Patent Description:
In recent years, aquaponics and greenhouse systems have been developed. However, such systems typically are lacking in effective incorporation of greenhouse and fish feeding systems for the aquaponics, in an efficient and cost-effective manner. <CIT> and <CIT> illustrate such facilities.

Therefore, there is a need for a method and system that addresses the above and other problems. The above and other problems are addressed by the illustrative embodiments of the present invention, which provide systems for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder, and the like.

As such, there is provided aquaponics and greenhouse systems according to the appended claims.

Accordingly, in the present invention there is provided an aquaponics and greenhouse system, according to claim <NUM>, including an insulated solar greenhouse with a glazing on a sun facing side at an angle to maximize winter sunlight, and housing a fish tank housed within the solar greenhouse; a plant growing area housed within the solar greenhouse; a mushroom growing area housed within the solar greenhouse; a water wall thermal mass housed within the solar greenhouse and disposed between the plant growing area and mushroom growing area; and a natural air ventilation system housed within the solar greenhouse and configured to provide misted air into the mushroom growing area. O2 generated by the plant growing area is received by the natural air ventilation system and provided to the mushroom growing area, and CO2 generated by the mushroom growing area is provided to the plant growing area.

The system further includes a plurality of grow beds coupled to the fish tank and also housed within the solar greenhouse in the plant growing area, wherein each one of the plurality of grow beds is coupled to a respective fish tank geyser pump internal to the fish tank. The fish tank geyser pumps are powered by an external air pump to pump water from the fish tank to the grow bed and aerate water of the fish tank. A hard filter is coupled to the fish tank and has a hard filter geyser pump internal to the fish tank and powered by an external air pump to pump water from the fish tank to the hard filter to aerate and filter water of the fish tank, wherein the hard filter includes algae layer on an upper portion thereof with an air stone powered by an external air pump underneath the algae layer to aerate the algae.

The system further includes a desalination system disposed under the plant growing area for generating fresh water for use in the greenhouse.

According to the present invention the natural air ventilation system includes a secondary roof plenum disposed underneath the roof of the greenhouse and coupled to a rain gutter water reservoir; a water filter coupled to the rain gutter water reservoir and configured to filter water from the rain gutter water reservoir; and a water pump coupled to the filter and configured to pump the filtered water to a mister spray head on an upper portion of the secondary roof plenum so that a water mist is sprayed and configured to condense within a channel formed by the roof of the greenhouse and the secondary roof plenum and return to the rain gutter water reservoir.

The hard filter includes mechanical filtration, biological filtration, chemical filtration, and/or UV light sanitation; and a duckweed auto fish feeder having an output coupled to the fish tank and with duckweed growing on a top water surface of the hard filter provided to the fish tank.

The system further includes a black soldier fly (BSF) composting and auto fish feeder for converting organic matter into BSF larvae for fish feed, and comprising a BSF container having an internal ramp, and an external ramp, with the internal ramp disposed within the BSF container, and with the external ramp coupled to the internal ramp and disposed over the fish tank so that the BSF larvae can crawl up the internal ramp and drop off from the external ramp into the fish tank as the fish feed.

The system further includes a spectral analyzer based sensor having a gas probe disposed within the greenhouse to measure air parameters of the greenhouse including temperature, humidity, <NUM>, and C02 levels in the greenhouse, and a water probe disposed within the fish tank to measure water parameters of the fish tank water including dissolved oxygen, PH, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, and electrical conductivity (EC) levels of the fish tank water, and a computer coupled to the spectral analyzer based sensor and configured to control one or more of the air and water parameters based on the measured air and water parameters levels.

Each of the grow beds includes a bell siphon external to the grow bed and configured to drain the water from the grow bed back into the fish tank and from the grow bed back into the respective hydroponic tank, and each bell siphon comprises a bell siphon housing with an open end and closed top, with the open end of the bell siphon housing coupled to a bottom of the grow bed, and a bell siphon standpipe extending within the bell siphon housing and coupled to the fish tank to drain the water from the grow bed back into the fish tank, and to the respective hydroponic tank via respective valves.

Each of the fish tank and hard filter geyser pumps comprises a geyser pump housing with an open bottom and closed top, with an air inlet provided in the geyser pump housing coupled to the air pump, and a geyser pump standpipe extending through the closed top of the geyser pump housing to an inside of the geyser pump housing and coupled to a top of the grow bed to pump and aerate the water from the fish tank to the top of the grow bed.

The system further includes solar panels disposed on top of the greenhouse; and a solar panel cleaning device disposed on the solar panels and configured to clean dust or sand on the solar panels.

Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description, by illustrating a number of illustrative embodiments and implementations, including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. The present invention is also capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details can be modified in various respects. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

The embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and more particularly to <FIG> thereof, there shown a top view diagram <NUM> used for illustrative systems and methods for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder systems, and the like.

In <FIG>, the system can include a solar greenhouse <NUM> (e.g., based on a Chinese solar greenhouse design, etc.) having a rocket mass heater <NUM> (RMH, e.g., made from fireplace bricks, metal vents, etc.) for additional heating the greenhouse and fish tank water, as needed, a rain water collection system <NUM> (RWC) for collecting rain water and heating the fish tank water, as needed, a fish tank <NUM> (FT, e.g., circular or octagonal shaped of <NUM>-<NUM> litre (<NUM>-<NUM> gallon) capacity, cone bottom, etc.) for stocking fish (e.g., Tilapia, catfish, blue gills, perch, etc.), six or more grow beds <NUM> (GB, e.g., <NUM>-<NUM> liter (<NUM>-<NUM> gallon) containers, media, deep water culture, wicking, etc.) arranged around the fish tank <NUM>, and a hard filter <NUM> (HT, e.g., including mechanical, biological, chemical filtration, UV light sanitation, etc.) for additional filtering of the fish tank water, as needed. Each grow beds <NUM> is filled with media (e.g., expanded clay, pea gravel, soil, water, etc.) and can be fitted with respective air pump (not shown) connected to a geyser pump <NUM> (GP) for pumping and aerating the fish tank water from the fish tank <NUM> into the grow bed <NUM>, and a bell siphon <NUM> for draining the water from the grow bed <NUM> to the fish tank <NUM>. The greenhouse <NUM> can be dug into to the ground (not shown) with the east, west and north sides insulated by the earth and with the south side including a glazing <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>,<NUM> x <NUM>,<NUM> (<NUM>' x <NUM>') triple wall polycarbonate panels, greenhouse plastic sheeting, glass, etc.) at an angle to maximize winter sunlight (e.g., as in an earth-sheltered design, etc.). Otherwise, the east, west and north sides can be insulated using insulation boards (not shown, e.g., <NUM> (<NUM> inch) Rmax Thermashield <NUM> insulation, etc.), and the like. Vents <NUM> (e.g., including solar panels, wind turbines, etc., (not shown) to provide solar power, etc.) can be sized based on the greenhouse volume and provided on the lower east and south walls, on the upper north roof, and on the upper west side for ventilation, as needed, and based on wind direction, and the like. The greenhouse <NUM> can include a black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder <NUM>, and a duckweed auto fish feeder (not shown, e.g., with duckweed growing on the hard filter <NUM> having output to fish tank <NUM>, etc.).

<FIG> is an east view diagram <NUM> for the illustrative systems and methods for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder, and the like. In <FIG>, the glazing <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>,<NUM> x <NUM>,<NUM> (<NUM>' x <NUM>') triple wall polycarbonate panels, greenhouse plastic sheeting, glass, etc.) is provided on the south facing wall at an angle to maximize winter (or e.g., summer, spring, fall, etc.) sunlight. The east, west and north sides can be insulated using insulation boards <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> (<NUM> inch) Rmax Thermasheath <NUM> insulation, etc.), and the like. The insulation boards <NUM> can be reflective on the inside and/or outside, as needed, to reflect and/or trap heat within the greenhouse (e.g., based on the greenhouse effect, etc.). A solar blanket (not shown, e.g., automatically controlled, etc.) can be provide to insulate the glazing <NUM> at night or during dark periods, and the like, as needed. The vents <NUM> can be sized based on the greenhouse volume and provided on the lower east and south walls, on the upper north roof, and on the upper west side for ventilation, as needed, and based on wind direction, and the like. Doors <NUM> can be provided as needed, and the greenhouse <NUM> can be built on top of an insulated layer <NUM> (e.g., made from wood or plastic pallets, plastic shelves, concrete, etc.). The vents <NUM> can employ electronics motors and/or auto greenhouse solar window openers (e.g., wax filled cylinders/pistons that open upon heating, etc.) that are programmable to fully open within a suitable temperature range (e.g., a <NUM>-<NUM> (<NUM>-<NUM> °F), etc.).

<FIG> are diagrams for venting and door layouts for the illustrative systems and methods for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder, and the like. In <FIG>, venting <NUM> and door layouts <NUM> are shown for (A) east side, (B) west side, (C) south side, and (D) top view. The vents <NUM> on the lower south side are programmable, as described above, and feed the vents <NUM> on the upper north side to create natural ventilation within the greenhouse.

<FIG> is diagram for a black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder <NUM> for the illustrative systems and methods for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder, and the like. In <FIG>, the BSF composter and auto fish feeder <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> (e.g., made from a <NUM> litre (<NUM> gallon) black plastic tote, etc.). The housing <NUM> is filled with media <NUM> (e.g., reptile bedding material, coco coir, etc.) that holds BSF larvae <NUM>. Organic matter <NUM> is placed on top of the media through a lid <NUM> for the BSF larvae <NUM> to consume. When the larvae <NUM> are ready to become flies, they crawl up an inner ramp <NUM> (e.g., at <NUM>-<NUM> degrees, etc.) to an outer ramp <NUM> and drop into the fish tank <NUM> (not shown) to be consumed by the fish. Advantageously, the BSF system <NUM> acts as a highly efficient composter for most organic matter, and the larvae <NUM> provide for a high quality fish feed. An entrance hole <NUM> is provided for pregnant black soldier flies to enter and lay their eggs, thus generating more BSF larvae <NUM>. An outlet <NUM> is provided to capture leachate juices <NUM> from the BSF composter and which can be diluted with water (e.g., at <NUM>:<NUM>, etc.) and put back in the fish tank <NUM> (not shown) to be provided to the grow beds <NUM> (not shown) as fertilizer.

<FIG> is diagram for a rocket mass heater (RMH) <NUM> for the illustrative systems and methods for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder, and the like. In <FIG>, the rocket mass heater <NUM> includes an L-shaped mass chamber <NUM> with burning wood and air <NUM> entering at one end, and with heated air <NUM> exiting at the other end to heat the greenhouse <NUM> (not shown). The RMH <NUM> can include a large mass (e.g., fire place bricks, etc.) that is heated and retains heat to be dissipated throughout the greenhouse <NUM> (not shown). Metal coils <NUM> can be wrapped around the RMH <NUM> to heat the fish tank water, as needed, with some electronically controlled valves <NUM>, and the like (e.g., for computer, internet control, etc.). The RMH <NUM> can be buried within the floor of the greenhouse <NUM> (not shown) with a layer of gravel over the top to minimize the footprint.

<FIG> is diagram for a geyser pump (GP) <NUM> for the illustrative systems and methods for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder, and the like. In <FIG>, the geyser pump <NUM> can include a large air chamber <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> (<NUM>") white plastic PVC pipe, etc.) with a water stand pipe <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>,<NUM> (<NUM>") white plastic PVC pipe, etc.) fitted in a center thereof. An air pump <NUM> (e.g., an <NUM>-<NUM> watt air pump running from electric, solar, wind power, etc.) is connected to an air line <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>,<NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM>") plastic line, etc.) that pumps air into the bottom of the air chamber <NUM>. As the air chamber <NUM> fills with air, water from the bottom of the air chamber <NUM> is pumped to the grow bed <NUM> (not shown), while the fish tank <NUM> (not shown) water is aerated. Advantageously, each grow bed <NUM> (not shown) includes its own geyser pump <NUM> and air pump <NUM> providing for low energy requirements, water pumping, aeration, redundancy, and the like.

<FIG> is diagram for a bell siphon (BS) <NUM> for the illustrative systems and methods for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder, and the like. In <FIG>, the bell siphon <NUM> can include a bell pipe <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> x <NUM> (<NUM>" - <NUM>") white plastic PVC pipe, etc.), a stand pipe <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>,<NUM> - <NUM>,<NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM>" - <NUM>") white plastic PVC pipe, etc.), and a siphon break line <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>,<NUM> - <NUM>,<NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM>"-<NUM>/<NUM>") clear or opaque plastic tubing, etc.). A water pipe <NUM> inside the grow bed <NUM> and connected to the bell pipe <NUM> takes in water from the grow bed <NUM>. When the water reaches a siphon level <NUM> set by the stand pipe <NUM> lower than a media level <NUM> (e.g., approximately <NUM> (<NUM>") above siphon level <NUM>, etc.), the water starts a siphon effect and drains the water from the grow bed <NUM> into the fish tank <NUM> (not shown) faster than the water can be pumped in by the geyser pump <NUM> (not shown). When the water level goes down to the bottom of the siphon break <NUM>, air is drawn in breaking the siphon, and starting a flooding cycle in the grow bed <NUM> from water pumped in by the geyser pump <NUM>. Advantageously, the bell siphon <NUM> is located external to the grow bed <NUM> for ease of cleaning, maintenance, and the like.

<FIG> is diagram for a rain water collection system (RWC) <NUM> for the illustrative systems and methods for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder, and the like. In <FIG>, the RWC system <NUM> can include the outside edges of the roof of the greenhouse <NUM> fitted with reflective gutters <NUM> for capturing rain. The captured rain flows through a rain water capture line <NUM> into one or more water collection tanks <NUM> (e.g., black <NUM> litre (<NUM> gallon), plastic drums, water wall, etc.) inside the greenhouse <NUM>. The first water collection tank <NUM> can include lime stone <NUM>, and the like, at a bottom thereof for adjusting the PH and can overflow via a connection line <NUM> into further water collection tanks <NUM>. The last water collection tank <NUM> can include a water pump <NUM> (or e.g., can operate based on gravity, etc.) for pumping water into the fish tank <NUM> (not shown), as needed (e.g., based on a float arrangement, electronic sensor, etc.). Water from the fish tank <NUM> can be pumped or gravity fed to a fish tank heating line <NUM> for circulation in the reflective gutter <NUM> for solar heating of the fish tank water via electronically controlled valves <NUM>, and the like (e.g., for computer, internet control, etc.). Advantageously, with the RWC system <NUM>, rain water can be collected for use by the fish tank <NUM>, fish tank water can be heated, additional water mass for solar heating by the greenhouse <NUM> can be provided, and the like.

<FIG> are diagrams for auto vent opener system <NUM> for the illustrative systems and methods for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder, and the like. In <FIG>, the auto vent opener system <NUM> can include vents (A) on the north roof, and (B) on the lower south wall of the greenhouse <NUM>, employing electronics motors (not shown) and/or auto greenhouse solar window openers <NUM> (e.g., wax filled cylinders/pistons that open upon heating, etc.) that are programmable to fully open within a suitable temperature range (e.g., a <NUM>-<NUM> (<NUM>-<NUM> °F), etc.).

The illustrative embodiments of <FIG> can be fitted with additional computer controlled sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity, O2, CO2, H2O, dissolved oxygen, PH, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, electrical conductivity (EC), etc.) for greenhouse and aquaponics automation over a LAN or the Internet, and the like, as further described.

<FIG> are diagrams for water collection and processing systems <NUM>-<NUM> for the illustrative systems and methods for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder, and the like. In <FIG>, the water collection and processing systems <NUM> can include a black colored water wall <NUM> inside the greenhouse <NUM> for collecting rainwater and/or receiving rainwater from the RWC <NUM> and/or a cistern (not sown). A filter <NUM> and purifier <NUM> is included to provide clean water <NUM> to the fish tank <NUM>, the RWC <NUM>, for human use, and the like. In <FIG>, the water collection and processing systems <NUM> can include collected rainwater <NUM>, cistern water <NUM>, and gray water <NUM> fed to the filter <NUM> and purifier <NUM> to provide clean water <NUM> for human use <NUM> that feeds the gray water <NUM>. The clean water <NUM> also feeds the fish tank <NUM> that then feeds the hard filter <NUM> that feeds the grow beds <NUM> that feeds water back to the fish tank <NUM> completing the loop. The fish tank <NUM> and the grow beds <NUM> can also be decoupled with respective hard filters, as needed, to optimize for fish and/or plant growth.

<FIG> is a diagram for a multi-level system version <NUM> of the illustrative systems and methods for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder, and the like. In <FIG>, the multi-level system version <NUM> can be sheltered in the ground <NUM> and/or insulated as previously described, and with geothermal heating and/or venting <NUM>. Each level <NUM> separated by grated floors <NUM> can include the grow beds <NUM> fed from the fish tank <NUM> via the hard filter <NUM> and with respective vents/solar panels <NUM> on the south side and north roof having RWC <NUM>. A sensor/CPU system <NUM> (e.g., spectral analyzer based, etc.) with gas <NUM> and liquid <NUM> probes can be used to measure and control all relevant air and water parameters (e.g., temperature, humidity, O2, CO2, H2O, dissolved oxygen, PH, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, electrical conductivity (EC), etc.) of the fish tank <NUM> and grow beds <NUM> at every level <NUM>, as needed, including internet monitoring and control via suitable software applications, and the like. A battery and inverter system <NUM> can be provided for on and/or off grid operation and switching from the solar panels <NUM> and/or wind turbine (not shown), including powering additional lighting (not shown), and the like.

<FIG> is a diagram for additional features <NUM> for the illustrative systems and methods for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder, and the like. In <FIG>, the additional features <NUM> can include a root guard <NUM> for the bell siphon <NUM> for ease of cleaning and maintenance, and for providing deep water culture (DWC) functionality via a media filled net pot or a raft <NUM> within the media bed grow bed <NUM>. The grow bed <NUM> can also be configured a wicking bed by providing media separator <NUM> (e.g., made of burlap or weed guard material, etc.) between hydroponic media <NUM> and/or soil media <NUM>. A mushroom substrate <NUM> with a clear glass or plastic cover <NUM> can be placed in the media <NUM> for growing edible mushrooms, advantageously, providing exchange of CO2 and O2, biological filtering of nitrates, an additional food source, and the like. The flood and drain action of the grow bed <NUM>, advantageously, maintains humidity and provides air exchange, and the like, for mushroom cultivation, and the like.

<FIG> is an illustrative hard filter employed in the systems and methods for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder of <FIG>. In <FIG>, the hard filter <NUM> can include a water inlet pipe <NUM>. The water inlet pipe <NUM> can be fed with water from the fish tank <NUM> via a geyser pump or water pump (not shown) coupled to the fish tank <NUM>. The input water from the water inlet pipe <NUM> is fed to a stilling well <NUM> that couples to a funnel-shaped settling chamber <NUM>. The funnel-shaped settling chamber <NUM> is coupled to a valve <NUM> coupled to an output drain pipe <NUM> for purging fish waste that is settled in the settling chamber <NUM>. The water input from the water inlet pipe <NUM> fills up in the settling chamber <NUM> and then rises and passes through a series of one or more media filters <NUM> (e.g., Matala® type advanced filter media) configured around the stilling well <NUM>, and starting from the bottom of the settling chamber <NUM> with a coarse filter <NUM> up to a fine filter <NUM> near the top of the stilling well <NUM>. The water then rises and is filtered through the media filters <NUM>. The filtered water then enters a weir chamber <NUM> having air stones <NUM> resting on the top media filter <NUM>. The air stones <NUM> provide for degassing of the filtered water in the weir chamber <NUM>. Around the weir chamber <NUM> is provided a sponge type filter <NUM> to further filter the water before the filtered water is output through an output pipe <NUM> back to the fish tank <NUM> and/or grow beds <NUM>. Water plants and algae (not shown), such as Duckweed, beneficial algae, and the like, can be grown in the filtered water in the weir chamber <NUM> for further filtering of the water and for use as fish feed supplements. Advantageously, the algae grown in the weir chamber <NUM> can include omega fatty acids typically missing from conventional farmed fish. Employing a geyser pump (not shown) to feed the water inlet pipe <NUM>, advantageously, allows for the system of <FIG> to be run without employing any conventional water pumps, as with conventional aquaponics systems.

<FIG> is an illustrative geyser pump air distribution configuration employed in the systems and methods for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder of <FIG> and <FIG>. In <FIG>, the geyser pump <NUM> air distribution configuration can include respective solar panels <NUM> (and/or e.g., small wind turbines, not shown) and batteries <NUM> coupled to the respective air pumps <NUM> for the respective grow beds <NUM> (not shown). The air pumps <NUM> are coupled to respective air tanks <NUM> via one way valves <NUM>. The respective air tanks <NUM> are coupled in series via respective pressure release valves <NUM> configured for maintaining a suitable air pressure to power the respective geyser pumps <NUM>. As the first air tank fills to pressure, the valves <NUM> allow for filling of the subsequent air tanks <NUM> until the last tank <NUM> is full. When the air tanks <NUM> are filled to capacity, the power to the air pumps <NUM> from the batteries <NUM> can be turned off with a suitable air powered solenoid switch (not shown) and triggered by one or more of the respective pressure release valves <NUM>. Advantageously, such air distribution configuration allows for the system to be run solely from air and via solar power and/or wind power, and with N-way redundancy.

<FIG> is an illustrative rocket mass heater configuration employed in the systems and methods for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder of <FIG> and <FIG> In <FIG>, the rocket mass heater <NUM> configuration can include a rocket stove <NUM> having an air feed <NUM>, fuel chamber <NUM> and heated gas output <NUM>. The heated gas output <NUM> is coupled to one or more suitable masses <NUM> (e.g., cylindrical or square tube shaped clay flue pipes, etc.) coupled to each other via respective gas input and exhaust ports <NUM> and <NUM>. The exhaust port of the final mass <NUM> can be coupled to a gas exit pipe (not shown). Advantageously, the hot gasses from the gas output <NUM> of the rocket stove <NUM> enter the first mass <NUM> and rise, and then exit when cooled down from a lower portion thereof via the first gas output <NUM> coupled to the second mass <NUM>, and so on, to efficiently heat each of the masses <NUM> with cooler and cooler gasses in series.

<FIG> is an illustrative on-demand aquaponics or hydroponics configuration employed in the systems and methods for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder of <FIG>. In <FIG>, the on-demand aquaponics or hydroponics configuration <NUM> can include respective hydroponics tanks <NUM> having respective geyser pumps <NUM> therein for pumping hydroponic water from the tanks <NUM> to the respective grow beds <NUM> that can also be fed with water from the fish tank <NUM> via the respective geyser pumps <NUM>. Respective air switches <NUM> allow for selection of air to be delivered to the respective geyser pumps <NUM> and/or <NUM>. The respective output water from the grow beds <NUM> can be cycled back to the respective hydroponics tanks <NUM> and/or the fish tank <NUM> via respective selector valves <NUM> and <NUM>. Advantageously, each of the grow beds <NUM> can be configured to cycle water from the fish tank <NUM> and/or the respective hydroponics tanks <NUM>. Such a configuration, advantageously, allows for cycling of, for example, high nitrate fish tank <NUM> water to one or more of the grow beds <NUM> for vegetative growth by sending air to only one or more of the geyser pumps <NUM> via suitable configuration of the respective air switches <NUM> and the respective selector valves <NUM> and <NUM>. After a desired vegetative growth stage is complete in one or more of the grow beds <NUM>, cycling of, for example, low nitrate, high phosphorous and potassium, and the like, hydroponics tanks <NUM> water to one or more of the grow beds <NUM> for flower and fruiting growth can be accomplished by sending air to only one or more of the geyser pumps <NUM> via suitable configuration of the respective air switches <NUM> and the respective selector valves <NUM> and <NUM>. Advantageously, plants that require high nitrates and/or plants that require low nitrates and high phosphorous and potassium, and the like, can be accommodated in one or more of the respective grow beds <NUM> with suitable configuration of the respective air switches <NUM> and the respective selector valves <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> is an illustrative aquaponic mushroom filter and wicking bed configuration employed in the systems and methods for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder of <FIG> and <FIG>. In <FIG>, the mushroom substrate <NUM> is included over the media separator <NUM>, such that the bell siphon <NUM> floods and drains the mushroom substrate <NUM> up to a water level <NUM> determined by the standpipe <NUM>. In this way, the mushroom substrate <NUM> can be hydrated to increase fruiting, in addition to adding beneficial microbes, during flood and drain cycles, advantageously, increasing mushroom fruit production. Advantageously, the mushroom substrate <NUM> can be inoculated and colonized directly in the flood and drain media grow bed <NUM>. During the colonization stage, the flood and drain action is turned off, for example, by turning off the air supply to the geyser pump that feeds the grow bed <NUM>, so that the mycelium can fully colonize the mushroom substrate <NUM>. After the mushroom substrate <NUM> is fully colonized, the flood and drain mechanism can be turned back on, so is to hydrate the mushroom substrate <NUM> for increased fruiting, as previously described. In addition, the water from the fish tank can include around <NUM>-<NUM> parts per thousand of salt for the fish health, and which also acts as an antibacterial agent to reduce contamination of the mushroom substrate <NUM>.

Advantageously, since the system can be fully air powered, the suction from the air pumps used to power the geyser pumps can be used to extract CO2 from the mushroom substrate <NUM> and mushroom fruits, thereby increasing fresh air exchange, and producing mushroom fruits with desirable characteristics. In addition, the CO2 that is extracted from the mushroom substrate <NUM> and mushroom fruits can be used by the algae and duckweed biofilter, previously described, for example, with respect to <FIG>, to create a closed loop system where the CO2 from the mushrooms is employed by the algae and duckweed biofilter of <FIG>.

In further embodiments, a wood log or block <NUM> that is inoculated with dowels colonized with mushroom mycelium can be inserted inside of the media of the grow bed <NUM> to create a natural log type mushroom cultivation system. Advantageously, plants can also be grown within the grow bed <NUM> for providing oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange between the plants and the mushroom logs <NUM> and/or mushroom substrate <NUM>, and the mushrooms growing thereon.

In further embodiments, a fogger <NUM> (e.g., of the ultrasonic type, etc.) with a fan <NUM> can be positioned within the root guard <NUM>, such that when the root guard <NUM> fills with water during flood and drain cycles, fog is created that is then distributed via the fan <NUM> to the mushroom substrate <NUM> or the logs <NUM> and the mushrooms growing thereon, advantageously, increasing fresh air exchange.

<FIG> is an illustrative aquaponic mushroom filter and wicking bed configuration employed in the systems and methods for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder of <FIG> and <FIG>. In <FIG>, spacer tubes <NUM> are positioned between the media separator <NUM> and the grow bed walls so is to create spaces around the mushroom substrate in the flood and drain media grow bed <NUM>. Advantageously, this can increase the amount of air that is drawn around the mushroom substrate during the flood and drain action.

In addition, a substrate cover <NUM>, for example, made for a plastic material that does not transmit light can be sealed over top of the substrate, so as to maintain moisture in the substrate during the fruiting stages. Fruiting rings <NUM> can be disposed within the substrate cover <NUM> to provide points for mushroom fruiting dispersed along the entire substrate. Advantageously, the sizes of the mushroom flushes can be adjusted based on the number of fruiting rings <NUM> employed within the substrate cover <NUM>. The fruiting rings <NUM> can be positioned within the substrate cover <NUM>, and covered with a suitable filter material, for example, micropore type tape, polyfill, and the like, to reduce contamination, while allowing for fresh air exchange.

<FIG> are illustrative mushrooms and greens fruiting chamber configurations employed in the systems and methods for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder of <FIG> and <FIG>. In <FIG>, an insulated housing enclosure <NUM> is provided with a shelving unit <NUM>, for example, of the type of shelving units used in restaurants, and the like. The shelving unit <NUM> can include racks <NUM> that can be configured for growing microgreens, edible plants, and the like.

The microgreens racks <NUM> can be positioned in a lower portion of the shelving unit <NUM>, with mushroom logs or bags <NUM> suspended in an upper portion of the shelving unit <NUM>. Advantageously, the CO2 produced by the mushroom logs and/or bags <NUM> and/or mushrooms growing thereon, settles to the bottom of the shelving unit <NUM> and is employed by the plants in the greens racks <NUM>. Similarly, the plant racks <NUM> provide oxygen to the mushroom logs or bags <NUM>. Advantageously, air exchange and humidity can be maintained with such configuration so that humidifiers, fans, and the like, need not be employed.

Lights <NUM> (e.g., LED type lights, grow lights, etc.) and the like, can be disposed within the housing <NUM> and or the shelving unit <NUM> to provide light for the plants in the greens rack <NUM> and for the mushrooms growing on the logs or bags <NUM>. In further embodiments, and aquaponics type fish tank <NUM> with a water or geyser type pump <NUM> can be used to distribute nutrient rich water from the fish tank <NUM> to the greens racks <NUM> via the outlet <NUM>. A return line <NUM> can return the filtered water from the greens racks <NUM> back to the fish tank <NUM>. Advantageously, the humidity provided by the aquaponics component can be used to increase the humidity within the mushroom and greens fruiting chamber <NUM>, for improved plant and mushroom growth.

In <FIG>, the mushroom logs or bags <NUM> can be placed on mushroom racks <NUM>, instead of or in addition to being hung from the shelving unit <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Advantageously, the racks <NUM> and <NUM>, can be configured as conventional restaurant racks to allow for easy filling and removal of the mushrooms and plants, for example, in a restaurant type setting, and like. In further embodiments, fish tank <NUM> need not be employed, wherein nutrient rich water from the fish tank <NUM> and/or one or more of the hydroponic tanks <NUM> can be fed to the racks <NUM> with the return <NUM> coupled back to return the filtered water to the fish tank <NUM> and/or one or more of the hydroponic tanks <NUM>.

<FIG> is an illustrative solar greenhouse with a natural air ventilation configuration employed in the systems and methods for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder of <FIG>. In <FIG>, a reservoir or gutter <NUM> feeds water to a prefilter <NUM> connected to a pump <NUM> which supplies pressured water to a mister head <NUM> via a water line <NUM>. The pressurized water from the pump <NUM> provides a fine mist from the mister <NUM> that is transmitted down to channel formed by a plenum or secondary roof <NUM> that is underneath the north roof of the greenhouse. The channel <NUM> that is formed, advantageously, produces a cold stream of air as the water that is misted condenses, thus, creating a natural air flow that flows down the channel to <NUM> towards the bottom of the greenhouse.

Water that condenses from the mister <NUM> is captured by the plenum <NUM> and fed back to the gutter <NUM> to be recycled and delivered back through the filter <NUM> to the pump <NUM> and the water line <NUM> to the mister <NUM>. In further embodiments, a straw or similar material, and the like, type mat <NUM> can be disposed in front of the mister <NUM> with a fan <NUM> drawing air through the mat <NUM> to produce a swamp cooler, and the like, type effect within the channel <NUM>.

The cold air flowing through the channel <NUM>, can flow into a mushroom chamber <NUM> with mushroom logs or bags <NUM> disposed within the mushroom chamber <NUM>. Advantageously, the mushroom chamber <NUM> can be located behind the water wall <NUM> of the Chinese solar greenhouse. The cold air flowing down to channel <NUM> into the mushroom chamber <NUM>, advantageously, can draw the carbon dioxide from the mushroom logs or bags <NUM> towards the bottom of the greenhouse to be recycled by the plants on the other side of the water wall <NUM> in a plant chamber <NUM>. A fan <NUM> can be provided, if needed, to further enhance the CO2 and O2 exchange from the mushroom chamber <NUM> into the plant section of the greenhouse.

Advantageously, the cold air flowing through the channel <NUM> and the mushroom chamber <NUM>, creates a natural circular circulation pattern, as the air cools and then is heated and rises in the plant chamber <NUM> and is expelled through the upper vent <NUM>. The lower vent <NUM> also can introduce fresh cold air into the system and further helping the air circulate with the carbon dioxide in a circular pattern within the greenhouse. As with the previous embodiments, advantageously, CO2 and O2 gas exchange is provided to benefit both the plants and the mushrooms being cultivated. In further embodiments, one or more of the grow beds <NUM> configured for growing mushrooms, as previously described, can be located behind the water wall <NUM> in the mushroom chamber <NUM>.

<FIG> is an illustrative solar greenhouse with natural air ventilation and water harvesting configurations suited for desert and seasteading applications employed in the systems and methods for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder of <FIG>. In <FIG>, moisture and/or fog harvesting meshes <NUM>, as are known in the relevant art(s), and the like, are disposed on openings of vents <NUM>, and so as to capture internal moisture, external fog, and the like. The captured water is then fed to various gutters <NUM>, and can be filtered, as needed, for supplying fresh water to the fish tank <NUM>, watering plants in the plant chamber <NUM>, providing water for the water wall <NUM>, providing drinking water, and the like. The gutters <NUM> also can be used to harvest water used to clean solar panels <NUM> disposed on the roof of the greenhouse, by a solar panel cleaning device <NUM>, as are known in the relevant art(s), and that, for example, moves across and sprays water over the solar panels <NUM> to clean dust therefrom. Air vents, filters, and/or fans <NUM>, and the like, are used to filter and/or push O2 from the plant chamber <NUM> into the mushroom chamber <NUM> from the top of the greenhouse, and for expelling CO2 and filtering spores from the mushroom chamber <NUM> into the plant chamber <NUM> at the bottom of the greenhouse. Advantageously, the fish tank <NUM> can be located on the cooler side of the water wall <NUM> under the mushroom chamber <NUM>.

The glazing <NUM>, for example, is shown configured at an angle suitable for the latitude of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A salt water well <NUM> can be disposed underneath the greenhouse under the plant chamber <NUM> for generating desalinated water via a disalinator device <NUM> and/or any other suitable passive or active water desalination technologies, such as evaporation, solar still action, membranes, wicking methods, and the like. The greenhouse can be disposed over a barge <NUM> for seasteading applications, and the like. Accordingly, the above configurations are advantageous for desert, high dust environments, seasteading applications, beach front applications, and the like.

<FIG> are illustrative mushrooms and greens fruiting chamber with spore filtering configurations employed in the systems and methods for solar greenhouse aquaponics and black soldier fly (BSF) composter and auto fish feeder of <FIG>. In <FIG>, a fogger and fresh air input unit <NUM> (e.g., ultrasonic-based, Natura Air Ventilation (NAV)-based, etc.) is disposed over the mushroom logs or bags <NUM> to maintain suitable humidity levels. A spore filter <NUM> is disposed below the mushroom logs or bags <NUM> and above the greens racks <NUM> for filtering spores from the mushroom logs or bags <NUM>, and pushing the filtered air and CO2 into the greens racks <NUM>. A water tray <NUM> captures moisture from the greens racks <NUM> and from the moist air generated by the fogger <NUM>. A pump <NUM> pumps the harvested water via outlet <NUM> to the spore filter <NUM>, which includes a water tray <NUM> for collecting spores, a pump <NUM> for pumping water over evaporative pads <NUM> via water lines <NUM>, a blower <NUM> configured to draw air from the fogger and fresh air input unit <NUM> and CO2 generated by the mushroom logs or bags <NUM> through evaporative pads <NUM> into air chamber <NUM>, and then into the greens racks <NUM>. Advantageously, the O2 and humidity generated by the greens racks <NUM> also can be directed to the fogger and fresh air input unit <NUM> to provide the O2 and humidity to the mushroom logs or bags <NUM>.

Advantageously, the illustrative systems and methods allow for efficient and cost-effective greenhouse, mushroom, and fish feeding systems for aquaponics, mushroom, and microgreens cultivation, and the like.

Although the illustrative systems and methods are described in terms of aquaponics, the illustrative systems and methods can be applied to any other types of aquaculture and greenhouse technologies, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts.

The above-described devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments can include, for example, any suitable servers, workstations, PCs, laptop computers, PDAs, Internet appliances, handheld devices, cellular telephones, wireless devices, other devices, and the like, capable of performing the processes of the illustrative embodiments. The devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments can communicate with each other using any suitable protocol and can be implemented using one or more programmed computer systems or devices.

One or more interface mechanisms can be used with the illustrative embodiments, including, for example, Internet access, telecommunications in any suitable form (e.g., voice, modem, and the like), wireless communications media, and the like. For example, employed communications networks or links can include one or more wireless communications networks, cellular communications networks, G3 communications networks, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTNs), Packet Data Networks (PDNs), the Internet, intranets, a combination thereof, and the like.

It is to be understood that the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments are for illustrative purposes, as many variations of the specific hardware used to implement the illustrative embodiments are possible, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s). For example, the functionality of one or more of the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments can be implemented via one or more programmed computer systems or devices.

To implement such variations as well as other variations, a single computer system can be programmed to perform the special purpose functions of one or more of the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments. On the other hand, two or more programmed computer systems or devices can be substituted for any one of the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments. Accordingly, principles and advantages of distributed processing, such as redundancy, replication, and the like, also can be implemented, as desired, to increase the robustness and performance of the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments.

The devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments can store information relating to various processes described herein. This information can be stored in one or more memories, such as a hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, RAM, and the like, of the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments. One or more databases of the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments can store the information used to implement the illustrative embodiments of the present inventions. The databases can be organized using data structures (e.g., records, tables, arrays, fields, graphs, trees, lists, and the like) included in one or more memories or storage devices listed herein. The processes described with respect to the illustrative embodiments can include appropriate data structures for storing data collected and/or generated by the processes of the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments in one or more databases thereof.

All or a portion of the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments can be conveniently implemented using one or more general purpose computer systems, microprocessors, digital signal processors, micro-controllers, and the like, programmed according to the teachings of the illustrative embodiments of the present inventions, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the computer and software arts. Appropriate software can be readily prepared by programmers of ordinary skill based on the teachings of the illustrative embodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the software art. Further, the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments can be implemented on the World Wide Web. In addition, the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments can be implemented by the preparation of application-specific integrated circuits or by interconnecting an appropriate network of conventional component circuits, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the electrical art(s). Thus, the illustrative embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and/or software.

Stored on any one or on a combination of computer readable media, the illustrative embodiments of the present inventions can include software for controlling the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments, for driving the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments, for enabling the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments to interact with a human user, and the like. Such software can include, but is not limited to, device drivers, firmware, operating systems, development tools, applications software, and the like. Such computer readable media further can include the computer program product of an embodiment of the present inventions for performing all or a portion (if processing is distributed) of the processing performed in implementing the inventions. Computer code devices of the illustrative embodiments of the present inventions can include any suitable interpretable or executable code mechanism, including but not limited to scripts, interpretable programs, dynamic link libraries (DLLs), Java classes and applets, complete executable programs, Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) objects, and the like. Moreover, parts of the processing of the illustrative embodiments of the present inventions can be distributed for better performance, reliability, cost, and the like.

As stated above, the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments can include computer readable medium or memories for holding instructions programmed according to the teachings of the present inventions and for holding data structures, tables, records, and/or other data described herein. Computer readable medium can include any suitable medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium can take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, transmission media, and the like. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, and the like. Volatile media can include dynamic memories, and the like. Transmission media can include coaxial cables, copper wire, fiber optics, and the like. Transmission media also can take the form of acoustic, optical, electromagnetic waves, and the like, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) communications, infrared (IR) data communications, and the like. Common forms of computer-readable media can include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other suitable magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, CDRW, DVD, any other suitable optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, optical mark sheets, any other suitable physical medium with patterns of holes or other optically recognizable indicia, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other suitable memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave or any other suitable medium from which a computer can read.

Claim 1:
An aquaponics, and greenhouse system comprising:
an insulated solar greenhouse (<NUM>) with a glazing (<NUM>) on a sun facing side at an angle to maximize winter sunlight, and housing:
a fish tank (<NUM>) housed within the solar greenhouse (<NUM>);
a plant growing area housed within the solar greenhouse (<NUM>);
a mushroom growing area housed within the solar greenhouse (<NUM>);
a water wall thermal mass (<NUM>) housed within the solar greenhouse and disposed between the plant growing area and mushroom growing area; and
a natural air ventilation system housed within the solar greenhouse and configured to provide misted air into the mushroom growing area,
wherein O2 generated by the plant growing area is received by the natural air ventilation system and provided to the mushroom growing area, and CO2 generated by the mushroom growing area is provided to the plant growing area;
wherein the natural air ventilation system further comprises:
a secondary roof plenum (<NUM>) disposed underneath the roof of the greenhouse (<NUM>) and coupled to a rain gutter water reservoir (<NUM>);
a water filter (<NUM>) coupled to the rain gutter water reservoir (<NUM>) and configured to filter water from the rain gutter water reservoir (<NUM>); and
a water pump (<NUM>) coupled to the filter (<NUM>) and configured to pump the filtered water to a mister spray head (<NUM>) on an upper portion of the secondary roof plenum (<NUM>) so that a water mist is sprayed and configured to condense within a channel (<NUM>) formed by the roof of the greenhouse (<NUM>) and the secondary roof plenum (<NUM>) and return to the rain gutter water reservoir (<NUM>).