Patent Publication Number: US-2016235025-A1

Title: Aeroponic Cultivation System

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to provisional application 62/116,486 filed on Feb. 15, 2015 the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Aeroponics is the process of growing plants in an air environment without a soil or other aggregate medium to provide nutrients to plant roots. The required nutrients are typically supplied to the root system in an aqueous solution through low-pressure or high-pressure sprayers. 
     In typical aeroponic systems, plants are suspended in an environment with their roots within an aeroponic chamber while the foliage extends outside the aeroponic chamber. A number of nozzles spray atomized water and nutrients on the plant roots. 
     There are many benefits associated with aeroponic growing of crops; including optimizing air access to the root structure for successful plant growth, minimizing plant to plant contact to alleviate disease transmission, and higher growing density when compared to more traditional methods of cultivation. 
     Nutrient hydro-atomization is an important consideration, since a water droplet that is too large may saturate the root structure and reduce the amount of available oxygen to the plant, while a water droplet that is too small may facilitate excessive root hair without developing the lateral root structure necessary for water uptake and the extraction of nutrients required for the growth and maturation of the plant. 
     Accordingly, an aeroponic system is especially susceptible to nozzle failure, which can lead to failure of an entire crop. A nozzle may become clogged, for example, with particulate matter in the aqueous solution or may become suffused by root mass. An aeroponic system will generally require numerous nozzles and even a single nozzle failure can impact a significant portion of the crop. 
     In addition, most aeroponic systems are designed to arrange plants in a horizontal matrix, thereby requiring a significant amount of horizontal space to provide the necessary room for cultivation and limiting the total light available to the plants. Finally, in many instances, the root structure is destroyed in order to harvest the crops, thereby destroying the plant in the process. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items or features. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective exploded view illustrating an example aeroponic cultivation system in which a frame supports panels configured to hold plants. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a frame configured to support one or more panels of an aeroponic growing system. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating a plumbing manifold and nozzles. 
         FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of a panel configured with plant site apertures. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a plant sheath configured to engage with the plant site apertures of the panel. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a mobile atomizing assembly. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a mounting assembly for a frame that allows rotation about two axes of the frame. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure describes, in part, systems and techniques for aeroponic crop cultivation. In particular, some embodiments of the systems described herein provide for an aeroponic growing system that allow for, among other things, relatively small footprint vertical gardens; removable plant support panels that allow the plant to remain secured to the panel from germination to harvest, even up to the point of sale at a merchant; reliable spray nozzles, including a mobile nozzle assembly, and other features that will become readily apparent by reference to the attached figures and accompanying description. 
     In particular, an aeroponic system comprises a frame that defines a cuboid having a front, a back, two sides, and a top, the tubular frame defining an interior space. A front panel, a back panel, two side panels and a top panel may be removably secured to the tubular frame to enclose the interior space to create an aeroponic chamber. One or more of the panels, i.e., the front panel, back panel, two side panels, and top panel, are a growing panel having one or more plant site apertures arranged in an array and sized to facilitate the insertion of a plant such that a root of the plant is within the aeroponic chamber and a canopy of the plant is outside the aeroponic chamber. A fluid nozzle is positioned within the aeroponic chamber and is in fluid communication with an aqueous solution and in further fluid communication with a source of compressed air. The nozzle is preferably designed to atomize the aqueous solution into droplets of between about 20 microns and 50 microns by mixing the aqueous solution with the compressed air. 
     In some embodiments, the compressed air is provided to the nozzle at a pressure above 60 psi measured at the nozzle. In other embodiments, air is provided to the nozzle above 50 psi, or 45 psi in some embodiments. In addition, the aqueous solution may be pressurized for delivery to the nozzle. In some instances, the fluid nozzle may be static within the aeroponic chamber, while in other instances, the fluid nozzle is moveable within the aeroponic chamber. In some embodiments that incorporate a mobile fluid nozzle, there may be provided a row of adjacent frames that cooperate to define a continuous aeroponic chamber within which the mobile fluid nozzle can travel. 
     A track may be provided that defines a pathway along the row of adjacent frames and the fluid nozzle may be configured to engage the track and travel along the pathway within the aeroponic chamber defined by the row of frames. 
     A lower frame may be provided and configured to engage with and support the frame. In some cases, the lower frame is configured to work with moving equipment for relocating the lower frame and the frame, such as by providing supports, slots, braces, etc. to receive the forks of a fork lift, pallet jack, or some other form of moving equipment. 
     Additionally, a vertical growing system is described that includes a first substantially planar growing panel configured with plant site apertures, a second substantially planar growing panel configured with plant site apertures, and a frame having a first side configured to removably support the growing panels in a vertical orientation. The growing panels may be supported on the frame such that they are spaced a horizontal distance away from each other and they cooperate to define an aeroponic chamber in between the panels. Other panels, such as other growing panels or additional panels may be secured to the frame to enclose, or substantially enclose, the aeroponic chamber. 
     A fluid delivery system may be configured to deliver fluid and air to the aeroponic chamber. The fluid delivery system may include a nozzle configured to atomize the fluid to have a droplet size of between 15 microns and 50 microns. The proper atomization may be done by air pressure above 45 psi, or 50 psi, 60 psi, or 65 psi as measured at the nozzle. This provides for a very fine mist of nutrient rich solution to the roots of the plants within the aeroponic chamber without saturating the root structure. The fluid delivery system may further include a fluid manifold that delivers fluid to more than one nozzle along with an air manifold that delivers compressed air to more than one nozzle. The nozzles may include a pressure regulator for regulating air pressure at the nozzle. 
     A base frame may be mounted to the frame and provide additional support and mobility to the frame. The base frame may be formed integrally with the frame, or may be selectively attached. In addition, the base frame may include casters or wheels to allow the frame to be rolled around and repositioned within a farm, or at a point of sale. The base frame may alternatively or additionally include a support structure configured to allow moving equipment to securely lift the base frame and the frame, such as fork lifts, pallet jacks, or automated type equipment. 
     A reservoir may be supported by the base frame and disposed generally beneath the aeroponic chamber so that it may collect condensation falling within the aeroponic chamber. A pressurized fluid source may be in communication with the fluid delivery system. The reservoir may also be in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source such that the fluid collected within the aeroponic chamber can be recirculated back into the pressurized fluid source. 
     In some instances, a sheath may be used to support a plant within one of the plant site apertures of the growing panel such that a root of the plant extends within the aeroponic chamber and a canopy of the plant extends outside the aeroponic chamber. The sheath may be formed of a cellular material, such as a closed cell foam that may absorb moisture, thereby allowing the plant to access water. 
     One such benefit of the described systems and methods is the ability to leave the plant relatively undisturbed from germination to market. For example, a plant may be secured within an aperture of a growing panel in its infancy and left there undisturbed until the plant or the crop from the plant is harvested and sold at the location of a grocer. 
     Accordingly, this may be accomplished by providing a growing panel having a first side and a second side and configured with plant site apertures extending from the first side to the second side, the apertures configured for supporting a plant. The growing panel may be vertically mounted on a frame, in which the second side of the growing panel may define an aeroponic chamber. A young plant, or a seedling, may be inserted into one of the apertures such that a root of the plant extends within the aeroponic chamber and a canopy of the plant extends outside the aeroponic chamber while the plant is supported by the growing panel. A nutrient rich atomized solution may be applied to the root of the plant within the aeroponic chamber to allow the plant to sprout, grow, and produce. 
     The growing panel may be removed from the frame and delivered to a merchant with the plant still supported by the growing panel. In addition, the plant may be displayed while remaining in the growing panel while at the merchant&#39;s location. In this way, the plant continues to grow and produce even while on display at a merchant&#39;s location such that a consumer can purchase the entire living plant, or harvest the crop at the point of sale, thus providing the freshest farm-grown produce available. 
     The nutrient rich atomized solution may be applied to the plant roots by spraying a nutrient rich solution through a nozzle at a pressure of above about 60 psi to form droplets smaller than 50 microns. Once the plant is sold or the crop is harvested, the growing panel may be cleaned or sterilized and reused for growing additional plants. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of an aeroponic cultivating system  100  having a frame  102  that is configured to carry auxiliary panels  104  and one or more growing panels  106 . The auxiliary panels  104  and growing panels  106  may be attached to the frame  102  to enclose the frame  02  and define an aeroponic chamber within the enclosed frame  102 . A nozzle assembly  108  is configured to reside within the aeroponic chamber of the frame  102  and provide an aqueous solution to the plants carried by the growing panels  106 . A reservoir  110  is positioned generally below the nozzle assembly  108  and may have one or more fittings  112  for providing a fluid flow path to the nozzle assembly  108 . The reservoir  110  may collect any moisture or condensation that collects within the aeroponic chamber and migrates by gravity to the reservoir  110 . However, because of the fine atomization of the nutrient rich solution, there should be very little condensation or water that makes its way to the reservoir  110 . 
     A lower frame  114  may be provided to support the reservoir  110  and provide a stable base for the frame  102 . The lower frame  114  may be configured to allow movement or repositioning of the aeroponic cultivating system  100  such as by having wheels, or by being configured to allow a forklift, hand truck, pallet jack, or some other moving equipment, such as traditional warehouse moving equipment including mobile-robotic systems, to engage with the lower frame  114  and relocate the aeroponic cultivating system  100 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates on example of a frame  102  and a lower frame  114 . The frame  102  is preferably configured to provide sufficient support for a plurality of growing panels  106  while still allowing the frame  102  to be moved. To this end, in some embodiments, the frame may be formed of metal or a metal alloy such as aluminum or steel, or may be suitably formed of a polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or other suitable material. In some embodiments, the frame is formed of an extruded, hollow material, and may therefore be formed of tubular material. This provides strength while allowing the frame to remain relatively light. 
     The components that make up the frame  102  may be secured together by any suitable attachment method, such as welding, gluing, fasteners, connectors, or fittings. In some embodiments, the frame  102  is formed of a first side  202  and a second side  204 . The first side  202  and second side  204  may have a generally rectangular shape and may be connected by one or more upper cross members  206 , intermediate cross members  208 , or lower cross members (not shown). In some embodiments, the frame  102  resembles a cuboid in that there may be 5 or 6 rectangular sides. Of course, the frame geometry may form any suitable shape that is capable of supporting the growing panels  106  as described herein. 
     In some embodiments, the frame  102  defines a height that is greater than its width. By utilizing a frame  102  that is taller than it is wide, the frame  102  will provide for a vertical garden while maintaining a comparatively small footprint. In some instances, the frame  102  is configured with hooks  210  configured to engage with the growing panels  106  to support the growing panels  106  on the frame  102 . The hooks  210  may be configured to engage with holes in the growing panel  106  to support the growing panel  106  while allowing for easy removal of the growing panel  106  from the frame, such as for cleaning the growing panel  106 , harvesting the crops, or transporting the growing panel  106 , such as from a growing location to a retail location. 
     The lower frame  114  may be generally cuboid in shape, with six sides that are generally rectangular. The lower frame  114  may be configured to support the reservoir  100 , such as by providing an appropriate spacing for the reservoir to rest on the structural members that make up the lower frame  114 . 
     The lower frame  114  may attach to the frame  102  by any suitable method. For example, the frame  102  and lower frame  114  may be connected with mechanical fasteners. Alternatively, the frame  102  and lower frame  114  may be formed integrally in a way that they are not easily separable, such as by welding, gluing, or some other more permanent way of connection. In yet another embodiment, the frame  102  is supported by the lower frame  114  without any attachment mechanism which facilitates easy separation of the frame  102  and lower frame  114  as desired. 
     In some embodiments, the lower frame  114  includes wheels or casters  212  that allow the lower frame  114  to be repositioned with relative ease. The lower frame  114  may also be configured to cooperate with traditional warehouse material handling equipment, such as pallet jacks, forklifts, hand trucks, robotic fulfillment equipment and the like to allow the lower frame  114  and frame  102  to be repositioned. 
       FIG. 3  shows one example of a nozzle assembly  108 . In some embodiments, the nozzle assembly  108  includes one or more nozzles  302  configured to atomize a solution. The nozzles  302  may be any suitable nozzle, such as a surface-impingement nozzle, spillback nozzle, ultrasonic atomizer, compound nozzle, or any other suitable nozzle configuration that allows for desired atomization properties of the nutrient rich solution. The nozzles  302  may be supplied with a nutrient rich solution through a liquid manifold  304 . As shown, a liquid mainline  306  may be connected to a supply of nutrient rich solution and include a liquid manifold  304  to distribute the solution to the connected nozzles  302 . In some embodiments, the solution may be pressurized, such as by providing the solution in a pressurized tank, or by relying on a pump to force the solution through the mainline  306  and liquid manifold  304 . In some of the embodiments in which the fluid is pressurized, the delivery system may be an airless spray system in which the pressurized fluid is atomized by the nozzles  302  and does not rely on pressurized air to assist with atomization or delivery of the nutrient rich solution. While the description uses the term “spray” to describe atomization and delivery of the nutrient rich solution, it should be understood that the broad term “spray” includes other forms of atomization and fluid delivery, such as, for example, misting, fogging, ultrasonic atomization, and other suitable spray technologies and techniques for creating fine nutrient rich water droplets. 
     According to other embodiments, pressurized air is used to aid in atomization and/or delivery of the nutrient rich solution. An air mainline  308  may supply pressurized air through an air manifold  310  and to the nozzles  302  via air lines  312 . The nozzles  302  may be high-volume low-pressure (HVLP) nozzles configured to atomize the solution at relatively low air pressures, such as less than about 30 psi or less than about 40 psi. In other embodiments, the nozzles  302  may be selected to require a relatively high air pressure, such as above about 45 psi, 50 psi, 60 psi, 75 psi, 90 psi, and in some embodiments up to 115 psi or more to aid in very fine atomization and delivery of the nutrient rich solution. Additionally, a relatively high air delivery pressure, such as above about 45 psi or 60 psi, will aid in ensuring that the nozzles  302  remain clog free throughout their life cycle, as the blast of air will tend to clear any nozzle obstructions. In some embodiments, the nozzles  302  are configured to deliver the nutrient rich solution in aqueous droplets from about 15 microns to about 50 microns in size, and in some embodiments, from about 30 microns to about 45 microns in size. Thus, the nozzles  302  deliver a very fine mist, which may be described as a fog, of nutrient rich solution to the root structures within the aeroponic chamber. In some embodiments, the nozzles  302  provide a fluid mist having droplet sizes averaging between 15 and 50 microns at an air pressure of above 60 psi. In other embodiments, the nozzles  302  provide a fluid mist having droplet sizes averaging between about 20 and 40 microns at an air pressure of above 45 psi. Of course, other droplet sizes are possible and are preferably selected so as to not saturate the root structure with liquid water and cause dripping water. Suitable droplet sizes include droplets that average above 15 microns, 20 microns, or 25 microns and average in some cases, average lower than about 50 microns, 40 microns, or 35 microns. A pressure regulator may be provided at each nozzle  302  to regulate the pressure provided thereto and each nozzle  302  may be further configured with a feedback system to alert of any malfunctions with the nozzle  302 , such as a loss of air pressure, a loss of fluid pressure, or clogging of one or more orifices within the nozzle  302 . 
     The nozzles  302  may further be selected and configured to provide a wide fan spray pattern to broadly distribute the nutrient rich solution to a large growing area. The nozzles  302  may be located and spaced in any configuration that provides for adequate misting of the root structure of the plants. For example, a nozzle density of a single nozzle  302  per growing panel  106  may be sufficient to adequately spray the roots of all the plants supported by the growing panel  106 . Alternatively, a single nozzle  302  may be sufficient to adequately spray all the plants supported by multiple growing panels  106  supported by a frame  102 . In those embodiments that define a substantially closed aeroponic chamber, a single nozzle  302 , or a relatively small number of nozzles  302 , may fill the aeroponic chamber with a fine mist of atomized nutrient rich solution sufficient to support the growth of many plants supported by the growing panels  106 . Of course, any number of nozzles  302  may be deployed in any desirable configuration to provide adequate nutrition for the plants supported by the growing panels  106 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates one example of a growing panel  106 . In one embodiment, the growing panel  106  is generally rectangular, and may be square, and is configured with plant site apertures  402  configured to support plants as they grow. The plant site apertures  402  may have any suitable shape, size, configuration, layout, and density on the growing panel  106  that is amenable to crop growth. For example, the plant site apertures  402  may be sized and spaced depending on the plant that will be supported by the growing panel  106 . Indeed, a crop of basil plants may allow for a sizing and spacing of plant site apertures  402  that is much different than that required by a crop of lettuce plants and the growing panels  106  may be appropriately configured to support a variety of various crops. 
     The growing panel  106  may additionally be configured with mounting holes  404  that are configured to cooperate with the frame  102  to allow the growing panel  106  to be securely attached to the frame  102 . In one example, the frame  102  is configured with protrusions, or hooks  210 , that engage the mounting holes  404  of the growing panel  106  to removably hold the growing panel  106  securely to the frame  102 . 
     In other embodiments, additional methods to attach the growing panel  106  to the frame  102  may include, for example, threaded fasteners to engage threaded holes in the frame, magnets built into the growing panel  106  and/or the frame  102  to allow a magnetic catch, hook and loop fastening systems, or other such systems for selectively removably attaching a growing panel  106  to the frame  102 . 
     The growing panel  106  may be formed of any suitable material. However, in some embodiments, a chemically inert material is preferred to minimize any adverse interaction with the plants that it will support. Examples of suitable chemically inert materials may include polyethylene, stainless steel, metal composites, fluorocarbons and other crystalline thermoplastics, glass, and glass composites. However, in many embodiments, an opaque material is preferred for the growing panels  106  to block radiation from reaching the roots to inhibit fungal growth. 
     One particular advantage provided by the removable growing panels  106  described herein is their ability to go from farm to market while keeping the plant intact and alive. For example, when the crop is ready to be harvested, the growing panel  106  can be removed from the frame  102  and taken directly to the retail grocer or market without removing the plant from the growing panel  106 . The growing panel  106  may be placed on an absorbent surface, such as a felt capillary mat that holds enough moisture to keep the root structure alive during transport. Accordingly, the consumer is able to harvest the crop at the point of purchase, which ensures that farm-grown produce may be kept fresh for the consumer, even where the produce has to travel great distances over a relatively long period of time. In fact, the growing panels  106  may be attached to a display frame at the point of purchase and the growing panels  106  may provide an attractive display of the crops, while allowing them to continue to grow and produce while at the point of sale. Once the crops are harvested, the growing panels  106  are able to be sterilized and reused. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , a sheath  502  is shown that may be fitted to a plant  504 , by surrounding the stalk  506 , for example. In some embodiments, the sheath  502  is frustroconically shaped such that it will fit partially within one of the plant site apertures  402  formed in the growing panel  106 . The sheath  502  is preferably inhibited from going all the way through the aperture  402 , but rather, forms an interference fit, or friction fit, with the growing panel  106  so the plant  504  is held securely in the growing panel  106 . 
     The sheath  502  may be formed of any suitable material, and in some embodiments, is formed of a closed cell foam. The sheath  502  may have an axial slit along its longitudinal axis, such that a cross section of the sheath  502  is generally C-shaped, which facilitates mounting or removing the plant  504  within the sheath  502 . The root structure  508  of the plant  504  may be inserted into the plant site aperture  402  of the growing panel  106  until the sheath  502  contacts the edge of the plant site aperture  402  and inhibits the plant  504  from further insertion through the aperture  402 . Thus, the root structure  508  is suspended on one side of the growing panel  106  where the nozzle assembly  108  is located, while the canopy  510  of the plant  504  remains on the other side of the growing panel  106  where radiation, such as sunlight or artificial light from growing lights, provides the energy necessary for photosynthesis. 
     The sheath  502  advantageously provides for fast and efficient removal of a plant  504  from the growing panel  106 . In some instances, such as where a plant  504  may become diseased, it may be desirable to quarantine a plant  504 , and the sheath  502  allows efficient removal of the plant  504  without disturbing the root structure  508  or the neighboring plants. Additionally, a sheath  502  that allows the entire plant  504  to be removed from the growing panel  106  allows a consumer to purchase an entire plant  504  at a retail location and then transplant the plant, such as into a traditional growing medium, such as soil, while minimizing transplant shock in the process. 
     In some embodiments, the growing panel  106  may be configured with a trellis, shelves, or other support structure for the canopy  510  of the plant  504  and any crops that could benefit by relieving stress caused by dangling from the plant. This type of supporting structure may allow plants  504  with larger or heavier crops to be grown with the disclosed aeroponic cultivation system  100 . 
       FIG. 6  shows one embodiment of a mobile nozzle assembly  108 . A plurality of racks  102  may be positioned adjacent one another such as in a row. A mobile nozzle assembly  108  may be configured to travel from one frame  102  to another frame  102  to provide the nutrient rich solution to plants growing in growing panels  106  supported by the frames  102 . 
     In some instances, a track  602  may extend from one frame  102  to another frame  102  and provide a pathway for the mobile nozzle assembly  108  to travel. The mobile nozzle assembly  108  may be a self-contained unit that carries a reservoir of nutrient rich solution with it to deploy on the plants supported at each frame  102 . It may also carry a power source, such as a battery, to provide motion. Alternatively, the mobile nozzle assembly  108  may ride on a shuttle  604  or be configured with wheels that roll on a pathway  602  and one or more cables may pull the mobile nozzle assembly  108  along the pathway. In this case, the mobile nozzle assembly  108  need not be powered, but rather, can be free-wheeling along the pathway  602 . 
     In those embodiments that employ a mobile nozzle assembly  108 , the number of nozzles can be greatly reduced, which likewise reduces the setup cost and the likelihood of crop failure resulting from nozzle failure. A single nozzle  302  or nozzle assembly  108  can provide the nutrient rich solution to a large number of plants supported by one or more growing panels  106  situated in one or more frames  102 . 
     In some embodiments that arrange frames  102  for a high-density vertical farm, the frames  102  may be positioned adjacent to one another and growing panels  106  may be attached to the frames  102  to define an aeroponic chamber that is relatively wide. For example, where a frame  102  is configured to hold two growing panels  106  that are approximately four feet wide by four feet high in a vertically stacked orientation, a single frame may define an aeroponic chamber within the frame that is roughly four feet wide by eight feet high and two feet deep, thus providing thirty-two square feet of vertical growing space. Additionally, both sides of the frame may be used to support growing panels  106 , thus providing for sixty-four feet square feet of growing space from a single frame. The foot print of the frame  102  may only require eight square feet of floor space, thus resulting in a high-density vertical farm that realizes eight times the growing area when compared to traditional horizontally oriented farms. 
     Moreover, multiple frames may be placed adjacent to one another in a row, and with growing panels  106  attached to the frames  102 , an aeroponic chamber may be defined that is as wide as the row of panels  106 . As an example, ten frames  102  may be placed side by side, where each frame  102  is roughly four feet wide and eight feet high. By enclosing the space within the frames with growing panels  106 , the aeroponic chamber may be forty feet wide by eight feet high, or roughly three hundred twenty square feet of growing space in a foot print that requires only eighty square feet of floor space. If the frames  102  support growing panels  106  on both sides, then the effective growing surface area is doubled to six hundred forty square feet while requiring the same eighty square feet of floor space. 
     Furthermore, the frames  102  may be stacked, such as on pallet racks, shelves, or directly supported by lower frames  102 . Using the previous example, by stacking the frames  102  two high, the growing area may be doubled to a vertical growing area of one thousand two hundred eighty square feet while requiring only the original eighty square feet of floor space. Thus, it can be seen that high-density vertical farms are possible through the use of the novel systems and methods disclosed herein. 
     In a high-density vertical farm, as described, a mobile nozzle assembly  108  can provide nutrition to a large number of plants while minimizing the number of nozzles  302  required to maintain the crops. In many instances, the nozzles  302  do not need to continuously provide nutrition to the growing plants. For example, depending on the plant and the growing environment, the nozzle  302  may need to only provide a two-second spray every two or three minutes to maintain optimal growing conditions. Thus, a mobile nozzle assembly  108  can provide nutrition to a large number of plants by moving throughout a larger aeroponic chamber. 
     As disclosed herein, the aeroponic cultivation system  100  can rely on naturally occurring radiation from the sun or can alternatively or additionally utilize grow lights to provide artificial radiation. In some embodiments in which the sun is relied upon, it can be beneficial to move the frames with the sun to maximize the natural radiation available to the plants. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a solar tracking mount  702  for supporting and rotating a frame  102  to track the sun along its azimuth and elevation. A base platform  704  may be rotatable about a central vertical axis which allows the platform  704  and the frame  102  to track the sun&#39;s azimuth. Support arms  706  may be pivotally connected to the frame  102  to allow the frame  102  to be rotated about a horizontal axis so that one side of the frame  102  tracks the sun&#39;s elevation. 
     Of course, the illustrated embodiment only shows one possible way of tracking the sun. Other structures and methods are contemplated herein for maximizing the energy absorption in naturally radiated farms. 
     The frames  102  with the attached growing panels  106  may be positioned in any desired configuration, which may be determined by the available space within a farm. For example, in an indoor farm that has a high ceiling, the frames may be arranged vertically, such as on shelving units, or pallet racking, to allow the farm to maximize the available vertical space while occupying a relatively small footprint. 
     As one example, an indoor aeroponic farm may be established within a warehouse. Typical warehouse shelving may be used to support multiple vertically stacked arrays of frames  102  with growing panels  106 . The automation described herein can be effectively utilized in a vertical farm configuration. For example, a mobile nozzle assembly  108  may track vertically in addition to horizontally to provide the nutrient rich solution to a vertical farm, or multiple mobile nozzle assemblies  108  may be provided to provide nutrients to plants supported by rows of frames  102 . Additionally, warehouse moving equipment, such as, for example, pallet jacks, fork lifts, and robotic automation equipment can be used to position or move the frames  102  or collect or replace the growing panels  106 . 
     In some embodiments, the growing panels  106  may be removed by automated equipment. This facilitates efficient swapping of growing panels  106  such as for harvesting of crops, quarantining of plants supported by a growing panel  106 , inspection of the plants supported by the growing panel  106 , or for shipment of the entire growing panel  106  to a grocer. Another growing panel  106  may replace the removed growing panel  106  to maintain the enclosure of the aeroponic chamber. 
     While the aeroponic cultivation system  100  disclosed herein has been disclosed with various features, systems, and subsystems, the disclosed combinations are not exhaustive and should not be limiting. For example, additional systems can be incorporated with the aeroponic cultivation system  100  to improve growing capacity, plant health, flowering, and yield. For example, biological subsystems can effectively be incorporated, such as heating and/or cooling sensors, pathogen inhibitors, effluent control systems, water purification, and nutrient sterilization. 
     Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or structure described. Rather, the specific features and structure are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.