Systems for generating water for a container farm and related methods therefor

Systems and methods of generating water for growing or vitally supporting plants, fungi, and/or aquatic animals are provided herein. The systems include a water generating unit that utilizes process fluid produced by plant transpiration or fungus respiration to generate water. Nutrients may be added to the water through hydroponic and aquaponic systems, then provided back to the plants in a closed loop. The systems may be monitored, optimized, and controlled remotely.

BACKGROUND

Container farming is a growing industry for generating produce in an artificial environment. This type of farming system provides many advantages, such as easy transportability, low costs, and reduced impact from the surrounding environment and climate. However, these advantages decrease when a continuous water source is not readily available. Providing a continuous water source to container farms poses a logistical and environmental challenge, particularly where the container farm is located remotely from a natural liquid water source or utility infrastructure.

Additionally, controlling the environment within a relatively small, enclosed space is challenging, especially as plant density increases. Factors to consider are the continuous generation of heat from the lights, evaporation of water, transpiration of the plants, accumulation of gasses, etc. For example, the lighting requirements for optimal plant growth may generate more heat than is tolerable for plant survival. Additionally, the constant transpiration of the plants may generate high humidity within the container, thereby leading to impaired root development, and reduced water and nutrient uptake. Therefore, improved systems are needed for maintaining a container environment that is optimal for plant growth.

Provided herein are container farming systems and methods for generating water using the humidity generated by the growth of plants and/or fungi in a closed loop. The farming systems may further utilize hydroponic and aquaponic techniques for cycling water and nutrients through the system. Additionally, the container environment may be continuously monitored, optimized, and controlled remotely.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

This disclosure includes embodiments of systems and methods of generating water in a container farm.

In various embodiments, a farming system comprises growing station coupled to a water generating unit and configured to grow or vitally support at least one of plants and fungi. In various embodiments, the water generating unit comprises a desiccation device comprising a desiccant and a housing, wherein the housing defines an adsorption zone and a desorption zone, a heat generator coupled to the desiccation device, a condenser coupled to the desiccation device and to the heat generator, a blower configured to receive a process fluid and move the process fluid to the adsorption zone of the desiccation device a circulator configured to receive a regeneration fluid and operably move and repeatedly cycle the regeneration fluid from the heat generator to the desorption zone of the desiccation device to the condenser, and back to the heat generator, and an actuator configured to operably move and repeatedly cycle the desiccant, or portions thereof, between the adsorption zone and desorption zone to capture water from the process fluid received at the adsorption zone and to desorb water into the regeneration fluid received at the desorption zone.

In various embodiments, at least a portion of the process fluid is generated by the at least one of plants and fungi. In various embodiments, the regeneration fluid comprises at least one of humid air, one or more supersaturated gases, one or more glycols, and one or more ionic liquids. In various embodiments, the condenser transfers thermal energy extracted from the regeneration fluid to at least one of the process fluid and an atmosphere around the water generating unit.

In various embodiments, the farming system further comprises at least one solar panel, the solar panel comprising the heat generator and at least one photovoltaic cell configured to generate electricity. In various embodiments, the farming system further comprises a water generating unit control system configured to control one or more of: a speed at which the blower moves the process fluids, a speed at which the circulator moves the regeneration fluid, and a speed at which the actuator moves the desiccant element.

In various embodiments, the water generating unit control system communicates with one or more sensors configured to detect one or more of: an ambient air temperature at the water generating unit, an ambient air relative humidity at the water generating unit, a temperature of the heat generated by the heat generator, a rate of flow of the heat generated by the heat generator, and a relative humidity of the process fluid. In various embodiments, the water generating unit control system employs a control algorithm configured to determine optimal control conditions for one or more of the blower, the circulator, and the actuator, relative to each other, as a function of one or more of an ambient air temperature at the water generating unit, a temperature of the process fluid, a relative humidity of the process fluid, a temperature of the heat generated by the heat generator, and a rate of flow of the heat generated by the heat generator.

In various embodiments, a farming system comprises a growing station configured to grow or vitally support at least one of plants and fungi, a nutrient supply system in fluid communication with, and configured to supply nutrients to, the growing station, and a lighting system configured to make light available to the at least one of plants and fungi, wherein at least a portion of the farming system is contained within a chamber, and wherein the growing station is in fluid communication with a water generating unit configured to generate water from air disposed inside the chamber.

In various embodiments, the water generating unit is at least partially contained within the chamber. In various embodiments, the growing station comprises at least one of vertically and horizontally stacked nutrient film technique (NFT) channels configured to receive nutrient dense water from the nutrient supply system and distribute the nutrient dense water to the at least one of plants and fungi. In various embodiments, the NFT channels are further configured to distribute nutrient depleted water to the nutrient supply system. In various embodiments, the nutrient supply system comprises at least one of an aquaponics tank and a hydroponics tank, wherein at least a portion of the water held by the aquaponics tank and the hydroponics tank is generated by, and received from, the water generating unit. In various embodiments, the aquaponics tank is configured to grow or vitally support aquatic animals, and wherein at least a portion of the nutrients are produced by the aquatic animals. In various embodiments, the nutrient supply system further comprises one or more nutrient reservoirs configured to hold one or more nutrients and to provide the one or more nutrients to at least one of the aquaponics tank and the hydroponics tank.

In various embodiments, the farming system further comprises at least one of a bio filter and a vortex solids filter configured to filter the water provided by the aquaponics tank. In various embodiments, the water generating unit comprises a desiccation device comprising a housing defining an adsorption zone and a desorption zone, and a desiccant, a heat generator coupled to the desiccation device, a condenser coupled to the desiccation device and to the heat generator, a blower configured to receive a process fluid and move the process fluid to the adsorption zone of the desiccation device, a circulator configured to receive a regeneration fluid and operably move and repeatedly cycle the regeneration fluid from the heat generator to the desorption zone of the desiccation device to the condenser, and back to the heat generator, and an actuator configured to operably move and repeatedly cycle the desiccant, or portions thereof, between the adsorption zone and desorption zone to capture water from the process fluid received at the adsorption zone and desorb water into the regeneration fluid received at the desorption zone.

In various embodiments, water generated by the water generating unit is the only water used to grow or vitally support the plants and fungi. In various embodiments, the process fluid comprises a farm process fluid received from the interior of the chamber. In various embodiments, the water generating unit is configured to use only the farm process fluid to generate water.

In various embodiments, the farming system further comprises a ventilation system configured to provide the farm process fluid to the water generating unit. In various embodiments, the ventilation system is configured to receive all of or a portion of the process fluid exhausted by the water generating unit and return it to the farming system.

In various embodiments, the farming system further comprises a water generating unit control system configured to control one or more of: a speed at which the blower moves the process fluids, a speed at which the circulator moves the regeneration fluid, and a speed at which the actuator moves the desiccant element. In various embodiments, the water generating unit control system communicates with one or more sensors configured to detect one or more of: an ambient air temperature at the water generating unit, an ambient air relative humidity at the water generating unit, a temperature of the heat generated by the heat generator, a rate of flow of the heat generated by the heat generator, and a relative humidity of the farm process fluid. In various embodiments, the water generating unit control system employs a control algorithm configured to determine optimal control conditions for one or more of the blower, the circulator, and the actuator, relative to each other, as a function of one or more of an ambient air temperature at the water generating unit, a temperature of the farm process fluid, a relative humidity of the farm process fluid, a temperature of the heat generated by the heat generator, and a rate of flow of the heat generated by the heat generator.

In various embodiments, the farming system further comprises a farm control system configured to control at least one of the nutrient supply system, the lighting system, and the ventilation system. In various embodiments, the farm control system controls when the growing station receives water from the water generating unit, and a quantity of water received by the growing station from the water generating unit. In various embodiments, the farm control system is configured to monitor and control at least one of an ambient air temperature of the interior of the chamber, an ambient air relative humidity of the interior of the chamber, a water total dissolved solids (TDS)/parts per million (PPM) value of the water made available to the growing station, a potential of hydrogen (pH) value of the water made available to the growing station, and a lighting cycle of the light provided by the lighting system to the growing station.

In various embodiments, the chamber comprises a fungi chamber configured to grow or vitally support fungi, and not configured to grow or vitally support plants, and a plant chamber configured to grow or vitally support fungi, and not configured to grow or vitally support plants, wherein an environment within the fungi chamber and an environment within the plant chamber are at least partially separated. In various embodiments, the process fluid exhausted by the water generating unit is returned to the plant chamber of the farming system, and wherein the ventilation system is further configured to transfer at least some of the CO2 generated by respiration of the fungi to the plant chamber, and to transfer at least some of the O2 generated by transpiration of the plants to the fungi chamber.

In various embodiments, a method of using a farming system comprises generating water, by a water generating unit of the farming system, from a process fluid, adding nutrients, by a nutrient supply system of the farming system, to the water, communicating the water, by a conduit of the farming system, to a growing station, wherein the growing station is configured to grow or vitally support at least one of plants and fungi, and wherein at least one or photosynthesis and respiration by the at least one of plants and fungi is configured to generate a farm process fluid, and communicating the farm process fluid, by a ventilation system of the farming system, to the water generating unit, wherein at least a portion of the farming system is contained within a chamber.

In various embodiments, the process fluid comprises the farm process fluid, and the water generating unit is configured to use only the farm process fluid to generate water. In various embodiments, the method further comprises making available light, by a lighting system of the farming system, to the growing station. In various embodiments, the method further comprises making available carbon dioxide, by a farm control system of the farming system, to the growing station. In various embodiments, the method further comprises communicating nutrient-depleted water, by the conduit, from the growing station to the nutrient supply system. In various embodiments, the method further comprises at least one of mineralizing water, by the water generating unit, and ozonating water, by the water generating unit. In various embodiments, the method further comprises receiving, by the ventilation system, at least a portion of the process fluid exhausted by the water generating unit, and communicating, by the ventilation system, the at least a portion of the process fluid to the chamber.

In various embodiments, the water generating unit is configured to condense a process fluid to generate water, and wherein the process fluid is at least one of an atmospheric process fluid from the atmosphere around the water generating unit and a farm process fluid from the chamber. In various embodiments, the nutrient supply system comprises at least one of an aquaponics tank and a hydroponics tank, and wherein the at least one of the aquaponics tank and the hydroponics tank are configured to receive and hold water generated by the water generating unit. In various embodiments, the water generating unit comprises a desiccation device comprising a housing defining an adsorption zone and a desorption zone, and a desiccant, a heat generator coupled to the desiccation device, a condenser coupled to the desiccation device and to the heat generator, a blower configured to receive a process fluid and move the process fluid to the adsorption zone of the desiccation device, a circulator configured to receive a regeneration fluid and operably move and repeatedly cycle the regeneration fluid from the heat generator to the desorption zone of the desiccation device to the condenser, and back to the heat generator, and an actuator configured to operably move and repeatedly cycle the desiccant, or portions thereof, between the adsorption zone and desorption zone to capture water from the process fluid received at the adsorption zone and desorb water into the regeneration fluid received at the desorption zone.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description of various embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various embodiments by way of illustration. While these various embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical, chemical, and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected, or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full, and/or any other possible attachment option. Surface shading lines may be used throughout the figures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials.

The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements or signals, electrically, mechanically and/or otherwise. Two or more electrical elements may be electrically coupled together, but not be mechanically or otherwise coupled together; two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled together, but not be electrically or otherwise coupled together; two or more electrical elements may be mechanically coupled together, but not be electrically or otherwise coupled together. Coupling may be for any length of time (e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant).

“Electrical coupling” and the like should be broadly understood and include coupling involving any electrical signal, whether a power signal, a data signal, and/or other types or combinations of electrical signals. “Mechanical coupling” and the like should be broadly understood and include mechanical coupling of all types.

The absence of the word “removably,” “removable,” and the like near the word “coupled,” and the like does not mean that the coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly toFIG. 1, shown therein and designated by the reference numeral100is a first embodiment of the present farming system100. In the embodiment shown, farming system100is configured to grow and/or vitally support plants, fungi, and/or aquatic animals in a container farm107using water generated by a water generating unit200. In some embodiments, the water generated by water generating unit200is the only water used by farming system100to grow and/or vitally support the plants, fungi, and/or aquatic animals.

In various embodiments, container farm107comprises one or more growing stations101, a nutrient supply system102, a lighting system103, a carbon dioxide (CO2) system110, and/or a ventilation system104, wherein farming system100is contained within a chamber105, and wherein container farm107is coupled to water generating unit200. In various embodiments, water generating unit200is contained within chamber105. In various embodiments, water generating unit200is separate from chamber105. In various embodiments, water generating unit200is partially contained within chamber105.

The interior of chamber105may be accessible through a door. In various embodiments, the interior of chamber105is insulated and/or sealed from the atmosphere outside of chamber105when the door is closed. In various embodiments, chamber105is a shipping container. In other embodiments, chamber105may be a warehouse, a greenhouse, a hoop house, or any other enclosed or partially-enclosed environment.

In various embodiments, growing station(s)101comprise nutrient film technique (NFT) channels configured to grow and/or vitally support the plants and/or fungi. Nutrient film technique (NFT) channels may be vertically stacked. Nutrient film technique (NFT) channels may be horizontally stacked. In various embodiments, Nutrient film technique (NFT) channels are vertically and horizontally stacked. The vertically and/or horizontally stacked nutrient film technique (NFT) channels may be configured to receive nutrient dense water to make nutrients available to the plants and/or fungi at growing station(s)101. In various embodiments, the nutrient film technique (NFT) channels receive water from water generating unit200.

In various embodiments, nutrient supply system102communicates and/or makes nutrient dense water available (e.g. in a low volume continuous flow) to nutrient film technique (NFT) channels of growing station(s)101, which communicates and/or makes nutrients available to the plants (e.g., the plant root zone of the plants) and/or fungi being grown and/or vitally supported by growing station(s)101. As a result, the plants and/or fungi receive the available nutrients from the nutrient dense water received from nutrient supply system102. After uptake or absorption of nutrients by the plants and/or fungi, nutrient film technique (NFT) channels of growing station(s)101may communicates and/or return the nutrient-depleted water to the nutrient supply system102, such as, for example, to be used again at the nutrient supply system102.

Other hydroponics techniques may be used to provide the nutrient dense water to the plants and/or fungi at growing station(s)101. For example, conventional hydroponics using a medium such as clay pebbles or rock wool, deep water culture hydroponics, ebb and flow hydroponics, aeroponics, etc. may be used. As used in this disclosure, “hydroponics” refers to a technique for growing plants and/or fungi in solutions containing water and nutrients, in the absence of soil. Artificial mediums such as sand, gravel, coir, hydroton grow rocks, perlite, or any other suitable medium are sometimes used to provide mechanical support, and aid in moisture and nutrient retention at growing station(s)101or elsewhere in container farm107. Aeroponics may also be used to provide the nutrient dense water to the plants, through a misting or spraying mechanism at the plant roots.

In various embodiments, nutrient supply system102comprises one or more hydroponics tanks109. In various embodiments, nutrient supply system102comprises one or more aquaponics tanks108. As used in this disclosure, “aquaponics” refers to a hydroponic system that includes the use of aquatic animals as a source of nutrients. The aquatic animals are raised in a tank where their excretions accumulate in the water. The water is then fed to a hydroponic system containing bacteria that convert ammonia and nitrite from the fish waste into nitrates, which can then be utilized by the plants as nutrients.

In various embodiments, nutrient supply system102comprises both one or more hydroponics tanks109and one or more aquaponics tanks108. In various embodiments, nutrient supply system102comprises one or more nutrient reservoirs, configured to hold one or more nutrients.

In various embodiments, the hydroponics tank(s)109is configured to make nutrients available to growing station(s)101for use by the plants and/or fungi. The hydroponics tank(s)109may be configured to hold water. The water held by the hydroponics tank(s)109may be generated by and received from water generating unit200. Further, the water held by the hydroponics tank(s)109may be mixed with nutrients, and then made available to growing station(s)101for use by the plants/and or fungi. In various embodiments, water provided to growing station(s)101is returned (e.g. recycled) to the hydroponics tank(s)109. In various embodiments, the nutrients mixed with the water held by the hydroponics tank(s)109is provided by the nutrient reservoir of the nutrient supply system102.

In various embodiments, the aquaponics tank(s)108is configured to generate and/or make nutrients available to a nutrient supply system102for use by the plants and/or fungi grown and/or vitally supported by the growing station(s)101. Further, the aquaponics tank(s)108may be configured to grow and/or vitally support aquatic animals. For example, the hydroponics tank(s)109may be configured to hold water and aquatic animals. The water held by the aquaponics tank(s)108may be generated by and received from water generating unit200. Further, the water held by the aquaponics tank(s)108may be mixed with nutrients (e.g. waste generated by the aquatic animal). The nutrient dense water may then be made available by nutrient supply system102to growing station(s)101for use by the plants and/or fungi. In various embodiments, water provided to growing station(s)101is returned (e.g. recycled) to the aquaponics tank(s)108.

In various embodiments, the aquatic animals grown and/or vitally supported by the aquaponics tank(s)108also serve as food for human or animal consumption. For example, the aquatic animals may include fish, snails, crayfish, prawns, etc. In these embodiments, the aquaponics tank(s)108may comprise an aquaponics fish production tank.

In various embodiments, the aquaponics tank(s)108comprises a bio filter and/or a vortex solids filter. The bio filter and/or vortex solids filter may be configured to filter the water provided to growing station(s)101of farming system100. The bio filter and vortex solids filter may be configured to filter the water provided by the aquaponics tank(s)108to the growing station(s)101, in order to remove contaminants and/or large particles from the water.

In various embodiments, the hydroponics tank(s)109and/or aquaponics tank(s)108of the nutrient supply system102is contained within chamber105. In other embodiments, for example, where a larger volume tank is desired, the hydroponics tank(s)109and/or aquaponics tank(s)108may be disposed outside the chamber and coupled to farming system100through any suitable conduits. Using a larger volume tank can permit more aquatic animals to be grown and/or vitally supported by the aquaponics tank(s)108, which in turn can make available more nutrients to growing station(s)101. In some embodiments, the hydroponics tank(s)109may be smaller in volume than the aquaponics tank(s)108, or the aquaponics tank(s)108may be configured to provide comparable nutrients to growing station. In some embodiments, implementing a hydroponics tank and not an aquaponics tank may permit chamber105to be smaller by volume and/or may allow container farm107to grow or vitally support more plants and/or fungi.

In various embodiments, growing station(s)101may be coupled to nutrient supply system102by any suitable conduits configured to transfer water between growing station(s)101and nutrient supply system102. Suitable conduits of farming system100may include, but are not limited to, pipes, tubes, channels, tunnels, or any other suitable means of communicating a fluid between two locations. In various embodiments, when nutrient supply system102comprises both hydroponics tank(s)109and aquaponics tank(s)108, hydroponics tank(s)109and aquaponics tank(s)108are both coupled to growing station(s)101by conduits arranged in parallel. In other embodiments, when nutrient supply system102comprises both hydroponics tank(s)109and aquaponics tank(s)108, the hydroponics tank(s)109and the aquaponics tank(s)108are both coupled to growing station(s)101by the conduits arranged in series, with water from the aquaponics tank(s)108flowing to the hydroponics tank(s)109, to growing station(s)101, and back to the aquaponics tank(s)108.

In various embodiments, when nutrient supply system102comprises an aquaponics tank108, the farming system100is an aquaponics farming system. In other embodiments, when nutrient supply system102omits an aquaponics tank, and comprises a hydroponics tank, the farming system100is a hydroponics farming system.

In various embodiments, lighting system103may be configured to generate and/or make light available to the plants, fungi, and/or aquatic animals grown and/or vitally supported by the farming system. In various embodiments, the spectrum of the light provided by lighting system103is optimized for the particular plants, fungi, and/or aquatic animals being grown and/or vitally supported.

In various embodiments, lighting system103of farming system100is a lighting system that generates high heat output. In an exemplary embodiment, lighting system103is a light emitting diode (LED) lighting system. Other lighting systems may be used in farming system100. For example, a high pressure sodium lighting system or a metal halide lighting system may be used.

In various embodiments, CO2system110of farming system100comprises a CO2tank and distribution tubes configured to disperse CO2into the surrounding air. In various embodiments, CO2system is suspended above growing station101to improve consumption by the plants. In various embodiments, CO2system110comprises a CO2generator powered by propane or natural gas, wherein the gasses are burned, and reacted with O2to generate CO2. In various embodiments, CO2system110generates CO2by fermentation, for example, with sugar, water, and yeast. In various embodiments, CO2system110generates CO2in the absence of power and gas. In various embodiments, CO2system110is configured to operate on a timed cycle. In various embodiments, CO2system110is configured to generate and/or release CO2when CO2levels drop below a desired set point, and to turn off when the CO2levels increase to the desired set point.

In various embodiments, the hydroponics tank(s) and/or the aquaponics tank(s) of a nutrient supply system102are not configured to provide nutrients or nutrient dense water to fungi. In various embodiments, fungi are grown and/or vitally supported under low light and low heat conditions, and are not provided additional CO2. In various embodiments, fungi are grown and/or vitally supported in a high humidity environment, (e.g. at or near 100% relative humidity, +/−10%). In various embodiments, plants and fungi are grown and/or vitally supported in separate growing stations101. In various embodiments, plants are grown and/or vitally supported a plant chamber111and fungi are grown and/or vitally supported in a fungi chamber112.

FIG. 2cillustrates an exemplary embodiment in which farming system100comprises a plant chamber111and a fungi chamber112. Plant chamber111and/or fungi chamber112may share some or all of the features previously described with respect to chamber105. In various embodiments, water generating system200is configured to provide water to both plant chamber111and a fungi chamber112. In various embodiments, water generating system200is configured to receive part or all of the process fluid(s) from plant chamber111. In various embodiments, ventilation systems104of plant chamber111and fungi chamber112are configured to exchange process fluid. For example, ventilation system104may be configured to receive process fluid(s) (e.g. oxygen (O2)) from plant chamber112and transfer it to fungi chamber112, and further configured to receive process fluid(s) (e.g. CO2) from fungi chamber112and transfer it to plant chamber111. In various embodiments, each of plant chamber111and fungi chamber112are configured to only receive process fluid(s) from the other chamber (e.g. in a closed loop). In various embodiments, plant chamber111is configured to receive additional CO2through CO2system110. In various embodiments, fungi chamber112is configured to receive additional O2through the ventilation system from the atmosphere outside the fungi chamber112and/or from any other suitable source. In various embodiments, fungi chamber112further comprises one or more atomizers configured to aerosolize liquid water generated by water generating unit200, thereby increasing relative humidity levels within the interior of the fungi chamber112.

In various embodiments, water generating unit200can comprise a drinking water solar panel. A drinking water solar panel also can be referred to as a water-from-air solar panel or a solar powered atmospheric water generating hydropanel.

In various embodiments, water generating unit200comprises a heat generator201, a desiccation device202, a condenser205, a blower206, an actuator209, and a circulator207. Desiccation device202may comprise a housing defining an adsorption zone203, a desorption zone204, and a desiccant (e.g. sorption medium)208.

In various embodiments, water generating unit200further comprises a condenser heat exchanger210, a water generating unit control system211, a water reservoir212, a first filter213, and/or a second filter214. In other embodiments, condenser heat exchanger210, water generating unit control system211, water reservoir212, first filter213, and/or second filter214may be omitted.

In various embodiments, heat generator201is coupled to desiccation device202. In various embodiments, desiccation device202is coupled to condenser205. In various embodiments, condenser205is coupled to heat generator201.

In various embodiments, circulator207is configured to receive one or more regeneration fluids and operably move and repeatedly cycle the regeneration fluid(s) from heat generator201to desiccation device202to condenser205and back to heat generator201(e.g., in a closed loop). In various embodiments, desiccation device202, condenser205, and heat generator201are coupled together by any suitable conduits configured to transfer the regeneration fluid(s) among desiccation device202, condenser205, and heat generator201. Exemplary regeneration fluids may include humid air, one or more supersaturated or high relative humidity gases (e.g., a relative humidity greater than approximately 90%, one or more glycols, one or more ionic liquids, etc.).

Circulator207may comprise any suitable device configured to receive and move the regeneration fluid(s) from heat generator201to desiccation device202to condenser205and back to heat generator201. For example, in various embodiments, circulator207comprises a pump.

In various embodiments, desiccation device202receives the regeneration fluid(s) at desorption zone204. In various embodiments, after the regeneration fluid(s) are received at desorption zone204, the regeneration fluid(s) is communicated to condenser205. In some of these embodiments, the regeneration fluid(s) may be communicated to one or more additional desiccation devices202before being communicated to condenser205, as explained further below.

In various embodiments, blower206is configured to receive one or more process fluids, and communicate the process fluid(s) to desiccation device202. For example, in various embodiments, desiccation device202may receive the process fluid(s) at adsorption zone203. Further, blower206may communicate the process fluid(s) through desiccation device202(e.g., through adsorption zone203). In various embodiments, after the process fluid(s) are received at desiccation device202(e.g., at adsorption zone203) the process fluid(s) is exhausted to the atmosphere around (e.g., adjacent to) water generating unit200. As discussed in greater detail below, desiccation device202may cause water in the process fluid(s) to be desorbed into the regeneration fluid(s), and condenser205may condense the water in the regeneration fluid(s) into a liquid. Accordingly, in various embodiments, water generating unit200uses the process fluid(s) to generate water.

In various embodiments, when blower206is configured to receive multiple process fluids, blower206receives two or more of the multiple process fluids at the same time and/or at different times. For example, in various embodiments, one or more of the multiple process fluids received by blower206supplements one or more others of the multiple process fluids received by blower206when the one or more of the multiple process fluids received by blower206are received at a same time as the one or more others of the multiple process fluids received by blower206.

Blower206may comprise any suitable device configured to receive the process fluid(s) and to move the process fluid(s) to desiccation device202. For example, in various embodiments, blower206comprises a pump.

In various embodiments, the process fluid(s) comprises an atmospheric process fluid, i.e., ambient air. The ambient air may comprise humid air. The ambient air may be disposed inside chamber105and/or outside container farm107. Blower206may receive the atmospheric process fluid from the atmosphere around (e.g., adjacent to, water generating unit200).

In various embodiments, the process fluid(s) can comprise a farm process fluid (e.g., ambient air and/or humid air disposed within chamber105and into which plants and/or fungi transpire and/or respire, respectively). Blower206may be configured to receive the farm process fluid from chamber105. For example, in these embodiments, blower206may be coupled to chamber105by any suitable conduits configured to transfer the farm process fluid from chamber105to blower206.

In various embodiments, at least one or all of the process fluid(s) may be received by blower206without regulation. In other embodiments, at least some of the process fluid(s) are received by blower206under regulation, such as, for example, by one or more valves. The valve(s) may be manually operated. Alternatively or additionally, the valve(s) may be automatically operated, such as, for example, by water generating unit control system211.

In various embodiments, actuator209is configured to operably move and repeatedly cycle desiccant208, or portions thereof, between adsorption zone203and desorption zone204to capture (e.g., absorb and/or adsorb) water from the process fluid(s) received at adsorption zone203and desorb water into the regeneration fluid(s) received at desorption zone204. For example, in various embodiments, desiccant208is disposed on a wheel located partially at adsorption zone203and partially at desorption zone204. In these embodiments, portions of desiccant208may be simultaneously located at adsorption zone203and at desorption zone204, such as, for example, so that desiccant208can simultaneously capture (e.g. absorb and/or adsorb) water from the process fluid received at adsorption zone203and desorb water into the regeneration fluid(s) received at desorption zone204. Actuator209may operably rotate the wheel so that continuously changing portions of desiccant208are located at adsorption zone203and at desorption zone204when actuator209rotates the wheel.

In various embodiments, desiccant208comprises any suitable material or materials configured such that desiccant208can capture (e.g., absorb and/or adsorb) and desorb water. For example, the material(s) of desiccant208may comprise one or more hygroscopic materials. Exemplary material(s) for desiccant208may comprise one or more of: silica, silica gel, alumina, alumina gel, montmorillonite clay, one or more zeolites, one or more molecular sieves, activated carbon, one or more metal oxides, one or more lithium salts, one or more calcium salts, one or more potassium salts, one or more sodium salts, one or more magnesium 25 salts, one or more phosphoric salts, one or more organic salts, one or more metal salts, glycerin, one or more glycols, one or more hydrophilic polymers, one or more polyols, one or more polypropylene fibers, one or more cellulosic fibers, one or more derivatives thereof, and one or more combinations thereof.

In various embodiments, desiccant208comprises any suitable form or forms configured such that desiccant208may capture (e.g., absorb and/or adsorb) and desorb water. For example, desiccant208may comprise a liquid form and/or a solid form. In various embodiments, desiccant208comprises a porous solid impregnated with one or more hygroscopic material(s).

In various embodiments, desiccant208is configured to capture (e.g., absorb and/or adsorb) water at one or more temperatures and/or pressures. In various embodiments, desiccant208is configured to desorb water at one or more other temperatures and/or pressures. In various embodiments, desiccant208comprises various material(s) and/or form(s), and/or may be otherwise configured such that desiccant208does not capture (e.g., absorb and/or adsorb) one or more materials toxic to humans, pets, and/or other animals.

In various embodiments, condenser205is configured to extract water from the regeneration fluid(s) received at condenser205, such as, for example, water that has been desorbed into the regeneration fluid(s) at desorption zone204of desiccation device202. In these embodiments, condenser205may condense water vapor from the regeneration fluid(s) into liquid water. Accordingly, condenser205may cool the regeneration fluid(s) by extracting thermal energy from the regeneration fluid(s) in order to condense water vapor from the regeneration fluid(s) into liquid water. In various embodiments, condenser205transfers thermal energy extracted from the regeneration fluid(s) to the process fluid(s) upstream of desiccation device202and/or to the atmosphere around (e.g., adjacent to water generating unit200).

In various embodiments, heat generator201is configured to provide thermal energy to the regeneration fluid(s) so that the regeneration fluid(s) are heated upon arriving at desiccation device202. Exposing desiccant208of desiccation device202to the heated regeneration fluid(s) at desorption zone204of desiccation device202may regenerate desiccant208by causing water to desorb from desiccant208into the regeneration fluid(s), thereby permitting desiccant208to absorb more water from the process fluid(s) at adsorption zone203and permitting condenser205to condense into a liquid the water desorbed from desiccant208into the regeneration fluid(s).

For example, in order to provide thermal energy to the regeneration fluid(s), heat generator201may generate heat, receive the regeneration fluid(s), and transfer thermal energy from the heat to the regeneration fluid(s). Accordingly, water generating unit200may use the heat generated by heat generator201to generate water.

In various embodiments, heat generator201comprises a solar thermal heater (e.g., a solar thermal collector). In these embodiments, the solar thermal heater converts solar insolation to the thermal energy provided to the regeneration fluid(s).

Further, in various embodiments, heat generator201comprises a portion of one or more solar panels. In such embodiments, water generating unit200may comprise the solar panel(s). In various embodiments, the solar panel(s) comprise one or more photovoltaic cells configured to generate electricity. For example, the photovoltaic cell(s) may be configured to convert solar insolation into the electricity. In further embodiments, water generating unit200may use the electricity generated by the photovoltaic cell(s) to electrically power part or all of water generating unit200. In these or other embodiments, part or all of water generating unit200may be electrically powered by any other suitable source of electricity.

In various embodiments, water reservoir212stores water extracted from the regeneration fluid(s) by condenser205. Accordingly, water reservoir212may comprise any suitable receptacle or container configured to store water. Further, water reservoir212may be coupled to condenser205to receive the water extracted from the regeneration fluid(s) by condenser205. For example, water reservoir212may be coupled to condenser205by any suitable conduits configured to transfer the water extracted from the regeneration fluid(s) by condenser205to water reservoir212.

In various embodiments, water reservoir212is configured to mineralize water received from condenser205. Water reservoir212may be configured to receive one or more additives for introduction to the produced liquid water. Such additives may be configured to dissolve slowly into liquid water stored in the water collection unit. Additives suitable for use in the present systems include, but are not limited to, minerals, salts, other compounds, and/or the like. To illustrate, such additives may be selected from the group consisting of: potassium salts, magnesium salts, calcium salts, fluoride salts, carbonate salts, iron salts, chloride salts, silica, limestone, and/or combinations thereof.

In various embodiments, water reservoir212is configured to sanitize water received from condenser205. Water reservoir212may be configured to generate ozone and apply the ozone to water received from condenser205. In various embodiments, ozone is generated by an ozone generator system as more fully described in Patent Publication No. WO/2019/014599.

In various embodiments, a first filter213is configured to filter water output by condenser205, such as, for example, to remove one or more materials (e.g., one or more materials toxic to humans, pets, and/or other animals, from the water). Accordingly, first filter213may be coupled to an output of condenser205, such as, for example, between condenser205and water reservoir212. First filter213may comprise any suitable device configured to filter water. For example, first filter213may comprise a carbon filter and/or a stainless steel frit. First filter213may be configured to remove excess ozone from water.

In various embodiments, a second filter214is configured to filter water output by water reservoir212, such as, for example, to remove one or more materials (e.g., one or more materials toxic to humans from the water). Accordingly, second filter214may be coupled to an output of water reservoir212. Second filter214may comprise any suitable device configured to filter water. For example, second filter214may comprise a carbon filter and/or a stainless steel frit. In various embodiments, second filter214is omitted, such as, for example, when water reservoir212is omitted from farming system100.

In various embodiments, condenser heat exchanger210is configured to transfer thermal energy from the regeneration fluid(s) upstream of condenser205to the regeneration fluid(s) downstream of condenser205. For example, removing thermal energy from the regeneration fluid(s) upstream of condenser205may help prime or pre-cool the water vapor in the regeneration fluid(s) to be condensed into liquid water at condenser205by reducing the regeneration fluid(s) to nearer to a temperature at which the water vapor will condense into liquid water. The thermal energy extracted from the regeneration fluid(s) by condenser heat exchanger210may be transferred to the regeneration fluid(s) downstream of condenser205so that the thermal energy can heat the regeneration fluid(s) upstream of desiccation device202. In various embodiments, condenser heat exchanger210makes farming system100more efficient by making use of thermal energy in the regeneration fluid(s) that would otherwise be lost to condenser205to heat the regeneration fluid(s) heading to desiccation device202.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system211is configured to control one or more parts of water generating unit200. For example, water generating unit control system211may control operation of blower206, circulator207and/or actuator209. In various embodiments, water generating unit control system211controls operation of condenser205, such as, for example, when condenser205is implemented as an active device.

For example, in various embodiments, water generating unit control system211controls a speed (e.g., increases or decreases the speed) at which blower206communicates (e.g., pumps) the process fluid(s). Further, in these or other embodiments, water generating unit control system211may control a speed (e.g., increase or decrease the speed) at which circulator207communicates (e.g., pumps) the regeneration fluid(s). Further still, in these or other embodiments, water generating unit control system211may control a speed (e.g., increase or decrease the speed) at which actuator209moves (e.g., rotates) the desiccant208.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system211employs a control algorithm to control blower206, circulator207and/or actuator209, such as, for example, in a manner that maximizes the water generated by water generating unit301and/or minimizes electricity used by water generating unit200to generate water.

In various embodiments, the control algorithm determines (e.g., solve) optimal control conditions for blower206, circulator207and/or actuator209as a function of (i) an ambient air temperature at water generating unit200, (ii) an ambient air relative humidity at water generating unit200, (iii) a temperature of a farm process fluid, (iv) a relative humidity of a farm process fluid, (v) a temperature of the heat generated by heat generator201, and/or (vi) a rate of flow of the heat generated by heat generator201. Further, the control algorithm controlling blower206, circulator207and/or actuator209may determine (e.g., solve) optimal control conditions for blower206, circulator207and/or actuator209relative to each other.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system211communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more water flow rate sensors) configured to detect the volume and/or rate of water generated by water generating unit200. Detection of water flow rate by the one or more sensors may occur in real time.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system211communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more temperature sensors) configured to detect the ambient air temperature at water generating unit200in order to determine the ambient air temperature at water generating unit200. Detection of ambient air temperature by the one or more sensors may occur in real time.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system211communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more humidity sensors) configured to detect the ambient air relative humidity at water generating unit200in order to determine the ambient air relative humidity at water generating unit200. Detection of ambient air relative humidity by the one or more sensors may occur in real time.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system211communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more temperature sensors) configured to detect the temperature of the heat generated by heat generator201in order to determine the temperature of the heat generated by heat generator201. Detection of heat by the one or more sensors may occur in real time.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system211may communicate with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more heat rate of flow sensors) configured to detect the rate of flow of the heat generated by heat generator201in order to determine the rate of flow of the heat generated by heat generator201. Detection of heat rate of flow by the one or more sensors may occur in real time.

For example, in various embodiments, water generating unit control system211may decrease the speed of actuator209as (a) the ambient air temperature at water generating unit200, (b) the ambient air relative humidity at water generating unit200, (c) the temperature of a farm process fluid, and/or (d) the relative humidity of a farm process fluid increases. Water generating unit control system211may decrease the speed of actuator209as (i) the temperature of the heat generated by heat generator201and/or (ii) the rate of flow of the heat generated by heat generator201decreases. In these or other embodiments, water generating unit control system211may increase the speed of actuator209as (a) the ambient air temperature at water generating unit200, (b) the ambient air relative humidity at water generating unit200, (c) the temperature of a farm process fluid, and/or (d) the relative humidity of a farm process fluid decreases. Water generating unit control system211may increase the speed of actuator209as (i) the temperature of the heat generated by heat generator201and/or (ii) the rate of flow of the heat generated by heat generator201increases.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system211may increase the speed of blower206and/or circulator207as (a) the ambient air temperature at water generating unit200, (b) the ambient air relative humidity at water generating unit200, (c) the temperature of a farm process fluid, and/or (d) the relative humidity of a farm process fluid increases. Water generating unit control system211may increase the speed of blower206and/or circulator207as (i) the temperature of the heat generated by heat generator201and/or (ii) the rate of flow of the heat generated by heat generator201decreases. In these or other embodiments, water generating unit control system211may decrease the speed of circulator207as (a) the ambient air temperature at water generating unit200, (b) the ambient air relative humidity at water generating unit200, (c) the temperature of a farm process fluid, and/or (d) the relative humidity of a farm process fluid decreases. Water generating unit control system211may decrease the speed of blower206and/or circulator207as (i) the temperature of the heat generated by heat generator201and/or (ii) the rate of flow of the heat generated by heat generator201increases.

Water generating unit control system211may comprise any suitable device or devices configured to control one or more parts of water generating unit200. For example, water generating unit control system211may comprise a computer system configured to control the one or more parts of water generating unit200. Further, the computer system of water generating unit control system211may comprise one or more processors and one or more memory storage devices (e.g., one or more non-transitory memory storage devices). In various embodiments, the processor(s) and/or the memory storage device(s) is similar or identical to the processor(s) and/or memory storage device(s) (e.g., non-transitory memory storage devices). In various embodiments, the computer system of water generating unit control system211comprises a single computer or server, but in other embodiments, the computer system of water generating unit control system211comprises a cluster or collection of computers or servers and/or a cloud of computers or servers. Further, various embodiments, the computer system of water generating unit control system211is implemented with a distributed network comprising a distributed memory architecture. The distributed memory architecture may reduce the impact on the distributed network and system resources to reduce congestion in bottlenecks while still allowing data to be accessible from a central location.

Further, water generating unit control system211may be electrically coupled to any parts of water generating unit200that water generating unit control system211is configured to control. For example, water generating unit control system211may be electrically coupled to one or more of heat generator201, condenser205, blower206, circulator207, actuator209, one or more valve(s) of water generating unit200, or any other portion of water generating unit200. Further, water generating unit control system211may be electrically coupled to any sensor or sensors (e.g., one or more temperature sensors, one or more humidity sensors, one or more heat rate of flow sensors, etc.) from which water generating unit control system211obtains measurements. In various embodiments, the one or more of the sensor(s) may be disposed in or in communication with container farm107, and may be configured to detect temperature, humidity, heat rate or flow, oxygen levels, carbon dioxide levels, nutrient levels, and/or any other relevant measurement. In various embodiments, one or more of the sensor(s) may be disposed in or in communication with water generating unit200and/or water generating unit control system211.

In various embodiments, when controlling operation of water generating unit200, water generating unit control system211is located remotely from where water generating unit200generates water. However, in other embodiments, when controlling operation of water generating unit200, water generating unit control system211is located near to or at a location where water generating unit200generates water.

In various embodiments, one or more of the control algorithms employed by water generating unit control system211is deterministic. In other embodiments, one or more of the control algorithms employed by water generating unit control system211is adaptive through machine learning.

In various embodiments, the farming system100employs any one of the water generating units200as described and disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2017/0354920 A1.

Although farming system100is described with respect to desiccation device202, farming system100may be modified and implemented with one or more additional desiccation devices, which can be similar or identical to desiccation device202. In these embodiments, desiccation device202and the additional desiccation device(s) may be implemented in series and/or in parallel with each other, as desired.

In various embodiments, container farm107may be coupled to water generating unit200by any suitable conduits configured to communicate fluids between container farm107and water generating unit200, including without limitation, process fluid, farm process fluid, water generated by water generating unit200, and/or water used by container farm107. For example, in various embodiments, container farm107may be coupled (e.g., by the conduits) to condenser205and/or to water reservoir212.

In various embodiments, chamber105provides a farm process fluid (e.g., humid air) to water generating unit200, specifically to blower206, to be used by water generating unit200to generate water. In various embodiments, the farm process fluid is generated and/or contributed to as a by-product of plant and/or fungi photosynthesis, transpiration, and/or respiration within chamber105. Farm process fluid received by water generating unit200may be the only process fluid used by water generating unit200to generate water.

In various embodiments, container farm107may be coupled to water generating unit200by any suitable conduits configured to transfer the farm process fluid to water generating unit200. For example, in various embodiments, container farm107is coupled (e.g., by the conduits) to blower206.

In various embodiments, when farming system100is configured to use only water generated by water generating unit200to grow and/or vitally support the plants, fungi, and/or aquatic animals, and when water generating unit200is configured to use only the farm process fluid to generate water, water generating unit200and farming system100operates in a closed loop.

In various embodiments, ventilation system104of farming system100is configured to provide the farm process fluid to water generating unit200. In various embodiments, some or all of the process fluid(s) exhausted by water generating unit200is received by the ventilation system104to be returned to the interior of chamber105.

In various embodiments, container farm107is coupled to water generating unit200by any suitable conduits configured to communicate some or all of the process fluid(s) exhausted by water generating unit200to container farm107. For example, in various embodiments, container farm107, is in fluid communication with to desiccation device202via ventilation system104and any suitable conduits thereof, such that desiccation device202may receive part or all of the process fluid(s) exhausted by water generating unit200into chamber105via ventilation system104.

In various embodiments, farming system100further comprises a farm control system106configured to control one or more parts of farming system100. For example, in various embodiments, farm control system106is configured to control nutrient supply system102, lighting system103, CO2system110and/or ventilation system104.

In various embodiments, farm control system106controls when nutrient supply system102makes nutrients available to growing station(s)101. Further, farm control system106may control the quantity and/or frequency of nutrients that are added to nutrient depleted wanted and/or od water that is made available to growing station101. For example, farm control system106may control when nutrient supply system102makes water available to growing station(s)101and/or how much water the nutrient supply system makes available to growing station(s)101.

In various embodiments, farm control system106controls the frequency, timing, duration, intensity, and/or quality (e.g., wavelength) of light made available by lighting system103to the plants, fungi, and/or aquatic animals grown and/or vitally supported by farming system100. Further, farm control system106may select and/or control a lighting cycle made available or displayed by container farm107. As used herein, the term “lighting cycle” means an optionally repeatable series of lighting characteristics, which may vary the frequency, timing, duration, intensity, and/or quality (e.g., wavelength) of light made available by lighting system103to the plants, fungi, and/or aquatic animals grown and/or vitally supported by farming system100.

In various embodiments, farm control system106controls when ventilation system104makes farm process fluid available to water generating unit200. Further, farm control system106may control the quantity of flow rate of farm process fluid provide by ventilation system104to water generating unit200.

In various embodiments, farm control system106controls when container farm107receives water from water generating unit200, the flow rate of water received by water generating unit200, and/or a quantity of water that container farm107receives from water generating unit200.

In various embodiments, farm control system106controls when container farm107receives CO2from CO2system110, the flow rate of CO2received by water generating unit200, and/or a quantity of CO2that container farm107receives from CO2system110.

For example, in various embodiments, farm control system106monitors and/or controls a temperature of the interior of the chamber105, a relative humidity of the interior of the chamber105, a water total dissolved solids (TDS)/parts per million (PPM) value of the water made available to the plants, fungi, and/or aquatic animals grown and/or vitally supported by the farming system100, a potential of Hydrogen (pH) value of the water made available to the plants, fungi, and/or aquatic animals grown and/or vitally supported by the farming system100, and/or a lighting cycle of the light provided to the plants, fungi, and/or aquatic animals grown or vitally supported by the farming system100. In various embodiments, farm control system106of farming system100collects and/or provides data (e.g., a temperature of the interior of chamber105, a relative humidity of the interior of chamber105, a water total dissolved solids (TDS)/parts per million (PPM) value of the water made available to the plants, fungi, and/or aquatic animals grown and/or vitally supported by farming system100, a potential of Hydrogen (pH) value of the water made available to the plants, fungi, and/or aquatic animals grown and/or vitally supported by farming system100, etc.) to an operator, user, and/or observer of farming system100. In further embodiments, farm control system106provides alerts to an operator, user, and/or observer of farming system100when data collected by farm control system106is irregular and/or outside of predetermined parameters.

In various embodiments, farm control system106communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more temperature sensors) configured to detect the temperature of the interior of chamber105in order to determine the temperature of the interior of chamber105. Detection of temperature by the one or more sensors may occur in real time.

In various embodiments, farm control system106may communicate with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more humidity sensors) configured to detect the relative humidity of the interior of chamber105in order to determine the relative humidity of the interior of chamber105. Detection of humidity by the one or more sensors may occur in real time.

In various embodiments, farm control system106may communicate with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more CO2sensors) configured to detect the relative CO2levels of the interior of chamber105in order to determine the relative CO2levels of the interior of chamber105. Detection of relative CO2levels by the one or more sensors may occur in real time.

In various embodiments, farm control system106may communicate with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more total dissolved solids/parts per million sensors) configured to detect the water total dissolved solids (TDS)/parts per million (PPM) value of the water made available to the plants, fungi, and/or aquatic animals grown and/or vitally supported by the farming system100in order to determine the water total dissolved solids (TDS)/parts per million (PPM) value of the water made available to the plants, fungi, and/or aquatic animals grown and/or vitally supported by the farming system100. Detection of a water total dissolved solids (TDS)/parts per million (PPM) value by the one or more sensors may occur in real time.

In various embodiments, farm control system106may communicate with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more potential of Hydrogen (pH) sensors) configured to detect the potential of Hydrogen (pH) value of the water made available to the plants, fungi, and/or aquatic animals grown and/or vitally supported by the farming system100in order to determine the potential of Hydrogen (pH) value of the water made available to the plants, fungi, and/or aquatic animals grown and/or vitally supported by the farming system100. Detection of pH value by the one or more sensors may occur in real time.

In various embodiments, farm control system106may communicate with one or more sensors configured to detect the amount of light, water levels, water flow rate, and/or temperature of the water made available to the plants, fungi, and/or aquatic animals grown and/or vitally supported by the farming system100. Detection of light, water levels, water flow rate, and water temperature may occur in real time.

In various embodiments, the farm control system106comprises any suitable device or devices configured to control one or more parts of farming system100. For example, the farm control system106may comprise a computer system configured to control the one or more parts of farm control system106. Further, the computer system of the farm control system106may comprise one or more processors and one or more memory storage devices (e.g., one or more non-transitory memory storage devices). In various embodiments, the computer system of farm control system106comprises a single computer or server, but in other embodiments, the computer system of the farm control system106comprises a cluster or collection of computers or servers and/or a cloud of computers or servers. Further, in these or other embodiments, the computer system of the farm control system106is implemented with a distributed network comprising a distributed memory architecture. The distributed memory architecture may reduce the impact on the distributed network and system resources to reduce congestion in bottlenecks while still allowing data to be accessible from a central location.

Further, farm control system106may be electrically coupled to any parts of farming system100that farm control system106is configured to control. For example, farm control system106may be electrically coupled to nutrient supply system102, lighting system103, and/or ventilation system104, etc. Further, water generating unit control system211may be electrically coupled to any sensor or sensors (e.g., one or more temperature sensors, one or more humidity sensors, one or more total dissolved solids/parts per million sensors, one or more of potential of Hydrogen (pH) sensors, etc.) from which water generating unit control system211obtains measurements. In various embodiments, one or more of the sensor(s) may comprise a part of container farm107, water generating unit200and/or farming system100.

In various embodiments, farm control system106comprises a part of water generating unit control system211. In other embodiments, the farm control system106is separate from water generating unit control system211.

Although farming system100is described with respect to one water generating unit (i.e., water generating unit200), farming system100may be modified and implemented with one or more additional water generating units, which can be similar or identical to water generating unit200. In these embodiments, the additional water generating units also can make available water to container farm107. Further, in various embodiments, one or more of water generating unit200and the additional water generating units may be configured to use the farm process fluid to generate water, and one or more of water generating unit200and the additional water generating units can use the process fluid disposed outside chamber105to generate water. In these embodiments, use of the farm process fluid by water generating unit200and the additional water generating units may be controlled by the farm control system106to maintain a relative humidity within chamber105.

FIG. 2aillustrates an exemplary embodiment of a farming system100implemented with two water generating units. In various embodiments, water is generated independently by each water generating unit200, but is commingled thereafter. The commingled water may be passed through a first filter313. The commingled water may be collected in a single water reservoir312. The commingled water may be passed through second filter314before being communicated to container farm107.

FIG. 2billustrates an exemplary embodiment of a farming system100implemented with four water generating units. In various embodiments, water is generated independently by each water generating unit200, and is thereafter communicated to, and commingled in, water reservoir212of a single water generating unit200. The commingled water may then be communicated to container farm107. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of water generating units may be used in farming system100, and that water generated by multiple water generating units may, or may not, be commingled at any suitable point prior to communication to container farm107.

Various embodiments include a method of providing (e.g., manufacturing) a farming system. Various embodiments include a method of using a farming system. The farming system can be similar or identical to farming system100(FIG. 1).

FIG. 3is a flow chart of a non-limiting example of a method of using farming system100as described herein. In various embodiments, the method of using farming system100comprises generating water by water generating unit200. In various embodiments, the method of using farming system100comprises at least one of mineralizing the water generated by water generating unit200and ozonating the water generated by water generating unit200. In various embodiments, the method of using farming system100comprises adding nutrients, by nutrient supply system102to water generated by water generating unit200to produce nutrient dense water. In various embodiments, the method of using farming system100comprises communicating the nutrient dense water to a growing station101. Nutrient dense water may become depleted of nutrients after contacting plants and/or fungi at growing station101. In various embodiments, the method of using farming system100comprises communicating nutrient depleted water from growing station101to nutrient supply system102. In various embodiments, the method of using farming system100comprises providing and/or making available light by a lighting system103. In various embodiments, the method of using farming system100comprises providing and/or making available carbon dioxide to chamber105by a CO2system110. In various embodiments, the method of using farming system100comprises communicating, by ventilation system104, a farm process fluid to water generating unit200. In various embodiments, the method of using farming system100comprises repeating one or more of the steps including generating water, mineralizing water, ozonating water, adding nutrients, communicating nutrient dense water, communicating nutrient depleted water, making light available, making carbon dioxide available, and communicating a farm process fluid.

FIGS. 4 and 5illustrates exemplary embodiments of a computer system300, all of which or a portion of which can be suitable for (i) implementing part or all of one or more embodiments of the techniques, methods, and systems and/or (ii) implementing and/or operating part or all of one or more embodiments of the memory storage devices described herein.

For example, in some embodiments, all or a portion of computer system300can be suitable for implementing part or all of one or more embodiments of the techniques, methods, and/or systems described herein. In various embodiments, farm control system106comprises computer system300. In various embodiments, water generating unit control system211comprises computer system300. Furthermore, one or more elements of computer system300(e.g., a refreshing monitor306, a keyboard304, and/or a mouse310, etc.) also can be appropriate for implementing part or all of one or more embodiments of the techniques, methods, and/or systems described herein.

In many embodiments, computer system300can comprise chassis302containing one or more circuit boards (not shown), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port311, a hard drive315, and an optical disc drive316. Meanwhile, for example, optical disc drive316can comprise a Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), a Digital Video Disc (DVD) drive, or a Blu-ray drive. Still, in other embodiments, a different or separate one of a chassis302(and its internal components) can be suitable for implementing part or all of one or more embodiments of the techniques, methods, and/or systems described herein.

In various embodiments, computer system300is configured to receive data from one or more sensors of farming system100, calculate a value from the received data, compare the value to a predetermined threshold, and control a component of farming system300in response to the comparison. For example, a processor of computer system300may be configured to instruct CO2system110to release CO2in response to detecting a CO2concentration below a predetermined threshold value. A processor of computer system300may be configured to instruct ventilation system104to communicate farm process fluid in response to an O2concentration above a predetermined threshold value. A processor of computer system300may be configured to instruct ventilation system104to communicate farm process fluid in response to an air temperature above a predetermined threshold value. A processor of computer system300may be configured to instruct ventilation system104to communicate farm process fluid in response to a relative humidity above a predetermined threshold value. A processor of computer system300may be configured to instruct ventilation system104to communicate farm process fluid in response to a CO2concentration below a predetermined threshold value. A processor of computer system300may be configured to instruct a nutrient supply system102to communicate nutrients in response to a nutrient concentration below a predetermined threshold value. A processor of computer system300may be configured to instruct nutrient supply system102to communicate nutrient dense water in response to nutrient concentration below a predetermined threshold value. A processor of computer system300may be configured to instruct nutrient supply system102to communicate nutrient dense water in response to nutrient concentration above a predetermined threshold value. A processor of computer system300may be configured to instruct an atomizer to aerosolize water in response to a relative humidity below a predetermined threshold value. A processor of computer system300may be configured to instruct farming system100to communicate water in response to a pressure below a predetermined threshold value.

Turning ahead in the drawings,FIG. 5illustrates a representative block diagram of exemplary elements included on the circuit boards inside chassis302(FIG. 4). For example, a central processing unit (CPU)410is coupled to a system bus411. In various embodiments, the architecture of CPU410can be compliant with any of a variety of commercially distributed architecture families.

The memory storage device(s) of the various embodiments disclosed herein can comprise memory storage unit408, an external memory storage drive (not shown), such as, for example, a USB-equipped electronic memory storage drive coupled to universal serial bus (USB) port311(FIGS. 4 & 5), hard drive315(FIGS. 4 & 5), optical disc drive316(FIGS. 4 & 5), a floppy disk drive (not shown), etc. As used herein, non-volatile and/or non-transitory memory storage device(s) refer to the portions of the memory storage device(s) that are non-volatile and/or non-transitory memory.

In various examples, portions of the memory storage device(s) of the various embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., portions of the non-volatile memory storage device(s)) can be encoded with a boot code sequence suitable for restoring computer system300(FIG. 4) to a functional state after a system reset. In addition, portions of the memory storage device(s) of the various embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., portions of the non-volatile memory storage device(s)) can comprise microcode such as a Basic Input-Output System (BIOS) or Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) operable with computer system300(FIG. 4). In the same or different examples, portions of the memory storage device(s) of the various embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., portions of the non-volatile memory storage device(s)) can comprise an operating system, which can be a software program that manages the hardware and software resources of a computer and/or a computer network. Meanwhile, the operating system can perform basic tasks such as, for example, controlling and allocating memory, prioritizing the processing of instructions, controlling input and output devices, facilitating networking, and managing files. Exemplary operating systems can comprise (i) Microsoft® Windows® operating system (OS) by Microsoft Corp. of Redmond, Wash., United States of America, (ii) Mac® OS by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., United States of America, (iii) UNIX® OS, and (iv) Linux® OS. Further exemplary operating systems can comprise (i) iOS™ by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., United States of America, (ii) the Blackberry® OS by Research In Motion (RIM) of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, (iii) the Android™ OS developed by the Open Handset Alliance, or (iv) the Windows Mobile™ OS by Microsoft Corp. of Redmond, Wash., United States of America. Further, as used herein, the term “computer network” can refer to a collection of computers and devices interconnected by communications channels that facilitate communications among users and allow users to share resources (e.g., an internet connection, an Ethernet connection, etc.). The computers and devices can be interconnected according to any conventional network topology (e.g., bus, star, tree, linear, ring, mesh, etc.).

In the depicted embodiment ofFIG. 5, various I/O devices such as a disk controller404, a graphics adapter424, a video controller402, a keyboard adapter426, a mouse adapter406, a network adapter420, and other I/O devices422can be coupled to system bus411. Keyboard adapter426and mouse adapter406are coupled to keyboard304(FIGS. 4 & 5) and mouse310(FIGS. 4 & 5), respectively, of computer system300(FIG. 4). While graphics adapter424and video controller402are indicated as distinct units inFIG. 5, video controller402can be integrated into graphics adapter424, or vice versa in other embodiments. Video controller402is suitable for refreshing monitor306(FIGS. 4 & 5) to display images on a screen308(FIG. 4) of computer system300(FIG. 4). Disk controller404can control hard drive315(FIGS. 4 & 5), USB port311(FIGS. 4 & 5), and optical disc drive316(FIGS. 4 & 5). In other embodiments, distinct units can be used to control each of these devices separately.

Network adapter420can be suitable to connect computer system300(FIG. 4) to a computer network by wired communication (e.g., a wired network adapter) and/or wireless communication (e.g., a wireless network adapter). In some embodiments, network adapter420can be plugged or coupled to an expansion port (not shown) in computer system300(FIG. 4). In other embodiments, network adapter420can be built into computer system300(FIG. 4). For example, network adapter420can be built into computer system300(FIG. 4) by being integrated into the motherboard chipset (not shown), or implemented via one or more dedicated communication chips (not shown), connected through a PCI (peripheral component interconnector) or a PCI express bus of computer system300(FIG. 4) or USB port311(FIG. 4).

Returning now toFIG. 4, although many other components of computer system300are not shown, such components and their interconnection are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, further details concerning the construction and composition of computer system300and the circuit boards inside chassis302are not discussed herein.

Meanwhile, when computer system300is running, program instructions (e.g., computer instructions) stored on one or more of the memory storage device(s) of the various embodiments disclosed herein can be executed by CPU410(FIG. 5). At least a portion of the program instructions, stored on these devices, can be suitable for carrying out at least part of the techniques, methods, and activities of the methods described herein. In various embodiments, computer system300can be reprogrammed with one or more systems, applications, and/or databases to convert computer system300from a general purpose computer to a special purpose computer.

Further, although computer system300is illustrated as a desktop computer inFIG. 4, computer system300can have a different form factor while still having functional elements similar to those described for computer system300. In some embodiments, computer system300may comprise a single computer, a single server, or a cluster or collection of computers or servers, or a cloud of computers or servers. Typically, a cluster or collection of servers can be used when the demand on computer system300exceeds the reasonable capability of a single server or computer. In certain embodiments, computer system300may comprise an embedded system.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the scope of the disclosure and is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the disclosure shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. For example, to one of ordinary skill in the art, it will be readily apparent that any element ofFIGS. 1-5may be modified, and that the foregoing discussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. For example, one or more of the activities of the methods described herein may include different activities and be performed by many different elements, in many different orders. As another example, the elements within farming system100(FIG. 1) can be interchanged or otherwise modified.