WO2017205420A1 - Système aquaponique - Google Patents

Système aquaponique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017205420A1
WO2017205420A1 PCT/US2017/034064 US2017034064W WO2017205420A1 WO 2017205420 A1 WO2017205420 A1 WO 2017205420A1 US 2017034064 W US2017034064 W US 2017034064W WO 2017205420 A1 WO2017205420 A1 WO 2017205420A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bin
nutrient
level
rich water
growth media
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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.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2017/034064
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English (en)
Inventor
Ken B. BURROWS
D. Brent Noel
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Individual
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Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of WO2017205420A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017205420A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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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
    • A01G31/04—Hydroponic culture on conveyors
    • A01G31/045—Hydroponic culture on conveyors with containers guided along a rail
    • 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

  • an aquaponics system for growing plants may include a tank configured to hold one or more aquatic animal species and nutrient-rich water. Nutrients in the nutrient-rich water, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc. , may result from feces of the at least one aquatic animal species and/or may be added to the aquaponics systems. The nutrients may facilitate plant growth.
  • the tank may include an outlet pipe and/or an inlet pipe.
  • the nutrient-rich water may enter an end of the outlet pipe disposed at least proximate to a feces collection area of the tank and may exit the tank under pull of gravity and without a pump.
  • the aquaponics system may include one or more growth media bins.
  • the nutrients may be added directly to the growth media bins.
  • Growth media within the growth media bins may include any variety of growth media for facilitating plant growth.
  • the growth media may facilitate growth of microgreens.
  • the growth media may include lava rock and/or worms.
  • the outlet pipe of the tank may deliver the nutrient-rich water to the growth media bins.
  • the outlet pipe may branch into multiple delivery pipes, which may each deliver the nutrient-rich water to a different growth media bin.
  • the aquaponics system may include one or more hydroponic or float bins.
  • each of the float bins may include a float element configured to float in the nutrient-rich water in the corresponding float bin and to hold one or more plants above the nutrient-rich water for root access.
  • the float element may include one or more holes configured to hold containers of the plants.
  • the float element may include a polystyrene foam board, which may be encapsulated in plastic.
  • the aquaponics system may include one or more downwardly extending pipes and one or more upwardly extending pipes.
  • each of the growth media bins may include an end of a particular downwardly extending pipe and/or an end of a particular upwardly extending pipe.
  • each of the downwardly extending pipes may be configured to deliver the nutrient-rich water from a particular growth media bin to a particular float bin.
  • the aquaponics system may include one or more growth towers, which may be aeroponic.
  • the nutrient-rich water may cascade down an inside of the growth towers in a continuous and/or intermittent flow.
  • the growth towers may be configured to hang above the growth media bins.
  • the growth towers may hang above the growth media bins such that the growth towers contact the growth media bins or are spaced apart from the growth media bins.
  • the growth towers may hang at various heights above the growth media bins, for example, 0.5 inches to 3 inches above the growth media bins.
  • each of the upwardly extending pipes may be configured to deliver the nutrient-rich water from a particular growth media bin to one or more particular growth towers via a pump.
  • the particular growth media bin may be configured to collect excess of the nutrient-rich water delivered to the particular growth towers that drips down the particular growth towers.
  • the nutrient-rich water may drip on a top or another portion of the growth towers. Additionally or alternatively, the nutrient-rich water may mist on the top or another portion of the growth towers.
  • the float bins may include one or more pumps.
  • a single pump disposed in a particular float bin may be configured to pump the nutrient-rich water from the float bins through the inlet pipe to the tank.
  • the particular float bin in which the single pump is disposed may be closest to the tank compared to any other float bins.
  • each of the float bins may be fluidly connected, such as, for example, by one or more connector pipes, such that water level equilibrium is maintained between the float bins.
  • the float bins may be filled or partially filled with the nutrient-rich water.
  • the aquaponics system may include a three-level system, with the growth media bins, the float bins, and the growth towers disposed at different heights or levels.
  • the growth media bins may be disposed between the growth towers and the float bins.
  • one or more of the following may be arranged in rows: the growth media bins, the float bins, and the growth towers.
  • a particular growth media bin disposed at an upper-level of the aquaponics system may be aligned with or correspond to a particular float bin at a lower-level of the aquaponics system and/or the growth towers may be disposed above the upper-level.
  • the particular float bin aligned with the particular growth media bin may receive the nutrient-rich water from the particular growth media bin.
  • the nutrient-rich water may circulate in a first loop between the tank, the upper level that includes the growth media bins, and the lower level that includes the float bins.
  • the nutrient- rich water may be configured to flow from the tank through the outlet pipe to a particular growth media bin, from the particular growth media bin to a particular float bin, and from the particular float bin through the inlet pipe back to the tank in the first loop.
  • a number of first loops may vary depending on a number of growth media bins and float bins in the aquaponics system.
  • the nutrient-rich water may be configured to flow from the tank through the outlet pipe to the first growth media bin, from the first growth media bin to the first float bin, and from the first float bin through the inlet pipe back to the tank in one first loop.
  • the nutrient-rich water may be configured to flow from the tank through the outlet pipe to the second growth media bin, from the second growth media bin to the second float bin, and from the second float bin through the inlet pipe back to the tank.
  • each of the first loops may share a single pump.
  • the nutrient-rich water may be configured to flow through multiple first loops simultaneously. In some embodiments, the multiple first loops may be partially overlapping.
  • the nutrient-rich water may circulate in a second loop between the upper level and the growth towers.
  • the nutrient-rich water may be configured to flow from a particular growth media bin to one or more growth towers and back to the particular growth media bin in a second loop.
  • a number of second loops may vary.
  • each of the second loops may include one or more pumps.
  • each of the second loops may include a single pump, which may increase efficiency of the aquaponics system.
  • the nutrient-rich water may be configured to flow through multiple second loops simultaneously.
  • the multiple second loops may be non-overlapping.
  • a portion of a first loop overlaps with a portion of a second loop.
  • each of the growth media bins may include an inner wall that may surround the end of the upwardly extending pipe and/or the end of the downwardly extending pipe.
  • the inner wall may surround the pump configured to deliver the nutrient-rich water from a particular growth media bin to one or more particular growth towers via a particular upwardly extending pipe.
  • the nutrient-rich water may be delivered to the growth towers continuously or intermittently.
  • a sensor or other means may activate a nutrient addition system
  • the inner wall may surround a siphon mechanism, which may include the downwardly extending pipe.
  • the delivery pipes may deliver the nutrient-rich water outside of the inner walls of the growth media bins.
  • the inner wall may be configured to separate the end of the upwardly extending pipe and/or the end of the downwardly extending pipe from the growth media disposed in the growth media bin.
  • the inner wall may include one or more holes sized to allow the nutrient- rich water to flow through the inner wall but not to allow the growth media, such as lava rocks and/or worms, for example, to flow through the inner wall.
  • the upwardly extending pipes may draw the nutrient-rich water from inside or within a perimeter of the inner wall.
  • the pH of the nutrient-rich water may be adjusted via a delivery system of a buffer solution or buffer material to the inner wall.
  • the pH of the nutrient-rich water may be detected via the pH delivery system when the nutrient-rich water passes through the downwardly extending pipe.
  • the pH delivery system may include one or more analyte sensing electrodes or analyte sensing systems positioned within a fluid pathway of the nutrient-rich water, wherein the sensing electrodes and/or sensing system is configured to monitor the pH of the nutrient-rich water in real-time.
  • the pH is adjusted via another delivery system to one or more of the float bins.
  • the siphon mechanism of a particular growth media bin may be configured to continually deliver the nutrient-rich water to a particular float bin when the nutrient-rich water in the particular growth media bin is at or above a particular level.
  • the siphon mechanism may include a cap configured to cover the end of the downwardly extending pipe and to seal the downwardly extending pipe underneath the cap except for one or more small openings in a lower portion of the cap.
  • the siphon mechanism in response to a level of the nutrient-rich water falling below at least a portion of the small openings and exposing at least a portion of the small openings to air, the siphon mechanism may be configured to stop delivering the nutrient-rich water to the particular float bin.
  • the small openings may become covered with the nutrient-rich water such that no air can enter the cap, and the siphon mechanism may begin again to deliver the nutrient-rich water to the float bin.
  • the aquaponics system may include a water source coupled with one or more of the float bins.
  • the water source may be configured to raise a water level in the float bins.
  • the water source may include an outlet pipe, which may be coupled with a particular float bin, such as, for example, the float bin closest to the tank and/or the water source.
  • an inlet valve of the outlet pipe of the water source may be configured to open to let water from the water source into the particular float bin in response to a level of the nutrient-rich water in the particular float bin being low.
  • the inlet valve is configured to turn the water on when a filler float or ball float falls.
  • the growth towers may be connected directly to a greenhouse and harvested above the growth media bins and/or the float bins.
  • the growth towers may be attached to an overhead conveyor mechanism, which may be attached to the greenhouse structure.
  • the conveyor mechanism may be used to transport the growth towers between a planting area and a harvesting area.
  • a bin support structure configured to hold the growth media bins and/or the float bins may be extended upwards to create a framework for the conveyor mechanism to attach.
  • one or more of the growth towers may be attached or linked together to form a train.
  • the overhead conveyor mechanism may move automatically to a new location via motors or other means implemented.
  • the growth towers after harvesting, the growth towers may go through a manual or automatic cleaning system before returning to the planting or propagation area.
  • the support structure of the growth media bins and the float bins is extended upward and utilized as the support structure of the greenhouse.
  • the greenhouse is free standing and not connected to the support structure.
  • the aquaponics system is not enclosed in a greenhouse or part of the greenhouse.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example aquaponics system, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of multiple example aquaponics systems, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aquaponics system of Figure 1, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of an example inner wall and siphon mechanism, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the inner wall and the siphon mechanism of Figure 4A, according to some embodiments;
  • Figure 5 is an upper perspective of the inner wall and siphon mechanism of Figure 4, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 6 is an upper perspective view of the inner wall and siphon mechanism of Figure 4 with a cap of the siphon mechanism removed, according to some embodiments;
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view of an example support structure, according to some embodiments;
  • FIG 8 is an upper perspective view of the aquaponics system of Figure 1 with the growth towers removed, according to some embodiments;
  • Figure 9 is an upper perspective view of an example growth media bin, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 10 is an upper perspective view of an example float bin, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 11 is a perspective view of an example tank, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 12 is a perspective view of an example outlet pipe, inlet pipe, and water source pipe, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the aquaponics system of Figure 1, according to some embodiments;
  • Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the aquaponics system of
  • Figure 15 is an engineered drawing of an example inner wall, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 16 is an engineered drawing of a portion of an example siphon mechanism, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 17 is an engineered drawing of an example float bin, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 18 is an engineered drawing of the float bin of Figure 17, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 19 is a lower perspective view of the float bin of Figure 17, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 20 is an engineered drawing of another example bin, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 21 is a lower perspective view of the bin of Figure 20, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 22 is an engineered drawing of an example longitudinal beam of the support structure of Figure 7, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 23 is an engineered drawing of an example cross beam of the support structure of Figure 7, according to some embodiments
  • Figure 24 is an engineered drawing of an end portion of the support structure of Figure 7, according to some embodiments
  • Figure 25 is an upper perspective drawing of a portion of an example aquaponics system, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 26A is an upper perspective view of an example support mechanism, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 26B is a cross-sectional view of the support mechanism of Figure 26A, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 26C is a top view of an example conveyor system, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 26D is an upper perspective of the support structure of Figure 7, according to some embodiments.
  • an aquaponics system 10 for growing plants may include a tank 12 configured to hold one or more aquatic animal species and nutrient-rich water. Nutrients in the nutrient-rich water, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc. , may result from feces of the at least one aquatic animal species and may facilitate plant growth.
  • the aquatic animal species may include fish.
  • the aquaponics system may include one or more growth media bins 14.
  • Growth media 16 within the growth media bins 14 may include any variety of growth media 16 for facilitating plant growth.
  • the growth media 16 may facilitate growth of microgreens.
  • the growth media 16 may include lava rock and/or worms.
  • the growth media bins 14 may include one or more plants 22 in containers 23 disposed in the growth media 16.
  • the containers 23 may be partially or completely buried in the growth media 16.
  • bottoms of the containers 23 may be open and/or include a moisture wicking surface such that containers 23 for the plants may fill and drain as the growth media bins 14 fill and drain.
  • the aquaponics system 10 may include one or more hydroponic or float bins 18.
  • each of the float bins 18 may include a float element 20 configured to float in the nutrient-rich water in the corresponding float bin 18 and to hold one or more plants 22 partially submerged in the nutrient-rich water.
  • the float element 20 may include one or more holes 24 configured to hold containers of the plants 22.
  • the float element 20 may include a polystyrene foam board encapsulated in plastic.
  • the aquaponics system 10 may include one or more aeroponic growth towers.
  • the nutrient-rich water may be continuously or intermittently provided via to the growth towers 26.
  • the growth towers 26 may be configured to hang above the growth media bins 14.
  • the growth towers 26 may hang from one or more other structures.
  • the growth towers 26 may hang from a conveyor, as will be explained later in further detail.
  • the growth towers 26 may be elongated and/or vertical.
  • the growth towers 26 may be constructed of any number of materials.
  • the growth towers 26 may be constructed of one or more materials, including but not limited to, wood, metal, composite materials, bamboo, plastic, glass, and fiberglass.
  • growth towers 26 is constructed of a material that compatible for extended exposure to water, and which is compatible for plant growth.
  • growth towers 26 are constructed of a material that does not leach chemicals that are harmful to plant or aquatic life.
  • the growth towers 26 may include open access tops for watering.
  • gravity may pull water down to water each of the plants 22 of the growth towers 26.
  • the plants 22 may be disposed in pockets of the growth towers 26.
  • a support mechanism to support the growth tower provides the ability to spin or swivel the tower, as will later be described bin in further detail with respect to Figure 26A-B.
  • each of the upwardly extending pipes 28 may deliver the nutrient-rich water to the growth towers 26 and may be configured to drip the nutrient-rich water on a top or another portion of the growth towers 26. Additionally or alternatively, the upwardly extending pipe 28 may be configured to provide a mist on the top or another portion of the growth towers 26. In some embodiments, the upwardly extending pipe 28 may be configured to provide a small stream and/or a coarse spray to the top or another portion of the growth towers 26. In some embodiments, each upwardly extending pipe 28 may be configured to deliver the nutrient-rich water from a particular growth media bin 14 to one or more particular growth towers 26 via a pump.
  • the particular growth media bin 14 may be configured to collect excess of the nutrient-rich water delivered to the particular growth towers 26 that drips down the particular growth towers 26.
  • the nutrient-rich water may continuously or intermittently drip down insides of the growth towers 26, and/or central openings extending along lengths of the growth towers 26 to water the plants 22 of the growth towers 26.
  • the aquaponics system 10 may include a three-level system, with the growth media bins 14, the float bins 18, and the growth towers 26 disposed at different heights or levels.
  • the growth media bins 14 may be disposed between the growth towers 26 and the float bins 18.
  • one or more of the following may be arranged in rows: the growth media bins 14, the float bins 18, and the growth towers 26.
  • a particular growth media bin 14 disposed at an upper-level of the aquaponics system 10 may be aligned with or correspond to a particular float bin 18 at a lower- level of the aquaponics system 10 and/or the growth towers 26 may be disposed above the upper- level.
  • the particular float bin 18 aligned with the particular growth media bin 14 may receive the nutrient-rich water from the particular growth media bin 14.
  • the aquaponics system 10 may include grow lights 31 disposed above the growth media bins 14 and/or the float bins 18.
  • the aquaponics system 10 illustrated in Figure 1 includes 4 float bins 18 and 4 growth media bins 14.
  • the aquaponics system 10 may include any number of float bins 18 and/or growth bins 14.
  • multiple aquaponics systems 10 may be disposed next to each other.
  • the multiple aquaponics systems 10 may be separated from each other such that if one of the multiple aquaponics systems 10 experiences a problem, the other multiple aquaponics systems 10 are not affected.
  • Any number of aquaponics systems 10 may be disposed together in various locations, such as, for example, a greenhouse, a basement, etc.
  • 96 aquaponics systems 10 may be disposed in a greenhouse, which may be for example, 55,000 square feet.
  • the 96 aquaponics systems together may include 241,152 holes 24 for the plants 22, 21,504 square feet of growth media bins 14, and 70,000 pounds of fish in the tanks 12.
  • an outlet pipe 30 of the tank 12 may deliver the nutrient-rich water to the growth media bins 16.
  • the outlet pipe 30 may branch into multiple delivery pipes 32, which may each deliver the nutrient-rich water 38 to a different growth media bin 14.
  • the outlet pipe 30 may branch into the multiple delivery pipes 32 at a splitter.
  • the aquaponics system 10 may include one or more downwardly extending pipes 34 and the one or more upwardly extending pipes 28.
  • each of the growth media bins 14 may include an end of a particular downwardly extending pipe 34 and/or an end of a particular upwardly extending pipe 28.
  • each of the downwardly extending pipes 34 may be configured to deliver the nutrient-rich water 38 from a particular growth media bin 14 to a particular float bin 18.
  • the float bins 18 may include one or more pumps.
  • a single pump 36 disposed in a particular float bin 18 may be configured to pump the nutrient-rich water 38 from the float bins 18 through an inlet pipe 40 to the tank 12, which may increase efficiency of the aquaponic system 10.
  • the particular float bin 18 in which the single pump 36 is disposed may be closest to the tank 12 compared to any other float bins 18.
  • each of the float bins 18 may be fluidly connected, such as, for example, by one or more connector pipes 42, such that an equilibrium is maintained between the float bins 18 and water levels are approximately equal in each of the float bins 18.
  • the float bins 18 may be filled or partially filled with the nutrient-rich water 38.
  • the nutrient-rich water 38 may circulate in a first loop between the tank 12, the upper level that includes the growth media bins 14, and the lower level that includes the float bins 18.
  • the nutrient-rich water 38 may be configured to flow from the tank 12 through the outlet pipe 30 to a particular growth media bin 14, from the particular growth media bin 14 to a particular float bin 18, and from the particular float bin 18 through the inlet pipe 40 back to the tank 12 in the first loop.
  • additional nutrients may be added at the outlet pipe 30 as water flows to the growth media bins 14.
  • a number of first loops may vary.
  • the nutrient-rich water 38 may be configured to flow from the tank 12 through the outlet pipe 30 to the first growth media bin, from the first growth media bin to the first float bin, and from the first float bin through the inlet pipe 40 back to the tank 12 in one first loop.
  • the nutrient-rich water 38 may be configured to flow from the tank 12 through the outlet pipe 30 to the second growth media bin, from the second growth media bin to the second float bin, and from the second float bin through the inlet pipe 40 back to the tank 12.
  • each of the first loops may share the single pump 36.
  • the nutrient-rich water 38 may be configured to flow through multiple first loops simultaneously.
  • the nutrient-rich water 38 may circulate in a second loop between the upper level and the growth towers 26.
  • the nutrient-rich water 38 may be configured to flow from a particular growth media bin 14 to one or more growth towers 26 and back to the particular growth media bin 14 in a second loop.
  • a number of second loops may vary.
  • each of the second loops may include one or more pumps.
  • each of the second loops may include a single pump 44, which may increase efficiency of the aquaponics system.
  • the nutrient-rich water 38 may be configured to flow through multiple second loops simultaneously.
  • each of the growth media bins 14 may include an inner wall 46 that may surround the end of the upwardly extending pipe 28 and/or the end of the downwardly extending pipe 34.
  • the inner wall 46 may surround the pump 44 configured to deliver the nutrient-rich water 38 from a particular growth media bin 14 to one or more particular growth towers 26 via a particular upwardly extending pipe 28.
  • the inner wall 46 may surround a siphon mechanism 48, which may include the downwardly extending pipe 34.
  • the delivery pipes 32 may deliver the nutrient-rich water 38 outside of the inner walls 46 of the growth media bins 14.
  • the inner wall 46 may be configured to separate the end of the upwardly extending pipe 28 and/or the end of the downwardly extending pipe 34 from the growth media 16 disposed in the growth media bin 14.
  • the inner wall 46 may include one or more holes 50 sized to allow the nutrient-rich water 38 to flow through the inner wall 46 but not to allow the growth media 16, such as lava rocks and/or worms, for example, to flow through the inner wall 46.
  • the upwardly extending pipes 28 may draw the nutrient-rich water 38 from inside or within a perimeter of the inner wall 46.
  • each of the upwardly extending pipes 28 may include multiple delivery pipes 51. In some embodiments, each of the upwardly extending pipes 28 may branch into the multiple delivery pipes 51 at a splitter. In some embodiments, each of the multiple delivery pipes 51 may deliver the nutrient-rich water 38 to a particular set of growth towers 26, such as, for example, the set of growth towers 26 disposed over a single growth media bin 14.
  • the siphon mechanism 48 of a particular growth media bin 14 is configured to intermittently deliver the nutrient-rich water 38 to a particular float bin 18 when the nutrient-rich water 38 in the particular growth media bin 14 is at or above a particular level.
  • the siphon mechanism 48 may include a cap 52 configured to cover the end of the downwardly extending pipe 34 and to seal the downwardly extending pipe 34 underneath the cap 52 except for one or more small openings 54 in a lower portion of the cap 52.
  • the siphon mechanism 48 may be configured to stop delivering the nutrient-rich water 38 to the particular float bin 18.
  • the small openings 54 may become covered with the nutrient-rich water 38 such that no air can enter the cap 52, and the siphon mechanism 48 may begin again to deliver the nutrient-rich water 38 to the float bin.
  • supplemental nutrients may be placed or delivered inside the inner wall 46 via a nutrient addition system, which may include a nutrient delivery line 53.
  • a sensor 55 may be disposed within the inner wall 46 may activate the nutrient addition system.
  • the sensor 55 may activate the nutrient addition system in response to a particular nutrient or nutrients being below a threshold value in water contacting the sensor 55.
  • the inner wall 46 may surround the siphon mechanism 48, which may include the downwardly extending pipe 34.
  • the nutrient delivery line 53 may be disposed in various locations in the aquaponics system 10.
  • the nutrient delivery line 53 may be configured to add the supplemental nutrients to the outlet pipe 30 and an end of the nutrient delivery line 53 may be disposed within the outlet pipe 30.
  • a pH delivery system 57 may be activated when water is exiting the downward extended pipe into the float bins 18.
  • a pH of the nutrient-rich water may be adjusted via the pH delivery system 57, which may be disposed within and/or along the inner wall 46.
  • the pH of the nutrient-rich water may be detected via the pH delivery system 57 when the nutrient-rich water passes through the downwardly extending pipe. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the pH may be adjusted via the pH delivery system 57 or another pH delivery system to one or more of the float bins.
  • Figure 5 illustrates the inner wall 46 and the siphon mechanism 48, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 6 illustrates the inner wall 46 and siphon mechanism 48 with the cap 52 of the siphon mechanism 48 removed, according to some embodiments.
  • the siphon mechanism 48 may be replaced with a valve in the inner wall, which may allow the nutrient-rich water into the float bins 18 or may return the nutrient-rich water to the tank 12.
  • the valve may be coupled with a timer, switch, float, or automated system that controls opening and closing of the valve.
  • the aquaponics system 10 may include a water source 56 coupled with one or more of the float bins 18.
  • the water source 56 may be configured to raise a water level in the float bins 18.
  • the water source 56 may include an outlet or water source pipe 58, which may be coupled with a particular float bin 18, such as, for example, the float bin 18 closest to the tank 12 and/or the water source 56.
  • an inlet valve of the water source pipe 58 of the water source 56 may be configured to open to let water from the water source 56 into the particular float bin 18 in response to a level of the nutrient-rich water 38 in the particular float bin 18 being low.
  • the inlet valve is configured to turn the water on when a filler float 60 or ball float falls.
  • the nutrient-rich water 38 may enter an end of the pipe disposed at least proximate to a feces collection area 59 , of the tank 12 and may exit the tank 12 under pull of gravity and without a pump.
  • the tank 12 may include a screen62, which may prevent the aquatic species from getting sucked into the outlet pipe 30.
  • the inlet pipe 40 and/or the outlet pipe 30 may create a current within the tank 12, which may allow the aquatic species to build muscle and taste better when eaten.
  • the aquaponics system 10 may include a ultra-violet ("UV") filter 61 and/or a crystal filter 63.
  • the UV filter 61 and/or the crystal filter 63 may filter the nutrient-rich water prior to arrival of the nutrient-rich water back at the tank 12.
  • the screen 62 may separate the end of the outlet pipe 30 from the aquatic animal species or foreign objects other than nutrient-rich water and waste from the aquatic animal species.
  • a bottom of the tank 12 may include any number of shapes.
  • the bottom of the tank 12 may be flat, rounded, or cone-shaped.
  • the screen 62 across the outlet pipe may provide useful with a particular tank 12 that includes a flat, rounded, or cone-shaped bottom, as objects may otherwise easily collect in the bottom of the tank 12.
  • the outlet pipe 30 may be protected from foreign objects entering the outlet pipe 30 by a screen across an end of the outlet pipe 30 disposed within the tank 12.
  • a top portion of the outlet pipe 30 may include a cap 65 that includes one or more holes.
  • the inner wall may surround a valve mechanism which may allow water into the lower float bins or may return water to the tank.
  • the growth media bins 14 and/or the float bins 18 may be supported by a support structure 64.
  • the outlet pipe 30 of the tank 12 may branch into multiple delivery pipes 32, which may each deliver the nutrient-rich water 38 to a different growth media bin 14.
  • the outlet pipe 30 may branch into the multiple delivery pipes 32 at a splitter.
  • the inner wall 46 may include the holes 50, which may allow the nutrient-rich water 38 to flow through the inner wall 46, which may be covered by a lid 66.
  • Figure 10 illustrates an example float bin 18, according to some embodiments.
  • the growth media bins 14 and/or the float bins 18 may include one or more grooves which may direct flow to a central location where the nutrient-rich water 28 may be transferred to another level in the aquaponics system 100.
  • the outlet pipe 30 of the tank 12 may branch into the multiple delivery pipes 32 at a splitter 67.
  • the outlet pipe 30 may include an outlet port valve 68 and/or a flush port 70, which may allow flushing out of all or a portion of the aquaponics system 10 as needed.
  • a water source pipe 72 coupled with the water source 56 may be disposed at various locations. In some embodiments, the water source pipe 72 may extend parallel and/or in close proximity to the inlet pipe 40 and/or the outlet pipe 30.
  • a valve 74 on the particular delivery pipe 32 extending to the particular growth media bin 14 may be shut off, preventing flow of the nutrient-rich water 38 from the tank 12 to the particular growth media bin 14.
  • the single pump 36 may also be turned down, which may facilitate isolation of the particular float bin 18 and/or the particular growth media bin 14 from any other float bins 18 and/or growth media bins 14 while the problem is solved or a repair is made.
  • an inlet valve of the water source pipe 58 of the water source 56 may be configured to open to let water from the water source 56 into the particular float bin 18 in response to a level of the nutrient- rich water 38 in the particular float bin 18 being low.
  • the inlet valve is configured to turn the water on when a filler float 60 or ball float falls.
  • Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the aquaponics system 100, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the aquaponics system 100, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 15 is an engineered drawing of a particular inner wall 46, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the inner wall 46 may be part of a bucket.
  • Figure 16 is an engineered drawing of a portion of a particular siphon mechanism 48 having a cap 52, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 17 is an engineered drawing of a particular float bin 18, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 18 is an engineered drawing of the particular float bin 18, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 19 is a lower perspective view of the particular float bin 18, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 20 is an engineered drawing of another example bin, according to some embodiments.
  • the particular bin may include a float bin 18 or a growth media bin 14.
  • Figure 21 is a lower perspective view of the bin of Figure 20, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 22 is an engineered drawing of an example longitudinal beam of the support structure 64, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 23 is an engineered drawing of an example cross beam of the support structure 64, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 24 is an engineered drawing of an end portion of the support structure 64.
  • Figure 25 is an upper perspective drawing of a portion of a particular aquaponics system 100, according to some embodiments.
  • the growth towers 26 may be attached to a conveyor, which may be attached to the greenhouse.
  • the conveyor may be elevated or overhead.
  • a support mechanism 80 coupled to one or more growth towers 26 may provide the ability to spin or swivel the growth towers 26, as illustrated, for example, in Figures 26A-26B.
  • the support mechanism 80 may include a hook and/or clevis.
  • the support mechanism 80 may be configured to attach the growth towers 26 to a conveyor trolley 82 of the conveyor.
  • Figure 26C illustrates an example conveyor 85.
  • the conveyor 85 may be used to transport the growth towers and/or the aquaponics system 10 between one or more of the following areas: a planting area 84, a harvesting area 86, and a cleaning area 88.
  • the conveyor 85 may provide a loop within a greenhouse and/or outside of a greenhouse.
  • the growth towers 26 may be harvested above the growth media bins 14 and/or the float bins 18.
  • one or more of the growth towers 26 may be attached or linked together to form a train.
  • the conveyor 85 may automatically move the growth towers 46 and/or the aquaponics system 10 to a new location via motors or other means implemented.
  • the growth towers 26 may go through a manual or automatic cleaning system before returning to the propagation or planting area 84.
  • the conveyor 85 may include a rope or similar structure.
  • the support structure 64 which may be configured to hold the growth media bins 14 and/or the float bins 18, may be extended upwards to create a framework for the conveyor to attach. In some embodiments, the support structure 64 is extended upward and utilized as the support structure of the greenhouse 90. In some embodiments, the greenhouse 90 is free standing and not connected to the support structure 64. In some embodiments, the aquaponics system 10 is not enclosed in a greenhouse 64 or part of the greenhouse 64. In some embodiments, the growth towers 26 and/or aquaponics system 10 may be connected directly to a greenhouse.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydroponics (AREA)

Abstract

Système aquaponique pour la culture de plantes pouvant comprendre un réservoir conçu pour contenir au moins une espèce animale aquatique et de l'eau riche en nutriments. Le réservoir peut comprendre un tuyau de sortie et un tuyau d'entrée. Le tuyau de sortie peut bifurquer en des premier et second tuyaux de distribution. Le système aquaponique peut comprendre des premier et second bacs de milieu de croissance de niveau supérieur et des premier et second bacs de flotteur de niveau inférieur. Les premier et second tuyaux de distribution peuvent distribuer de l'eau riche en nutriments aux premier et second bacs de milieu de croissance de niveau supérieur, respectivement. Les premier et second bacs de flotteur de niveau inférieur peuvent recevoir l'eau riche en nutriments provenant des premier et second bacs de milieu de croissance de niveau supérieur, respectivement.
PCT/US2017/034064 2016-05-23 2017-05-23 Système aquaponique Ceased WO2017205420A1 (fr)

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US62/340,468 2016-05-23

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JP2023501050A (ja) * 2019-09-20 2023-01-18 エムジェイエヌエヌ， エルエルシー 農業生産システム用の栽培タワー駆動機構
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US11903351B2 (en) 2018-08-02 2024-02-20 Pod Farms, LLC Grow cups for hydroponic growing systems
WO2020033433A1 (fr) * 2018-08-06 2020-02-13 Burrows Ken B Tour de croissance aquaponique et systèmes et procédés apparentés
JP2022505123A (ja) * 2018-10-30 2022-01-14 エムジェイエヌエヌ， エルエルシー 環境制御農業システム用の栽培タワー処理
CN112969364A (zh) * 2018-10-30 2021-06-15 Mjnn有限责任公司 受控环境农业系统的种植塔处理
US12527267B2 (en) 2018-10-30 2026-01-20 Mjnn Llc Production facility layout for automated controlled environment agriculture
EP3873189A1 (fr) * 2018-10-30 2021-09-08 Mjnn Llc Traitement de tour de culture pour système d'agriculture à environnement contrôlé
US11700804B2 (en) 2018-10-30 2023-07-18 Mjnn Llc Production facility layout for automated controlled environment agriculture
US12127516B2 (en) 2018-10-30 2024-10-29 Mjnn Llc Production facility layout for automated controlled environment agriculture
KR102359885B1 (ko) 2018-10-30 2022-02-08 엠제이엔엔 엘엘씨 통제된 환경 농업 시스템용 재배 타워 프로세싱
JP7473542B2 (ja) 2018-10-30 2024-04-23 エムジェイエヌエヌ， エルエルシー 環境制御農業システム用の栽培タワー処理
KR20210058976A (ko) * 2018-10-30 2021-05-24 엠제이엔엔 엘엘씨 통제된 환경 농업 시스템용 재배 타워 프로세싱
CN112969364B (zh) * 2018-10-30 2022-11-01 Mjnn有限责任公司 受控环境农业系统的种植塔处理
CN115443898A (zh) * 2018-10-30 2022-12-09 Mjnn有限责任公司 受控环境农业系统的种植塔处理
WO2020092503A1 (fr) * 2018-10-30 2020-05-07 Mjnn Llc Traitement de tour de culture pour système d'agriculture à environnement contrôlé
US11832569B2 (en) 2018-10-30 2023-12-05 Mjnn Llc Grow tower processing for controlled environment agriculture system
US11944049B2 (en) 2019-09-20 2024-04-02 Mjnn Llc Vertical grow tower conveyance system for controlled environment agriculture including tower shuttle
JP7564196B2 (ja) 2019-09-20 2024-10-08 エムジェイエヌエヌ， エルエルシー 農業生産システム用の栽培タワー駆動機構
US11570958B2 (en) 2019-09-20 2023-02-07 Mjnn Llc Catch mechanism facilitating loading of vertical grow towers onto grow lines in a vertical farm system
US11856902B2 (en) 2019-09-20 2024-01-02 Mjnn Llc Production facility layouts for automated controlled environment agriculture
US12582058B2 (en) 2019-09-20 2026-03-24 Mjnn Llc Production facility layouts for automated controlled environment agriculture
JP2023501050A (ja) * 2019-09-20 2023-01-18 エムジェイエヌエヌ， エルエルシー 農業生産システム用の栽培タワー駆動機構
US12201072B2 (en) 2019-09-20 2025-01-21 Mjnn Llc Production facility layouts for automated controlled environment agriculture
CN113016421B (zh) * 2020-07-29 2022-07-08 湖北火爆机器人科技有限公司 植物工厂种植自动化系统及使用方法
CN113016421A (zh) * 2020-07-29 2021-06-25 湖北火爆机器人科技有限公司 植物工厂种植自动化系统及使用方法
WO2022023067A1 (fr) * 2020-07-29 2022-02-03 Eko Grönovation Ab Système de plantation automatisé d'installation de production de plantes et son procédé d'utilisation
WO2022035624A1 (fr) * 2020-08-12 2022-02-17 NW Farms, Inc. Système hydroponique à lits de plantes orientés verticalement
US12089545B1 (en) 2020-09-25 2024-09-17 Mjnn Llc Grow towers with overlapping funnels for automated agriculture production
WO2023086186A1 (fr) * 2020-12-22 2023-05-19 Pod Farms, LLC Coupelles de culture pour systèmes de culture hydroponique
TWI829234B (zh) * 2022-07-04 2024-01-11 黃英哲 植栽給水裝置
US12568892B1 (en) 2022-08-19 2026-03-10 Mjnn Llc Plant support structure for improving canopy light exposure
US20240315183A1 (en) * 2023-03-24 2024-09-26 Happy Planet Holdings, LLC Vertical Hydroponic System

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