Abstract:
A modular hydroponic growth system and method for applying the system having a central nutrient solution and nutrient reservoir that feeds nutrient solution and nutrients to one or more growth modules. A wall of the growth module is adapted to be removed to allow unimpeded access along a side of the box whereby trays may be inserted and removed without raising the bottom of the tray higher than required to clear an interior bottom surface of a cultivation chamber growth module. An additional germination compartment of the growth module supports simultaneous germination of seeds while another growth compartment of a same box supports growth in a second vessel, whereby ambient light is received by plants in the second vessel. An optional light filter screen provides varying filtering of the second vessel by selectively positioning a unified screen having two or more sections of varying strengths of light.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to hydroponic farming and more particularly to systems and method of improved design of modular hydroponic systems. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The subject matter presented in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also be inventions. 
         [0003]    It is generally an advantage in the field of hydroponics to design and manufacture systems that can be rapidly installed in a wide variety of settings and environments while still maintaining the environmental control attributes associated with greenhouse cultivation. Hydroponic systems that can be expanded or reduced in scope as desired by a farmer or owner also generally offer benefits to many users. In addition, the capability of an installed system to be reconfigured to accommodate and best foster the growth of a wide variety of plant species is also advantageous. Furthermore, hydroponic structures that present improved ergonomic designs that reduce worker fatigue and likelihood of injury are also desirable. 
         [0004]    There is therefore a long felt need to provide a modular hydroponics system, and method of use thereof, that may be installed in a wide variety of settings, that provides improved ergonomic design and enables adjustment and operational variance to meet the different needs of various plants. 
       SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Toward these and other objects that are made obvious in light of the present disclosure, a method and system are provided that enable a modular deployment of an invented hydroponics system and variable aspects of configuration and operation of the invented hydroponic system after an initial installation. 
         [0006]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular hydroponics system that includes a nutrient solution reservoir and at least one plant growth area. An optional additional volume may be provided for the germination of seedlings that may be sponsored contemporaneously with the growth of plants in a vegetative state in the at least one plant growth area. 
         [0007]    It is another optional aspect of the method of the present invention (hereinafter, “invented method”) to provide a growth module that shelters growing plants while enabling a routine repositioning of at least one wall to enable unimpeded interior access between the remaining walls to an internal bottom wall of the growth module, whereby a worker may pull and push a plant vessel in and out of the growth module along a top horizontal loading plane of a top surface of the internal bottom wall without having to raise a bottom of the vessel substantively above the top horizontal loading plane of the bottom wall. 
         [0008]    It is yet another optional aspect of the invented method to provide a light filtering screen having variable filtering strength sections within a substantively continuous sheet of material, or coupled to form a unified length of material. The various sections of the light filtering screen are varied in position relative to the at least one plant growth area from a rolled up position and to a filtering position, whereby the degree of shading plants within the box may be varied according to the deployment of the invented system. 
         [0009]    The present invention further optionally provides a fluid distribution manifold integrated into each growth module. Each manifold preferably includes at least two ports and quick disconnect fittings at each port. When the fluid distribution manifolds of one or a plurality of growth modules are coupled to a nutrient solution reservoir containing a level adjusting pump unit of the invented system, said pump unit provides the ability to set and adjust the amount of nutrient solution introduced to cultivation vessels coupled to distribution manifolds serviced by said level adjusting pump unit. 
         [0010]    The present invention additionally optionally provides an environmental control system, adapted for inducing ventilation inside the cultivation chamber with fan modules and the ability to mechanically actuate the upper door panel. Both outlet and inlet louvers may be arranged to cover ventilation apertures of the growth module when the fans are not in use via a mechanical or passive method. Screens and filters over ventilation apertures may also be included to prevent pests from contaminating the growth module. 
         [0011]    The present invention optionally provides an apparatus for heating and cooling the growth module and nutrient solution. Heating of the invented system can be achieved alternatively through electric radiant heating pads or hydroponic heat exchangers and/or forced hot air supplied by an external heat source 
         [0012]    The invented method optionally additionally provides a means for adjusting the transparency of the top surface of the growth module. 
         [0013]    The present invention optionally provides one or more detachable connections to power lines, electronic communications networks, and distribution manifolds to enable direct or indirect coupling of a plurality of growth modules to a single nutrient solution reservoir thereby creating numerous cluster configuration options. 
         [0014]    The present invention optionally further enables automated environmental monitoring apparatus, such as sensors for sensing environmental conditions internal to the cultivation section, internal to the nutrient solution reservoir, and ambient external conditions. 
         [0015]    The present invention may optionally include a hydroponic cultivation vessel, such as a tray or other suitable vessel known in the art. The hydroponic cultivation vessel may have multiple adaptations and configurations to support growth of a variety of plant cultivars and may further be coupled to the distribution manifold to permit the periodic flow of nutrient solution into the cultivation vessel. 
         [0016]    The present invention also provides a growth module that can be rapidly reconfigured by adding and removing various modular parts such as intervening panel sections, corner post spacers, and trellis sections whereby cultivation chamber can be altered spatially to support variety of crops through seasonal transitions or in response to shifts in consumer demand. 
         [0017]    This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0018]    The invention is pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. The advantages of this invention described above, and further advantages, may be better understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an invented modular hydroponics system that includes a nutrient solution reservoir and a growth module; 
           [0020]      FIG. 1B  is a front view of the invented modular hydroponics system of  FIG. 1A  with the front access door removed and exposing a plurality of cultivation vessels and plants; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 2A through 2C  are front views of different growth cultivation vessel configurations placed within the growth module of  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the growth module of  FIG. 1A  and including an additional intervening section; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a third alternate embodiment of the invented system that presents two hinged access doors in an open position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of the third alternate embodiment of the invented system that presents two hinged access doors in a closed position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of a fourth alternate embodiment of the invented system that presents an access door assembly in an open position; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4D  is a perspective view of the fourth alternate embodiment of the invented system of  FIG. 4C  with an access door in a closed position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4E  is a perspective view of the invented modular hydroponics system of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4F  is a perspective view of a worker placing a tray into the third alternate embodiment of the invented system of  FIG. 4A . 
           [0029]      FIG. 5A  is a schematic drawing of elements of an electrical control and power system of the invented modular hydroponics system of  FIG. 1A  that are related to the reservoir operations; 
           [0030]      FIG. 5B  is a schematic drawing of additional elements of the electrical control and power system  FIG. 5A  that are related to the growth module environment; 
           [0031]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of the invented modular hydroponics system of  FIG. 1A  with an additional germination chamber and comprising two level adjusting pump units; 
           [0032]      FIG. 6B  is a detailed view of two level adjusting pump units within a nutrient solution volume of the nutrient solution reservoir of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6C  is an exploded view of the growth module of  FIG. 6A   
           [0034]      FIG. 7A  is a detailed assembly of a level adjusting pump unit of the invented modular hydroponics system of  FIG. 6A ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 7B  is a detailed assembly of a level adjusting pump coupled to a distribution manifold and a plurality of cultivation vessels. 
           [0036]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective detailed view of the first-size tray of  FIG. 1B  and three different insertable plant support elements; 
           [0037]      FIG. 9  is an alternate embodiment of the invented hydroponic system that is reduced in size for easier transport within buildings; 
           [0038]      FIGS. 10A through 10D  present aspects of an optional and invented shade system that can be attached to the growth module of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 11  is a perspective of the first-size tray of  FIG. 1B ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an optional trellis configuration in combination with invented hydroponic system of  FIG. 1A through 1C ; and 
           [0041]      FIG. 13  is a top view of a roof top installation of a plurality of the invented system of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0042]    It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to particular aspects of the present invention described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims. 
         [0043]    Methods recited herein may be carried out in any order of the recited events which is logically possible, as well as the recited order of events. 
         [0044]    Where a range of values is provided herein, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention. 
         [0045]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the methods and materials are now described. 
         [0046]    It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation. 
         [0047]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an invented modular hydroponics system  2  (hereinafter, “first invented system”  2 ) presented in a first, or closed, position. The invented system  2  includes a nutrient solution reservoir  4 , a connective tubing  6  and a growth module  8 . The modular growth module  8  defines a first interior volume  8 V, as presented in  FIG. 4B , and includes four metallic legs  8 LA- 8 LD, a distribution manifold  8 T as shown in  FIG. 1B , a tubing cap  8 C, a cultivation section  10 , an upper section  12  and a lid  14 . The four legs  8 LA- 8 LD are preferably telescoping or otherwise adjustable in length. The cultivation section  10  includes a front access door  10 A, two cultivation sidewalls  10 B &amp;  10 C, a cultivation back wall  10 D and a bottom wall  10 E, as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0048]    The upper section  12  includes an upper access wall  12 A and preferably generally allows ambient light to enter into the first interior volume  8 V. A ventilation aperture  12 B may include an optional ventilation louver  12 C that can be operated passively or mechanically. The ventilation aperture  12 B optionally further accepts a motorized fan module  12 D, as shown in  FIG. 4A . The lid  14  is coupled with the upper section  12  at upper sides  12 E &amp;  12 F and preferably is designed, built and positioned to effectively shield the first interior volume  8 V from wind and rain and form an insulated or closed mass for improved heating and/or cooling. 
         [0049]    The growth module  8  may further include LED or fluorescent lighting apparatus that generates artificial light inside the growth module  8  through both top and sidewall placement. 
         [0050]    The growth module  8  cultivation section  10  may be constructed with flat insulated laminate panel with insulating core, e.g. foam, honeycomb, and the like, encased in or covered in a metal or plastic skin, whereby the growth modules  10  can be disassembled and “flat packed” for shipping. The cultivation section  10  may alternatively be constructed as a single molded composite or plastic piece. Variations in wall thickness for insulating needs can be incorporated in the growth module  8  construction. The growth module  8  can also be non-insulated and made out of any suitable sheet-like material known in the art. 
         [0051]    The upper section  12  may be formed of or comprise corrugated polycarbonate panel options, or other suitable material options known in the art. Multiple alternative shapes of the lid  14  may consist of a curved roof, a flat-pitched roof, a peaked roof and other suitable shapes known in the art. 
         [0052]      FIG. 1B  is a front view of the first invented system  2  in a second open position with the front access door  10 A and the upper access wall  12 A are removed, whereby easy access to the first interior volume  8 V by workers is enabled. Four removable first-size trays  16 A rest inside the growth module  8  and directly on a top side of the bottom wall  10 E of the cultivation section  10 . Each first-size tray  16 A is separately and detachably coupled with an individual internal ports  8 P of the distribution manifold  8 T to periodically receive nutrient solution from the nutrient solution reservoir  4 . The distribution manifold  8 T also contains external ports  8 E at the longitudinal extremities of the growth module  8  whereby the distribution manifold  8 T can be coupled to a nutrient solution reservoir  4  and/or another growth module  8 . One or more cabbage plants  18  are positioned within the growth module  8  and within the first-size trays  16 A. 
         [0053]      FIGS. 2A through 2C  are separate front views of three differently shaped cultivation vessels  16 B- 16 D, i.e., growth trays  16 B &amp;  16 C and growth pots  16 D, that are individually insertable into the growth module  8 . As shown in  FIG. 2A , each of two second-size trays  16 B are adapted to be simultaneously fit within the growth module  8 , wherein each of the two placed second-size trays  16 B are detachably coupled with a single internal port  8 P. As shown in  FIG. 2B  a third-size tray  16 C is shaped to nearly fill the interior width Wi of the growth module  8 . The third-size tray  16 C is detachably coupled with a single internal port  8 P.  FIG. 2C  presents a pots  16 D that are coupled to one or more internal ports  8 P. 
         [0054]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention  20  (hereinafter, “second system”  20 ). The second system  20  includes the cultivation section  10 , the upper section  12 , the lid  14  and an intervening section  22 . Intervening metal spacers  22 A- 22 D are adapted for insertion into both a leg  8 LA- 8 LD and individual upper posts  12 G &amp;  12 H of the upper assembly  12 . Four intervening walls  22 E- 22 H are mechanically or magnetically fastened to the metal spacers  22 A- 22 D, whereby the interior volume  8 V of the growth module  8  can be expanded vertically with the placement of successive intervening sections. 
         [0055]    The front access door  10 A and cultivation walls  10 B,  10 C &amp;  10 D, in addition to mechanical fasteners  24 , may also present magnets that provide sufficient magnetic force to maintain each intervening walls  22 D- 22 G statically in place with the metallic legs  8 LA- 8 LD. Each leg  8 LA- 8 LD forms and presents a tapped receiver  8 R that accepts and engages with a threaded foot feature  8 F, wherein the height of the growth module  8  can be adjusted by rotating the threaded foot features  8 F within the tapped receivers  8 R. 
         [0056]    The distribution manifold  8 T may be made of rigid polyvinyl chloride or other suitable material known in the art. 
         [0057]    Referring now to  FIG. 4A , a third preferred embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, “third system”  26 ) includes hinges  26 A- 26 D, wherein an upper pair of hinges  26 A &amp;  26 B rotatably couple the upper access wall  12 A to the upper side walls  12  E &amp;  12 F, and a lower pair of hinges  26 C &amp;  26 D rotatably couple the front access door  10 A to the front legs  8 LA &amp;  8 LB. The hinge pairs  26 A- 26 B &amp;  26 C- 26 D enable the upper access door  12 A and the front access door  10 A to rotatably transition from the first, closed position of  FIG. 4B  to a second, open, position of  FIG. 4A . In the open position, the front access door  10 A is positioned fully below the top surface  10 F of the bottom wall  10 E. Latches  27  detcahably secure the front access door  10 A in a vertical orientation extending from the lower pair of hinges  26 C &amp;  26 D. 
         [0058]    Referring now to  FIG. 4B , the third system  26  is placed into a closed position to define the interior volume  8 V and thereby protects the exemplary plants  18 . The interior volume  8 V of the growth module  8  is illustrated by dashed lines in  FIG. 4B . 
         [0059]    Referring now to  FIG. 4C , a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, “fourth system”  28 ) that includes an alternate front access door assembly  10 G that includes a framed opaque panel  10 I and a substantively translucent framed panel  10 H presented in an open position. The framed opaque panel  10 I and the translucent framed panel  10 H are joined together by fasteners  24  and form a pressure sealed seam  10 J. The lower pair of hinges  26 C &amp;  26 D rotatably attach the alternate front access door assembly  10 G to the front legs  8 LA &amp; LB respectively. In this second, open position, the front access door assembly  10 G is positioned fully below the top surface  10 F of the bottom wall  10 E of the cultivation section  10 . 
         [0060]    Referring now to  FIG. 4D , the fourth system  28  is shown in a closed position wherein the additional height provided by the translucent framed panel  10 H enables the alternate front access door assembly  10 G to extend in height from the bottom wall  10 E and to the lid  14  and thereby enclose the exemplary plants  18  in the interior volume  8 V. 
         [0061]    Referring now to  FIG. 4E , the first system  2  is shown transitioning from the first closed position of  FIG. 1A  to the first open position of FIGS.  1 B and  2 A- 2 C, wherein the front access door  1  OA and the upper access door  12 A are removed from coupling with the additional walls of the growth module  8 . 
         [0062]    Referring now to  FIG. 4F ,  FIG. 4F  presents a worker  30  inserting a first-size tray  16 A onto the top surface  10 F of the bottom wall  10 E of the third system  26 , wherein the upper access wall  12 A is swung downward and completely below a horizontal loading plane H that extends from a topside  10 F of the bottom wall  10 E. This mobility of the lower access wall  10 A into a position fully below the horizontal loading plane H permits the worker  3  to insert and remove cultivation vessels  16 A- 16 D without the worker  30  having to lift the trays  16 A- 16 C or pots  16 D higher than necessary to clear the horizontal loading plane H, whereby both the likelihood of work place injury and the physical strain placed on the worker  30  in lifting and lowering trays  16 A- 16 C and pots  16 D is reduced. 
         [0063]    Referring now to  FIG. 5A ,  FIG. 5A  is a schematic of elements of a control system  500  of the invented system  2  that manage certain operations of the reservoir  4 , wherein a central processing unit  502  (hereinafter, “CPU”  502 ) is bi-directionally communicatively coupled by a power and communications bus  504  with a plurality of modules and circuits, to include a network interface  506 , a memory  508 , a first pump controller  510 , a second pump controller  512 , one or more nutrient solution condition sensors  514  and one or more dispenser modules  516 . The power and communications bus additionally accepts electrical from an external power source  520  and alternately a battery  518  and delivers energy to the elements of the control system  500  as directed by the CPU  502 . A system software SSW stored in the memory  508  directs the CPU  502  to execute the aspects of the invented method as disclosed in the Figures and accompanying text. The first pump controller  510  alternately supplies power to a first motorized pump  522  as directed by the CPU  502  and the second pump controller  512  alternately supplies power to a second motorized pump  524 , also as directed by the CPU  502 . 
         [0064]    Certain alternate preferred embodiments of the invented system may include multiple pumps for zone irrigation. The CPU  502  is preferably housed in a dry compartment of the reservoir  4 , and the power and communications bus  504  preferably extends to enable bi-directional communication with, and delivery of electrical power to the growth module  8 . 
         [0065]    Referring now to  FIG. 5B ,  FIG. 5B  is a schematic of additional elements of the control system  500  that relate to the internal environment of the growth module  8 . The CPU  502  is bi-directionally communicatively coupled by the power and communications bus  504  with a plurality of modules and circuits, to include a network interface  506 , a memory  508 , a fan module interface  526 , a lighting array interface  528 , a louver module interface  530 , a humidity sensor  532 , a lumens sensor  534 , and a temperature sensor  536 . The power and communications bus  504  additionally accepts electrical from the external power source  520  and alternately the battery  518  and delivers energy to the fan module interface  526 , the lighting array interface  528  and the louver module interface  530  as directed by the CPU  502 . 
         [0066]    The fan module interface  526  alternately delivers electrical power to the motorized fan unit  12 D as directed by the CPU  502 ; the lighting array interface  528  alternately delivers electrical power to a lighting array  540  positioned within the growth module  8 ; and the louver module interface  530  alternately delivers electrical power to a louver motor  542 . 
         [0067]    Referring now to  FIG. 6A , a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, “sixth system”  32 ) further comprises a germination box  34 , wherein a plurality of seeds  36  are positioned in germinations trays  38  within the germination box  34 . A germination box access door  34 A is rotatably coupled with the sixth system  32  by germination box hinges  34 B &amp;  34 C and enables worker access to a second interior volume of the sixth system  32 . It is understood that it is preferable that the germination box  34  fully encloses the germinations trays  38  when the germination access door  36  is rotated fully upward into a vertical first position in order to best to inhibit ambient light from extending into the interior volume to induce conditions best suited for seed germination. It is further understood that positioning the germination box  34  under the cultivation box  10  is also preferred in order to enable exposure of the plants  18  to light energy while better shielding the seeds  36  from exposure to light sources. 
         [0068]    Referring now to  FIG. 6B , two level adjusting pump units  40  &amp;  42  of the sixth system  32  are presented. A first level adjusting pump unit  40  includes the first pump  522  and is coupled to the distribution manifold  8 T of the growth module  8 . A second level adjusting pump unit  42  includes the second pump  524  and is coupled to a germination distribution manifold  34 T Each germination tray  38  is detachably coupled to an internal germination port  38 P of the germination distribution manifold  38 T. The first level adjusting pump unit  40  pumps nutrient solution  44  into the distribution manifold  38 T as directed by the CPU  502  to provide nutrient solution into the cultivation vessels  16 A- 16 D inserted into the growth module  10  and coupled to an internal port  8 P of the distribution manifold  8 T. The second level adjusting pump unit  42  pumps nutrient solution  44  into germination distribution manifold  38 T as directed by the CPU  502  to provide nutrient solution into the coupled germination tubing port  38 P of the germination distribution manifold  34 T. It is preferable a first elevation flood level established by the first level adjusting pump unit  40  within the cultivation chamber  10  be higher vertically than a second elevation flood level established by the second level adjusting pump unit  42  within the within the germination box  34  to insure that the higher placed plants  18  growing within the cultivation section  10  receive a sufficient nutrient solution supply sourced from the reservoir. 
         [0069]      FIG. 6C  is an exploded view of the sixth system  32 , wherein the legs  8 LA- 8 LD, the cultivation section  10  and the upper section  12  of the first system  2  are included and in addition the germination box  34  is shown to comprise the germination access door  34 A and a plurality of germination box walls  34 D- 34 G. The plurality of germination box walls  34 D- 34 G are closely coupled together and with the cultivation section bottom wall  10 E by means of fasteners  24 . The coupling of the germination box access door  34 A by means of the germination box hinges  34 B &amp;  34 C to the plurality of germination walls  34 D- 34 G and the coupling of the germination box  34  with the cultivation bottom wall  10 E and the cultivation section legs  8 LA- 8 LD preferably limit unintended intrusion of light into the germination box  34  and upon the seeds  36 , as seeds are generally best sprouted in darkness. 
         [0070]      FIG. 7A  is a detailed assembly view of the level adjusting pump unit  40 . The level adjusting pump unit  40  includes a motorized pump  522  coupled to a water column  40 A that contains (a.) an outflow port  40 B coupled with the distribution manifold  8 T of the growth module  10  and (b.) an overflow drain  40 C that can be manually adjusted along a vertical Z-axis. 
         [0071]      FIG. 7B  is a detailed assembly view of the first level adjusting pump unit  40  and presenting the case where four first-size trays  16 A are each detachably coupled at separate distribution manifold internal ports  8 P. It is understood that each first-size tray  16 A when coupled with an internal port  8 P alternately (a.) receives nutrient solution  44  as pumped from the nutrient solution reservoir  4  through the coupled internal port  8 P; and (b.) returns, via gravitational drainage, nutrient solution  44  through the distribution manifold  8 T when the pump pressure is insufficient to maintain nutrient solution  44  in the instant first-size tray  16 A, or other coupled cultivation vessel  16 B- 16 D. When the motorized pump  522  is activated, the nutrient solution pumped into the first size trays  16 A will rise to a maximum level that corresponds to the height at which the overflow drain  40 C has been adjusted. 
         [0072]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 8  is an exploded view of an exemplary first-size tray  16 A and three alternate plant support inserts  46 ,  48  &amp;  50 . A first plant support  46  is a support sheet of natural fiber or other synthetic material known in the art having desirable qualities for promoting plant growth such as moisture retention capabilities. A second plant support insert  48  includes a second support sheet  48 A that positions a plurality of plastic perforated baskets  48 B, and a third plant support insert  50  includes a third support sheet  50 A that positions a plurality of larger plastic perforated baskets  50 B. 
         [0073]      FIG. 9  is a front view of a nutrient solution reservoir  4  coupled with an alternate growth module  52  that is shaped and sized at a smaller scale to enable easier transport and installation, particularly in heavily congested urban settings. A shorter width external Wx of the alternate growth module  52 , in comparison to the other invented systems cited in the present disclosure, enables the alternate growth module  52  to be more easily transported in building elevators and within buildings. 
         [0074]      FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of an optional motorized shading system  54  that is sized and shaped to reside within the growth module  8  and adjustably shield the plants  18  by filtering light energy through a sectioned shading sheet  56 . A pair of rollers  54 A &amp;  54 B are positioned in parallel and alternately wind and unwind the shading sheet  56 . 
         [0075]    A first gear  54 C is affixed to the first roller  54 A and engages with a drive chain  54 D. A second gear  54 E is affixed to the second roller  54 B. A drive chain  54 D entrains the first gear  54 C with the second gear  54 E, whereby the first roller  54 A and the second roller  54 B are entrained. A rotational motor  54 F is rotatably coupled, either by direct fixation or indirect entrainment, with the first gear  54 C, and rotates the first roller  54 A as directed by the CPU  502 . The drive chain  54 D translates rotation of the first roller  54 A to rotation of the second roller  54 B, whereby the sectioned shading sheet  56  may be alternately wound and unwound to and from each roller  54 A &amp;  54 B. 
         [0076]    Each roller  54  &amp;  54 B is captured by at least two roller stands  54 E. The roller stands  54 E that maintain the rollers  54 A &amp;  54 B in parallel and substantively stationary with the exception of enabling and allowing free rotational motion along the width axis W of the growth module. 
         [0077]    The optional motorized shading system  54  can alternatively be positioned above the external top surface of the growth module lid. 
         [0078]      FIG. 10B  is a top view of the sectioned shading sheet  56 . Each of five sections  56 A- 56 E have different degrees of light filtering strength, such that a darkest section  56 A is extremely opaque and filters a maximal light energy and a lightest section  56 E is effectively translucent and filters little light energy. The sectioned shading sheet  56  is anchored to the first roller  54 A along a first edge  56 F and is further coupled by a plurality of strings  56 G to the second roller  54 B. 
         [0079]      FIG. 10C  is a schematic of a shading control system  1000  that further bi-directionally communicatively couples the CPU  502  to a light sensor  1002 , an external temperature sensor  1004 , an interior temperature sensor  1006  and a shading motor control interface  1008 . The light sensor  1002  is adapted to measure an intensity of light and is positioned within the growth module  8 . The external temperature sensor  1004  is adapted to measure air temperature and is positioned to measure air temperature external to the growth module  8 . The interior temperature sensor  1006  is adapted to measure air temperature and is positioned to measure air temperature within the first volume  8 V or alternately the second air volume. The shading motor control interface  1008  directs the shade motor  54 D to control movement of the drive train  54 C the alternately rotate the rollers  54 A &amp;  54 B clockwise and counter clock wise as directed by the CPU  502 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 10D  is a software flowchart of a preferred embodiment of the method of controlling the positioning of the sectioned shading sheet  56  by the CPU  502  by means of driving the shade motor  54 D alternately on and off, and in a clockwise rotation and a counter clockwise rotation. In step  10 . 02  a time counter is initialized. The time counter value is then checked in step  10 . 04 , and if the time counter value is above a preset value T 1 , the CPU  502  adjusts the position of the sectioned shading sheet  56  in step  10 . 06  according to a prerecorded time schedule. The CPU  502  proceeds from step  10 . 06  to reinitialize the time counter in another execution of step  10 . 02 . When the time counter value is not determined to be above the preset value T 1 , the CPU  502  proceeds from step  10 . 04  to step  10 . 08  and next determines if the current interior temperature measurement received from the interior temperature sensor  1006  is within a preset temperature range. When the CPU  502  determines that the current interior temperature measurement received from the interior temperature sensor  1006  is not within a preset temperature range, the CPU  502  proceeds from step  10 . 08  to step  10 . 10  and adjusts the position of the sectioned shading sheet  56 . In the alternative, when the CPU  502  determines that the current interior temperature measurement received from the interior temperature sensor  1006  is within a preset temperature range, the CPU  502  proceeds from step  10 . 08  to step  10 . 12 . 
         [0081]    In step  10 . 12  the CPU  502  determines if current the brightness measurement of the light sensor  1002  is within a preset brightness range. When the CPU  502  determines that the current brightness measurement of the light sensor  1002  is not within a preset brightness range, the CPU  502  proceeds from step  10 . 12  to step  10 . 14  and adjusts the position of the sectioned shading sheet  56 . In the alternative, when the CPU  502  determines that the current brightness measurement of the light sensor  1002  is within the preset brightness range, the CPU  502  proceeds from step  10 . 12  to step  10 . 16  and to increment the time counter. The CPU  502  proceeds from step  10 . 16  to step  10 . 02 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 11  is a perspective of the first-size tray cultivation vessel  16 A. The tray  16 A provides an interior cavity  110  of a suitable volume to support proper root growth for cultivated plants  18  whereby nutrient solution  44  flowing into the cultivation vessel  16 A from the distribution manifold can rise to a level sufficient to saturate the roots of cultivated plants  18  and associated growth medium. The cultivation tray  16 A may provide a textured bottom contour  112  to support the plant support inserts depicted in  FIG. 8  and induce drainage flow. The cultivation vessel  16 A may also provide a coupling sump  114  at the lowest point of the vessel  16 A to enable coupling of the cultivation vessel  16 A to the distribution manifold  8 T whereby the cultivation vessel  16 A can be completely drained of nutrient solution  44  without decoupling the cultivation vessel  16 A from the distribution manifold  8 T. 
         [0083]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a plurality of trellis structures  120  that may optionally be coupled to the exterior of the growth module  8  to support plants  18  growing out of the cultivation vessels  16 D whereby the overall cultivation footprint of a growth module  8  can be expanded. 
         [0084]      FIG. 13  is top view of a roof top installation of a plurality of the invented systems  2 . The inventive modular nature of the present invention enables customized configuration on a large scale with pluralities of growth modules  8  that may be directly or indirectly coupled to a reservoir. 
         [0085]    The present invention provides many benefits over the prior art of hydroponic systems designed primarily for outdoor use. Such benefits include 1) The invented system provides many of the same environmental control benefits associated with modern greenhouse cultivation, while enabling a farming method that does not require human presence inside the cultivation area. This allows the hydroponic system to be smaller and lighter, which can mitigate structural and coding challenges when contemplating roof top installations. 2) The modular re-configurability of the growth modules, whereby the cultivation area can be expanded and contracted while providing different levels of insulation, enables the cultivation of a wide variety of crops using substantially the same equipment. 3) The de-mountable cultivation trays allow for labor intensive activities such as crop planting and harvesting to occur at a location removed from the cultivation modules to increase work-flow flexibility. 4) The numerous possible clustered layout configurations enabled by coupling a plurality of cultivation modules to a singe reservoir enables tremendous spatial flexibility so that the inventive system can be located and operated within the “nooks and crannies” of the urban landscape and optionally in close proximity to sources of waste heating and cooling energy. 5) The integrated CPU-based operational automation reduces the need for human interaction with the inventive system such that the equipment can be placed in areas that are relatively hard to reach, such as roof tops. 6) The growth modules have a lower aerodynamic profile than conventional greenhouses, which reduces structural stress from wind loading and enables the inventive system to be camouflaged to mitigate aesthetic objections from historic commissions and neighbors. 7) The modularity of the growth modules allows for farm expansion and contraction on a linear scale. 
         [0086]    The foregoing disclosures and statements are illustrative only of the Present Invention, and are not intended to limit or define the scope of the Present Invention. The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Although the examples given include many specificities, they are intended as illustrative of only certain possible configurations or aspects of the Present Invention. The examples given should only be interpreted as illustrations of some of the preferred configurations or aspects of the Present Invention, and the full scope of the Present Invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the Present Invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that the Present Invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein. The scope of the present invention as disclosed and claimed should, therefore, be determined with reference to the knowledge of one skilled in the art and in light of the disclosures presented above.