing chamber 6. Thus,
the
upper plant support 7, 8, 10 is supported and extending from or standing on a
floor
or ground. Alternatively, the upper plant support 7, 8, 10 is arranged above
the
plant support base 4 and/or the growing chamber. Thus, the upper plant support
7, 8, 10 is attached or supported to a ceiling or other structures of building
or room
20 (not shown).
The aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50 extends from the plant support base
4 and is arranged to an aerial growing space or aerial growing environment 24.
Properties of the aerial growing space 24 may be controlled during aeroponic
farming.
In the embodiments of the figures, the upper plant support and the
aerial growing space 24 are formed as open structures. Accordingly, light,
humidity
and gases may enter the aerial growing space 24 from the surroundings of the
aeroponic farming system 2. In alternative embodiments, the upper plant
support
7, 8, 10 is provided as upper chamber or is arranged to form the upper chamber
(not shown). The upper chamber provides a closed upper chamber having closed
aerial growing space 24 into which the aerial shoot 52 of the plant extends
from
the plant support base 4. The plant support base 4 forms one wall, for example
a
bottom wall, of the upper chamber. The aerial shoot 52 grows inside the closed
upper space 24.
The growing chamber 6 is provided under the plant support base 4, or
on the second side of the plant support base 4. The growing chamber 6
comprises
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growing chamber walls 12, 13 forming a closed growing chamber. The growing
chamber 6 further comprises growing chamber door 3, as shown in figure 1. The
growing chamber door 3 may be arranged in closed position and open position.
In
the closed position of the growing chamber door 3, the growing chamber 6 forms
a closed chamber space inside the growing chamber 6. In the open position of
the
growing chamber door 3, the inner growing chamber space is accessible via
opening of the growing chamber door 3.
The plant support base 4 forms the growing chamber top wall or at least
part of the growing chamber top wall. Thus, the root part 54 of the plant 50
extends
from the plant support base 4 and the support opening 40 thereof into the
closed
growing chamber 6, as shown in figure 2.
The growing chamber 6 is provided and arranged directly below or
adjacent the plant support base 4.
The growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4 define a closed chamber space
inside the growing chamber 6.
In one embodiment, the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4 are further
made of non-transparent material or they comprise a layer of non-transparent
material. Accordingly, the growing chamber walls 12, 13 4 provide a dark
atmosphere inside the growing chamber 6 such that light cannot enter inside
growing chamber 6 from surroundings of the aeroponic farming system 2. Thus,
the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4 are non-transparent.
The growing chamber 6 and the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4 may
be formed from any suitable material. Preferably, the growing chamber is made
of
waterproof material or comprises a waterproof layer and/or light barrier layer
or
some other suitable material layers.
In one embodiment, the growing chamber 6 and the growing chamber
walls 12, 13, 4 are at least partly made of microfiber cellulose material,
biocomposite material or some other composite material or biodegradable
material. Biocomposite materials are composite material formed by a matrix
(resin) and a reinforcement of natural fibers. Microfibre cellulose materials
comprise nanostructured cellulose comprising nanosized cellulose fibrils.
Typical
fibril widths are 5-20 nanometers with a wide range of lengths, typically
several
micrometers.
The growing chamber 6 may be a moulded element such that the side
walls 12, bottom wall 13 and possibly also the plant support base 4 form one
integral element.
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The growing chamber 6 is provided with thermal insulation 14 for
insulating the inner space of the growing chamber 6 thermally from the
surroundings of the aeroponic farming system 2.
In the embodiment of figure 2, the thermal insulation 14 is provided to
the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4. The thermal insulation 14 may be a
characteristic of the material of the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4. Thus,
the
thermal insulation is integral part of the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4.
Alternatively, the thermal insulation or thermal insulation layer 14 is
provided to the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4. In one embodiment, the
thermal
insulation 14 is a separate insulation layer provided on the inner surface or
outer
surface or inside the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4. In another embodiment,
the
thermal insulation 14 or thermal insulation layer is provided inside the
growing
chamber walls 12, 13, 4 between the inner surface and outer surface of the
growing
chamber walls 12, 13, 4.
As shown in figure 2, the growing chamber 6 and the growing chamber
walls 12, 13, 4 define a closed growing chamber space inside the growing
chamber
6. The growing chamber further comprises a partitioning wall 16 arranged
inside
the growing chamber 6. The partitioning wall 16 is arranged to divide the
closed
growing chamber space into an upper growing space 20 and a lower liquid space
2111. The partitioning wall 16 is arranged between the plant support base 4
and
the bottom wall 13 of the growing chamber 6 such that the partitioning wall 16
divides the growing chamber space to the upper growing space 20 and the lower
liquid space 2111 in the direction between the plant support base 4 and the
bottom
wall 13 of the growing chamber 6.
The lower liquid space 2111 comprising a first growing liquid space 21
arranged to retain first growing liquid 22 and a second growing liquid space
211
arranged to retain second growing liquid 222.
A partitioning wall 16 is arranged to discharge excessive first growing
liquid 22 sprayed into the upper growing space 20 from the upper growing space
20 to the first growing liquid space 21 and discharge excessive second growing
liquid 222 sprayed into the upper growing space 20 from the upper growing
space
20 to the second growing liquid space 211.
The partitioning wall 16 extends between the side walls 12 of the
growing chamber 6. The partitioning wall 16 is preferably supported or
connected
to side walls 12.
In the embodiment of figure 2, the partitioning wall 16 extends in
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horizontal direction. Further, the partitioning wall 16 extends parallel to
the plant
support base 4.
Accordingly, the upper growing space 20 is provided between the plant
support base 4 and the partitioning wall 16 for enclosing the root part 54 for
of the
.. plant 50.
The lower liquid space 2111 is provided between the partitioning sheet
16 and a bottom wall 13 of the growing chamber 66.
In one embodiment, the aeroponic farming system 5 further comprises
a lower liquid space wall 2112 arranged to divide the lower liquid space 2111
to
.. the first growing liquid space 21 and the second growing liquid space 211.
The lower liquid space wall 2112 is made of waterproof or liquid proof
material.
The side walls 12 and the bottom wall 13 or the growing chamber walls 12, 13,
4
are made of waterproof or liquid proof material such that the growing chamber
6
forms containers or growing liquid reservoirs for storing or retaining first
growing
liquid 22 and a second growing liquid 222. First growing liquid 22 and second
growing liquid 222 are further sprayed to the root part 54 of the plant 50.
Typically, first growing liquid 22 and second growing liquid 222 comprise
different
chemical substances which would precipitate if they were mixed. One example,
is
calcium which precipitates when mixed with other fertilizers such as nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium.
Figure 3 shows schematically an end view of the aeroponic farming
system 2 of figure 2.
In the embodiment of figures 2 and 3, the upper plant support
comprises vertical support elements 7, 8,9 and horizontal support elements 10,
11
for supporting the aerial shoot 52 of the plant 50. The aerial shoot 52 may be
attached or connected to the upper plant support for supporting and keeping
the
aerial shoot 52 in upright position. As the root part 54 is not in soil or
ground, the
root part cannot provide necessary support for the aerial shoot 52.
It should be noted that the upper plant support may be implemented in
various ways for supporting the aerial shoot 52. Thus, the present invention
is not
restricted to any special configuration of upper plant support.
Figure 4 shows schematically a plant support base according to one
embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 4, the plant support
base
4 comprises one or more support opening 40 arranged to support the plant 50.
The
plant is placed through the support opening 40 such that the plant extends
through
the plant support base 4 via the support opening 40 and such that the aerial
shoot
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52 is arranged on the first side of the plant support base 4 to the aerial
growing
space 24 and the root part 54 is arranged on the second side the plant support
base
4 inside the growing chamber 6. The support opening 40 extends through the
plant
support base 4, from the first side to the second side of the plant support
base 4.
The support opening is further provided with a support sleeve 41
arranged into the support opening 40 between the aerial shoot 52 of the plant
50
and the inner surface 43 of the support opening 40, as shown in figure 4. The
support sleeve 41 comprises or provides a sleeve opening 42 through which the
plant 50 is placed.
The outer surface 44 of the support sleeve 41 is placed against the inner
surface 43 of the support opening 40. The plant 50 or the aerial shoot 52 is
placed
against the inner surface 45 of the support sleeve 41 defining the sleeve
opening
42. The support sleeve 41 is made of resilient material such as foam rubber or
foam
plastic or the like resilient material. The resilient characteristic of the
support
sleeve 41 enables the support sleeve 41 to be compressed when the plant 50
grows
without harming the plant 50. Further, the resilient characteristic enables
the
support sleeve 41 to be tightly pressed and sealed against the inner surface
43 of
the support opening 40 and against the aerial shoot 52 of the plant such that
light
is prevented from entering the growing chamber 6 via the support opening 40.
The support sleeve 41 is provided with a slit 46 extending along the
support sleeve 41 in a direction of the sleeve opening 42. Thus, the slit 46
provides
a cut to the periphery of the support sleeve 41. The slit 46 facilitates
arranging the
support sleeve 41 over the plant 50. Alternatively, the slit 46 may be
omitted.
Further, the support sleeve 41 may be omitted and a separate and
detachable plant holder (not shown) may be installed to the support opening
40.
The plant 50 is installed to the plant holder such that the aerial shoot 52 is
arranged
on the first side of the plant support base 4 in the aerial growing space 24
and the
root part 54 is arranged on the second side the plant support base 4 in the
growing
chamber 6.
Figure 5 shows schematically one embodiment of the aeroponic
farming system. The growing chamber 6 comprise the bottom wall 13, the top
wall
4 and side walls 12 extending between the bottom wall 13 and the top wall 4.
The
top wall 4 is provided as the plant support base 4 or at least part of it.
Accordingly,
the plant support base 4 forms the top wall of the growing chamber 6 or the
plant
support base 4 forms at least part of the top wall of the growing chamber 6.
The growing chamber 6 is provided with spraying arrangement 800
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arranged to spray first growing liquid 22 and second growing liquid 222 inside
the
closed chamber space 20, 2111 of the growing chamber 6.
In one embodiment, the aeroponic farming system 2 further comprises
a water supply 998 arranged supply water 220 to the spraying arrangement 800.
5 In one
embodiment, the water supply 998 is connected to a water
supply network.
In an alternative embodiment, the aeroponic farming system 2 further
comprises a water supply 998 comprising a water reservoir 999 arranged to
retain
water 220.
10 In
another alternative embodiment, the aeroponic farming system 2
further comprises a water supply 998 comprising a water reservoir 999 arranged
to retain water 220, and the water reservoir 999 is connected to a water
supply
network.
Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the growing chamber 6.
The growing chamber 6 and the lower liquid space 2111 is provided with a first
separate growing liquid reservoir 200 and a second separate growing liquid
reservoir 299 arranged below the partitioning wall 16. The first separate
growing
liquid reservoir 200 is arranged to store the excessive first growing liquid
22
flowing from the upper growing space 20. The second separate growing liquid
reservoir 299 is arranged to store the excessive second growing liquid 222
flowing
from the upper growing space 20. The first separate growing liquid reservoir
200
and the second separate growing liquid reservoir are made of waterproof
material
for keeping first growing liquid 22 and second growing liquid 222 inside. The
first
separate growing liquid reservoir 200 and the second separate growing liquid
reservoir 299 may have an open top wall enabling the excessive first and
second
growing liquid to enter from the upper growing space 20.
The first separate growing liquid reservoir 200 and the second separate
growing liquid reservoir 299 are arranged below the plant support base 4
and/or
at lower part of the closed chamber space 20.
The temperature sensor may be arranged to the first separate growing
liquid reservoir 200 for measuring the temperature of the first growing liquid
22
inside the first separate growing liquid reservoir 200.
The temperature sensor may be arranged to the second separate
growing liquid reservoir 299 for measuring the temperature of the second
growing
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liquid 222 inside the second separate growing liquid reservoir 299.
The surface level sensor may be also arranged to the first separate
growing liquid reservoir 200 for measuring surface level or amount of first
growing liquid 22 inside the first separate growing liquid reservoir 200.
The surface level sensor may be also arranged to the second separate
growing liquid reservoir 299 for measuring surface level or amount of second
growing liquid 222 inside the second separate growing liquid reservoir 299.
In one embodiment, the spraying arrangement 800 comprises first
growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 arranged to spray first growing liquid 22 and
second
growing liquid 222 to the upper growing space 20 of the growing chamber 6 to
the
root part 54 of the plant 50. The first growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 are
arranged to
atomize and spray atomized growing liquid to the upper growing space 20. The
first growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 may be any kind of known spray nozzles.
The first growing liquid nozzle 70 comprises a first nozzle head 71 from
which the growing liquid is discharged out of the first growing liquid nozzle
70.
The first growing liquid nozzle 70 or the first nozzle head 71 thereof is
arranged to
spray first growing liquid 22 and second growing liquid 222in horizontal
direction
and/or parallel to the plant support base 4, as shown in figure 6. However, in
some
embodiment, the first growing liquid nozzles 70 or the first nozzle heads 71
thereof are arranged to spray first growing liquid 22 and second growing
liquid
222in vertical direction upwards or downwards or transversely or
perpendicularly
to the plant support base 4, as shown in figure 9. Further alternatively, the
first
growing liquid nozzles 70 or the first nozzle heads 71 thereof may be arranged
to
spray first growing liquid 22 and second growing liquid 222in an angle between
vertical and horizontal direction.
The first growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 are supported to the top wall or
the plant support base 4. Thus, the first growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 are
supported
to the structures of the growing chamber 6.
In the embodiment of the figures, the one or more growing liquid
nozzles 70, 71 are arranged or placed to the upper growing space 20 and
arranged
to spray first growing liquid 22 and second growing liquid 222to the upper
growing space 20 of the growing chamber 6.
In an alternative embodiment, the one or more first growing liquid
nozzles 70 may be arranged outside the upper growing space 20 such that the
first
nozzle head 71 opens into the upper growing space 20 and/or is arranged to
spray
first growing liquid 22 and second growing liquid 222to the upper growing
space
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20 of the growing chamber 6. Thus, the first growing liquid nozzle 70 may be
arranged at least partly to the lower liquid space 2111 or embedded to side
wall
12 or the top wall 4 of the growing chamber 6.
Preferably, the first growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 are arranged to the
spray growing liquid in upper part of the closed chamber space 20 or close to
the
plant support base 4 for spraying the root part 54 of the plant 50.
The growing chamber 6 may comprise a temperature sensor arranged
to the upper growing space 20 and arranged to measure temperature in the upper
growing space 20, or arranged to the lower liquid space 2111 and arranged to
measure temperature of the growing liquid 22 in the lower liquid space 2111 or
in
the growing liquid reservoir in the lower liquid space 2111.
The temperature sensors may be attached or supported to the growing
chamber walls 12, 13, 4.
The first and second chamber temperature sensors may be any known
kind of temperature sensors.
The growing chamber 6 is further provided with a chamber humidity
sensor 66 arranged to measure humidity in upper growing space 20. The chamber
humidity sensor 66 may be any know kind of humidity sensor. The chamber
humidity sensor 66 is preferably connected directly or indirectly to the first
growing liquid nozzles 70 for controlling and adjusting the first growing
liquid
nozzles 70 and spraying of growing liquid based on the measurements with the
chamber humidity sensor 66. Thus, the measurements with the chamber humidity
sensor 66 is utilized for adjusting operation of the first growing liquid
nozzles 70.
The chamber humidity sensor 66 is arranged to the upper growing
space 20 or arranged to measure humidity in the upper growing space 20. The
chamber humidity sensor 66 may be attached or supported to the attached or
supported to the growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4.
The growing chamber 6 may be provided with a surface level sensors
arranged to measure the surface level of first growing liquid 22 and second
growing liquid 222 in the lower liquid space. The surface level sensor may be
any
known surface level sensor.
The inner growing chamber space is divided to the upper growing space
20 and the lower liquid space 2111 with the partitioning wall 16, as shown in
figure
2.
The first growing liquid nozzles 70 are arranged or supported to the
side walls 12 of the growing chamber 6 in the upper growing space 20. Further,
the
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first growing liquid nozzles 70 are arranged to spray first growing liquid 22
and
second growing liquid 222in horizontal direction or parallel to the plant
support
base 4 in to the upper growing space 20.
Figure 7 shows one embodiment of present invention. In this
embodiment the spraying arrangement 800 comprises first growing liquid nozzles
70,71 arranged to spray first growing liquid 22 and second growing liquid
nozzles
700, 701 arranged to spray second growing liquid 222 to the upper growing
space
20 of the growing chamber 6 to the root part 54 of the plant 50. The second
growing liquid nozzles 700, 701 may be supported and positioned in the same
way
as disclosed about supporting and positioning of the first growing liquid
nozzles
70, 71 in figure 6.
The second growing liquid nozzles 700, 701 may be any kind of known
spray nozzles.
The second growing liquid nozzle 700 comprises a second nozzle head
701 from which the second growing liquid is discharged out of the second
growing
liquid nozzle 701.
Figure 8a shows one embodiment of present invention. In this
embodiment the aeroponic farming system 2 comprises a growing liquid
separation arrangement 970 comprising a tilting device 997 arranged to tilt
the
partitioning wall 16.
In figure 8a the partitioning wall 16 is in a first tilted position 996
arranged to discharge excessive first growing liquid 22 to the first growing
liquid
to the first growing liquid space 21 or to the first growing liquid reservoir
200 in
the first growing liquid space 21.
In one embodiment, the tilting device 997 comprises a hydraulic
cylinder arranged to tilt the partitioning wall 16.
In an alternative embodiment, the tilting device 997 comprises an
electric device arranged to tilt the partitioning wall 16.
The aeroponic farming system 2 comprises a first growing liquid gap
994 between the partitioning wall 16 and the growing chamber walls 12.
The partitioning wall 16 is in a first tilted position 996 arranged to
discharge excessive first growing liquid 22 to the first growing liquid space
21.
First growing liquid 22 is arranged to flow over the partitioning wall 16 and
through the first growing liquid gap 994 to the first growing liquid space 22.
Figure 8b shows one embodiment of present invention. In this
embodiment the aeroponic farming system 2 comprises a growing liquid
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separation arrangement 970 comprising a tilting device 997 arranged to tilt
the
partitioning wall 16. In figure 8b the partitioning wall 16 is in a second
tilted
position 995 arranged to discharge excessive second growing liquid 222 to the
second growing liquid space 211 or to the second growing liquid reservoir 299
in
the second growing liquid space 211.
The aeroponic farming system 2 comprises a second growing liquid gap
993 between the partitioning wall 16 and the growing chamber walls 12.
The partitioning wall 16 is in a second tilted position 995 arranged to
discharge excessive second growing liquid 222 to the second growing liquid
space
211. Second growing liquid 222 is arranged to flow over the partitioning wall
16
and through the second growing liquid gap 993 to the second growing liquid
space
211.
Figure 9 shows one embodiment of present invention. In this
embodiment, the aeroponic farming system 2 comprises a growing liquid
separation arrangement 970 comprising a first discharge connection 99 and a
second discharge connection 990 provided to the partitioning wall 16. The
first
discharge connection 99 being arranged to discharge excessive first growing
liquid
22 sprayed into the upper growing space 20 from the upper growing space 20 to
the first growing liquid space 21 or to the first growing liquid reservoir 200
in the
first growing liquid space 21. The second discharge connection 990 provided to
the
partitioning wall 16 between the upper growing space 20 and the second growing
liquid space 211, the second discharge connection 990 being arranged to
discharge
excessive second growing liquid 222 sprayed into the upper growing space 20
from
the upper growing space 20 to the second growing liquid space 211 or to the
second growing liquid reservoir 299 in the second growing liquid space 211.
In one embodiment, the partitioning wall 16 is arranged in a inclined
position towards the first discharge connection 99 and the second discharge
connection 990 such that first growing liquid 22 and second growing liquid 222
flow on the partitioning wall 16 to the first discharge connection 99 and the
second
discharge connection 990.
In one embodiment, the first discharge connection 99 comprises a first
valve and the second discharge connection 990 comprises a second valve. The
first
valve is arranged to be open and the second valve is arranged to be closed
when
the first discharge connection 99 is arranged to discharge excessive first
growing
liquid 22 sprayed into the upper growing space. The second valve is arranged
to be
open and the first valve is arranged to be closed when the second discharge
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connection 990 is arranged to discharge excessive second growing liquid 222
sprayed into the upper growing space 20.
In one embodiment, the aeroponic farming system 2 comprises a
growing liquid filter 1000 between the partitioning wall 16 and the first
growing
5 .. liquid space 21.
In one embodiment the aeroponic farming system 2 comprises a
growing liquid filter 1000 between the partitioning wall 16 and the second
growing
liquid space 211.
In one embodiment the growing liquid filter 1000 comprises a filter
10 layer with a rating between 0.5-100 micron.
In one embodiment the growing liquid filter comprises a filter layer
comprising an active carbon filter.
The aeroponic farming system 2 or the growing chamber 6 of figure 9
is provided with a first growing liquid outlet arrangement 91 or first growing
liquid
15 .. outlet 91 arranged to discharge first growing liquid 22 from the growing
chamber
6. The first growing liquid outlet arrangement 91 is provided to the bottom
wall 13
of the growing chamber 6. Alternatively, the growing liquid outlet arrangement
may be provided to side wall 12 of the growing chamber 6. Thus, first growing
liquid 22 may be discharged from the aeroponic farming system 2 by discharging
20 first growing liquid 22 from the closed chamber space 20.
The first growing liquid outlet arrangement 91 may be arranged the
discharge first growing liquid 22 form the growing chamber 6 continuously such
that first growing liquid 22 is not collected or stored inside the growing
chamber
6.
25 Alternatively, the first growing liquid space 21 is arranged to form
the
first growing liquid reservoir 200 for storing first growing liquid 22 inside
the
growing chamber 6. Accordingly, the first growing liquid outlet arrangement 91
may be user occasionally or at predetermined intervals for changing first
growing
liquid 22 in the first growing liquid reservoir 200.
30 The aeroponic farming system 2 or the growing chamber 6 of figure 9
is provided with a second growing liquid outlet arrangement 911 or second
growing liquid outlet 911 arranged to discharge second growing liquid 222 from
the growing chamber 6. The second growing liquid outlet arrangement 911 is
provided to the bottom wall 13 of the growing chamber 6. Alternatively, the
second
growing liquid outlet arrangement 911 may be provided to the side wall 12 of
the
growing chamber 6. Thus, second growing liquid 222 may be discharged from the
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aeroponic farming system 2 by discharging second growing liquid from the
closed
chamber space 20.
The second growing liquid outlet arrangement 911 may be arranged the
discharge second growing liquid 222 form the growing chamber 6 continuously
such that second growing liquid 222 is not collected or stored inside the
growing
chamber 6.
Alternatively, the second growing liquid space 211 is arranged to form
the first growing liquid reservoir 299 for storing second growing liquid 222
inside
the growing chamber 6. Accordingly, the second growing liquid outlet
arrangement
911 may be user occasionally or at predetermined intervals for changing second
growing liquid 222 in the second growing liquid reservoir 299.
Figures 10a shows one embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment, the aeroponic farming system 2 comprises a first growing liquid
circulation arrangement 80, 81 arranged to supply first growing liquid 22 from
the
first growing liquid space 21 to the one or more first growing liquid nozzles
70, 71.
In one embodiment, the first growing liquid circulation arrangement
80, 81 is arranged to supply second growing liquid 222 from the second growing
liquid space 211 to the one or more first growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 (not
shown
in figure).
In an alternative embodiment, the aeroponic farming system 2
comprises a second growing liquid circulation arrangement 180, 181 arranged to
supply second growing liquid 222 from the second growing liquid space 211 to
the
one or more second growing liquid nozzles 700, 701.
The first growing liquid nozzles 70, 71 are arranged inside the closed
chamber space 20 of the growing chamber 6.
The second growing liquid nozzles 700, 701 are arranged inside the
closed chamber space 20 of the growing chamber 6.
The first liquid circulation arrangement 80,81 comprises a first
circulation pump 80 arranged to the first growing liquid space 21 or to the
first
separate growing liquid reservoir 200 and arranged to pump and supply first
growing liquid 22 from the first growing liquid space 21 or the first separate
growing liquid reservoir 200 to the first growing liquid nozzles 70 via a
first
circulation channel 81. The first circulation channel 81 is connected between
the
first circulation pump 80 and the one or more first growing liquid nozzles 70.
The
first growing liquid nozzles 70 are arranged into the upper growing space 20.
Furthermore, in the embodiment of figure 10a, the first liquid
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circulation arrangement 80, 81, the first circulation pump 80 and the first
circulation channel 81 are arranged inside the growing chamber 6.
The second liquid circulation arrangement 180,181 comprises a second
circulation pump 180 arranged to the second growing liquid space 211 or to the
second separate growing liquid reservoir 299 and arranged to pump and supply
second growing liquid 222 from the second growing liquid space 211 or the
second
separate growing liquid reservoir 299 to the second growing liquid nozzles 700
via
a second circulation channel 181. The second circulation channel 181 is
connected
between the second circulation pump 180 and the one or more second growing
liquid nozzles 700. The second growing liquid nozzles 700 are arranged into
the
upper growing space 20.
Furthermore, in the embodiment of figure 10a, the second liquid
circulation arrangement 180, 181, the second circulation pump 180 and the
second
circulation channel 181 are arranged inside the growing chamber 6.
In one embodiment, the first circulation arrangement 80,81 is arranged
to circulate first growing liquid 22 from first growing liquid space 21 or the
separate growing liquid reservoir 200 to the first growing liquid nozzles 70
to be
sprayed to the root part of the plant inside the growing chamber 6.
In alternative embodiment, the first circulation arrangement 80,81 is
arranged to circulate first growing liquid 22 from first growing liquid space
21 or
the first separate growing liquid reservoir 200 and the second growing liquid
222
from the second growing liquid space 211 or the second separate growing liquid
reservoir 299 to the first growing liquid nozzles 70 to be sprayed to the root
part
of the plant inside the growing chamber 6.
In another alternative embodiment, the first circulation arrangement
80,81 is arranged to circulate first growing liquid 22 from first growing
liquid space
21 or the separate growing liquid reservoir 200 to the first growing liquid
nozzles
70 to be sprayed to the root part of the plant inside the growing chamber 6
and the
second circulation arrangement 180,181 is arranged to circulate second growing
liquid 222 from second growing liquid space 211 or the second separate growing
liquid reservoir 299 to the second growing liquid nozzles 700 to be sprayed to
the
root part of the plant inside the growing chamber 6.
In the embodiment of figure 10a, the aeroponic farming system 2 or the
growing chamber 6 is provided with a first growing liquid inlet arrangement 90
arranged to supply first growing liquid 22 into the growing chamber 6. In this
embodiment, the first growing liquid inlet arrangement 90 is connected to the
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growing chamber 6 and arranged to the supply first growing liquid 22 to the
first
growing liquid space 21 of the growing chamber 6. Thus, the first growing
liquid
inlet arrangement 90 is connected to the first growing liquid space 21 or to
the first
separate growing liquid reservoir 200. Therefore, new first growing liquid may
be
added to the aeroponic farming system 2 by supplying first growing liquid to
the
first growing liquid space 21 or to the first separate growing liquid
reservoir 200.
In the embodiment of figure 10a, the aeroponic farming system 2 or the
growing chamber 6 is provided with a second growing liquid inlet arrangement
190 arranged to supply second growing liquid 222 into the growing chamber 6.
In
this embodiment, the second growing liquid inlet arrangement 190 is connected
to
the growing chamber 6 and arranged to the supply second growing liquid 222 to
the second growing liquid space 211 of the growing chamber 6. Thus, the second
growing liquid inlet arrangement 190 is connected to the second growing liquid
space 211 or to the second separate growing liquid reservoir 299. Therefore,
new
second growing liquid 222 may be added to the aeroponic farming system 2 by
supplying second growing liquid 222 to the second growing liquid space 211 or
to
the second separate growing liquid reservoir 299.
In one the aeroponic farming system comprises synchronizing device
400 arranged to synchronize the supply of first growing liquid 22 and second
growing liquid 222 such that the supply of first growing liquid 22 and second
growing liquid 222 is cyclic and first growing liquid 22 and second growing
liquid
222 are supplied in different time.
Figure 10b shows an alternative embodiment. In this embodiment, the
first liquid circulation arrangement 80, 81 is arranged outside or is arranged
to
extend outside the growing chamber 6. As shown in figure 10b, the first
circulation
pump 80 is arranged outside the growing chamber 6. The aeroponic farming
system 2 and the growing chamber 6 is provided with a first circulation outlet
82
extending from the growing chamber 6 to the first circulation pump 80. The
first
circulation outlet 82 is arranged between the first growing liquid space 21 or
the
first growing liquid reservoir 200 and the first circulation pump 80 for
supplying
first growing liquid 22 outside the growing chamber 6. The first growing
liquid
nozzles 70 are arranged inside the growing chamber 6 to the upper growing
space
20. The first circulation channel 81 extends outside the growing chamber 6
from
the first circulation pump 80 to the upper growing space 20. The first
circulation
channel 81 further extends outside the growing chamber 6 between the first
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circulation pump 80 and the first growing liquid nozzles 70. The first
circulation
channel 81 further extends through the growing chamber wall or the plant
support
base 4 and is connected to the first growing liquid nozzles 70.
In one embodiment the aeroponic farming system 2 comprises the
second liquid circulation arrangement 180, 181 and the second liquid
circulation
arrangement 180, 181 is arranged outside or is arranged to extend outside the
growing chamber 6. As shown in figure 10b, the second circulation pump 180 is
arranged outside the growing chamber 6. The aeroponic farming system 2 and the
growing chamber 6 is provided with a second circulation outlet 182 extending
from the growing chamber 6 to the second circulation pump 180 and a second
circulation outlet 182 extending from the growing chamber 6 to the second
circulation pump 180. The second circulation outlet 182 is arranged between
the
second growing liquid space 211 or the second growing liquid reservoir 299 and
the second circulation pump 180 for supplying second growing liquid 222
outside
the growing chamber 6. The second growing liquid nozzles 70 are arranged
inside
the growing chamber 6 to the upper growing space 20. The second circulation
channel 181 extends outside the growing chamber 6 from the second circulation
pump 180 to the upper growing space 20. The second circulation channel 181
further extends outside the growing chamber 6 between the second circulation
pump 180 and the second growing liquid nozzles 700. The second circulation
channel 181 further extends through the growing chamber wall or the plant
support base 4 and is connected to the second growing liquid nozzles 700.
In an alternative embodiment, a second circulation outlet 182
extending from the second growing liquid space 211 or from the second growing
liquid reservoir 299 to the first circulation pump 80. The second circulation
outlet
182 is arranged between the second growing liquid space 211 or the second
growing liquid reservoir 299 and the first circulation pump 80.
In figure ha, the aeroponic farming system 2 comprises a first growing
liquid aerator 401 in connection with the first growing liquid space 21 for
reducing
an amount of culture in first growing liquid 22. The first growing liquid
aerator
401 is a mechanical device used for aeration, or mixing air with first growing
liquid
22. In one embodiment the first growing liquid aerator 401 is a floating
surface
aerator arranged to mix required for dispersing the air and for contact the
reactants. In an alternative embodiment the first growing liquid aerator 401
is a
subsurface aerator arranged to release bubbles at the bottom of the water body
and allow them to rise by the force of buoyancy. In a yet alternative
embodiment
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the first growing liquid aerator 401 is a surface aerator arranged to create
splashes
to a surface of first growing liquid.
The growing chamber 6 may comprise a chamber temperature sensor
104 arranged to the closed chamber space 20 and arranged to measure
5 temperature in the closed chamber space 20.
The aeroponic farming system 2 may comprise a first thermal
adjustment device 100 arranged to adjust the temperature of first growing
liquid
22. The first thermal adjustment device 100 may be a heat exchanger, heating
device, cooling device or combined heating and cooling device implemented as
any
10 known type of device for controlling temperature of liquid material. The
first
thermal adjustment device 100, may comprise heater, such as electric heater or
liquid heater, and/or cooler, such as electric cooler or liquid cooler. The
first
thermal adjustment device 100 may comprise a heat exchanger arranged exchange
temperature between first growing liquid in the aeroponic farming system 2 and
a
15 working fluid. Adjusting the temperature of the working fluid, liquid or
gas, or flow
rate of the growing liquid and/or the working fluid in the heat exchanger 100
the
temperature of the growing liquid may be adjusted. The first thermal
adjustment
device 100 may also be a heat transfer element or thermoelement. Accordingly,
the
first thermal adjustment device 100 may be any known kind of device or element
20 arranged to adjust temperature of the growing liquid in the aeroponic
farming
system 2.
In the embodiment, the first thermal adjustment device 100 is arranged
in connection with or to the first growing liquid space 2. Accordingly, the
first
thermal adjustment device 100 is arranged to adjust temperature of first
growing
25 liquid 22 stored and collected to the first growing liquid space 21 or
the first
separate growing liquid reservoir 200. Therefore, temperature of the first
growing
liquid supplied to the first and the second growing liquid nozzles 70 via the
first
and second circulation arrangement 80, 81 is adjusted. Further, temperature of
first growing liquid supplied to the first growing liquid nozzles 70 via the
first
30 circulation arrangement 80, 81 upstream of the growing chamber 6 or the
first
growing liquid nozzles 70 and before spraying first growing liquid into the
closed
chamber space or to the upper growing space 20. Accordingly, first growing
liquid
may be maintained or adjusted to desired temperature inside the growing
chamber
6.
35 In the embodiments of 11a, the first thermal adjustment device 100
may
be heating device for heating the growing liquid, a cooling device for cooling
the
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growing liquid or a combined heating and cooling device for heating and
cooling
the growing liquid.
The first thermal adjustment device 100 is connected to the power
source 110 or heat and/or cold source for operating the thermal adjustment
device
100.
The aeroponic farming system 2 may further be provided with a
temperature sensor 104 for controlling an operation of the thermal adjustment
device 100. Further, the temperature sensor 104 may be arranged between the
thermal adjustment device 100 and the growing chamber 6 or the growing liquid
nozzles 70.
The growing chamber 6 may comprise the chamber temperature sensor
104 arranged to the upper growing space 20 and arranged to measure temperature
in the upper growing space 20. The second chamber temperature sensor is
provided to the first growing liquid space 21 and arranged to measure
temperature
of first growing liquid 22 in the first growing liquid space 21 or in the
first growing
liquid reservoir 200 in the lower liquid space 21. Thus, the temperature of
the first
growing liquid 22 is adjusted with the first thermal adjustment device 100
based
on the predetermined desired temperature values and the temperatures measured
with the first and second temperature sensors.
Adjusting the temperature of first growing liquid in the first growing
liquid reservoir 200 provides thermal accumulator inside the growing chamber
6.
In the embodiment of figure 11a, the aeroponic farming system 2
comprises a sanitizing arrangement 150 for sanitizing first growing liquid 22.
In one embodiment the sanitizing arrangement 150 comprises a
sterilant arranged to first growing liquid 22.
The sanitizing arrangement 150 is arranged in connection with the first
growing liquid space 21 or the growing liquid reservoir 200.
In one embodiment, the sanitizing arrangement 150 comprises a first
sterilant device 1165. The first sterilant device 1165 is arranged to reduce
substantially an amount of forms of life in first growing liquid 22 by
providing first
growing liquid 22 with a sterilant. Typically, the sterilant is arranged to
kill or
deactivate microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, spores and
unicellular
eukaryotic organisms. Thus, first growing liquid 22 comprises less particles
which
may block the growing liquid nozzles 70.
In figure 11b, the aeroponic farming system 2 comprises a second
growing liquid aerator 1401 in connection with the second growing liquid space
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211 for reducing an amount of culture in second growing liquid 222. The second
growing liquid aerator 1401 is a mechanical device used for aeration, or
mixing air
with second growing liquid 222. In one embodiment the second growing liquid
aerator 1401 is a floating surface aerator arranged to mix required for
dispersing
the air and for contact the reactants. In an alternative embodiment the second
growing liquid aerator 1401 is a subsurface aerator arranged to release
bubbles
at the bottom of the water body and allow them to rise by the force of
buoyancy. In
a yet alternative embodiment the second growing liquid aerator 1401 is a
surface
aerator arranged to create splashes to a surface of second growing liquid 222.
The growing chamber 6 may comprise a chamber temperature sensor
104 arranged to the closed chamber space 20 and arranged to measure
temperature in the closed chamber space 20.
The aeroponic farming system 2 may comprise a second thermal
adjustment device 1100 arranged to adjust the temperature of second growing
liquid 22. The second thermal adjustment device 1100 may be a heat exchanger,
heating device, cooling device or combined heating and cooling device
implemented as any known type of device for controlling temperature of liquid
material. The second thermal adjustment device 1100, may comprise heater, such
as electric heater or liquid heater, and/or cooler, such as electric cooler or
liquid
cooler. The second thermal adjustment device 1100 may comprise a heat
exchanger arranged exchange temperature between second growing liquid in the
aeroponic farming system 2 and a working fluid. Adjusting the temperature of
the
working fluid, liquid or gas, or flow rate of the growing liquid and/or the
working
fluid in the heat exchanger 1100 the temperature of the growing liquid may be
adjusted. The second thermal adjustment device 1100 may also be a heat
transfer
element or thermoelement. Accordingly, the second thermal adjustment device
1100 may be any known kind of device or element arranged to adjust temperature
of the growing liquid in the aeroponic farming system 2.
In the embodiment, the second thermal adjustment device 1100 is
arranged in connection with or to the second growing liquid space 211.
Accordingly, the second thermal adjustment device 1100 is arranged to adjust
temperature of second growing liquid 222 stored and collected to the second
growing liquid space 211 or the second separate growing liquid reservoir 299.
Therefore, temperature of the second growing liquid supplied to the second
growing liquid nozzles 700 is adjusted. Further, temperature of second growing
liquid supplied to the second growing liquid nozzles 700 is adjusted.
Accordingly,
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second growing liquid 222 may be maintained or adjusted to desired temperature
inside the growing chamber 6.
In the embodiments of lib, the second thermal adjustment device 1100
may be heating device for heating the growing liquid, a cooling device for
cooling
the growing liquid or a combined heating and cooling device for heating and
cooling the growing liquid.
The second thermal adjustment device 100 is connected to the power
source or heat and/or cold source for operating the thermal adjustment device
1100.
The aeroponic farming system 2 may further be provided with a
temperature sensor 104 for controlling an operation of the thermal adjustment
device 100. Further, the temperature sensor 104 may be arranged between the
thermal adjustment device 1100 and the growing chamber 6 or the second growing
liquid nozzles 700.
The growing chamber 6 may comprise the chamber temperature sensor
104 arranged to the upper growing space 20 and arranged to measure temperature
in the upper growing space 20. The second chamber temperature sensor is
provided to the second growing liquid space 211 and arranged to measure
temperature of second growing liquid 222 in the second growing liquid space
211
or in the second growing liquid reservoir 200 in the lower liquid space 21.
Thus,
the temperature of the second growing liquid 222 is adjusted with the second
thermal adjustment device 1100 based on the predetermined desired temperature
values and the temperatures measured with the second and second temperature
sensors.
Adjusting the temperature of second growing liquid 22 in the second
growing liquid reservoir 299 provides thermal accumulator inside the growing
chamber 6.
In the embodiment of figure 11b, the aeroponic farming system 2
comprises a sanitizing arrangement 150 for sanitizing second growing liquid
222.
In one embodiment the sanitizing arrangement 150 comprises a
sterilant arranged to second growing liquid 222.
The sanitizing arrangement 150 is arranged in connection with the
second growing liquid space 211 or the growing liquid reservoir 299.
In one embodiment, the sanitizing arrangement 150 comprises a
second sterilant device 2165. The second sterilant device 2165 is arranged to
reduce substantially an amount of forms of life in second growing liquid 222
by
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providing second growing liquid 222 with a sterilant. Typically, the sterilant
is
arranged to kill or deactivate microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria,
viruses,
spores and unicellular eukaryotic organisms. Thus, second growing liquid 222
comprises less particles which may block the second growing liquid nozzles
700.
Figure 12 shows an embodiment of the sanitizing arrangement 150 for
sanitizing the aeroponic farming system. The sanitizing arrangement 150
comprises the sanitizing device 165, a sanitizing inlet 161, a sanitizing
outlet 162,
the water reservoir 999 and the synchronizing device 400.
The water reservoir 999 further comprises a sanitizing reservoir wall
160 to form a closed chamber for sanitizing growing liquid 22.
In one embodiment, the sanitizing device 165 is arranged in connection
with the sanitizing reservoir wall 160.
The sanitizing inlet 161 is arranged to add water 220 into the water
reservoir 999.
The sanitizing outlet 162 is arranged to provide water 220 with ozone
to the aeroponic farming system 2.
Typically, the sanitizing device 165 is arranged to form ozone from
oxygen by electrical discharges and by action of high energy electromagnetic
radiation. The sanitizing device 165 releases ozone into water 220.
The synchronizing device 400 is arranged to synchronize the supply of
water 220 such that the supply of water 220 is cyclic and water 220 is
supplied
when first growing liquid 22 and second growing liquid 222 are not supplied.
The
synchronizing device 400 may further comprise a computer or processor unit.
Figure 13 shows an embodiment in which the aeroponic farming
system 2 further comprises a first inlet arrangement, a second inlet
arrangement,
a first circulation pump inlet filter 1002, a first circulation pump outlet
filter 1001,
a second circulation pump inlet filter 1004 and a second circulation pump
outlet
filter 1003.
In one embodiment, the first circulation pump inlet filter 1002 and the
second circulation pump inlet filter 1004 are arranged to pass larger
particles
through than the first circulation pump outlet filter 1001 and the second
circulation pump outlet filter 1003.
That reduces maintenance work of the aeroponic farming system 2.
In one embodiment, the first circulation pump outlet filter 1001 and the
second circulation pump outlet filter 1003 comprises a laminate filter,
That reduces blocking of the one or more first growing liquid nozzles
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70, 71 and the one or more second growing liquid nozzles 700, 701.
The first inlet arrangement comprises a first supply channel 73, or the
first supply channel 73 and a first supply pump 93; or the first supply
channel 73,
the supply pump 93 and a first growing liquid source 92.
5 The first growing liquid source 92 may comprise a first growing
liquid
container. First growing liquid 22 is supplied to the growing chamber 6 from
the
first growing liquid source 92 by the first supply pump 93 via the first
growing
liquid supply channel 73. The first growing liquid supply channel 73 extends
from
between the first growing liquid source 92 and the first growing liquid
nozzles 70,
10 71. The first supply pump 93 is arranged in connection with or to the
first supply
channel 73. Alternatively, the first supply pump 93 may be arranged in
connection
with or to the first growing liquid source 92.
That eases adding additional first growing liquid 22 to the system 2.
The second inlet arrangement comprises a second supply channel 173,
15 or the second supply channel 173 and a second supply pump 193; or the
second
supply channel 173, the second supply pump 193 and a second growing liquid
source 192.
The second growing liquid source 192 may comprise a second growing
liquid container. The second growing liquid 222 is supplied to the growing
20 chamber 6 from the second growing liquid source 192 by the second supply
pump
193 via the second growing liquid supply channel 173. The second growing
liquid
supply channel 173 extends from between the second growing liquid source 192
and the second growing liquid nozzles 700, 701. The second supply pump 193 is
arranged in connection with or to the second supply channel 173.
Alternatively, the
25 second supply pump 193 may be arranged in connection with or to the
second
growing liquid source 192.
That eases adding additional second growing liquid 222 to the system
2.
It should be noted that embodiments of figure 13 may be combined with
30 any of embodiments disclosed in figures 1-12
The present invention provides a method for aeroponic farming of
plants 50 having an aerial shoot 52 and an underground root part 54. The
aeroponic farming being carried with an aeroponic farming system 2 comprising
a
35 growing chamber 6 having growing chamber walls 12, 13, 4 defining a closed
chamber space 20, 2111 for accommodating the root part 54 of the plant 50 and
a
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lower liquid space 2111 comprising a first growing liquid space 21 arranged to
retain first growing liquid 22 and a second growing liquid space 211 arranged
to
retain second growing liquid 222. The method comprises flowing steps:
- spraying first growing liquid 22 in the closed chamber space 20, 2111
to the root part 54 of the plant 50,
- collecting excessive sprayed first growing liquid 22 inside the closed
chamber space 20, 2111 of the growing chamber 6 to first growing liquid space
21,
- spraying second growing liquid 222 in the closed chamber space 20,
2111 to the root part 54 of the plant 50, and
- collecting excessive sprayed second growing liquid 222 inside the
closed chamber space 20, 2111 of the growing chamber 6 to the second growing
liquid space 211.
In other words, first growing liquid 22 and second growing liquid 222
are not mixed.
In one embodiment, the aeroponic farming system 2 further comprises
a spraying arrangement 800 arranged to spray first growing liquid 22 and
second
growing liquid 222 and the method further comprises circulating the collected
first
growing liquid 22 from first growing liquid space 21 to the spraying
arrangement
.. 800 and circulating the collected second growing liquid 222 from the second
growing liquid space 211 to the spraying arrangement 800.
In one embodiment, the aeroponic farming system 2 further comprises
a water supply 998 arranged supply water 220 to the spraying arrangement 800
and the method further comprises spraying water 220 to the root part 54 of the
.. plant 50 with the spraying arrangement 800.
In one embodiment, the method further comprises the following
processing steps carried out successively:
- spraying first growing liquid 22 in the closed chamber space 20, 2111
to the root part 54 of the plant 50,
- collecting excessive sprayed first growing liquid 22 inside the closed
chamber space 20, 2111 of the growing chamber 6 to first growing liquid space
21,
- spraying water 220 to the root part 54 of the plant 50 with the
spraying arrangement 800,
- collecting excessive sprayed water 220 inside the closed chamber
space 20, 2111 of the growing chamber 6 to the first growing liquid space 21,
- spraying second growing liquid 222 in the closed chamber space 20, 2111 to
the
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root part 54 of the plant 50,
- collecting excessive sprayed second growing liquid 222 inside the
closed chamber space 20, 2111 of the growing chamber 6 to the second growing
liquid space 211,
- spraying water 220 to the root part 54 of the plant 50 with the spraying
arrangement 800, and
- collecting excessive sprayed water 220 inside the closed chamber space 20,
2111
of the growing chamber 6 to the second growing liquid space 211.
In one embodiment, the method further comprises sanitizing first
growing liquid 22.
In one embodiment, the method further comprises sanitizing water
220.
In one embodiment, the method further comprises sanitizing second
growing liquid 222.
In one embodiment, the method comprises collecting excessive sprayed
first growing liquid 22 inside the closed chamber space 20, 2111 of the
growing
chamber 6 to a first growing liquid space 21, and circulating the collected
first
growing liquid 22 from the first growing liquid space 21 to one or more first
growing liquid nozzles 70, 71.
In one embodiment, the method comprises collecting excessive sprayed
second growing liquid 222 inside the closed chamber space 20, 2111 of the
growing chamber 6 to a second growing liquid space 211, and circulating the
collected second growing liquid 222 from the second growing liquid space 211
to
one or more first growing liquid nozzles 70, 71.
In one embodiment, the method comprises collecting excessive sprayed
second growing liquid 222 inside the closed chamber space 20, 2111 of the
growing chamber 6 to a second growing liquid space 211, and circulating the
collected second growing liquid 222 from the second growing liquid space 211
to
one or more second growing liquid nozzles 700, 701.
In one embodiment, the method comprises mixing air with first growing
liquid 22 with a first growing liquid aerator 401 in a first growing liquid
space 21
for reducing an amount of culture in first growing liquid 22.
In one embodiment, the method comprises filtering first growing liquid
22 with a growing liquid filter 1000 for creating clarified first growing
liquid 22.
In one embodiment, the method comprises mixing air with second
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growing liquid 222 with a second aerator 4011 in a second growing liquid space
211 for reducing an amount of culture in second growing liquid 222.
In one embodiment, the method comprises filtering second growing
liquid 222 with a growing liquid filter 1000 for creating clarified second
growing
liquid 222.
The method may be carried out with any of above disclosed aeroponic
farming system 2.
The invention has been described above with reference to the examples
shown in the figures. However, the invention is in no way restricted to the
above
examples but may vary within the scope of the claims.
