EP1387610A1 - Dispositif d'alimentation et refroidisseur hydroponique - Google Patents

Dispositif d'alimentation et refroidisseur hydroponique

Info

Publication number
EP1387610A1
EP1387610A1 EP01921088A EP01921088A EP1387610A1 EP 1387610 A1 EP1387610 A1 EP 1387610A1 EP 01921088 A EP01921088 A EP 01921088A EP 01921088 A EP01921088 A EP 01921088A EP 1387610 A1 EP1387610 A1 EP 1387610A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
liquid
reservoir
walls
pool
conduit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP01921088A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Clayton Boulter
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1387610A1 publication Critical patent/EP1387610A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G31/00—Soilless cultivation, e.g. hydroponics
    • A01G31/02—Special apparatus therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G31/00—Soilless cultivation, e.g. hydroponics
    • A01G31/02—Special apparatus therefor
    • A01G31/065—Special apparatus therefor with means for recycling the nutritive solution
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
    • B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
    • B01F23/232—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using flow-mixing means for introducing the gases, e.g. baffles
    • B01F23/2321—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using flow-mixing means for introducing the gases, e.g. baffles by moving liquid and gas in counter current
    • B01F23/23211—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using flow-mixing means for introducing the gases, e.g. baffles by moving liquid and gas in counter current the liquid flowing in a thin film to absorb the gas
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
    • B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
    • B01F23/234—Surface aerating
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
    • B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
    • B01F23/234—Surface aerating
    • B01F23/2341—Surface aerating by cascading, spraying or projecting a liquid into a gaseous atmosphere
    • B01F23/23412—Surface aerating by cascading, spraying or projecting a liquid into a gaseous atmosphere using liquid falling from orifices in a gaseous atmosphere, the orifices being exits from perforations, tubes or chimneys
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/90—Heating or cooling systems
    • B01F2035/98—Cooling
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D11/00—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D23/00—General constructional features
    • F25D23/06—Walls
    • F25D23/061—Walls with conduit means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
    • F25D2400/10—Refrigerator top-coolers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D31/00—Other cooling or freezing apparatus
    • F25D31/002—Liquid coolers, e.g. beverage cooler
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
    • Y02P60/20—Reduction of greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions in agriculture, e.g. CO2
    • Y02P60/21—Dinitrogen oxide [N2O], e.g. using aquaponics, hydroponics or efficiency measures

Definitions

  • This invention relates to apparatuses and methods for feeding and watering plants and, in particular, to apparatuses and methods for feeding, cooling and providing an aerated solution to the roots of plants grown hydroponically.
  • the growing of plants hydroponically involves supplying an aqueous solution to the roots of the plants, for example by spraying solution onto the roots or by suspending the roots in a medium saturated with the solution.
  • the solution is principally water with fertilizers and other nutrients added.
  • Optimal growth, or even survival of the plants requires that the roots be provided with an air enriched solution and kept within a specified temperature range. Typically this is a lower temperature range than required for the portion of the plant above the roots. This parallels the situation in nature where the roots of the plant are in the cooler ground, whereas the upper portions of the plant are in the air which is usually warmer than the ground when the plant is growing.
  • hydroponic growing operations typically include a cooler to cool the aqueous solution before it is fed to the roots of the plant.
  • This cooler is usually separate from the reservoir used to store the solution.
  • the solution should be aerated to optimize plant growth. Again a separate aerator is normally required. All of this equipment can be complex to set up and relatively expensive to install.
  • United States Patent Number 4159595 to Dalle shows a tank used to hold a quantity of liquid and which is equipped with a float to maintain a constant level. The liquid is subsequently heated, or alternatively cooled, while flowing along a hose.
  • United States Patent Number 5813168 to Glendening discloses an environmentally controlled green house. There are hydroponic plant beds disposed on top of the exchangers. Australian Patent Number 9187730 discloses a method of growing plants by hydroponics where the root system is kept relatively cool.
  • United States Patent Number 5634294 to Rohosa discloses a method of growing plants where a blower is connected to a network of pipes and continuously injects air under pressure.
  • United States Patent Number 4577435 to Springer discloses a micro-climate temperature control apparatus for heating and/or cooling of plants. The cooling is accomplished by tubes.
  • United States Patent Number 4527353 shows another distribution system for nutrients including a tank and a float to maintain the level of liquid.
  • an apparatus for supplying an aqueous liquid for plants includes a reservoir having inside walls.
  • a fan located in the opening to direct air into the reservoir and thereby aerate the liquid.
  • the apparatus of one preferred embodiment has a top, the conduit being near the top of the reservoir and the reservoir having a pool of liquid below the conduit, whereby the liquid flows over the walls and flows downwardly to the pool of liquid. The walls are cooled, thereby cooling the liquid.
  • a method for treating an aqueous liquid for plants includes the steps of providing a reservoir for the liquid and providing a pool of the aqueous liquid in the reservoir. The reservoir is cooled, thereby cooling the aqueous liquid.
  • the method includes the step of regulating the depth of the pool of liquid, the reservoir having walls extending above the pool of liquid, the liquid being directed along the walls and flowing downwardly into the pool.
  • the walls are cooled, thereby cooling the liquid.
  • Air may be forced into the reservoir above the pool of liquid to aerate the liquid.
  • Figure 1 is a side, partly diagrammatic view, of an apparatus for supplying an aqueous liquid for plants, according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 is a side view, partly broken away, of the reservoir unit thereof;
  • Figure 3 is a diagrammatic, isometric view of the reservoir unit thereof.
  • Figure 4 is an isometric view of the combined tray and control unit thereof.
  • FIG. 1 this shows an apparatus 10 for supplying an aqueous liquid 12 contained in a reservoir 14 to roots 16 of a plant 18.
  • the reservoir has a top 20, a bottom 22 and inside, side walls 24.
  • a conduit in this case a spray bar 30, near the top of the reservoir, for discharging liquid so the liquid flows along the inside walls of the reservoir as indicated by arrows 32.
  • the walls are generally vertical in this example and there are four walls forming the front 80, back 82 and sides 84 and 86 of the unit as labeled in Figure 3.
  • the reservoir comprises a modified, chest-type freezer unit 40, as shown in Figure 2, typically used for domestic storage of frozen foods.
  • a modified, chest-type freezer unit 40 typically used for domestic storage of frozen foods.
  • Such a unit is used because it is economical, reliable and capable of storing a pool of liquid 12 as shown in Figure 1.
  • the side walls, as well as the top and bottom of the freezer are insulated.
  • the walls have an inner shell 44, an outer shell 46 and insulating material 48 therebetween.
  • the outer shell is of painted steel and the inner shell is of plastic or rust resistant metal.
  • the walls are cooled with freon filled tubes as is conventional.
  • the freezer unit 40 provides an enclosed reservoir for the apparatus.
  • Top 20 can be opened in the conventional manner on hinges 46 to give access to the interior. When closed however the interior of the reservoir is substantially sealed apart from fan 22 discussed below.
  • Modifications to the freezer unit 40 are minimal and include an opening 50, formed in the back of this particular freezer unit, which receives the fan 52, best shown in Figure 1.
  • the fan is located above top surface 54 of the pool of aqueous solution 12 in the reservoir.
  • the fan in this particular example is a computer cooling fan, although alternative fans could be substituted.
  • the fan blows air into the freezer unit as indicated by arrows 60 in Figure 1.
  • the level of liquid in the reservoir is maintained by a float mechanism 64 shown in figure
  • This includes a float 66 mounted on an arm 68 which is operatively connected to a valve in tray 70.
  • the float mechanism may be similar to those used for toilet tanks to control the water level.
  • the valve in this embodiment receives water from a domestic water and supply and opens or closes to maintain the level of liquid 12 in the reservoir.
  • a pump 70 connected to a riser pipe 72.
  • the pipe in turn is connected to spray bar 30 which, in this embodiment, extends part way along front 80 and back 82 of the freezer unit 40 and along side 84.
  • the spray bar is adjacent top 20 of the unit and sprays liquid on inside walls 24. It may be seen in Figure 3 that the liquid drapes downwardly on the side walls to the pool of liquid 12. This cools the liquid since the walls are cooled by internal freon-filled tubes.
  • conduit 90 which is connected to riser pipe 72 to supply liquid to roots 16 of the plant 18 and other such plants.
  • Spray head 92 sprays the water onto the roots 16.
  • a drip tray 94 which catches liquid dripping off of the roots and returns the liquid to the reservoir via conduit 98.
  • the freezer has a standard compressor and heat exchanger assembly 100 which cools the walls of the freezer unit. Power is supplied from a standard electrical outlet 102 to the compressor and the controls in tray 70 via electrical cables 104 and 106.
  • the tray 70 is shown in better detail in Figure 4.
  • the controls valve are mounted inside housing 120. There is also a cavity 130 for receiving various supplies such as fertilizers.
  • the tray also houses temperature controller 140 and food meter 142. Probe 144 for the food meter is mounted on bar 146 connected to the tray by wing nuts 148 in this example. Temperature probe 150 is also mounted on the bar.
  • the reservoir 14, comprising freezer unit 40 in this embodiment is partially filled with an aqueous solution containing fertilizers and other substances customarily used in hydroponic operations.
  • the apparatus can be used or adapted for soil-based growing operations as well. Portions of the inside walls 24 are exposed below the spray bar 30, allowing the liquid to flow down the exposed walls as indicated at 32 in Figure 1, cooling the liquid.
  • the depth of the pool of liquid 12 is regulated by the float mechanism 64. Water is admitted through conduit 130 when the level drops below a preset amount. The liquid is pumped upwardly by pump 70 to the spray bar 30. The pump also pumps the liquid through the riser 72 through conduit 90 to spray head 92. The liquid is sprayed onto the roots 16. Excess liquid drips into tray 94 and is pumped back to the reservoir through conduit 9.
  • the water in the reservoir is aerated by fan 52. This does away with the need for a separate aerator unit.
  • the invention provides a unified reservoir, aerator and cooling apparatus for the liquid applied to the roots of the plant.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Hydroponics (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé et un dispositif permettant d'alimenter des plantes en liquide aqueux, qui font appel à un réservoir (14) comportant des parois intérieures. Il est prévu un conduit (30) pour libérer le liquide, de sorte que ce dernier s'écoule le long des parois du réservoir. Il est prévu un refroidisseur (100) pour refroidir les parois, de sorte que le liquide s'écoule le long des parois et soit simultanément refroidi. Le réservoir peut par exemple comprendre une unité de congélation de type traîneau transformée. Il peut y avoir une ouverture pratiquée dans les parois du réservoir et la soufflante (52) peut se trouver dans ladite ouverture afin d'orienter l'air dans le réservoir et de ventiler le liquide qui s'y trouve.
EP01921088A 2001-04-19 2001-04-19 Dispositif d'alimentation et refroidisseur hydroponique Withdrawn EP1387610A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/CA2001/000531 WO2002085103A1 (fr) 2001-04-19 2001-04-19 Dispositif d'alimentation et refroidisseur hydroponique

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1387610A1 true EP1387610A1 (fr) 2004-02-11

Family

ID=4143139

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP01921088A Withdrawn EP1387610A1 (fr) 2001-04-19 2001-04-19 Dispositif d'alimentation et refroidisseur hydroponique

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1387610A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2004520847A (fr)
KR (1) KR20040004588A (fr)
CN (1) CN1505470A (fr)
CA (1) CA2444532A1 (fr)
MX (1) MXPA03009544A (fr)
WO (1) WO2002085103A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2887470A1 (fr) * 2005-06-24 2006-12-29 Air Liquide Procede et dispositif pour la dissolution d'un gaz dans un liquide
US10588276B2 (en) 2018-08-07 2020-03-17 Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd. Hydroponic nutrient aeration and flow control device and system

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3713218A (en) * 1970-05-14 1973-01-30 E Laike Device for the cooling and preliminary treatment of milk fresh from the cow
US4159595A (en) 1975-01-07 1979-07-03 Commissariat A L'energie Atomique Installation for cultivating plants
US4577435A (en) 1981-08-17 1986-03-25 Springer Edward A Micro-climate temperature control apparatus
US4527353A (en) 1983-04-04 1985-07-09 Newby John C Irrigation/fertilization control and distribution system
US4780989A (en) 1986-04-30 1988-11-01 Mears Structures, Inc. Hydroponic assembly
DE3733440A1 (de) * 1987-10-02 1989-04-13 Sick Optik Elektronik Erwin Verfahren und vorrichtung zum ergaenzen der naehrloesung von hydrokulturen
FR2672770B1 (fr) 1991-02-19 1993-06-18 Premel Cabic Procede et installation de regulation en temperature pour une culture de vegetaux.
US5634294A (en) 1991-11-08 1997-06-03 Rohoza; Alex Method of enhancing the growth of plants
US5813168A (en) 1993-04-29 1998-09-29 Mccolliberry Farms, Inc. Environmentally controlled greenhouse

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO02085103A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN1505470A (zh) 2004-06-16
MXPA03009544A (es) 2004-12-06
WO2002085103A1 (fr) 2002-10-31
JP2004520847A (ja) 2004-07-15
CA2444532A1 (fr) 2002-10-31
KR20040004588A (ko) 2004-01-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6293048B1 (en) Hydroponic feeder and cooler
US5675932A (en) Plant growing system
US5692386A (en) Cooling apparatus for an animal confinement house
US5924238A (en) Apparatus for growing organisms by moist air
TWM537792U (zh) 有機土壤氣霧栽培裝置
KR101930424B1 (ko) 천연 미네랄을 이용한 새싹재배기
JPH10309136A (ja) 高設栽培装置
CN112584696A (zh) 谷物发芽装置
EP1387610A1 (fr) Dispositif d'alimentation et refroidisseur hydroponique
KR102705977B1 (ko) 포그포닉 스마트팜
AU2001248202A1 (en) Hydroponic feeder and cooler
KR20180029329A (ko) 항온항습 및 이산화탄소 배출 기능을 가지는 버섯 재배 시스템
JP7533888B2 (ja) 栽培施設の熱交換システム
WO2022096788A1 (fr) Système d'agriculture aéroponique et procédé
US5368787A (en) White smoke generating apparatus
KR200404952Y1 (ko) 종자 발아기
FI129456B (en) AEROPONIC CULTIVATION SYSTEM AND METHOD
KR200207892Y1 (ko) 비닐하우스의 냉,온방장치
RU2086113C1 (ru) Устройство для охлаждения молока и других жидких сельскохозяйственных продуктов
CN224142537U (zh) 芍药鲜切花专用保鲜剂喷雾器
CN220343070U (zh) 一种保温结构及菌菇种植代替料培养箱
CN219019490U (zh) 一种通气效果好的藜麦育种催芽装置
CN223080642U (zh) 一种马齿苋育苗装置
JP5705774B2 (ja) 植物栽培装置及び方法
CN213784656U (zh) 一种适用于叶菜生产的集装箱式植物工厂

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20031120

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO SI

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20040817

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: HK

Ref legal event code: DE

Ref document number: 1063999

Country of ref document: HK

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20051201

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: HK

Ref legal event code: WD

Ref document number: 1063999

Country of ref document: HK