Air transport unit

Abstract

An air transport unit comprising a composite board. The composite board comprising an anode layer and a cathode layer of an electrically conducting material. The anode layer and cathode layer are separated by an insulator of an electrically insulating material. The composite board further comprising an electric component in electrical connection with the anode layer and the cathode layer. The air transport unit further comprising a carrier board, wherein the composite board and the carrier board each have a duct forming surface, which carrier board and composite board are arranged so that an air duct forms between the duct forming surfaces.

Claims

1-12. (canceled)

13. An air transport unit comprising a composite board comprising an anode layer and a cathode layer of an electrically conducting material, which anode layer and cathode layer are separated by an insulator of an electrically insulating material, the composite board further comprising an electric component in electrical connection with the anode layer and the cathode layer, the air transport unit further comprising a carrier board, wherein the composite board and the carrier board each have a duct forming surface, which carrier board and composite board are arranged so that an air duct forms between the duct forming surfaces.

14. The air transport unit according to claim 13, wherein the carrier board comprises a surface configured to house a growing organism.

15. The air transport unit according to claim 13, wherein the composite board comprises a ventilation hole extending through the anode layer, the insulator and the cathode layer, which ventilation hole is configured to facilitate an air flow between the air duct and ambient environment of the air transport unit.

16. The air transport unit according to claim 15, wherein the ventilation hole comprises a ventilation unit in electrical connection with the anode layer and the cathode layer.

17. The air transport unit according to claim 13, wherein the electric component is one or more LEDs, the anodes of which are in electrical connection with the anode layer and the cathodes of which are in electrical connection with the cathode layer, wherein the one or more LEDs are configured to emit light at a wavelength within the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and/or ultraviolet light and/or infrared light away from the surface of the composite board opposite the air duct.

18. The air transport unit according to claim 13, wherein the electric component is a liquid pump and the air transport unit further comprises a sprinkler system comprising a pipe in fluid communication with a liquid reservoir and the liquid pump, the pipe having a sprinkler configured to distribute a liquid from the surface of the composite board opposite the air duct.

19. The air transport unit according to claim 13, wherein the electric component is selected from the list consisting of a heating unit, a cooling unit, a sensor, a controller, a microphone, a camera, a radio transmitter, a radio receiver, an antenna and an access point for wireless communication.

20. The air transport unit according to claim 13, wherein the composite board comprises a plurality of electric components, wherein the plurality of electric components is arranged in separate electrical groups that are separated by one or more continuous trenches in either the anode layer or the cathode layer, or in the anode layer and the cathode layer, and/or wherein at least one or more of the plurality of electric components comprises a controller capable of receiving and/or transmitting a data signal via the anode layer and/or the cathode layer using direct current power line communication.

21. A vertical farming system comprising: a support frame defining a bottom level and one or more standard levels arranged vertically above the bottom level, one or more air transport units comprising a composite board comprising an anode layer and a cathode layer of an electrically conducting material, which anode layer and cathode layer are separated by an insulator of an electrically insulating material, the composite board further comprising an electric component in electrical connection with the anode layer and the cathode layer, the air transport unit further comprising a carrier board, wherein the composite board and the carrier board each have a duct forming surface, which carrier board and composite board are arranged so that an air duct forms between the duct forming surfaces arranged in the standard levels, wherein the carrier boards of the one or more air transport units are configured to house a growing organism.

22. The system according to claim 21, wherein a bottom board is arranged in the bottom level, which bottom board is configured to house a growing organism.

23. The system according to claim 21, wherein the support frame comprises an anodic pillar electrically connected to the anode layer of at least one air transport unit and a cathodic pillar electrically connected to the cathode layer of the at least one air transport unit and a power supply capable of providing a constant voltage or a constant current between the anodic pillar and the cathodic pillar.

24. The system according to claim 21, wherein the support frame comprises a coupling portion at the one or more standard levels and/or at the bottom level, and the one or more air transport units and/or the bottom board comprise a complementary coupling portion allowing releasable coupling of the bottom board and/or the air transport units with the frame.

25. The system according to claim 21, wherein the composite board comprises a ventilation hole extending through the anode layer, the insulator and the cathode layer, which ventilation hole is configured to facilitate an air flow between the air duct and ambient environment of the air transport unit.

26. The system according to claim 25, wherein the ventilation hole comprises a ventilation unit in electrical connection with the anode layer and the cathode layer.

27. The system according to claim 21, wherein the electric component is one or more LEDs, the anodes of which are in electrical connection with the anode layer and the cathodes of which are in electrical connection with the cathode layer, wherein the one or more LEDs are configured to emit light at a wavelength within the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and/or ultraviolet light and/or infrared light away from the surface of the composite board opposite the air duct.

28. The system according to claim 21, wherein the electric component is a liquid pump and the air transport unit further comprises a sprinkler system comprising a pipe in fluid communication with a liquid reservoir and the liquid pump, the pipe having a sprinkler configured to distribute a liquid from the surface of the composite board opposite the air duct.

29. The system according to claim 21, wherein the electric component is selected from the list consisting of a heating unit, a cooling unit, a sensor, a controller, a microphone, a camera, a radio transmitter, a radio receiver, an antenna and an access point for wireless communication.

30. The system according to claim 21, wherein the composite board comprises a plurality of electric components, wherein the plurality of electric components is arranged in separate electrical groups that are separated by one or more continuous trenches in either the anode layer or the cathode layer, or in the anode layer and the cathode layer, and/or wherein at least one or more of the plurality of electric components comprises a controller capable of receiving and/or transmitting a data signal via the anode layer and/or the cathode layer using direct current power line communication.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0101] In the following the invention will be explained in greater detail with the aid of an example and with reference to the schematic drawings, in which

[0102] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an air transport unit according to the present invention;

[0103] FIG. 2 depicts a schematic view of an opposing surface of a composite board in an embodiment of the invention;

[0104] FIG. 3 depicts a schematic view of a duct forming surface of a composite board in an embodiment of the invention;

[0105] FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an air transport unit in an embodiment according to the invention;

[0106] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an air transport unit according to the present invention.

[0107] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional perspective close-up view of an electric component mounted in a composite board of an air transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a vertical farming system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0109] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person.

[0110] Referring initially to FIG. 1, which depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an air transport unit 100 according to the present invention. The air transport unit 100 in the presented embodiment comprises a carrier board 120, two side walls 130, and a composite board 140. The carrier board 120 has a generally planar geometry. The carrier board 120 comprises a duct forming surface 121, which defines a part of an air duct 140. Connected to the carrier board are two side walls 130. The side walls 130 also defining a part of the air duct 140. The side walls 130 may in some embodiments be integrated components of either the composite board 110 and/or the carrier board 120. The side walls 130 may be connected to either the carrier board 120 and/or the composite board 110 by welding, adhesion, or mechanical coupling. In connection with the side walls 130 is the composite board 110. The composite board 110 comprises an anode layer 112, an insulator layer 113, a cathode layer 114, and an electric component 115. In the shown embodiment the anode layer 112 comprises a duct forming surface 111, though in other embodiments it may be the cathode layer 114 comprising the duct forming surface 111. The duct forming surface 111 of the anode layer 112 forming part of the air duct 140. In electrical connection with the cathode layer 114 and the anode layer 112 is an electric component 115. The electric component 115 is in the shown embodiment connected to the composite board 110 by being introduced through an opposing surface 116 of the composite board. The opposing surface 116 being a surface opposite to the duct forming surface 111. Connecting the electric component 115 in such a manner may be advantageous if the air transport unit is to be used as a light fixture and the electric component 115 is an LED configured for emitting light, since such a connection allows the electric component 115 to emit light away from the air transport unit 100. In the shown embodiment the side walls 130, the composite board 110, and the carrier board 120 all have a general planar geometry resulting in a rectangular air duct 140. The invention is not limited to an air duct 140 with a rectangular cross-section, in some embodiments no side walls 130 are present and instead the carrier board 120 and the composite board 110 are connected directly together, e.g. the composite board 110 and the carrier board 120 may curve and connect at each curving end to form an air duct with a biconvex cross-section, other air duct geometries are also within the scope of the invention. When no sidewalls 130 are present, the carrier board 120 and the composite board 110 may be connected directly to each other, they may be connected by adhesion, welding, or mechanical coupling.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 2, which depicts a schematic view of an opposing surface 116 of a composite board 120 in an embodiment of the invention. Mounted in the opposing side 116 of the composite board 120 are several electric components 1151, 1152. The opposing surface 116 being opposite a duct forming surface of the composite board 120. The electric components 1151, and 1152 may be the same type of electric component or may indicate different types of electric components, e.g. camera, sensors, LEDs, ventilation units, cooling unit, and/or heating units. In the shown embodiment the first electric components 1151 are a plurality of LEDs configured to emit light away from the air transport unit 100, and the second electric components 1152 are two ventilation units configured to provide a supply/exhaust air flow to and away from the air duct. Placed on opposing side surfaces sides of the composite board 110 are a first fitting 132 and a second fitting 133. The fittings 131, 132 may be used for protecting the side surfaces of the composite board 110, and to minimize risk of delamination of layers.

[0112] The electric components 1151, and 1152, may be separated into groups independent or dependent on type of electric component. The first electric components 1151 may be separated into a first electrical group. The second electric components 1152 may be separated into a second electrical group. In some embodiments electrical groups comprising more than one type of electric components may be formed, e.g. the first electric components 1151 being in an electrical group with the second electric components 1152. In an embodiment where the composite board 120 comprises one or more ventilation units, said one or more ventilation units may be mounted in one or more ventilation holes of the composite board 120. A ventilation hole may be a through-going hole through the composite board 120, connecting the air duct to an exterior. Thereby, facilitating air transport between the air duct and an exterior.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 3, which depicts a schematic view of a duct forming surface 116 of a composite board 120 in an embodiment of the invention. The composite board 120 have been provided with several electric components 1151, 1152, and 1153, which are either mounted on the duct forming surface 116 or in a surface opposite the duct forming surface 116. The electric components 1151, 1152, and 1153 may be the same type of electric component or may indicate different types of electric components, e.g. cameras, sensors, LEDs, ventilation units, cooling unit, and/or heating units. In the shown embodiment the first electric components 1151 are a plurality of LEDs configured to emit light, the second electric components 1152 are two ventilation units configured to provide a supply/exhaust air flow to and away from the air duct, and the third electric component 1153 is a sensor configured to collect sensor data, e.g. temperature, CO.sub.2 level, moisture level, and etc.

[0114] In the shown embodiment the first electric components 1151, the second electric components 1152, and the third electric component 1153 have been separated into three electrical groups. The separation of the electric components 1151, 1152 and 1153 have been carried out by a plurality of trenches 150. The separation of electric components 1151, 1152, and 1153 into electrical groups may be carried out by one or more trenches 150. The trenches 150 may be formed by milling through either the anode or the cathode layer of the composite board. The trenches may be formed during formation of the anode or the cathode layer, e.g. if the electrically conductive layers are formed by extrusion trenches may be formed by extrusion. The trenches 150 may also allow for separate PLC control of the electrical groups formed by the trenches 150.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 4, which depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an air transport unit 100 in an embodiment according to the invention. The carrier board 120 and the composite board 110 are separated by an air duct 140. A plurality of support structures 131 have been placed in the air duct 140. The support structures are connected to the duct forming surface 121 of the carrier board 120 at one end and to the duct forming surface 111 of the composite board 110 at another end. In some embodiments only one support structure is placed in the air duct. The support structures 131 may be used for adding structural integrity to the air transport unit 100, e.g. to avoid either the carrier board 120 or the composite board 110 curving due to gravity and/or forces affecting surfaces of the composite board 120 and/or the carrier board. For example, if the air transport unit 100 is used in a farming system and the carrier board 120 is to support a growing organism, the support structures 131 may assure the carrier board 120 does not bend due to the weight of the growing organism. In another example, where the air transport unit 100 is used as a lighting fixture and hung from a ceiling or similar, the support structures 130 may connect the carrier board 120 and the composite board 110 to assure they do not curve due to gravity. In some embodiments the air transport unit 100 comprises one or more support structures 131 arranged in the air duct and connected to the carrier board 110 and the composite board 120. The support structures 130 may be constructed from any material, preferably the structures are constructed from a high strength polymer. The support structures 130 may be formed as pillars, cubes, pyramids, cones, etc.

[0116] A first fitting 132 and a second fitting 133 are provided in connection with both the carrier board 120 and the composite board 110. The fittings 132, and 133 are used for connecting the carrier board 120 and the composite board 110. The fittings 132, and 133 are connected to the carrier board 120 and the composite board 110 on opposing side surfaces of the composite board 110 and the carrier board 120. In the shown embodiment the fittings 132, and 133 delimits the air duct 140 together with duct forming surfaces 111, and 121 of the carrier board 120 and the composite board 110. The first fitting 132 and the second fitting 133 are provided with protrusions forming a first U-shaped receiving portion and a second U-shaped receiving portion on each fitting. The first U-shaped receiving portion is configured for snugly receiving the composite board 110, and the second U-shaped receiving portion is configured for snugly receiving the carrier board 120. The first fitting 132 further forms, in conjunction with a side wall 130, an additional duct 142. The additional duct 142 may be used as a housing section for housing one or more electric components or non-electric components. The fittings 132, and 133 may be manufactured at least partly from a conductive material allowing the fittings to conduct a current to the anode layer and/or the cathode layer of the composite board 110. In some embodiments the fittings 132, 133 may be provided with coupling portions for mechanically coupling the air transport unit 100 with another structure. The coupling portions may be in the form of hooks, bars, and/or other male connector parts. Alternatively, the coupling portions may be in the form openings, flanges, or other female connector parts. Preferably, the coupling portions provides a mechanical connection and/or an electrical connection.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 5, which depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an air transport unit 100 according to the present invention. The composite board 110 comprises a plurality of first electric component 1151 and a plurality of second electric component 1152. The first electric components 1151 are a plurality of LEDs and the second electric components 1152 are a plurality of ventilation units. The first electric components 1151 are mounted in an opposing side 116 of the composite board 110. The second electrical units 1152 are mounted in ventilation holes of the composite board 110. Mounted on side surfaces of the composite board 110 and a carrier board 120 are a first fitting 132 and a second fitting 133. The composite board 110 and the carrier board 120 are connected to form an air inlet 141 facilitating an air flow between an ambient environment and an air duct 140. The air inlet 141 is formed at a first longitudinal end of the composite board 110 and the carrier board 120. At a second longitudinal end opposite the first longitudinal end, the carrier board 120 and the composite board 110 are connected to form an air outlet, not shown on FIG. 5. The air outlet facilitates an air flow between an ambient environment and the air duct 140. The air inlet 141 and the air outlet allows for a longitudinal air flow through the air duct 140. The air inlet 141 and the air outlet are formed in-between duct forming surfaces of the composite board 110 and the carrier board 120.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 6, which depicts a perspective close-up view of an electric component 115 mounted in a composite board 110 of an air transport unit 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electric component 115 is electrically connected to the composite board 110 via an adapter 117. The adapter 117 comprises a circuit board 1171 in direct electrical connection with a cathode layer 112 of the composite board 110. The circuit board 110 may be attached to the cathode layer 114 in any way, e.g. by soldering, gluing or the like. In electrical connection with the circuit board 1171 is a resilient member 1173. The resilient member 1173 may be in electrical connected with an anode layer 114 of the composite board 110 directly or in-directly. In the shown embodiment the resilient member 1173 is in-directly in electrical connection with the anode layer 114 via a retaining member 1172. The resilient member 1173 is sandwiched in-between the circuit board 1171 and the retaining member 1172. In the shown embodiment the resilient member 1173 comprises several resilient legs providing an electrical connection to the retaining member 1172. The retaining member 1172 is in direct electrical connection with the anode layer 114. In other embodiments the circuit board 1171 is in direct electrical connection with the anode layer 114, and the resilient member 1173 or the retaining member 1172 are in direct electrical connection with the cathode layer 112. The retaining member 1172 may be introduced into a conductive layer of the composite board 110 by screwing, soldering, mechanical coupling, or adhesion. In some embodiments where the electric component 115 is a LED, or other fragile electric components, it may be advantageous to provide the adapter 117 with a cover 1174. The cover being connected to either the resilient member 1173 or the retaining member 1172 to cover and protect the electric component 115. The cover is 1173 is preferable an optical transparent cover, when the electric component 115 is a LED.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 7, which depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a vertical farming system 1 according to the present invention. The vertical farming system 1 comprises a support frame 10. In the shown embodiment the support frame 10 is formed as a rack structure, though the support structure 10 is not limited to a rack structure. The support structure 10 comprises a bottom level 11 and two standard levels 12. The support structure 10 may also comprise one standard level 12, three standard levels 12, or more. In the shown embodiment the bottom level 11 and the standard levels 12 match each other, though in some embodiments the bottom level 11 and the one or more standard levels 12 may differ from each other. In the shown embodiment, the support structure 10 comprises a plurality of vertically extending legs 13, preferably the legs 13 are provided in pairs. The pairs of legs 13 may be connected by a transversal connector 14. The transversal connector 14 may be a rod or a beam. The transversal connector 14 may define the bottom level 11 and/or the one or more standard levels 12. The transversal connector 14 may form shelfs for receiving the one or more air transport units 100. In other embodiment the vertically extending legs 13 are not connected with the transversal connector 14, instead fittings for receiving the one or more air transport units 100 are integrated or connected to the vertically extending legs. The transversal connector 14 may also be used in conjunction with fittings for receiving one or more air transport units 100 on the support frame 10. Fittings may define the bottom level 11 and/or the one or more standard levels 12. In some embodiments the fittings may be used in conjunction with the transversal connector 14 either to define in cooperation the bottom level 11 and/or the one or more standard levels 12. The air transport 100 units may be provided with fittings comprising coupling portion configured for coupling the air transport units 100 to the support frame 10. In some embodiments the support frame is provided with fittings comprising coupling portion configured for coupling the air transport units 100 to the support frame 10. The coupling between the support frame 10 and air transport units 100 may be a releasable coupling or a permanent coupling.

[0120] The vertically extending legs 13 may be used as means for conducting power to the one or more air transport units 100. In an embodiment where the vertically extending legs 13 are delivered in pairs of a first vertically extending leg 13 and a second vertically extending leg 13, the first vertically extending leg 13 may function as an anodic pillar electrically connected to the anode layer of at least one air transport unit 100, and the second vertically extending leg 13 may function as a cathodic pillar electrically connected to the cathode layer of the at least one air transport unit 100. The system may further comprise a power supply capable of providing a constant voltage or a constant current between the anodic pillar and the cathodic pillar.

[0121] In the shown embodiment three air transport units 100 are comprised in the vertical farming system 1. The invention is not limited to three air transport units 100, the vertical farming system 1 may comprise one, two, four or more air transport units 100. The air transport units 100 in the standard levels of the shown embodiment are arranged with the opposing surfaces 116 of the composite boards 120 oriented in a downward facing direction. Mounted in the opposing surface 116 of the one or more air transport units 100 are a plurality of electric components 115. The plurality of electric components 115 is LEDs in the shown embodiment. The LEDs are mounted in the opposing side 116 to allow the LEDs to shine down on a carrier board 120 of an air transport unit located 100 below the LEDs. Each air transport units 100 are provided with side walls 130. The sidewalls 130 extends vertically above the carrier board 120 of the respective air transport unit 100. The side walls 130 extends to form a channel open at the top and at each longitudinal end of the air transport unit 100. The channel may be used as an enclosure for housing organic matter.

[0122] The air transport units 100 extends longitudinally. In the shown embodiment, the air ducts of the air transport unit 100 extends longitudinally and have openings at each longitudinally end for facilitating a longitudinal air flow through the air duct.