Abstract:
A modular hydroponic growth system is presented which supports a variety of plant growth with flexible conditions. The modularity is supported in part by quick-connect systems which allow liquids and air to be brought to and from subunits in an efficient manner. An advanced HVAC system allows for fresh air to be brought down one wall and stale air to be extracted from an opposing wall. The system allows for automation through the use of intelligent trolleys.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Hydroponic growth systems have to date only been deployed in limited situations, being used for specialized purposes or to grow plants in specific environments. Nevertheless, hydroponic farming offers the possibility of more efficient plant growth (higher productivity) than soil based systems, the ability to grow plants and generate produce in a wide variety of environments, and the ability to grow the produce near its point of final consumption. In addition, hydroponic growth systems allow for the growth of plant species which would not normally survive in a particular climate (e.g. desert or continually frozen environments). 
         [0002]    The hydroponic growth systems to date have shown limitations in their ability to provide optimized lighting and delivery of nutrients. In order to scale hydroponic farming appropriately, systems which optimize lighting and nutrient supply are needed. In addition, efficient systems and methods for feeding plants at the various stages of growth (e.g. seedling, cloning, vegetation, and flowering) as well as for monitoring and harvesting, are required. Furthermore, it should be possible to easily scale the hydroponic growth operation. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    What is presented is a modular hydroponic growth system comprising a plurality of modules including at least one mechanical module which provides liquids to the growth modules, and an interconnect system which allow growth modules to be interchanged. In one embodiment, an HVAC system is further incorporated to flexibly supply air with a corresponding rapid interconnect system to allow interchange of the modules. 
         [0004]    In one embodiment, a trolley system is used for automated processing and harvesting. Modules are accessed and growth material can be exchanged and conditions within the growth module monitored. 
         [0005]    In one embodiment, air is supplied to the module through a wall which allows air to escape into the module as it travels through the wall. A corresponding wall on an opposite side allows the air to exit. In this way fresh, humidified air can be passed over the vegetation. 
         [0006]    What is presented is a hydroponic system which in one aspect has a core for housing plants, the core having a bottom end and a top end. The system has a base portion for receiving the bottom end of the core, as well as for housing nutrients and water. A vertical arm connects to the base and extends to a capping arm to form a C holder which extends from the base portion and which attaches to the top of the core. A motor, which can be housed in the base, rotates the core and exposes the growing materials (plants/produce) to light emanating from a light strip housed in the vertical arm. In one embodiment, the distance between the core and the light strip is varied to control the illumination to the plants. 
         [0007]    The lighting emanating from the light strip can be controlled to vary the spectrum of light illuminating the growing materials. In one embodiment different types (colors) of LEDs are used and the colors to the LEDs are controlled by varying the current or the duty cycle of the LEDs. By varying the light emanating from the different color LEDs the temperature and/or spectrum of the light can be controlled and optimized for plant growth. In one embodiment a feedback system is used to vary the spectrum of the light and optimize the light for the particular growth conditions or growth stage of the plants/produce. 
         [0008]    Another aspect of the present hydroponic system is the nutrient system, which is comprised of several nutrients and potentially pH control solutions so that the nutrients and pH control solutions can be mixed into a mixing system and dispersed to the plants through the core. In one embodiment, a feedback system is used to monitor one or more parameters of the plants and adjust the nutrients and pH to optimize growth. In one embodiment, nutrient and pH solutions are stored in interchangeable cartridges. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment for small plants (typically plants with a full growth height under approximately 7″), a rotating small plant chamber allows up to approximately 40 small plants to grow at the same time, which are growing outward towards the light source, with the nutrients and water being fed up through the chamber in a tube connected to the base reservoir. The nutrients feed all the small plants and any excess drains out the bottom of the chamber back into the reservoir. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment for large plants (plants with a full growth height greater than approximately 7″), a rotating vessel (separate from system) containing a large plant grows upward and outward towards the light source, with the nutrients and water being fed into the top of the vessel for drainage into the base reservoir. 
         [0011]    In an embodiment for indoor environments, environmental control and artificial lighting are necessary for proper plant growth, so the removable arms with LED light bars are present along with the one-way mirror sheet wraps to enclose the growing environment. 
         [0012]    In an embodiment for outdoor environments, natural or supplemental lighting are necessary to plant growth. If there is not enough natural lighting reaching the system, the removable arms with LED light bars are optionally present to ensure that enough light reaches the plants per day. 
         [0013]    In an embodiment for automated reservoir monitoring and dosing, the automated reservoir monitoring and dosing engine is on top of the local reservoir, maintaining proper pH levels, nutrient levels, and water height. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment, the invention is deployed as a modular frame structure to house a mechanical section/module which provides for solution mixing and monitoring, and one or more growth sections which can be configured for various stages of growth. Multiple growth sections can be configured and operated from a single mechanical section. In one configuration, a single mechanical section is used to support a plurality of growth sections (e.g., 8-16). The growth sections may be located on each side of the mechanical section. The growth sections are equipped with sensors for both the air and water within the sections. CO 2 , temperature, and humidity sensors measure the environmental conditions of the air in the section. pH, electroconductivity, and water level sensors measure the water within the section reservoir. 
         [0015]    Growth sections can be configured to operate on an automated scheduler, which is specified by a user through a connected software interface. Specified schedules include settings for lights, nutrient dosing, air temperature, air humidity, CO 2  levels, and scheduling for multiple batches of mixed nutrient recipes. In one configuration, multiple growth sections can be configured within, for example, a 20′ ISO container, a 40′ ISO container, two merged 20′ ISO containers, or a collapsible container which can be collapsed and transported in a flat-packed format. In one configuration, multiple growth sections can be stacked on top of each other vertically. 
         [0016]    In one embodiment an expandable modular manifold system is used to interconnect the plumbing of the respective modules. In this embodiment, the manifold system interconnects between modules to provide a continuous water feed and drain system, as opposed to having a plurality of pipes which run from the mechanical section/module to each of the growth sections. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment, the plant growth can be separated from the growing trough by lifting up the plant growth section up and out of the growing trough. This can accomplished by using a system of winches which can be combined with a rail system that hosts one or more motorized trolleys that can pick up plant growth and relocate it as appropriate. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment, various configurations for motorized trolleys are used including a motorized trolley for harvesting/planting, a motorized trolley for monitoring, and a motorized trolley for dosing. In this embodiment the centralized mechanical unit can be eliminated as its function is accomplished through the motorized trolley. Motorized trolleys can be configured to integrate with the automated scheduler for each growth section, which is specified by a user through a connected software interface. Specified schedules include settings for lights, nutrient dosing, air temperature, air humidity, CO 2  levels, and scheduling for multiple batches of mixed nutrient recipes. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an example vertical hydroponic growth system, according to one embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective front view of an example base of the example hydroponic growth system of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  illustrates a rear perspective view of an example base of the example hydroponic growth system of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4A-B  illustrate side views of the example vertical hydroponic system of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of an example core of the example vertical hydroponic system of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 6A-B  illustrate a front view and an exploded view of an example indoor vertical hydroponic growth system for small plants, according to one embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 7A-B  illustrate a front view and an exploded view of an example indoor vertical hydroponic growth system for large plants, according to one embodiment; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 8A-B  illustrate front views of example outdoor vertical hydroponic growth systems for large plants and small plants, according to one embodiment; 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  illustrates an exploded view of an outdoor vertical hydroponic growth systems for small plants, according to one embodiment; 
           [0029]      FIGS. 10A-B  illustrate front views of example indoor vertical hydroponic growth systems for large plants and small plants having grown plants, according to one embodiment; 
           [0030]      FIGS. 11A-B  illustrate front views of example outdoor vertical hydroponic growth systems for large plants and small plants having grown plants, according to one embodiment; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 12A-B  illustrate a schematic for example mechanical and growth portions of a modular and scalable hydroponic growth system, according to one embodiment; 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of an example mechanical portion utilized in an example modular and scalable hydroponic growth system, according to one embodiment; 
           [0033]      FIG. 14  illustrates a perspective view of an example growth portion utilized for cloning of plants in an example modular and scalable hydroponic growth system, according to one embodiment; 
           [0034]      FIG. 15  illustrates a perspective view of an example growth portion utilized for vegetative state of plant growth in an example modular and scalable hydroponic growth system, according to one embodiment; 
           [0035]      FIG. 16  illustrates a perspective view of an example growth portion utilized for flowering stage of growth of plants in an example modular and scalable hydroponic growth system, according to one embodiment; 
           [0036]      FIG. 17  illustrates a perspective view of an example modular and scalable hydroponic growth system configuration, according to one embodiment; 
           [0037]      FIG. 18  illustrates a perspective view of an example system having multiple example modules being joined together using quick connects/disconnects, according to one embodiment; 
           [0038]      FIG. 19  illustrates a close-up view of the connection of solution piping and aeration piping between adjacent modules, according to one embodiment; 
           [0039]      FIG. 20  illustrates an exploded view of a module that is compatible with a trolley, according to one embodiment; 
           [0040]      FIG. 21  illustrates a perspective view of an example section of a modular system compatible with trolleys, according to one embodiment; 
           [0041]      FIG. 22  illustrates a close-up view of a modular system compatible with trolleys, according to one embodiment; 
           [0042]      FIG. 23  illustrates a perspective view of a modular system compatible with trolleys, according to one embodiment; 
           [0043]      FIG. 24  illustrates a perspective view of various different trolleys that could be utilized in a modular system, according to one embodiment; 
           [0044]      FIG. 25  illustrates a perspective view of a trolley chassis, according to one embodiment; 
           [0045]      FIG. 26  illustrates a perspective view of an example array of modules, according to one embodiment; 
           [0046]      FIG. 27  illustrates a top view of the example array of modules of  FIG. 26 , according to one embodiment; 
           [0047]      FIG. 28  illustrates a perspective view of an example airflow within a modular hydroponic growth system, according to one embodiment; 
           [0048]      FIG. 29  illustrates a perspective view, including a close-up view, of mixing tank and manifold system used in a modular hydroponic growth system, according to one embodiment; 
           [0049]      FIG. 30  illustrates a perspective view of an example trough that may be used within a growth module for deep water culture hydroponic growth, according to one embodiment; and 
           [0050]      FIG. 31  illustrates a perceptive view of an example nutrient film technique that may be used within a growth module, according to one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0051]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an example vertical hydroponic growth system  10 . The system  10  includes a base  100 , a core  110 , a vertical arm  120 , and a capping arm  130 . The base  100 , the vertical arm  120 , and the capping arm  130  are configured as a “C” and act to support the core  110 . The core  110  includes plant holes  160  to support plants (growing material). The size and orientation of the plant holes  160  may be varied to support a variety of plants. A light strip  150  is resident on the vertical arm  120  and provides lighting for the plants placed in the plant holes  160 . A motor (not shown) is used to rotate the core  110  to provide even illumination to the plants which grow out of plant holes  160 . 
         [0052]    According to one embodiment, the system  10  may be capable of utilizing interchangeable cores, with different cores being used for growing different types of plants. The configuration of the core is not limited to the illustrated example. Alternative core configurations may include cores having multiple vertical sections, or cores having plant holes angled significantly off of the horizontal axis (e.g., pointing upward with support around the holes). 
         [0053]    The base  100  and the capping arm  130  include adjustment slots  140 . The adjustment slots  140  allow for the distance between the core  110  and the light strip  150  to be varied to control the amount of illumination and provide adequate space while the plants are growing. Having excess space between the light strip  150  and the core  110  can waste light but can also impact the growth of the plants by causing too much growth outward (radially) and not enough growth around the diameter of the core  110 . In the illustrated embodiment, the core  110  is moved towards (and away from) the light strip  150  through the adjustment slots  140 . In an alternate embodiment, the slots  140  may extend from the light strip  150  and the light strip  150  may be moved towards (and away from) the core  110  which remains at a fixed location. A number of mechanisms can be used to alter the distance between the light strip  150  and the core  110 , including stepper motors, belt mechanisms or other electromechanical systems know to one of skill in the art which provide for controlled bidirectional movement along one axis. 
         [0054]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective front view of an example base  100  of the example hydroponic growth system  10  of  FIG. 1 . The base  100  includes a plurality of storage chambers (5 illustrated)  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218  and a mixing chamber  208 . The storage chambers  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218  may store different nutrient solutions and pH control solutions (pH up, pH down). The mixing chamber  208  may receive solutions (nutrients, pH control) from the storage chambers  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218  and mix them in order to prepare an appropriate “broth” for the plants housed in the core  110 . The broth may be customized for the specific plants, or specific portion of the life cycle of the plants, housed in the core  110  and may be made of different solution combinations and varying amounts of solutions. For example, the nutrients utilized in the broth may be chosen based on their ability to control early stage (e.g. seedling) growth, accelerate growth, or provide specialized nutrients to control particular growth parameters of the plants or to rapidly ripen produce. The pH control solution utilized in the broth is selected so as to keep the pH of the broth correct. 
         [0055]    The base  100  also includes a dispersal pump  230  that is used to pump the broth from the mixing chamber  208  to the core  110  through a dispersal line  232 . The base  100  may also include a filter  240  that is used to filter the broth. The broth may be feed from the mixing chamber  208  to the filter  240  via a feed line  234  and returned to the mixing chamber  208  via a return line  242 . 
         [0056]    The base  100  may also include a motor  200  connected to the core  110  for rotating the core  110 . In an alternative embodiment, the motor  200  could be located in the capping arm  130  or in the core  110  (requiring moving contacts). The base  100  may also include a support bar  250  and track system  252  that work in cooperation with one another to vary the distance between the core  110  and the light strip  150  by moving the core  110  towards and away from the light strip  150 . As previously discussed, in an alternate embodiment the light strip  150  may be moved towards and away from the core  110 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 3  illustrates a rear perspective view of an example base  100  of the example hydroponic growth system  10  of  FIG. 1 . The base  100  includes a plurality of pumps (5 illustrated)  320 ,  322 ,  324 ,  326 ,  328  to pump appropriate solution from their respective storage chambers  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218  to the mixing container  208 . For example, the pump  320  retrieves a solution (e.g., nutrients) from chamber  210  via input  330  and doses it to the mixing container  208  via output  331 . The other pumps  322 ,  324 ,  326 ,  328  retrieve the solutions (e.g., nutrients, pH controls) from the respective chambers  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218  via associated inputs  332 ,  334 ,  336 ,  338  and provide to the mixing container  208  via associated outputs  333 ,  335 ,  337 ,  339 . In one embodiment, peristaltic pumps are used. Other types of pumps for accurate dosing of solutions can be utilized as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art. Alternatively, gravity feeds for the solutions (e.g., nutrients, pH controls) can be used, with the pumps being replaced by electromechanical control valves. 
         [0058]    The base  100  further includes control electronics  340  that may include, for example, a microprocessor  350 , memory, and interfaces to the pumps  320 ,  322 ,  324 ,  326 ,  328  and motor  200 . According to one embodiment, the memory may include code that when read and executed by the microprocessor  350  causes the microprocessor  350  to control the operation of the base  100 . The operation of the base  100  may include automated control of the distance between the core  110  and the lighting strip  150  and the mixing and disbursement of the nutrients and pH control solutions that form the broth. In an alternate embodiment, the control electronics  340  provide for an interface which allows an operator to control the lighting and broth. 
         [0059]    According to one embodiment, a feedback system is employed which monitors one or more growth parameters of the plants and adjusts the lighting and broth appropriately. A fluorometer can be used to measure the chlorophyll fluorescence of the plants. Alternatively, other spectroscopic methods can be used to measure parameters of the reflected light to determine the growth parameters of the plants or chemical composition of the leaves or roots. The height and lateral growth may also be monitored using beam or imaging methods, with light beams being broken as plants grow up, or images of the plants being analyzed to determine their height and/or breadth. In one embodiment the measured parameters are used in conjunction with software to optimize illumination and/or the mixing/delivery of broth based on known characteristics of growth of the particular plants. In an alternate embodiment, the illumination and/or mixing/delivery of growth broth is varied based on empirical measurements and the conditions optimized based on the response of the plants to changes in lighting and growth broth. 
         [0060]      FIG. 4A-B  illustrate side views of the example vertical hydroponic system  10  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4A  illustrates the system  10  prior to any plant growth with the lighting strip  150  in close proximity to the core  110 .  FIG. 4B  illustrates the system  10  after plants (lettuce) have grown. As can be seen, the space within the system  10  is efficiently used and the core  160  (not visible) accommodates a high density of plants. 
         [0061]      FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of an example core  110  of the example vertical hydroponic system  10  of  FIG. 1 . The core  110  includes an outer wall  510  and a dispersal tube  530  located within the core  110 . The outer wall  510  includes holes  160  (not labeled in  FIG. 5 ) to accommodates seed pods  500 . The seed pods  500  hold plants having leaves  520  and a root system  522 . The dispersal tube  530  enables the broth to be pumped up to the top of the core  110  inside the tube  530  and then trickle down an outer surface of the tube  530  and contact the root system  522  of the plant. 
         [0062]      FIGS. 6A-B  illustrate a front view and an exploded view of an example indoor vertical hydroponic growth system  60  for small plants. The system  60  includes a capping ring  600 , a removable small plant core  620 , a base  650  and removable arms  630 . The small plant core  620  includes a plurality of small plant holes  610  (e.g., approximately 40) for receiving small plants. The size and orientation of the plant holes  610  may be varied to support a variety of small plants. A plurality of different interchangeable removable small plant cores  620  may be used within the system  60  based on, for example, the type of plants to be grown. The removable arms  630  include LED light bars (not separately identified). The base  650  includes slots  640  for receiving the removable arms  630 . The base  650  supports the removable small plant core  620  and the removable arms  630  (within the base slots  640 ). The removable arms  630  support the capping ring  600 . The LED light bars resident on the removable arms  630  provide lighting for the growing material. A motor (not shown) may be used to rotate the base  650  (or at least an upper portion that the small plant core  620  rests on) so that the small plant core  620  and the plants located within the holes  610  receive even illumination. The capping ring  600  acts as a protective ring for the plants (growing material) as well as a structural element for a removable ventilation system that may be included therewith (not illustrated in  FIG. 6 ). 
         [0063]    The base  650  may be capable of housing solutions (e.g., water, nutrients, pH control) and feeding the solutions to the small plant core  620  so that the plants supported thereby receive the solutions. 
         [0064]      FIGS. 7A-B  illustrate a front view and an exploded view of an example indoor vertical hydroponic growth system  70  for large plants. The system  70  includes a base  650 , removable arms  630 , a capping disc  760  and one-way mirror sheet wraps  790 . The one-way mirror sheet wraps  790  can be used to enclose the system  70  and may attach to the removable arms  630  and rest on the base  650 . The capping disc  760  includes an automated fan ventilation system  770 , an additional LED light cluster  780  and a housing  785 . Large plants can be housed and grown out of any vessel (not separately illustrated and not included with the system  70 ). The vessel may be placed on an upper portion (platform) of the base  650 . 
         [0065]    The base  650  may be capable of housing solutions (e.g., water, nutrients, pH control) and feeding the solutions to the large plants via a detachable short nutrient feed tube  810  that may be attached to the vessel housing the large plant with a clip  800 . The detachable short nutrient feed tube  810  may attaches to a submersible pump (not shown) in a base reservoir (not shown) within the base  650 . 
         [0066]      FIGS. 8A-B  illustrate front views of example outdoor vertical hydroponic growth systems for large plants  80  and small plants  85 . Sunlight is the primary light source for the outdoor systems  80 ,  85 . The system  80  is similar to the system  70  except that it does not include the removable arms  630 , the capping disc  760  or the one-way mirror sheet wraps  790 . The system  85  is similar to the system  60  except that it does not include the removable arms  630  or the capping disc  760 . It should be noted that the removable arms  630  that include LED light bars can be used outdoors for supplemental lighting, using sensors (not shown) to determine how much light is needed to supplement. 
         [0067]      FIG. 9  illustrates an exploded view of an outdoor vertical hydroponic growth systems for small plants  85 . The small plant core  620  has an upper cap  920  and a lower cap  940 . The upper cap  920  has drain holes  930  for the broth to evenly cascade down the core  620  to the plant roots. The lower drain cap  940  allows excess broth to drain back into the base  650  for recirculation. The base  650  may include a rotating platform  950 , a rotation module  990 , an automated reservoir monitoring and dosing engine  1000 , a removable reservoir  1020  and a transport module  1040 . The rotating module  990  includes a motor  970  and a lazy susan gear system  960  to rotate the rotating platform  950  so that the plants housed in the core  620  receive even light. The rotating module  990  may also include a removable drain pipe  980  and a removable water supply solenoid valve (not shown) for discharging water (or broth) into the removable reservoir  1020 . The removable drain pipe  980  and a removable water supply solenoid valve may be used for industrial applications. 
         [0068]    The removable reservoir  1020  includes a submersible pump  1030  to pump the broth up to the plants through a long nutrient feed tube  1010 . The automated reservoir monitoring and dosing engine  1000  monitors the broth, water level, pH levels, and eC levels and applies appropriate doses of nutrients and pH control solution (e.g., pH up/down solutions) from capsules (not shown) using peristaltic pumps (not shown). The various capsules and pumps within the automated reservoir monitoring and dosing engine  1000  can be replaced or swapped out. The nutrient solutions may be chosen based on their ability to control early stage (e.g. seedling) growth, accelerate growth, or provide specialized nutrients to control particular growth parameters of the plants or to rapidly ripen produce. As is readily appreciated, the pH control solutions are used to keep the pH of the broth correct. 
         [0069]    According to one embodiment, the automated reservoir monitoring and dosing engine  1000  would not be on each individual system  85  in an industrial scenario. Rather, the automated reservoir monitoring and dosing engine  1000  would be located on a main external reservoir. The automated reservoir monitoring and dosing engine  1000  could also be connected via WiFi to a smartphone/tablet/web application that allows an operator to use an interface to control all light and water features (not shown). According to one embodiment, the engine  1000  may include a microprocessor (not shown) and memory (not shown). The memory may include code that can be read and executed by the microprocessor in order to have the microprocessor perform the various monitoring, dosing and control activities. 
         [0070]    The transport module  1040  may include casters  1050  to allow the system  85  to be moved. It should be noted that in certain industrial scenarios the removable small plant core  620  may be taller and outfitted with additional small plant holes to allow for additional plants. 
         [0071]      FIGS. 10A-B  illustrate front views of example indoor vertical hydroponic growth systems for large plants  70  and small plants  60  having grown plants. The system  70  has a plant grown in a vessel (e.g., pot)  1100  that sits on the base  650 . The vessel  1100  may typically have holes in the bottom to allow drainage back into the reservoir in the base  650 . The system  60  has plants growing from the core  620  that is not visible due to the growth. It should be noted that the capping ring  600  or capping ring  760 , the removable arms  630  and possibly the one-way mirror sheet wraps  790  limit the growth of the plants. 
         [0072]      FIGS. 11A-B  illustrate front views of example outdoor vertical hydroponic growth systems for large plants  80  and small plants  85  having grown plants. Without the capping ring  600  or capping ring  760 , the removable arms  630  or the one-way mirror sheet wraps  790 , the plants have unlimited growing space. 
         [0073]      FIGS. 12A-B  illustrate a schematic for example mechanical and growth portions of a modular and scalable hydroponic growth system. The mechanical portion of the system is illustrated on  FIG. 12A  and the growth portion is illustrated on  FIG. 12B . The mechanical portion includes a recirculating pump  1210  connected to a mixing tank  1200  for recirculating and mixing of aqueous solutions. A heating element  1212  may be included to bring the solution to an appropriate temperature, and in particular to heat water from a fresh water supply. A sensor manifold  1214  is used to monitor parameters of the solution including, but not limited to pH, electrical conductivity, and temperature. Nutrients  1216  including, but not limited to, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium may be provided to the mixing tank  1200 . Additional components including, for example, hydrogen peroxide  1218  (for cleansing), magnesium  1220  and calcium  1222  (for re-establishing mineral content) can be added to the mixing tank  1200 . 
         [0074]    The solution in the mixing tank  1200  can be created using water from a pressurized external water source  1230 . According to one embodiment, the water can be filtered using filtration  1234  and a holding tank  1236 . Valves  1240  may be used to control flow of the water into the mixing tank  1200 . A bi-directional pump and valve assembly  1243  including a set of valves  1240  and pumps  1242  is configured such that water can be pumped into the mixing tank  1200  and solution from the mixing tank  1200  can be pumped out. Solution from the mixing tank  1200  may be pumped to a drain  1232  or to the growth portion (e.g., growing troughs T 0   1260 , T 1   1270 , and T 2   1280 ). 
         [0075]    The growth portion includes one or more growth troughs (3 illustrated) T 0   1260 , T 1   1270 , and T 2   1280 . Because the system is modular, additional troughs can be added and additional features may be added to some, or all, of the troughs  1260 ,  1270 ,  1280 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, trough T 0   1260  includes a light  1250  and a water level sensor  1252 . Each trough  1260 ,  1270 ,  1280  can be supported with a valve  1240 , flow sensor  1242  and sediment filter  1244 . The number of troughs that can be supported is primarily limited by the pumping capability of the system and can run into the hundreds. In one embodiment 32 troughs are supported. 
         [0076]      FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of an example mechanical portion utilized in an example modular and scalable hydroponic growth system. The mechanical portion includes a frame  1300  housing a mechanical assembly  1350  (e.g., functionality illustrated in  FIG. 12A  such as mixing tank  1200 , pump  1210 , heater  1212 ) on an upper level and storage containers  1310  housing, for example, nutrients on a lower level. 
         [0077]      FIG. 14  illustrates a perspective view of an example growth portion utilized for cloning of plants in an example modular and scalable hydroponic growth system. The growth portion includes the frame  1300  housing a plurality of cloning trays  1410  that are used to allow plants to develop root systems and to support the cloning process until the plants are ready to be transferred to a vegetation stage. Solution feeds (not illustrated) and drain  1420  are present to allow solution to be placed into and removed from cloning trays  1410 . Typically, light is not required for the cloning stage. 
         [0078]      FIG. 15  illustrates a perspective view of an example growth portion utilized for vegetative state of plant growth in an example modular and scalable hydroponic growth system. The growth portion includes the frame  1300  housing a plurality of vegetation trays  1510 . A light assembly  1550  is configured over each vegetation tray  1510 . According to one embodiment, the frame  1300  includes winches  1520  that are used to raise/lower the light assembly  1550  as required as the plants are growing. Solution feeds (not illustrated) and drain  1420  are present to allow solution to be placed into and removed from vegetation trays  1510 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 16  illustrates a perspective view of an example growth portion utilized for flowering stage of growth of plants in an example modular and scalable hydroponic growth system. The growth portion includes the frame  1300  housing a flowering tray  1610  containing a plurality of flowering plants. As in the configuration for the vegetative state, a light assembly  1550  is configured over flowering tray  1610  and can be raised and lowered using winches  1520 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 17  illustrates a perspective view of an example modular and scalable hydroponic growth system configuration. The system includes a plurality of rows and columns of modular sections (e.g., frames  1300 ). The illustrated system includes a row of mechanical modules  1704  in the middle of the system. The mechanical modules  1704  may include the functionality illustrated in  FIG. 12A , such as mixing tanks  1200 , pumps  1210 , and heaters  1212 . The mechanical modules  1704  may support a plurality of growth units both above and below the mechanical modules  1704 . According to one embodiment, at least a subset of the mechanical modules  1704  may include Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC). According to an alternative embodiment, the HVAC functionality is contained in its own modules and is separate from the mechanical modules. 
         [0081]    The system may include a plurality of cloning modules  1710 , vegetation modules  1720 , and flowering modules  1730 . As illustrated, the growth modules are organized in columns. In one embodiment, openings/aisles are left between rows of modules to allow access to the plants as well as for general access to the module. 
         [0082]      FIG. 18  illustrates a perspective view of an example system having multiple example modules being joined together using quick connects/disconnects. As illustrated, the system includes a cloning module  1801  (e.g.,  FIG. 14 ), a vegetation module  1802  (e.g.,  FIG. 15 ), a flowering module  1803  (e.g.,  FIG. 16 ), a mechanical module  1804  (e.g.,  FIG. 13 ), and an HVAC module  1830  all aligned and abutting the adjacent modules. The system utilizes quick connect/disconnect piping, tubing and conduits so as to facilitate interconnection of the modules  1801 ,  1802 ,  1803 ,  1804 ,  1830  without the need to have an independent set of pipes, cables and conduits that run underneath the modules from a centralized location. The pipes, tubes, cables and conduits may be self-contained within each module, and interconnected to each other when the modules abut one another. 
         [0083]    Specifically, the modules may include an electrical feed  1820 , a gas feed  1822  (for CO 2  or other gases), an exhaust duct  1850 , an intake duct  1852 , solution piping  1860  and aeration piping  1864  (for moving solution and air/gas into and out of the troughs). As illustrated, the electrical feed  1820 , the gas feed  1822 , the exhaust duct  1850  and the intake duct  1852  are located on the top of the modules and the solution piping  1860  and aeration piping  1864  are located on the bottom and sides of the modules, but are in no way intended to be limited thereby. The various pipes, cables and conduits  1820 ,  1822 ,  1850 ,  1852 ,  1860 ,  1864  may be configured with quick connects/disconnects which are fittings or terminations, typically with a flange, which allows the sections of conduit/tubing/ductwork to be rapidly and securely interconnected. 
         [0084]    According to one embodiment, the exhaust duct  1850  and/or the intake duct  1852  may include multiple ducts (illustrated in more detail below in  FIG. 19 ). 
         [0085]      FIG. 19  illustrates a close-up view of the connection of the solution piping  1860  and the aeration piping  1864  between adjacent modules. The solution piping  1860  extends across the modules and each side of the piping  1860  includes a quick connect/disconnect  1902  that are used to connect the piping  1860  of adjacent modules. As illustrated, the piping  1860  branches out on the left side of the modules so that the solution can be provided to the various trays contained therewithin. The right module (e.g., a vegetation module  1802 ) has 2 branches and the left module (e.g., a cloning module  1801 ) has four branches. As illustrated, each of the branches includes a valve  1240  for controlling flow. The aeration piping  1864  extends across the modules and each side of the piping  1864  includes a quick connect/disconnect  1912  that are used to connect the piping  1864  of adjacent modules. As illustrated, the piping  1864  branches out on the left side of the modules with the right module (e.g., a vegetation module  1802 ) having 2 branches and the left module (e.g., a cloning module  1801 ) having four branches. 
         [0086]    As previously discussed, the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 18 and 19  allow for modules, of varying types, to be abutted to one another and for the connections for electricity, air (including heating and cooling) and liquid solutions to be readily established without a separate and centralized plumbing and electrical system. 
         [0087]    Trolleys may be used instead of, or in addition to, the internal pipes, tubes, cables and conduits trolley to service the various modules within the modular system. The trolleys may move in the aisles between the modules and perform various tasks including, but not limited to, dosing, monitoring, and harvesting. 
         [0088]      FIG. 20  illustrates an exploded view of a module that is compatible with a trolley. The module includes a floor panel  2001 , wall panels  2003 , ceiling panel  2005 , frame  2007 , HVAC unit  2009 , growing trough  2010 , plant housings  2013 , and LED lights  2014 . The module can be configured to have standardized dimensions (e.g., 4′×4′×8′). 
         [0089]      FIG. 21  illustrates a perspective view of an example section of a modular system compatible with trolleys. The system includes two arrays of modules  2102 ,  2104  separated by an aisle  2100 . Each of the arrays  2102 ,  2104  are illustrated as including 6 modules in a 2×3 array (but are in no way intended to be limited thereby). The array  2102  is an open view of the modules (showing the plant housings  2013  and lights  2014 ) and the array  2104  is a closed view. The aisle  2100  is dimensioned so as to allow a trolley (automated or human pushed) and human access to the modules within the arrays  2102 ,  2104 . 
         [0090]      FIG. 22  illustrates a close-up view of a modular system compatible with trolleys. As illustrated, a door cabinet  2110  of one of the modules is open to provide access the plant housings  2013  or troughs contained therein. The access may be by an automated trolley system via the aisle  2100 . 
         [0091]      FIG. 23  illustrates a perspective view of a modular system compatible with trolleys. The system includes 3 arrays of modules  2104  (each array consisting of 8 modules configured in a 2×4 arrangement) and a plurality of different purpose trolleys  2300  that could be operated in the aisles between the arrays  2104 . 
         [0092]      FIG. 24  illustrates a perspective view of various different trolleys that could be utilized in a modular system. A trolley  2401  may include, for example, a tank (not labeled) and pumps (not labeled) and be configured for dosing the modules with an appropriate broth. A trolley  2403  may include, for example, monitoring equipment (not labeled) and be configured for monitoring the various factors (growth, pH, broth, air flow) associated with the module and make a determination as to any changes required. A trolley  2405  may include, for example, a floor capable of holding plant housings and be configured for harvesting crops or placing new plant housings within a module. 
         [0093]      FIG. 25  illustrates a perspective view of a trolley chassis. The chassis includes an axel  2503 , gear assembly  2505 , and magnetic plumbing connect  2501 . The rapid interconnect system previously described can be used in conjunction with the trolley system such that the trolleys can rapidly access and interconnect into the modules to supply or exchange fluids and air. 
         [0094]      FIG. 26  illustrates a perspective view of an example array of modules. The array may include a plurality of grow modules and a plurality of mechanical modules. The example array be utilized as a “fruit/veggie vault” and may be approximately 20 feet 
         [0095]      FIG. 27  illustrates a top view of the example array of modules of  FIG. 26 . The array includes a plurality of flowering modules  2700  (illustrated as three on top row and three on bottom row), a vegetative module  2702  (illustrated on top row abutting last one of flowering modules  2700 ), processing space  2704  (illustrated on top row abutting vegetative module  2702 ), mechanical modules (possibly HVAC)  2710  (illustrated in middle row), a brain module  2706  (illustrated as two modules on bottom row abutting last one of flowering modules  2700 ), and an entrance module  2708  (illustrated in middle row). The flowering modules  2700  and the vegetative module  2702  may have their piping, cable, tubes, conduits and the like quick connected to one another. The processing space  2704  may be an open space or a space having various tools or the like that can be utilized for manipulation of troughs and produce at various stages. The brain module  2706  may include a mixing tank, nutrients, and electrical and control components as previously described with respect to  FIG. 12 . The entrance  2708  may provide access to the mechanical modules  2710 . It should be noted that the configuration of the array is in no way limited to that illustrated. For example, the type, amount and/or location of the various modules (including the growth modules) could be changed without departing from the current scope of the invention. 
         [0096]      FIG. 28  illustrates a perspective view of an example airflow within a modular hydroponic growth system. To facilitate airflow, the system may include an intake  2800 , an air delivery wall  2802 , an air exhaust wall  2804  and an exhaust  2806 . The intake  2800  is to intake air and deliver the air to the delivery wall  2802 . The air may exit the air delivery wall  2802  and pass across the chamber (through the produce). After the air passes across the chamber, it exits through the air exhaust wall  2804  and the exhaust  2806 . The air delivery wall  2802  and the air exhaust wall  2804  are designed such that the air flows in the wall till reaching an area where there are multiple exits (on the inside of the wall facing the chamber). The horizontal lines represent the density of air in the walls, which decreases as it exits the wall in the case of air delivery wall  2802  and increase in density as air accumulates in air exhaust wall  2804 . 
         [0097]    A variety of permeable wall structures can be used to circulate the air including walls having holes in the inside wall. This air circulation can be used in conjunction with the electronics to control and maintain the appropriate temperature and humidity within the growth module. In one embodiment a humidity and temperature (humiTemp) sensor is incorporated in the exhaust panel. 
         [0098]      FIG. 29  illustrates a perspective view, including a close-up view, of mixing tank and manifold system used in a modular hydroponic growth system. A mixing tank  2900  used to mix various nutrients and house the mixture includes a manifold  2902 . The manifold  2902  includes U-trap plumbing  2904  having a plurality of sampling ports (3 illustrated)  2905 ,  2906 ,  2907 . The sampling ports  2905 ,  2906 ,  2907  may be utilized to monitor, for example, pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and temperature. The mixing tank  2900  may include a cone bottom  2910  to ensure all liquid is shipped when dosing troughs. In one embodiment the cone is built into the floor to maximize space. 
         [0099]      FIG. 30  illustrates a perspective view of an example trough that may be used within a growth module for deep water culture hydroponic growth. The trough includes a trough cap  3000 , trough platform  3002 , trough  3004 , and trough cabinet  3006 . In one embodiment trough cap  3000  is an insulated sheet (e.g. stainless steel) and can have a built-in housing for a water level sensor. 
         [0100]      FIG. 31  illustrates a perceptive view of an example nutrient film technique that may be used within a growth module. The method includes using a plurality (e.g., 2-6) of nutrient film technique shelves. The trough includes a 1 st  nutrient film technique platform  3100 , a 1 st  nutrient film technique shelf  3102 , a second nutrient film technique platform  3104  and a 2 nd  nutrient film technique shelf  3106  that may be housed in a trough  3004  and trough cabinet  3006 . 
         [0101]    The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. 
         [0102]    The description above and the accompanying drawings may reference and depict specific and relative dimensions and configurations of the invention, as well as referencing specific constituent materials and uses for the invention. The invention, however, is not limited to those dimensions, materials, or uses. The dimension and configuration choices made in the description and the accompanying drawings were merely descriptive and do not serve to limit the invention to those dimensions. Although the invention has been illustrated by reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent that the disclosure is not limited thereto as various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope. Reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described therein is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” appearing in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
         [0103]    It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The various embodiments are intended to be protected broadly within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.