Apparatus and system for plant production
AssigneeClemson University
InventorsRobert Pollock, Jeffrey W. Adelberg, Charles Fox, Gianpaolo Bonaca
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Abstract
A system and apparatus for growing plants is disclosed. The system includes a first thermal panel with multiple flow channels, the thermal panel being located between a growing space and a light source. A cooling fluid is circulated in a countercurrent flow pattern (i.e. in at least two different directions). The channels may be connected to one or more headers, which serve as a fluid manifold to deliver fluid and collect fluid from the flow channels. Growing closely spaced plants from seed or cuttings to transplants for the field or a greenhouse is one application of this system.
Claims25
A system for propagating plants, comprising:
- (a) a first thermal panel having an interior space, the thermal panel being located between a growing space and a light source, the growing space being adapted for propagating plants;
- (b) a cooling fluid, wherein the first thermal panel is adapted for circulating the cooling fluid along its interior space to reduce the temperature of the growing space;
- and
- (c) wherein the first thermal panel is adapted for circulating the cooling fluid in at least two different directions to achieve a countercurrent flow pattern.
An apparatus for propagating plants, comprising:
- (a) a first thermal panel having an upper surface and a lower surface;
- (b) a second panel located below the first thermal panel;
- (c) a growing space between the first thermal panel and the second panel, the growing space being adapted for propagating plants;
- (d) a plurality of channels within the first thermal panel, the channels being adapted for circulating a cooling fluid to reduce the temperature within the growing space;
- and
- (e) at least one side wall capable of isolating air space between thermal panels;
- (f) wherein the first thermal panel is adapted for circulating the cooling fluid within said channels in at least two different directions to achieve a countercurrent flow pattern.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.