Patent Publication Number: US-2023138885-A1

Title: Insulated shipping containers modified for high-yield plant production capable in any environment

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. Application No. 15/077,086, filed on Mar. 22, 2016, which is a continuation application of U.S. Application No. 13/932,984, filed on Jul. 1, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,288,948, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/666,354, filed on Jun. 29, 2012, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Disclosure 
     The present disclosure relates to insulated modular containers modified for high-yield plant production. 
     Description of Related Art 
     The need for fresh food is growing as the population increases and changes in the climate impact growing seasons. The current food supply model is economically and environmentally unsustainable because of traditional farming methods and shipping. Operations are usually located in agricultural areas, which still require transportation to distribute their produce. These types of operations require large upfront costs and rely on larger acreage, and have high operational costs from seed to sale. For example, sending fresh food an average of 1500 miles is extremely complicated and adds major expense to a customer’s supply chain. 
     Urban/local agriculture is not the solution as it has the problem of commercial viability. First, there is limited growing space to meet a high demand. Second, high start-up costs of greenhouses and rooftop greenhouses make local crop production impossible for most businesses. For example, structures must be evaluated by structural engineers and often require additional bracing to support the weight. Operational costs of commercial agriculture also require additional labor and infrastructural costs. Third, urban gardens must survey and address contaminated soil which is further costly and time consuming. Offsite operations require additional labor and supplies to reach the same volume, and re-packaging and shipping is an added operating cost. 
     Hydroponics systems are not the general solution either as most systems are meant to be installed in agricultural settings, are not easily transportable, and require years of education and training. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A system and method for generating high-yield plant. The system includes at least one modular container, a growing system housed within the container, and a monitoring system. The growing system includes a germination station for nurturing seeds until they germinate into plants, a plurality of vertical racks to hold the plants so that they grow radially outward from the axes of the vertical racks, a lighting system to provide artificial light for the plants, an irrigation system to provide nutrients to the plants, a climate control system to control the environmental conditions within the container, and a ventilation system for providing airflow to the plants in at least two directions. The monitoring system is coupled to the growing system, and monitors and controls at least one of the components of the growing system. The monitoring system also allows the user to control at least one of the components of the growing system. 
     Further, the system of the present disclosure is configured to include a wireless interface that allows a user to remotely monitor and control any of the components in the growing system or container. 
     Yet further, the system of the present disclosure is configured to include horizontal light bars mounted on at least one wire from the ceiling of the container. 
     The system of the present disclosure is configured to include a first set of tubing that delivers nutrient solution from a nutrient reservoir to a section of vertical racks, a second set of tubing that delivers the nutrient solution from the section to each vertical rack in the section, drip emitters coupled to the end of the second set of tubing to control flow of the nutrient solution into each rack, and a plurality of return gutters to collect any unused nutrient solution and return it back to the nutrient reservoir. 
     Yet further, the system of the present disclosure includes a plurality of fans, a plurality of intermittent fans, and a plurality of air vents to create air flow in at least two different directions in order to create random air flow patterns for the plants. 
     The system of the present disclosure also allows the monitoring system to change in real-time at least one condition from a set of conditions controlling the germination station, irrigation system, climate control system, ventilation system, and lighting system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will further be described by way of example and with reference to the following drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    shows a perspective view of the outside of an illustrative container according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    shows a perspective view of the illustrative growing system inside the container shown in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    shows another perspective view of the illustrative growing system inside the container shown in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    shows a front elevational view of the illustrative racks shown in  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  5    shows a perspective view of the illustrative ventilation system in the container. 
         FIG.  6    shows an illustrative system diagram of the monitoring system. 
         FIG.  7    shows a front elevational view of the illustrative monitoring system. 
         FIG.  8    shows illustrative data that can be stored in the control system in an embodiment. 
         FIG.  9    shows an illustrative flow diagram of the process for growing plants in an embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    shows a perspective view of the illustrative germination station. 
         FIG.  11    shows a front elevational view of the illustrative growing system shown in  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  12    shows a perspective view of the illustrative irrigation system. 
         FIG.  13    shows a perspective view of the illustrative ventilation system shown in  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  14    shows a top level view of another embodiment of the illustrative lighting system. 
         FIG.  15    shows a front elevational view of the illustrative lighting system in  FIG.  14   . 
         FIGS.  16 A- 16 B  show examples of data that can be remotely monitored and controlled via the illustrative monitoring system, all according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS.  17 A- 17 F  show examples of additional data that can be remotely monitored and controlled via the illustrative monitoring system, all according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  18    shows a schematic view of the illustrative irrigation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  19    shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the illustrative ventilation system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for modifying a modular container for high-yield plant production. In one embodiment, a hydroponic system can expand to fit any space, and be subsequently started and operated by an individual with minimal training. Another embodiment allows the user to monitor and modify the environment and feeding conditions in order to provide optimal growth conditions for the specific type of plant being grown. 
       FIG.  1    shows a perspective view of the outside of illustrative container  100  according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, container  100  can also include a water reclamation system (not shown). Container  100  can be a recycled shipping container  102  with standard transnational grade intermodal perishable food-grade insulation foam sandwiched between the steel walls of container  102 . Container  102  is also sealed in order to create a solid modular frame for expansion, as well as a controlled growing environment for plants. 
     In some embodiments, container  102  can be modified to include a solar array  104  to harness solar energy and store it in a converter or batteries for later use. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other energy efficient solutions, such as insulation paint or planting additional crops on top of and around container  102 , can also be incorporated into container  102  to make it even more energy efficient. Other renewable energy technologies, such as forms of solar and wind power, could also be added to increase functionality. All of these components can be relocated within the unit, outside the unit, on top of the unit, or next to the unit, to increase space, efficiency, and/or ease of access. 
       FIGS.  2 - 3    show perspective views of a growing system inside the container in  FIG.  1    according to some embodiments of the disclosure. In some embodiments, growing system  200  can include germination station  202 , climate control system  204 , LED lighting system  206 , fan  209 , vertical racks  304 , and an irrigation system  1800  ( FIG.  18   ). Germination station  202  includes preparation section  210  and nutrient section  212 . Referring to  FIG.  10   , germination station  202  is shown in more detail. Preparation section  210  is configured to hold trays  1002  while they are loaded with a medium  1008  that is optimal for seed germination, such as rockwool cubes. In other embodiments of the disclosure, medium  1008  includes an organic substance such as peat, pine bark, sawdust, and rice hulls. In yet other embodiments of the disclosure, medium  1008  includes a petroleum-based substance such as polymeric foams or plastic beads. In other embodiments, medium  1008  includes inorganic substances that are mineral-based, such as sand, gravel and perlite. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that almost any material that supports a root system, other than soil, can be considered a suitable material for medium  1008 . 
     Once the seeds have been placed in medium  1008 , tray  1002  is placed in nutrient section  212  until the seeds have germinated.  FIG.  10    shows trays  1004  and  1006  placed in nutrient section  212 . Tray  1004  includes seeds that have germinated into plants while tray  1006  includes seeds that have just been placed into medium  1008  and have not yet germinated. Nutrient section  212  provides an optimal environment for seed germination by providing light and water/nutrients via irrigation tubes  1010 . In some embodiments, germination station  202  utilizes the same type of irrigation system and lighting system that will be discussed later for plants held in vertical racks  304 . 
       FIG.  4    shows a front elevational view of the illustrative racks shown in  FIG.  3   . Vertical racks  304  can include grow channel  402 , grow medium  404 , and opening for plants  1806 . When the seeds have germinated into plants  406 , they are taken out of nutrient section  212 , placed into grow channel  402  and packed in with grow medium  404 . In some embodiments, grow medium  404  is ZIPGROW™ medium (Bright Agrotech LLC, Laramie, Wyo.), which is a reusable synthetic mesh/sponge that slides into grow channel  402  as two halves that come together as they are pulled into grow channel  402 . Grow medium  404  is configured to hold the root system of the plants in place. 
     Vertical racks  304  can be placed in any configuration within container  102  and are configured to hold grow channels  402  in place. Grow channel  402  is removably mounted into vertical rack  304  so that grow channel  402  can be easily removed, replanted, harvested and otherwise worked on without screwing/unscrewing, clipping/unclipping or otherwise changing any parts. In some embodiments, grow channels  402  can be ZIPGROWTM grow channels (Bright Agrotech LLC, Laramie, Wyoming), which utilize vertical hydroponic/aquaponic PVC-constructed channels. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other grow channels could be used. Each grow channel  402  includes an exterior part and an interior part. The exterior part can hang from ceiling  302  of container  102  for example, by using a pin. The interior part is similarly hung from ceiling  302  of container  102 , and can be mounted on an L-shaped bracket that is coupled to ceiling  302 . The bottom of both the interior and exterior channels sit in a return channel (not shown) mounted on the floor of container  102 . In an exemplary configuration, grow channels  402  are hung vertically in racks  304 , side by side, in four rows. In this exemplary configuration, two rows are on the left side and two rows are on the right side, with the open plant growth channels facing in toward each other where the LED lighting system  206  is located, as shown in  FIG.  15   . The vertical configuration of racks  304  is more space efficient than horizontal racks. For example, in some embodiments of the disclosure, 12-20 plants can be placed in one vertical rack spanning from the floor to the ceiling, and these plants would only need five lights and a single irrigation tube. Furthermore, the vertical configuration of racks  304  eliminates standing water and maintains a high flow rate in order to prevent most problems that are currently associated with commercial hydroponics, such as algae growth, bacteria growth, and irrigation clogging. 
     The combined configuration of racks  304  and plants  404  also provides advantages. In embodiments of the disclosure, plants  404  are placed in vertical racks  304  so that plants  404  grow radially outward from the axes of racks  304 . This configuration provides several advantages over the traditional tray or shelf grow model where plants are simply placed within a horizontal tray or on a horizontal shelf. For example, the traditional tray/shelf configuration causes large areas of uncontrolled standing water. Not only is this not ideal, but it also allows for massive evaporation and requires additional equipment to control humidity. The traditional tray/shelf configuration also typically utilizes a low flow rate. However, a low flow rate encourages algae/bacteria growth and also requires the use of additional equipment to aerate the solution in order to increase its oxygen content. A low oxygen content level would otherwise stunt plant growth. In contrast, the configuration described in embodiments of the disclosure allow for a single point of standing water (nutrient reservoir  1802 ) that is controlled, filtered and sterilized. By minimizing the exposed water, the configuration can eliminate evaporation and the need for large humidity control equipment. The configuration allows for a high flow rate of solution, which minimizes any algae or bacteria growth and creates a high level of oxygen for increased plant growth. 
     Furthermore, in the traditional tray/shelf system, the root system is constantly exposed to flowing water, which can cause roots to rot while also preventing airflow through the root structure. The traditional tray/shelf system also has limited space and is not flexible to accommodate various sizes of plants, so smaller plants do not necessarily utilize all of the space allocated to them or might get crowded out by larger plants. In contrast, the configuration in embodiments of the disclosure where plants grow radially outward from vertical racks allows plants to fight multiple stimuli (e.g., air, gravity, light) to create compact, strong stems with a robust and compact root structure. Furthermore, the flexible plant spacing allows for a maximum number of plants per rack, no matter how large or small the plant. 
     The LED lighting system  206  is configured to provide artificial light in a controlled manner for the growth of the plants. In some embodiments, LED lighting system  206  can utilize five foot long PHILIPS (Amsterdam, Netherlands) LED light bars of Deep Red/Blue 20  150  110 V grow lights. In one configuration, the light bars are mounted horizontally in a back-to-back configuration in two rows, one on each side in between the rows of grow channels  402  that face each other, as shown in  FIG.  2   . In some embodiments, each section of the LED light bars can be mounted with four back-to-back sets vertically and hung on wires  208 . Each section of wire  208  can then be mounted onto a rotating motor on ceiling  302  to pull LED 25 lighting system  206  up and out of the way (like a window shade) for access to the grow channels  402  for removal and work. LED lighting system  206  is further configured to be controlled separately so that lighting in each section of the growing station can be turned on or off, dimmed, or lifted up or down.  FIG.  11    shows a front elevational view of the illustrative growing system shown in  FIG.  2   . Specifically,  FIG.  11    shows the exemplary back-to-back 30 sets of LED lighting system  206 , hung on wires  208 , in between sections of vertical racks  304 . The configuration of LED lighting system  206  maximizes space efficiency by using less equipment while simultaneously maximizing the plants’ exposure to lights at the right wavelength and spectrum. By maximizing space efficiency, growing system  200  can achieve high plant yields while maintaining relatively low costs and a size that can still fit a modular shipping container.  FIG.  11    also shows plants  406  growing radially outward from the grow channels (not shown), which are being held by racks  304 . 
     In other embodiments of the disclosure, and as shown in  FIGS.  14 - 15   , LED lighting system  206  can utilize light curtain system  1400  comprising eight foot long PHILIPS (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Interlighting Strips  1402 . Strips  1402  preferably comprise LED diodes inside a waterproof coating. In an embodiment of the disclosure, conversion box  1404  is coupled to ceiling  302  of container  102 , and strips  1402  are coupled to conversion box  1404  so that they hang downward toward the floor of container  102 . Strips  1402  can be joined together, or they can hang with predetermined spacing between each other in order to disperse light through plants  406 . There are multiple advantages to using the configuration of light curtain system  1400  which cannot be utilized in other lighting systems. For example, light curtain system  1400  can be used in multiple orientations and can be easily modified for different stages in plant growth and/or for different types of plants being grown in a particular space. This flexibility allows for a more efficient work and grow space, and increases the variety of crops that can be grown. For example, such a configuration eliminates the need for wires, pulleys, or bulking infrastructure that is otherwise necessary for a lighting system. In some embodiments of the disclosure, each strip  1402  hangs freely, can be pushed aside like a bead curtain, and can be easily removed and/or replaced with a simple watertight twist-lock so that an electrician is not needed. In some embodiments of the disclosure, strips  1402  can be upgraded/replaced/changed with new strips with better diodes or diodes that that allow for different spectrums of light based on the crop being grown. Another advantage of light curtain system  1400  is that conversion box  1404  allows for central conversion of AC to DC power. There is electrical waste each time current is converted from AC to DC, so a single point of conversion increases efficiency of the system. Furthermore, a single point of conversion at conversion box  1404  can allow for increased control of each section so that the lights can be turned up or down to accommodate the stage or type of growth of plants in a particular section. 
     In some embodiments, irrigation system  1800  is used to deliver a water/nutrient solution to the plants.  FIG.  12    shows a perspective view and  FIG.  18    shows a schematic view of the illustrative irrigation system  1800 . Irrigation system  1800  can include nutrient reservoir  1802 , nutrient doser (not shown), first set of tubing  1202 , second set of tubing  1204 , pump  1808 , drip emitters (not shown), and return gutters  1804 . In some embodiments, nutrient reservoir  1802  can be a 330 gallon tank with a reverse osmosis filter. Nutrient reservoir  1802  can be coupled to a nutrient doser (not shown), which controls the flow of nutrients into nutrient reservoir  1802  in order to maintain specific nutrient levels prescribed by the user. 
     The nutrient doser (not shown) is programmable to provide different levels and types of nutrients depending on the type of plant being grown for optimal growth. The nutrient doser (not shown) can control all types of nutrients, such as, for example, phosphates, nitrates, trace minerals. The nutrient doser (not shown) can also be configured to control and maintain characteristics of the water/nutrient solution such as pH and acidity based on prescribed levels by the user. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the nutrient doser (not shown) is configured to use a simple one-part nutrient solution, while giving more advanced users the option to experiment with additives and trace minerals based on desired characteristics of plant growth and taste. 
     Irrigation system  1800  can also include a first set and second set of tubing  1202  and  1204  for delivery of water/nutrient solution to grow channels  402  in racks  304 . First set of tubing  1202  can be one-half inch tubing coupled to ceiling  302  of container  102 , and can carry water/nutrient solution from nutrient reservoir  1802  to each section of grow channels  402 . Second set of tubing  1204  can be one-quarter inch tubing that carries water/nutrient solution from each section of grow channels  402  to each individual grow channel  402  in rack  304 . The sizes of the tubing are exemplary only and can be modified and adjusted by one of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that one set of tubing, or more than two sets of tubing, could be used as well. Pump  1808  can be utilized at the point of origin at nutrient reservoir  1802  to regulate the rate of water/nutrient flow through first set of tubing  1202 . Drip emitters (not shown) may also be affixed to the ends of the second set of tubing  1204  to control the water/nutrient flow at the point of release into each grow channel  402 . 
     In some embodiments, return gutters  1804  are utilized to catch unused water/nutrient solution that flows through grow channel  402  and return it to nutrient reservoir  1802 . Return gutters  1804  can be coupled to the floor of the container  102  and can be positioned beneath and/or integrated with the terminating section of grow channel  402 . In some embodiments, the collected unused water/nutrient solution flows downhill through return gutters  1804  and back into nutrient reservoir  1802 . Alternatively, a collection point/return tank can accumulate the unused nutrient solution and utilize a pump to transport the solution back to the reservoir. 
     In order to control the internal environment of container  102 , the hydroponic system can include climate control system  204  ( FIG.  2   ) that can measure and control humidity, carbon dioxide levels, temperature, and other related environmental factors. 
     In some embodiments, the hydroponic system also can include a ventilation system having a main fan and a plurality of intermittent fans.  FIGS.  5  and  13    show perspective views of a ventilation system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The ventilation system can include main fans  502 , intermittent fans  1302 , and air vents  504 . External air is taken in by main fans  502  at one end of container  102 , is pushed through container  102  via intermittent fans  1302 , and then exhausted from container  102  at the opposite end. Intake air is preferable run through several High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) charcoal filters at main fans  502  and exhaust air is preferably run through micro screen charcoal filters. In some embodiments, ventilation system utilizes additional air vents  504  coupled to ceiling  302  of container  102  to create a dual airflow system. Current greenhouse solutions, such as direct fans, indirect fans, and mass ventilation/exhaust systems were tested, but all were inferior to the dual airflow system in the present disclosure. The dual airflow system is generated from the vertical air flow from vents  504  and horizontal air flow from main fans  502  and intermittent fans  1302 . In other embodiments of the disclosure, additional fans and/or vents are positioned in or on the floor of container  102  to blow air vertically from the ground up between rows of racks  304 . Providing air flow in more than one direction is preferable in order to further create actual conditions that plants would encounter outdoors. Furthermore, the chaotic and random air flow patterns that are generated stimulate the plants and force them to grow stronger and denser stems and leaves. The dual airflow system is not possible with traditional horizontal rack systems because the racks would block the vertical flow of air and each rack would need its own fan/airflow source. In contrast, in embodiments of the disclosure, the vertical configuration of the racks along with the added vertical flow of air allows for air flow through the plant stems and maintains a constant flow throughout dense vegetation. Furthermore, the added vertical air flow, on top of the existing horizontal air flow, directly cools lighting while also providing an ideal level of stress to the plants, creating stronger cell walls in the plants. Stronger cell walls allow for a stronger root structure, which can support the growth of larger plants. 
     In another embodiment of the disclosure shown in  FIG.  19   , the ventilation system can also include tube  1902 , which spans along the floor of container  102  in any direction. In one embodiment of the disclosure, tube  1902  is positioned between, and is parallel to, gutters  1804 . Tube  1902  includes end  1904 , which is configured to receive a fan unit (not shown), as well as perforations (not shown) along the length of tube  1902 . When the fan unit (not shown) is turned on, air is circulated along the length of tube  1902 , and is released upward through the perforations (not shown) along tube  1902  as an alternative or additional vertical air source. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that air can flow vertically from either the ceiling to the floor, or from the floor to the ceiling, of container  102 . One of ordinary skill in the art would also recognize that air flow in the horizontal and vertical directions is just an example and the embodiment is not limited to only two directions, nor is it limited to those two particular directions. 
     In some embodiments, the components in container  102  can be coupled to monitoring system  600 .  FIG.  6    shows an illustrative system diagram of monitoring system  600  and  FIG.  7    shows a front elevational view of monitoring system  600 . Monitoring system  600  can include control center  602 , CPU interface  604 , and wireless interface  606  to allow user  608  to access the system remotely. Control center  602  preferably monitors and controls all of the components based on specifications set by user  608 . For example, control center  602  can monitor climate control system  204  and change humidity, carbon dioxide levels, temperature, and other factors in order to remain within user-specified measurements. In another example, control center  602  is coupled to LED lighting system  206  to control lighting based on various factors, such as time of day. In yet another example, control center  602  is coupled to irrigation system  1800  to ensure that the proper nutrient concentration for a specific crop is being maintained in nutrient reservoir  1802 . Control center  602  can also monitor and control the amount of solution being dripped onto specific sections of grow channels  402 , or specific grow channels  402  themselves. In yet another example, control center  602  can be coupled to the ventilation system to ensure the proper airflow is being maintained for various sections of plants. The above are just illustrative examples of components that can be monitored and controlled in order to ensure maintenance of optimal growing conditions specified by the user. 
     CPU interface  604  allows user  608  to have direct access to control center  602 , and wireless interface  606  allows user  608  to have remote access to control center  602 . Either connection allows user  608  to modify any pre-set levels, override pre-set levels, or simply monitor activity in container  102 . Wireless interface  606  allows for control center  602  to provide remote alerts to user  608 , giving user  608  the ability to change or override any preset characteristics. Referring to  FIG.  8   , an example of data  800  available to user  608  is shown. For example, available data  800  includes summary data  802  and input protocol data  804 . Summary data  802  can provide user  608  with data on environmental conditions and plant growth. Input protocol data  804  is more flexible, and allows user  608  to input data to change environmental conditions or component performance. 
       FIGS.  16 - 17    show examples of the types of data that can be remotely monitored and controlled via monitoring system  600 . For example,  FIG.  16 A  illustrates various vent cycle characteristics  1601  that can be remotely set and modified with respect to the vents in an embodiment of the disclosure.  FIG.  16 B  shows examples of various systems that can be remotely monitored and controlled. As shown in  FIG.  16 B , when a system is selected, an exemplary set of icons  1602 ,  1604 ,  1606 , pertaining to the selected system are displayed. For example, if the tank pump system is selected, an embodiment of monitoring system  1600  might display relationship icon  1602 , cycle icon  1604 , and alarm icon  1606 . Relationship icon  1602  describes the relationship that has been set up to determine what conditions should occur for a corresponding action to be triggered. Cycle icon  1604  allows the user to specify the number or frequency of cycles to run a particular system. Alarm icon  1606  allows the user to specify the scenarios for which monitoring system  600  should alert the user for a particular system.  FIGS.  17 A-F  illustrate screenshots of various other types of remote monitoring that can be utilized by the user.  FIG.  17 A  shows a screen shot of exemplary air and water data that can be reported to the user. Such data can include air temperature  1702 , air flow  1704 , carbon dioxide levels  1706 , water temperature  1708 , pH level  1710 , humidity  1724 , and nutrient conductivity  1712 .  FIG.  17 B  shows a live video feed  1714  of sweet basil plants. Monitoring system  600  can also provide video feeds of other zones of crops being grown in container  102  in order to allow a user to monitor different zones of different crops or different zones of the same crop.  FIG.  17 C  shows an example of alarm function  1716  in monitoring system  600 . In this example, the user has configured alarm function  1716  to notify the user when the air temperature has exceeded 82° F. or has dropped below 64° F.  FIG.  17 D  illustrates additional systems  1718  that can be remotely monitored and controlled,  FIG.  17 E  shows systems  1720  that can be monitored by cycles, and 17F shows an example of the controls  1722  for setting cycles for a particular system. 
     In another embodiment, the wireless connection in wireless interface  606  allows for an additional party, such as off-site harvest expert or hydroponics expert  610 , to communicate with user  608  and review all of the data and conditions that are available to user  608 . 
     One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the monitoring system could monitor, control, and change any additional components that affect the environment or feeding conditions. In order to maintain conditions or provide alerts, control center  602  can include algorithms relating to environmental conditions prescribed by the user. In one embodiment, control center  602  utilizes a series of if-then relationships to maintain optimal conditions. For example, if humidity within container  102  falls below a set limit, for example, 60%, then control center  602  activates the humidifier until the humidity level stabilizes. In another example, if the temperature within container  102  rises above a set limit, for example, 85° F. or falls below a set limit, for example, 66° F., then control center  602  activates climate control system  204  until the temperature stabilizes. Monitoring system  600  can also be configured to capture visual records of plant growth, and record and report all data points for conditions that the monitoring system controls. The system may also be configured to issue alerts based on the if-then relationships described above to alert the user of system failures, changes in conditions, or other variations from levels prescribed by the user. All of these variables can be changed based on the crop desired and the optimal environmental and feeding conditions for that crop. 
     In one embodiment, assembly of the hydroponic unit starts with obtaining a new or used insulated shipping container  102  that implements vents on each door and preferably has vents on each wall. In one example, there is an average of one vent per ten feet. An electrical panel, such as a 200 amp, 240 volt panel, can be coupled to one of the walls of container  102  for power. A Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit or other climate control unit  204  and main fan  502  can also be coupled to one of the walls of container  102 . Intermittent fans  1302  can be installed every ten to twenty feet to allow for proper air circulation. 
     Racks  304  for the growing system can then be installed within container  102 , followed by grow channels  402 . Grow channels  402  and racks  304  can be configured vertically in order to increase plant yield and improve usability. However, the grow channels  402  and racks  402  can be moved, changed and/or reconfigured to increase the efficiency of the interior space. Once these systems are assembled, they are connected to the nutrient reservoirs  1802 , dosers (not shown), and other components of the irrigation system. The LED lighting system  206  is then set up at a proper distance from the growing system to allow for optimum conditions for plant production. Climate control system  204  and monitoring system  600  can then be installed within container  102  to ensure that all of the necessary components are being controlled and monitored. Cameras can also be installed and connected to the CPU to ensure that a live feed or time-lapse pictures can be provided to a remote user. 
       FIG.  9    shows an illustrative flow diagram of the process  900  for growing plants in an embodiment of the invention. In step  902 , seeds are placed into germination medium  1008  and provided with nutrients for a specified duration of time until they have germinated into plants. In step  904 , the plants are removed from germination medium  1008 . In steps  906 - 908 , the plants are packed into the grow medium  404  and placed in grow channels  402 . In step  910 , grow channels  402  are coupled into vertical racks  304  so that the plants grow radially outward from the axes of vertical racks  304 . In step  912 , the user programs control center  602  with specific environmental conditions to be monitoring and maintained. In steps  914 - 920 , control center  602  drives exemplary environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, lighting, nutrients/water, and airflow so that they are all within levels prescribed by the user. Once the plants have either spent a specified duration of time in racks  304  or grown to a specified size, they are then removed from racks  304  and grow channels  402  in step  922 . 
     The hydroponic system can be configured to produce all plants other than crops that are grown for their edible roots, i.e., root crops. For example, the hydroponic system can produce: all types of lettuce; all types of herbs such as basil, oregano, mint, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and chive; all types of leafy greens such as kale, chard, spinach and arugula; all vine crops such as strawberries, tomatoes, and peppers; cucumbers; and mushrooms. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that these are just examples of non-root crops, and the disclosure is not meant to be limited to these exemplary crops only. The hydroponic system can also be configured to utilize fish tanks in order to raise various forms of seafood, such as fish, shrimp and lobsters. 
     The disclosed system can provide a high efficiency output as plants can be harvested and new plants can begin the cycle all in the same space at the same time. In one example of an embodiment, one acre of the disclosed hydroponic system provides a projected annual yield of approximately 5.4 million heads of lettuce while one acre of traditional agricultural farming provides a projected annual yield of approximately 30,000 heads of lettuce. In another example, one acre of the disclosed hydroponic system provides a projected annual yield of approximately 1.7 million pounds of basil while one acre of traditional agricultural farming provides a projected annual yield of approximately 32,500 pounds of basil. In yet another example, 320 square feet of the disclosed hydroponic system provides a projected annual yield of approximately 40,000 heads of lettuce while 320 square feet of traditional greenhouse farming provides a projected annual yield of approximately 6,800 heads of lettuce. Not only does the disclosed hydroponic system in the previous examples provide a much higher annual yield of crops, but it is also able to do so with fewer resources. For example, one acre of the disclosed hydroponic system projects to utilize approximately 163,350 gallons of water annually while one acre of traditional agricultural farming projects to utilize approximately 488,772 gallons of water annually. 
     Although the above description describes embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that the techniques and concepts are applicable to growing systems in general. Thus the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. 
     While the above describes a particular order of operations performed by a given embodiment of the invention, it should be understood that such order is exemplary, as alternative embodiments may perform the operations in a different order, combine certain operations, overlap certain operations, or the like. References in the specification to a given embodiment indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. 
     While the present invention has been described in the context of a method or process, the present invention also relates to apparatus for performing the operations herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes, or it may comprise a generalpurpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a computer readable storage medium including, without limitation, any type of disk including optical disks, CD-ROMs, and magnetic-optical disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic or optical cards, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions.