SYSTEM WITH CHANNELS FOR GROWING LIVING ORGANISMS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This Application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application

No. 61/648,287, now pending, filed on May 17, 2012, and on International Patent Application No. PCT/CA2013/000286 filed on April 2, 2013, both of which are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of agriculture and, more particularly, to a method of arranging flexible materials to form a channel structure through which a gas is delivered under positive pressure. The channel structure is suitable for growing living organisms such as plants, microorganisms, insects and small animals. The proposed channel structure is configured so to provide support and conduits for materials such as liquids, solids and gases. The channels allow for living organisms to receive increased nutritional requirements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is well known that living organisms require a source of energy, nutrients and water to live and grow. In addition, environmental conditions such as temperature, pH, and relative humidity need to be controlled in order to achieve optimal growth.

[0004] Microorganisms (protozoa, bacteria, fungi, etc.) may perform aerobic (rely on oxygen) or anaerobic respiration (rely on organic compounds, nitrate, sulfate, etc.). Growth is achieved if adequate energy (light, organic and inorganic compounds) is provided and nutrients are supplied by means of gas (carbon dioxide), micro and macronutrients and liquid (water) to the area in which the organisms are situated.

[0005] Similarly, animals and most insects require oxygen for respiration. Growth is achieved when adequate nutrients in the form of carbon based food, micro and macronutrients and liquids (water) are provided to the organisms.

[0006] In terms of photosynthetic organisms (plants, algae, etc.), growth can be achieved when adequate energy in the form of light is provided and nutrients are supplied by means of gas (carbon dioxide), solids (micro and macro nutrients) and liquids (water) to the area in which the organisms are situated.

[0007] In traditional agriculture, plants are grown outside, where soil acts as the medium by which the plants are supported and fed. Liquids, solids and gases are drawn from the surrounding environment and energy is provided by sunlight.

[0008] Hydroponic agriculture does not involve soil; instead nutrients are supplied via nutrient rich liquid to the roots of the plants, which may be supported in a soilless medium such as stones. Hydroponic agriculture has been well accepted as an advantageous method of growing plants in terms of water usage and crop production efficiency when compared to traditional techniques. A container of some sort is used to house the medium in which the plants and roots are supported and fed.

[0009] Existing hydroponic systems typically consist of rigid containers made of plastic (growth channels). These structures support plants and provide a pathway for nutrient to be delivered to the roots. Growth channels provide structural support and provide a pathway for nutrient delivery to the plants.

[0010] Additional items such as lights, ventilation fans, water pumps, carbon dioxide generators, controls, and piping may also be required for successful plant growth. These items are usually combined inside a controlled environment such as a greenhouse to isolate the plants from the external environment. Many of the aforementioned items are expensive, large in size and require skilled laborers to configure properly.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need for an improved system for growing living organisms, including plants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an apparatus suitable for growing various living organisms.

[0013] Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a channel structure whereby at least one gas channel and at least one growth channel are configured together so as to form an area suitable for growing living organisms. [0014] Also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a kit for erecting a channel structure, comprising at least two gas channels, one growth channel, channel endings and, a gas and nutrient delivery system.

[0015] Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by way of illustration an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, and in which:

[0017] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an enclosed growth channel (gas channel delivers gas to growth channel);

[0018] Figs. 2a and 2b show schematic representations of examples of uses for the single gas and growth channel combination, namely algae growth (Fig. 2a) and biofiltration (Fig. 2b);

[0019] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the growth zone, comprising root and foliage zones;

[0020] Figs. 4a and 4b show schematic perspective representations of openings inside a cylindrical growth channel (Fig. 4a), while the growth channel may be fully open to the exterior environment, e.g. with an optional removable cover (Fig. 4b);

[0021] Figs. 5a, 5b and 5c are schematic representations showing the gas channel delivering a gas mixture to the root zone (Fig. 5a), the foliage zone (Fig. 5b) or both (Fig. 5c);

[0022] Figs. 6a, 6b and 6c are schematic representations showing an evolution of the structurally supported growth channel;

[0023] Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of the root zone being opened to the surrounding environment;

[0024] Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of an increased root zone area for providing more space for living organisms to grow;

[0025] Figs. 9a and 9b show schematic representations of symmetrical gas delivery to the root (Fig. 9a) and foliage (Fig. 9b) zones;

[0026] Figs. 10a, 10b and 10c are schematic representations showing separate gas delivery to the root zone and foliage zone, where one gas channel delivers a gas to the foliage zone and the other to root zone (Fig. 10a), where symmetrical gas delivery uses stacked gas channels (Fig. 10b), and where the gas channels feeding the root zone in Fig. 10c are not structural; [0027] Figs. 11a, 11b and 11c are schematic representations showing that a single apparatus may include two or more growth channels by: providing three or more gas channels in a row (Fig. 11a); stacking of the apparatus (Fig. 11b); and subdividing the growth channel into two or more sections, where the contents are supported by the adjacent gas channels (Fig. 11c);

[0028] Figs. 12a, 12b and 12c are schematic representations showing that the positive pressure from the gas channel(s) provides support for a roof (Fig 12a); that a stacked apparatus may provide separate gas delivery to the root and foliage zones while supporting a roof (Fig. 12b); and that the combined positive pressure from multiple apparatuses can support a shared roof (Fig. 12c);

[0029] Fig. 13 is a schematic representation of a channel structure constructed from three tubes of flexible materials;

[0030] Fig. 14 is an exploded view of a channel structure;

[0031] Fig. 15 is an exploded view of an exemplary combination for the endings of the channel structure; and

[0032] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of an assembled kit containing three channel structures connected to a centralized control system.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0033] There is thus a need for an improved plant growth system, which provides the following components in an affordable, versatile and efficient manner:

[0034] 1- Structural Support for the living organism(s):

[0035] i. structural support for the contents of the growth channel such as plant root protection and structural support. Examples include rigid members such as pots and trays (European Patent No. EP1658770 A1), flexible members (European Patent No. EP0814649 B1), and inflatable members (European Patent No. EP0027697 A1).

[0036] ii. support of an isolating structure to protect the living organisms from the surrounding environment. For example: a greenhouse.

[0037] 2- Gas Delivery to the living organism(s):

[0038] i. gas concentration and control (carbon dioxide, oxygen and other gases) which are beneficial to the growth processes. Examples of devices include carbon dioxide generators, oxygenators, etc.

[0039] ii. temperature control for heating and cooling using the movement and dispersal of gases. Examples of devices include heating and cooling equipment.

[0040] iii. water vapor (humidity) control using the movement and dispersal of gases. Examples of devices include humidifiers, dehumidifiers. [0041] iv. ventilation simulates an outdoor environment and stimulates organism growth. Examples of devices include ventilation fans and blowers.

[0042] v. a method to reduce pests. Examples of devices include increased plant aeration or dispersal methods of pesticides, fungicides, etc.

[0043] 3- Liquid and Solids Delivery to the living organism(s) for the purpose of providing nutritional requirements:

[0044] i. water delivery which is required for the growth processes.

Examples of devices include water pumps, piping, valves and controls.

[0045] ii. macronutrient (phosphorous, nitrogen, potassium) and micronutrient (iron, cobalt, zinc, vitamins, etc.) mixing and delivery for providing nutrients to the living organisms. Examples of devices include mixing tanks, pumps, valves, piping and controls.

[0046] Improvements have been made to the packaged size of growth channels. For example, in European Patent Publication No. 0 027 697-A1 in the name of Dunlop Limited, an inflatable structure is provided which, when inflated, forms a channel structure suitable for plant growth.

[0047] Note that there have been inflatable hydroponic growth channel systems in the past, which aim to minimize package size and provide an insulating factor. Attempts have been made to incorporate heating and cooling capabilities by circulating gases under positive pressure (within the inflatable gas channels), which form a plant supporting and insulating structure (see the aforementioned European Patent Publication).

[0048] The present inflatable growth channel is built differently and uses a different method of manufacture. For example, European Patent Publication No. 0 027 697-A1 uses two sheets that are welded along their length to form a pair of inflatable gas channels, which support a growth channel in between. The present system uses gas channels that are, in contrast, not an integral part of the inflatable structure (they may be removed). An aspect of the present system is that it creates improved structural integrity (a better channel is created), since the weight of the contents inside the growth channel generates a tensional force along the supporting gas channels, allowing the growth area to maintain a sufficiently rigid shape in both cross-sectional and lengthwise directions (Fig. 13).

[0049] In prior systems, growth channels use an inflatable design for the purpose of (a) supporting plants; (b) delivering nutrients to the roots and; (c) providing the option of temperature control (heating/cooling). However, these systems do not take advantage of using the positive pressure inside the gas channel to provide mass and energy transfer into the growth channel and/or the surrounding environment.

[0050] In the present system, perforations are provided in the gas channel(s), so that a gas such as air can exit the gas channel and be delivered to the adjacent growth channel (plant roots) and/or the surrounding environment (plant foliage). The additional feature of incorporating gas delivery (and thus ventilation) capabilities is part of the present system. Therefore, the present apparatus takes advantage of the positive pressure inflation to provide multiple features that enhance the design of growth channel(s), e.g. as follows:

[0051] 1- this inflatable design creates a plant support and nutrient delivery structure.

[0052] 2- this inflatable design is compact, lightweight and quick to install.

[0053] 3- this inflatable design allows temperature control to the contents of the growth chamber.

[0054] 4- this inflatable design enables temperature control to the environment surrounding the growth channel by means of mass and energy transfer through the gas channel.

[0055] 5- the inflatable design enables homogenous gas ventilation to the contents within (plant roots) and around (plant foliage) the growth channel(s) by means of perforations in the gas channel(s).

[0056] 6- positive pressure in the gas channel(s) may be used to support a roof structure, which isolates parts of the growth chamber from the surrounding environment.

[0057] Ventilation design is a major concern for plants grown in a controlled environment (greenhouse, indoors). Plants grow under light by absorbing the carbon atom from atmospheric carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen in the process. If a constant supply of carbon dioxide is not provided, growth is not possible. Therefore, it is important to provide sufficient ventilation and air movement around the plants to carry away the oxygen while bringing new supplies of carbon dioxide. The efficiency at which plants receive the new air is greatly dictated by the plant spacing and ventilation system design (airflow direction and velocity). The present inflatable channel structure delivers ventilated air to each plant from the floor up. Another advantage of such ventilation is a reduced susceptibility to pests who tend to favor stagnant air conditions.

[0058] Since the present inflatable growth channel design creates a supported channel structure, its use is not restricted to one particular type of agriculture technique, and it is thus suitable for conventional soil, hydroponics, aeroponics, etc. The inflatable design inherently provides floating capabilities, which is well suited for aquaponic agriculture (channel floats on top of water tanks containing fish).

[0059] Positive pressure inside the gas channel(s) maintains adequate support for the contents in the growth channel(s), while simultaneously aiding in the isolation and displacement of liquids, gases and solid materials within the said growth channel(s). This reduces the number of components necessary for growing living organisms such as plants.

[0060] The present system thus provides an apparatus suitable for growing living organisms such as plants (vegetables, algae, etc.), microorganisms (protozoa, bacteria, fungi, etc.), insects, worms, fly larvae, animals (snails, fish, etc.).

[0061] With the present channel structure S, at least one gas channel

10 and at least one growth channel 12 are configured together so as to form an area suitable for growing living organisms.

[0062] The area where living organisms are situated so as to be grown is hereby referred to as the growth channel 12 (troughs, rows, canals, chambers, conduits, are linear forms of growth channels). The growth channel 12 may include all parts of the organisms (the roots, stems and foliage). An input and generally an output are provided through the growth channel 12 to allow liquids, solids or gases to promote life and growth.

[0063] The area where a gas is transported and delivered to the growth channel 12 is hereby referred to as the gas channel 10. The gas channel 10 is maintained under positive pressure to provide (a) structural support for the growth channel 12 and (b) enable transfer of gas into the growth channel 12. The gas channel 10 may be used to provide control of temperature, humidity and gas concentration to the growth channel 12 and/or the surrounding environment.

[0064] The present system provides a channel suitable for the growth of the aforementioned organisms. The apparatus is capable of providing:

[0065] 1- structural support for the living organisms.

[0066] 2- a pathway where nutrients and water may be delivered to support the growth of living organisms.

[0067] 3- control of temperature, humidity and gas concentration using mass and energy transfer from the gas channel 10 to the growth channel 12 and the area surrounding it.

[0068] The proposed channel structure S is suitable for the growth of:

[0069] 1- photosynthetic organisms: such as algae, whose cultivation can be enclosed in the growth channel 12 (Fig. 2), and plants, whose roots may be contained in the growth channel 12 and separately controlled from the foliage, which grows in the surrounding environment (Fig. 3). Plant roots may receive a liquid nutrient in total darkness while the leaves receive a gaseous nutrient in full sunlight. These are two distinct growth zones within the growth channel 12, one for the roots and one for the foliage. Regulation and control of the growth zones is used to achieve optimal energy efficiency and organism growth.

[0070] 2- microorganisms: for the purpose of microbial bioremediation such as bio-filtration, where contaminants in the air and humidity (water vapor) are uniformly delivered from the gas channel 10 to the growth chamber 12 (Fig. 2) or for suspended and attached growth biological water treatment, where the required oxygen is delivered to the growth channel 12 via the gas channel 10.

[0071] 3- animals: such as fish for aquaculture or worms for vermicomposting applications. Oxygen and humidity (water) would typically be delivered from the gas delivery channel 10 to the growth channel 12. [0072] The system can also be embodied in the form of a kit for erecting the channel structure S, including at least two gas channels 10, one growth channel 12, gas channel endings 14, a growth channel ending 16, and a gas and nutrient delivery system (Fig. 16).

[0073] With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, one growth channel 12 and one gas channel 10 are created from flexible materials (such as polyethylene film), which may be welded, formed or adjoined along a common linear and parallel path. Connected in such a way as to be mutually supportive of one another.

[0074] a. the two channels 10 and 12 may be formed from a single cylindrical tube (for example: polyethylene film) where a single weld is placed along its length and between its edges, forming two separate, parallel and linear sections.

[0075] b. a flat sheet may be welded to form a cylindrical tube. Two cylindrical tubes may be held together along their common length, forming two separate, parallel and linear sections.

[0076] c. gases, liquids, solids and living organisms are to be supported and grown in one of the linear sections (i.e. the growth channel 12).

[0077] d. gas may travel from the gas channel 10 (by means of positive pressure gas ventilation through perforations) into the growth channel 12.

[0078] e. the gas channel 10 provides structural support and facilitates the transfer of mass and energy to and from the growth channel 12. Due to their mutually supportive relationship one would not exist without the other.

[0079] f. the positive pressure within the gas channel 10 provides a large surface area for homogeneous mass and energy transfer into the growth channel 12 and therefore is responsible for its existence and functionality.

[0080] g. forming at least two distinct channels 10 and 12 out of a flexible material where each serves to support the other in some way and both parts are attached together along their linearity, where one is used to contain/transport living organisms, solids, liquids or gases, while the other is used to contain/transport a gas.

[0081] With reference to Fig. 3, when the contents of the growth channel 12 extend out into the surrounding environment, such as with plants, two "growth zones" are created. The area inside the growth channel 12 is referred to as the "root zone" 22, whereas the area exiting the growth channel 12 is referred to as the "foliage zone" 24.

[0082] With reference to Figs. 4a and 4b, when the contents of the growth channel 12 extend into the surrounding environment, openings 20 inside the growth channel are provided. In the alternate arrangement of Fig. 4b, the growth channel 12 is open ended and is provided with a removable cover 26, which typically defines openings (not shown) such as the openings 20 of Fig. 4a.

[0083] With reference to Figs. 5a, 5b and 5c, the gas channel 10 may use positive pressure to deliver a gas to the root zone 22 (Fig. 5a), to the foliage zone 24 (Fig. 5b) or both (Fig. 5c). Note that both growth zones 22 and 24 receive the same gas mixture from the single gas chamber 10.

[0084] With reference to Figs. 6 to 11 , multiple gas delivery channels 10 may provide:

[0085] a. increased structural support for the contents inside the growth zone (Fig. 6):

[0086] - Fig. 6a shows how two gas channels 0 provide symmetrical support for the growth zone.

[0087] - Fig. 6b shows how the contents of the growth zone are freely supported by the edges of the pressurized gas channels 10.

[0088] - Fig. 6c shows how the contents of the growth zone can be supported by the upper portion of the gas channels 10, for increased structural integrity and improved shape of the growth channel 12.

[0089] b. a configuration where the root zone 22 is opened to the surrounding environment (Fig. 7).

[0090] c. increased area for the growth of living organisms to grow (Fig.

8). [0091] d. symmetrical (and thus improved) nutrient and gas distribution

(Fig. 9).

[0092] e. separate gas delivery to the root zone 22 and foliage zone 24

(Fig. 10). Multiple gas delivery channels 10 may operate independently from one another thereby individually regulating the temperature, humidity and gas concentrations of the various growth zones 22 and 24.

[0093] f. more growth channels 12 using a single apparatus (Fig. 11).

The contents of each growth channel 12 may be configured so as to be in isolation of each other or connected in some way.

[0094] Figs. 12a, 12b and 12c show the further use of the positive pressure from the gas channels 10, where the positive pressure being ventilated from the gas channel(s) 10 may be used to support a roof or cover-like structure 28 and provide additional protection to the growth zone(s).

[0095] With reference to Fig. 13, certain of the aforementioned channel structure configurations may exclude ventilation, whereby the gas channels 10 do not provide gas ventilation to the living organisms but a channel structure to support them is created, forming an inflatable channel structure only.

[0096] a. low energy input - stagnant air inside the gas channel 10.

Pressure can be maintained using pressurized canister, standard air pumps, etc.

[0097] b. the inflatable channel structure formed may be suitable for liquid, solid or gas containment and transport along its linearity.

[0098] For such a configuration, the growth channel can be ideally configured using three tubes made of flexible materials. The gas channel tubes 30 are contained within the growth channel tube 32. When inflated, the weights of the contents within the growth channel 32 create a tensional force along the supporting gas channels 30.

[0099] Drainage of the growth channel 12/32 may be controlled, for instance, by a slope in the sub-surface (e.g. the terrain or other that support the apparatus) or by creating a slope in the gas channel itself. One method to achieve this is to gradually reduce the width of the growth channel material along the length of the apparatus.

[00100] Fig. 14 shows a proposed configuration, where the gas channels

10 structurally support the growth channel 12 using proper manufacturing techniques and reduced use of materials.

[00101] a. two gas channels 10 support a single growth channel 12.

[00102] b. the weight of the growth channel 12 is distributed along the length of the gas channels 10.

[00103] c. multiple pathways exist for gas and nutrient distribution to the growth zone(s). [00104] Still referring to Fig. 14, endings may be located at either or both extremities of the apparatus and may be used to contain gases, liquids or solids and any combination thereof. A possible combination of endings is illustrated in Fig. 15. Fig. 14 illustrates a bottom sheet 34, as well as the openings 20 defined in the cover 26, which allow the plants to extend through the cover 26. The cover 26 can be removable or fixed. Gas ventilation perforations 18 are defined in each of the gas channels 10, for instance to ventilate the contents within (plant roots) and around (plant foliage) the growth channel 12. These perforations 18 can also be used, as previously mentioned with reference to Figs. 12a, 12b and 12c, for supporting the roof 28.

[00105] With reference to Figs. 15 and Fig. 16, the proposed channel structure is ideal for growing living organisms such as plants, microorganisms, insects and animals under specific conditions using a centralized HVAC control system. With reference to Fig. 15, several apparatuses may be configured together to form a kit (Fig. 16).

[00106] In Figs. 15 and Fig. 16, the gas channel endings 14 are sealed to the downstream ends of the gas channels 10, whereas gas inlet endings 36, e.g. in the form of manifolds, are provided at the upstream ends of the gas channels 10. A central HVAC system 38 provides the required gas flow to the gas channels via a main pipe 40 onto which are connected a series of manifolds 36 such as to provide an inlet gas flow 42 to the individual gas channels 10. The main pipe 40 may be made of distinct pipe sections 40a (or connectors) connecting the HVAC system 38 to the first manifold 36 and then the manifolds 36 in succession to one another. An outlet gas flow is identified by reference 44. [00107] Here are some features of the present growth channel design:

[00108] 1- Structurally supported growth channel, once the apparatus is inflated.

[00109] 2- Integrated gas ventilation - provides the option of delivering a gas for ventilation of the contents within the growth channel (roots) and/or the surrounding environment (plant foliage). Useful for oxygen or carbon dioxide delivery, humidity control, etc.

[00110] 3- Integrated heating and cooling capabilities - provides the option of heating and cooling to the contents within the growth channel (roots) and/or the surrounding environment (plant foliage).

[00111] 4- Compact - allows for easy transportation.

[00112] 5- Lightweight - made from flexible materials such as polyethylene film, which may lower transportation cost.

[00113] 6- Field deployable - provides quick and easy installation.

[00114] 7- Easy maintenance - removable growth channel cover 26 provides easy access for routine maintenance of the growth channel 12.

[00115] 8- Floatation capabilities - since the gas channels 10 support the contents of the growth channel 12, the apparatus can float with stability. [00116] 9- Modularity - multiple apparatuses can be connected side-by- side or stacked one on top of the other.

[00117] 10- Centralized Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

38 control - the conditions within the growth channel 12 and/or surrounding environment can be controlled and delivered from a single location.

[00118] Although the invention has herein been described in detail with reference to some preferred embodiments, many variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

[00119] Finally, although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of embodiments thereof, it may be modified, without departing from the nature and teachings of the subject invention as described herein.