JP7834575B2 - cultivation facilities - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a cultivation facility capable of lowering the temperature of the cultivation space used for growing seedlings of cedar, cypress, and other trees used in forestry, as well as agricultural crops.

Traditionally, in cultivation facilities for seedlings of cedar and cypress trees, and agricultural crops (hereinafter referred to as "cultivated products"), there has been a problem, particularly during the summer months, where the temperature of the cultivation space exceeds the temperature suitable for the growth of the cultivated products.

In light of these circumstances, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for lowering the temperature of a cultivation space using a pad and fan system.

In this pad-and-fan system, a pad located at one end of the cultivation facility is wetted by a water sprayer, and a large fan located at the other end is driven to draw outside air into the facility through the wet pad. This allows cool air to be supplied to the cultivation space using evaporative cooling.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-215027

However, according to the pad-and-fan configuration described in Patent Document 1, while the air immediately after passing through the wet pad is cooled, its temperature rises as it approaches the fan, resulting in a problem of low effectiveness in lowering the temperature within the cultivation space.

Furthermore, drawing outside air over long distances from one end of the facility to the other required driving large fans, which resulted in high power consumption for the cultivation facility.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a cultivation facility that can effectively cool the cultivation space where crops are grown while reducing the facility's power consumption.

The objective of the present invention is to
A cultivation facility that can bring sunlight into the cultivation space where crops are grown,
A floor member defining the bottom of the cultivation space,
The underfloor space formed below the floor member,
A plurality of louvers are positioned above the cultivation space and block at least a portion of the sunlight entering the cultivation space,
It is equipped with a pneumatic pumping means for pressurizing and supplying air,
The floor member has a ventilation section that connects the cultivation space and the underfloor space,
This is achieved by a cultivation facility characterized in that the air from the underfloor space is compressed and sent to the cultivation space through the ventilation section by the air pressure supply means.

In this invention, the floor member defining the bottom of the cultivation space has a ventilation section, and through this ventilation section, the cultivation space communicates with the underfloor space located below the floor member. The underfloor space is covered by the floor member and is located below the cultivation space; therefore, the air temperature is lower than in the cultivation space.

Here, the cultivation space and the underfloor space are separated by a floor component, resulting in a very short distance between them. Therefore, according to this invention, the cold air from the underfloor space is pumped into the cultivation space by the air pressure supply means without warming up, thus effectively cooling the cultivation space.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, because the distance between the underfloor space, which is the source of the cool air, and the cultivation space, which is the destination, is short, there is no need to drive large fans or other means with high power consumption as an air pressure supply means to supply cool air to the cultivation space, thus reducing the power consumption of the cultivation facility.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, since multiple louvers are provided to block sunlight entering the cultivation space, the temperature rise within the cultivation space can be suppressed.

Furthermore, according to this invention, since an underfloor space is provided beneath the floor member, this underfloor space can be used as a second cultivation space, allowing for the cultivation of crops such as shiitake mushrooms that do not require much light.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
The louvers have a solar cell module and are configured to be able to drive the pneumatic supply means with the electricity generated by the solar cell module.

According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the louvers have a solar cell module, and the power generated by this solar cell module is configured to drive the pneumatic supply means, thereby further reducing the power consumption of the cultivation facility.

In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention,
An insulating member covering the aforementioned ventilation portion,
The system includes an actuator for sliding the aforementioned heat insulating member,
The louver has a solar cell module, and the actuator is driven by the electricity generated by the solar cell module. The louver is configured to be switchable between a connected state in which the ventilation portion is not covered by the heat insulating member and a disconnected state in which the ventilation portion is covered by the heat insulating member.

According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the insulating member is configured to be switchable between a non-communicated state where the ventilation section is covered by the insulating member and a communicated state where it is not covered by the insulating member, by sliding the insulating member. Therefore, when cooling the cultivation space is desired, the system can be configured to supply cool air from the underfloor space in the communicated state, and when warming the cultivation space is desired, the system can be configured to block the cool air in the non-communicated state.

Furthermore, according to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the actuator can be driven by the electricity generated by the solar cell module in the louver, allowing the heat insulating member to slide, thus reducing the power consumption of the cultivation facility.

In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention,
A container placed in the aforementioned cultivation space for hydroponic cultivation of plants,
The facility includes piping extending through the underfloor space,
The nutrient solution in the container is removed, flows through the piping, and then returned to the container.
The aforementioned piping is made of metal and has a zigzag shape when viewed from above within the underfloor space.

According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nutrient solution in the container used for hydroponic cultivation within the cultivation space is removed, flowed through piping extending under the floor space, and then returned to the container. Therefore, the nutrient solution used for hydroponic cultivation can be cooled within the underfloor space. Furthermore, by returning the cooled nutrient solution to the container, the cultivation space A1 can also be cooled.

In addition, the piping extending through the underfloor space has a zigzag shape, allowing for a longer flow path for the nutrient solution within the underfloor space. Furthermore, because it is made of a metal with relatively high thermal conductivity, the nutrient solution can be reliably cooled within the underfloor space.

In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention,
The floor member comprises two layers of plate members arranged vertically,
Each of the plate members has a blocking portion that blocks light and air, and an opening that allows light and air to pass through, and the lower plate member is configured to slide substantially horizontally.
The size of the ventilation portion, formed by the overlapping of the opening in the upper plate member and the opening in the lower plate member, can be changed by sliding the lower plate member in a substantially horizontal direction.

According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lower of two plate members, each having a blocking portion and an opening, is slid substantially horizontally, thereby changing the size of the ventilation portion formed by the overlap of the upper and lower openings. This allows for adjustment of the amount of cold air flowing in from the underfloor space.

In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention,
The air supply means is positioned below the ventilation section and includes an air intake and a shutter that blocks the airflow path from the intake to the ventilation section.
When the air supply means is not operating, the shutter is closed, and while the air supply means is operating, the shutter is open, and the air taken in from the intake by the air supply means is compressed and sent into the cultivation space through the ventilation section.
The flow path is provided with an intrusion prevention means to prevent insects from entering the cultivation space, and the intrusion prevention means is configured to be replaceable.

According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, since a shutter is provided in the air passage extending between the air intake port for pressurized air supplied to the cultivation space and the ventilation section of the floor member, it is possible to prevent insects, pathogens, etc., from entering the cultivation space through the intake port while the air supply means is not operating.

Furthermore, according to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, an intrusion prevention means is provided in the air passage extending between the air intake port for pressurized air supplied to the cultivation space and the ventilation section of the floor member, thereby preventing insects from entering the cultivation space through the ventilation section while the air supply means is operating and the shutter is open. Moreover, since this intrusion prevention means is replaceable, it can be replaced when it becomes dirty or damaged, offering high convenience.

According to the present invention, it becomes possible to provide a cultivation facility that can effectively cool the cultivation space where crops are grown while reducing the facility's power consumption.

Figure 1 is a schematic partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cultivation facility according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a control block diagram of the cultivation facility shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the wooden structure excluding the four side walls, and the foundation. Figure 4(a) is a schematic perspective view of the eastern louver device shown in Figure 1, and Figure 4(b) is an enlarged side view of the vicinity of the eastern louver. Figure 5 is a schematic partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cultivation facility showing the angle of the louvers during the afternoon. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the cooling control performed by the cooling unit of the control device. Figure 7 is a schematic partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cultivation facility showing the state in which cooling control is being performed by the cooling unit. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the insulation device placed in the underfloor space. Figure 9(a) is a schematic perspective view showing a number of containers and the first piping connecting them, and Figure 9(b) is a schematic plan view showing the second piping extending under the floor space and a circulation pump. Figure 10 is a schematic partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cultivation facility according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11(a) is a schematic perspective view showing a floorboard constituting a floor member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11(b) is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a larger ventilation opening is formed by the two layers of floorboards shown in Figure 11(a); and Figure 11(c) is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a smaller ventilation opening is formed by the two layers of floorboards shown in Figure 11(a). Figure 12 is a schematic partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cultivation facility according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is a schematic partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cultivation facility according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The following describes preferred embodiments of the present invention in detail, based on the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic partial longitudinal section of a cultivation facility 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a control block diagram of the cultivation facility 1 shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 shows a partial longitudinal section of the cultivation facility 1 viewed from the south side in the morning.

The cultivation facility 1 comprises four foundation sections 2 partially inserted into the ground, a wooden section 3 formed using a so-called log cabin construction method, pipes 4 connected to the upper part of the wooden section 3, a transparent film 5 stretched over the pipes 4, numerous cultivation beds 8 for cultivating crops P1, an environmental measurement unit 9 for measuring environmental information near the cultivation beds 8, an environmental adjustment unit 6 for adjusting the cultivation environment within the facility 1, a control device 7 (see Figure 2) for controlling the environmental adjustment unit 6, and an input unit 10 (see Figure 2) for inputting values such as the first temperature, which will be described later, into the control device 7. The foundation sections 2 are located at the lower ends of each of the four corners of the facility 1, and Figure 1 shows the two foundation sections 2 on the north side.

The cultivation facility 1 according to this embodiment is configured to cultivate crops P1 using elevated hydroponics. Each cultivation bed 8 has a container 8a for storing nutrient solution and an elevated bench 8b for supporting the container 8a. In the following description, we will proceed on the premise that strawberries are cultivated as crops P1, but the varieties of seedlings of cedar, cypress, etc., and crops cultivated using the cultivation facility of the present invention are not limited to these.

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the wooden structure 3, excluding the four side walls 3d, and the foundation 2. Figure 3 also shows the circulator 6d, which is one of the environmental control units 6.

The wooden section 3 comprises four support columns 3a1 and 3a2 connected to each other to form a rectangle in plan view, four side walls 3d (see Figure 1) supported by the four support columns 3a1 and 3a2, four underfloor columns 3c connecting the foundation section 2 to the support columns 3a1 or 3a2, and a floor member 3b whose southern and northern ends are fixed to two support columns 3a1 that extend parallel to each other in the east-west direction. Note that Figure 1 only shows the two side walls 3d extending in the north-south direction; the northern side wall should also be visible, but it is omitted to clearly show the state within the cultivation space A1.

The four side walls 3d are constructed using the Azekura-zukuri method, where numerous pieces of timber are stacked in a grid pattern. By constructing the side walls 3d in this Azekura-zukuri style, humidity control within facility 1 is possible. However, it is also possible to construct each of the four side walls using ordinary wooden planks.

Inside the four side walls 3d, a cultivation space A1 for growing the crop P1 is formed. The cultivation space A1 is defined on all four sides by the four side walls 3d and its bottom by the floor member 3b. Sunlight enters the cultivation space A1 through the film 5. Above the cultivation space A1, a louver device 6h, which is one of the environmental control units, is positioned to adjust the amount of sunlight irradiating the cultivation bed 8.

As shown in Figure 3, the floor member 3b comprises numerous floorboards 3b1 arranged in an east-west direction. The longitudinal (north-south) ends of each floorboard 3b1 are fixed to two support columns 3a1 that extend parallel to each other in the east-west direction.

The four support columns 3a1 and 3a2, along with the floor member 3b, are elevated by the underfloor column 3c, forming an underfloor space A2 as shown in Figure 1.

The underfloor space A2 receives less sunlight than the cultivation space A1. In addition, although underfloor pillars 3c are placed at the four corners of underfloor space A2, it is not enclosed by walls or other structures, so outside air is supplied to underfloor space A2. Therefore, the air temperature in underfloor space A2 is lower than the air temperature in cultivation space A1.

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the numerous floorboards 3b1 are arranged with slight gaps between them in the east-west direction. These gaps form ventilation openings 3b2 that connect the cultivation space A1 and the underfloor space A2. In other words, the floor member 3b comprises numerous floorboards 3b1 and ventilation openings 3b2, which are the gaps between the floorboards 3b1.

Thus, by providing the ventilation opening 3b2 in the floor member 3b, the relatively cool air from the underfloor space A2 is supplied to the cultivation space A1 through the ventilation opening 3b2, effectively suppressing the temperature rise in the cultivation space A1.

Alternatively, instead of the numerous spaced floorboards 3b1, a mesh-like structure, similar to the mesh walk used in scaffolding at construction sites, may be used for part or all of the floor components.

Numerous logs HO are arranged in the underfloor space A2 (see Figure 1), and shiitake mushrooms are cultivated as the second crop P2. Because the underfloor space A2 receives little sunlight, it is suitable for growing crops that do not require much light, such as mushrooms. In other words, in this embodiment, the underfloor space A2 is used as the second cultivation space.

The control device 7 comprises, mechanically, a processing unit 7a with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage unit 7b with a main memory and an auxiliary memory, and a timing unit 7c capable of receiving standard radio waves and outputting accurate current time information to the processing unit 7a.

The memory unit 7b stores various data, including information on sunrise and sunset times, information linking time to the sun's azimuth angle, and various programs, including the angle adjustment unit 7b1 and cooling unit 7b2, which will be described in detail later.

The processing unit 7a executes various programs stored in the memory unit 7b and controls the environmental control unit 6, thereby appropriately maintaining the environment of the cultivation space A1.

As shown in Figure 2, the environmental measurement unit 9 includes a temperature and humidity sensor 9a for measuring the temperature and humidity near the cultivation bed 8, an illuminance sensor 9b for measuring the illuminance near the cultivation bed 8, and a carbon dioxide concentration sensor 9c for measuring the carbon dioxide concentration near the cultivation bed 8. The environmental measurement unit 9 is grouped together as a sensor unit near the cultivation bed 8 (see Figure 1).

As shown in Figure 1, the environmental control unit 6 includes a skylight 6a for exhausting warm air from inside facility 1 to the outside, LED lighting 6b installed above the cultivation beds 8, a carbon dioxide supply device 6c for supplying carbon dioxide to the vicinity of each cultivation bed 8, a circulator 6d for drawing in air from the underfloor space and pumping it upwards, a circulating fan 6e for circulating air in cultivation space A1, a ventilation fan 6f for exhausting air from cultivation space A1 to the outside, a circulation device 6g for circulating the nutrient solution stored in each container 8a, louver devices 6h located on the east and west sides of cultivation space A1, and an insulation device 6j for blocking cold air from the underfloor space A2.

The carbon dioxide supply device 6c comprises a carbon dioxide supply source 6c1 shown in Figure 1, a carbon dioxide supply pipe 6c2 (see dashed line in Figure 1) that supplies carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide supply source 6c1 to the vicinity of each cultivation bed 8, and a first solenoid valve 6c3 (see Figure 2) that starts and stops the supply of carbon dioxide. While the first solenoid valve 6c3 is open, carbon dioxide is supplied to the vicinity of the cultivation bed 8. As the carbon dioxide supply source, carbon dioxide cylinders or tanks can be used, or carbon dioxide diluted with air can be used.

In this embodiment, each day, after a predetermined time has passed since sunrise, the control device 7 automatically opens the first solenoid valve 6c3, initiating a quantitative supply of carbon dioxide.

Furthermore, a control signal is transmitted by the control device 7 to the driver circuit 6b2 (see Figure 2) of the LED lighting 6b a predetermined time before sunset. Artificial light is then emitted from the light-emitting element 6b1 of the LED lighting 6b onto the cultivated plants P1 in each cultivation bed 8 until a predetermined time after sunset.

Therefore, photosynthesis of the cultivated plant P1 is promoted until the irradiation of light from the LED light 6b ends. When the irradiation of light from the LED light 6b ends, the control device 7 automatically closes the first solenoid valve 6c3, and the supply of carbon dioxide is stopped.

The circulator 6d is installed on the floor member 3b and above the vent 3b2, with its air intake facing downwards and its exhaust port facing upwards (see Figure 3). This allows it to pump cool air from the underfloor space A2 into the cultivation space A1, lowering the temperature of the cultivation space A1 and eliminating the need for conventional air conditioning. The circulator 6d is an example of the "air pressure pumping means" of the present invention.

Figure 4(a) is a schematic perspective view of the eastern louver device 6h shown in Figure 1, and Figure 4(b) is an enlarged side view of the vicinity of the eastern louver 6h4.

The eastern louver device 6h comprises multiple louver units 6H, each having one louver 6h4; two drive shafts 6h1 and 6h2 for rotating the multiple louvers 6h4; and a louver rotation motor 6h3 (see Figures 1 and 4(a)) for rotating each drive shaft 6h1 and 6h2.

Each louver unit 6H comprises a louver 6h4 having a solar cell module 6h4a and a mounting frame 6h4b to which the solar cell module 6h4a is attached, two shafts 6h6 (see Figure 4(a)) that rotatably support the louver 6h4, a rotation mechanism 6h7 attached to the lower part of each shaft 6h6, and a storage battery 6h10 for storing the electricity generated by the solar cell module 6h4a.

In each louver unit 6H, the two shafts 6h6 and the two pivot mechanisms 6h7 are positioned identically in the east-west and vertical directions, but differ in their positions in the north-south direction (position in the depth direction of the paper in Figures 1 and 4(b)).

Each rotating mechanism 6h7 is equipped with a gear 6h7a, and each gear 6h7a is meshed with one of the worm gears 6h11 formed at multiple locations on each drive shaft 6h1, 6h2.

The two drive shafts 6h1 and 6h2 are configured to rotate simultaneously, at the same speed, and in the same direction, driven by a pair of louver rotation motors 6h3 controlled by the control device 7. As the two drive shafts 6h1 and 6h2 rotate, the gears 6h7a of each rotation mechanism 6h7 rotate integrally with the rotation shaft 6h7b, which extends in the north-south direction, in conjunction with the rotation of the worm gear 6h11.

As a result, in each louver unit 6H, one of the pair of wires 6h12 connecting the rotation axis 6h7b and the louver 6h4 is wound around the rotation axis 6h7b, causing the louver 6h4 to rotate around the pivot axis 6h13 and change its angle.

In this embodiment, the louvers 6h4 of the eastern louver device 6h are configured to rotate simultaneously by the drive of a pair of louver rotation motors 6h3. Since the two drive shafts 6h1 and 6h2 rotate in both forward and reverse directions by the drive of the louver rotation motors 6h3, each louver 6h4 of the eastern louver device 6h can rotate in both forward and reverse directions in conjunction with them.

The electricity generated by the solar cell modules 6h4a of each louver unit 6H is stored in the battery 6h10 shown in Figure 4(b). The power stored in the battery 6h10 can be accessed via a connector (not shown) and used for operating the control device 7, driving the pair of louver rotation motors 6h3, operating the circulator 6d, circulation fan 6e, and ventilation fan 6f, opening and closing the first solenoid valve 6c3, driving the LED lighting 6b, and the heat insulation device 6j. Alternatively, power supply to the motors of these devices may be configured such that, for example, an inverter (not shown) is interposed between the battery 6h10 and the motor, and this inverter can be switched on and off by sending a control signal from the control device 7 to it, so that the motor is driven when power is supplied.

Furthermore, the two shafts 6h6 of each louver unit 6H are connected to each other by a connecting shaft (not shown), and each shaft 6h6 is connected to a nearby drive shaft 6h1 or 6h2 via a bearing (not shown). Therefore, the two drive shafts 6h1 and 6h2 can support multiple louver units 6H and rotate under the drive of the louver rotation motor 6h3. The pair of louver rotation motors 6h3 are fixed to the side wall 3d, and the inner (western) portions of the two drive shafts 6h1 and 6h2 are rotatably fixed and supported to the pipe 4 by bearings (not shown).

The above provides a detailed explanation of the eastern louver device 6h; however, the western louver device 6h is configured similarly. Therefore, when the two drive shafts 6h1 and 6h2 of the western louver device 6h are rotated, each louver 6h4 of the western louver device 6h rotates simultaneously.

As described above, a configuration in which multiple louvers are rotated by the rotation of a drive shaft is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-175383. However, the louver rotation mechanism is not limited to this. For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-078316, a configuration in which a gear meshing with a worm gear and the louvers are rotated integrally may be used. Furthermore, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-18037, it is also possible to use a rack and pinion mechanism to change the angle of each louver.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the ends of the drive shafts 6h1 and 6h2 supporting the louver device, located on the east-west central side, may be configured to move up and down using a rack and pinion mechanism RP or the like, along with the rotation of the louver 6h4'. Even if the louver 6h4' has a narrow range of rotation, the angle of the louver 6h4' can be compensated for by changing the angle of the drive shafts in this way.

In this embodiment, the east and west louvers 6h4, configured as described above, are controlled by the angle adjustment unit 7b1 and cooling unit 7b2 of the control device 7 according to the position of the sun SN, as follows. In this embodiment, the control device 7 is configured to determine the rotation angle of the louvers 6h4 from the control amount of the louver rotation motor 6h3.

Furthermore, in the following, as shown in Figures 1 and 4(b), the direction extending perpendicularly from the surface of the solar cell module 6h4a (the side not facing the mounting frame 6h4b) is referred to as the elevation angle direction F of the louver 6h4.

Figure 5 is a schematic partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of cultivation facility 1 showing the angle of the louvers 6h4 during the afternoon.

The angle adjustment unit 7b1 of the control device 7, from the time carbon dioxide supply begins, i.e., after a predetermined time has passed since sunrise, drives the louver rotation motor 6h3 appropriately during the morning, based on the current time information and the azimuth angle information of the sun SN, so that the elevation angle F of the louver 6h4 of the eastern louver device 6h becomes perpendicular to the direction of incidence of sunlight L (see Figure 1). This allows the maximum amount of sunlight L to be taken into the cultivation space A1 through the eastern louver device 6h, promoting photosynthesis of the cultivated plant P1.

Simultaneously, the angle adjustment unit 7b1 appropriately drives the louver rotation motor 6h3 of the western louver device 6h so that the elevation angle F of the louver 6h4 of the western louver device 6h is parallel to the incident direction of sunlight L (in other words, so that the louver 6h4 faces the sun SN) (see Figure 1). This maximizes the power generation from each solar cell module 6h4a of the western louver device 6h.

In contrast, during the afternoon, the angle adjustment unit 7b1 appropriately drives the louver rotation motor 6h3 so that the elevation angle F of the louver 6h4 of the western louver device 6h is perpendicular to the direction of incidence of sunlight L (see Figure 5). This allows the maximum amount of sunlight L to be guided into the cultivation space A1 through the western louver device 6h, promoting photosynthesis of the cultivated plant P1.

Simultaneously, the angle adjustment unit 7b1 appropriately drives the louver rotation motor 6h3 of the eastern louver device 6h so that the elevation angle F of the louver 6h4 of the eastern louver device 6h is parallel to the incident direction of sunlight L (see Figure 5). This maximizes the power generation from each solar cell module 6h4a of the eastern louver device 6h.

Furthermore, the control device 7 is configured to adjust the angle of the east-side louver 6h4 in the morning and the angle of the west-side louver 6h4 in the afternoon, based on the measurement results of the illuminance sensor 9b, so that the illuminance near the cultivation bed 8 falls below a predetermined leaf burn risk value [lx] when it exceeds that value.

This prevents excessive sunlight from reaching the cultivation bed 8, thus preventing leaf burn on the cultivated plant P1. The leaf burn risk level can be set to a value that increases the risk of leaf burn or a slightly lower value, depending on the season and the type of cultivated plant P1.

Furthermore, it is desirable to configure the angle adjustment direction (rotation direction) of the louvers 6h4 to increase the amount of sunlight reaching the solar cell module 6h4a. This allows for increased power generation while preventing leaf burn on the cultivated plants P1.

On the other hand, when a reason arises requiring a reduction in the temperature of the cultivation space A1, the cooling unit 7b2 of the control device 7 performs the following process to lower the temperature of the cultivation space A1:

Figure 6 is a flowchart relating to the cooling control by the cooling unit 7b2 of the control device 7, and Figure 7 is a schematic partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cultivation facility 1 showing the state in which cooling control by the cooling unit 7b2 is being performed.

When the angle adjustment of the louvers 6h4 by the angle adjustment unit 7b1 begins, that is, when the supply of carbon dioxide gas begins, the cooling unit 7b2 continuously determines whether the cooling conditions for lowering the temperature of the cultivation space A1 are met (step s1).

The cooling conditions are as follows: The cooling unit 7b2 determines that the cooling conditions have been met when at least one of these two conditions is satisfied.

Cooling condition 1: The temperature near the cultivation bed 8, as measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 9a, is above a predetermined first temperature.

Cooling condition 2: The latest carbon dioxide concentration value is at least a specified value higher than the immediately preceding carbon dioxide concentration value.

Regarding cooling condition 1, the first temperature is set in advance by the user using the input unit 10 to input an arbitrary temperature into the control device 7. For example, it is desirable to set the temperature lower than the temperature at which adverse effects such as high-temperature damage begin to occur in the cultivated plant P1, depending on the type of plant.

Regarding cooling condition 2, in this embodiment, the latest carbon dioxide concentration data and the previously acquired data are stored in the storage unit 7b, based on the carbon dioxide concentration values measured by the carbon dioxide concentration sensor 9c at predetermined time intervals.

The cooling unit 7b2 compares these values and determines whether the latest carbon dioxide concentration is higher than the previous (immediately preceding) carbon dioxide concentration by a predetermined value or more. If the determination shows that the latest carbon dioxide concentration is higher than the previous concentration by a predetermined value or more, it indicates that the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the cultivated plant P1 is small, and that photosynthesis is hardly occurring. To prevent the temperature inside the cultivation space A1 from rising due to continuous exposure to sunlight L while photosynthesis by the cultivated plant P1 is barely occurring, the following cooling control is performed even when only cooling condition 2 is met.

If the determination in step s1 satisfies any of the cooling conditions, the cooling unit 7b2 starts cooling control to cool the cultivation space A1 (step s2). While the cooling control by the cooling unit 7b2 is in operation, the angle adjustment control of the louvers 6h4 by the angle adjustment unit 7b1 is stopped.

Cooling control involves closing the louvers 6h4 to block sunlight L and simultaneously lowering the temperature within the cultivation space A1. During the execution of cooling control, the cooling unit 7b2 controls the first solenoid valve 6c3 of the carbon dioxide supply device 6c, the second drive motor 6f1 of the ventilation fan 6f, the third drive motor 6e1 of the circulation fan 6e, and the louver rotation motor 6h3 of the louver device 6h.

In detail, as a first control, the cooling unit 7b2 controls the first solenoid valve 6c3 of the carbon dioxide supply device 6c to close. This stops the supply of carbon dioxide.

Simultaneously, as a second control mechanism, the cooling unit 7b2 controls the first drive motor 6d1 (see Figure 2) that rotates the blades 6d2 (see Figure 3) of the circulator 6d (in other words, it drives the first drive motor 6d1). This allows the cool air in the underfloor space A2 to be pumped into the cultivation space A1.

Simultaneously, as a third control mechanism, the cooling unit 7b2 is controlled to drive the second drive motor 6f1 (in other words, it is made to drive the second drive motor 6f1). This activates the ventilation fan 6f located above the cultivation space A1.

Simultaneously, as a fourth control, the cooling unit 7b2 is controlled to drive the third drive motor 6e1 (in other words, it is made to drive the third drive motor 6e1). This causes the circulating fan 6e to operate, circulating the air within the cultivation space A1, and the cool air supplied by the circulator 6d is diffused, ensuring even cooling of the cultivation space A1.

Simultaneously, as a fifth control mechanism, the cooling unit 7b2 controls the louver rotation motors 6h3 of each louver device 6h on the east and west sides (in other words, it drives the louver rotation motors 6h3).

Specifically, the cooling unit 7b2 drives the east and west louver rotation motors 6h3 so that the elevation angle F of each east and west louver 6h4 is parallel to the direction of incidence of sunlight L (in other words, so that the louvers 6h4 face the sun SN), thereby maximizing the blocking of sunlight entering the cultivation space A1. This eliminates factors that cause the temperature of the cultivation space A1 to rise.

For example, around noon on the summer solstice, when the outside air is very hot, as shown in Figure 7, each louver 6h4 is controlled to face the sun SN directly above. This blocks sunlight L from the louvers 6h4, while maximizing power generation by the solar cell modules 6h4a.

Here, the heated air within cultivation space A1 is either discharged to the outside by the ventilation fan 6f, or, as shown by the dashed lines in Figure 7, moves upward through the gaps between the numerous louvers 6h4 and is then discharged to the outside of cultivation facility 1 through the skylight 6a.

In this way, the cooling control by the cooling unit 7b2 supplies cool air from below the cultivation space A1, and the circulating fan 6e diffuses the cool air, ensuring even cooling throughout the cultivation space A1. Simultaneously, the warmed air is discharged to the outside through the skylight 6a or the ventilation fan 6f.

Therefore, the temperature inside cultivation space A1 can be significantly reduced, effectively preventing high-temperature damage to the cultivated plants P1.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 7 is configured to operate the circulator 6d, the circulating fan 6e, and the ventilation fan 6f to cool the cultivation space A1, but only while cooling control is being performed.

This configuration prevents the carbon dioxide supplied to the vicinity of the cultivation bed 8 by the carbon dioxide supply device 6c from being immediately dispersed by the airflow from the circulator 6d and circulation fan 6e, or from being discharged outside the facility 1 by the ventilation fan 6f, when the cooling conditions are not met. Therefore, carbon dioxide consumption can be reduced, making it economical.

Thus, once cooling control by the cooling unit 7b2 begins, the cooling unit 7b2 determines whether or not the cooling stop condition, which is the condition for stopping the cooling control, is met (step s3).

When cooling control is initiated due to the fulfillment of the above cooling condition 1, the cooling stop condition is set (programmed) as follows: the temperature near the cultivation bed 8, measured based on the temperature and humidity sensor 9a, is below a predetermined cooling target temperature that is lower than the first temperature.

Furthermore, if cooling control is initiated because cooling condition 2 is met but cooling condition 1 is not met, the cooling stop condition is set (programmed) as the elapsed time from the start of cooling control.

If the determination does not meet the cooling stop condition, the cooling unit 7b2 repeats the determination in step s3 until the cooling stop condition is met.

In response to this, if the determination results in the cooling stop condition being met, the cooling unit 7b2 terminates the cooling control (step s4) and then returns to the determination of whether or not the cooling condition is met (step s1).

When the cooling control is stopped, the angle adjustment control of the louvers 6h4 by the angle adjustment unit 7b1 described above is resumed.

On the other hand, in the cultivation facility 1 according to this embodiment, when the temperature near the cultivation bed 8 is low, such as at night or in winter, control is performed to maintain the temperature of the cultivation space A1 and suppress temperature drops, as described below.

Figure 8 shows the insulation device 6j located in the underfloor space A2.

In detail, Figure 8(a) is a schematic partial longitudinal section showing the state in which the ventilation opening 3b2 is not blocked by the insulation member 6j1; Figure 8(b) is a schematic partial longitudinal section showing the state in which the ventilation opening 3b2 is blocked by the insulation member; and Figure 8(c) is a schematic side view of the vicinity of the insulation member as seen from the east.

The thermal insulation device 6j comprises a pair of east-west plate-shaped thermal insulation members 6j1, two pairs of north-south L-shaped support members 6j2 that slidably support the thermal insulation members 6j1, and a drive mechanism 6j3 that slides the thermal insulation members 6j1.

The eastern and western insulation members 6j1 are permanently supported by a pair of north-south support members 6j2. Each support member 6j2 has a long, east-west extension, and its upper portion is fixed to the underside of the floorboard 3b1. Note that in Figures 1, 5, and 7, the support members 6j2 are omitted to show that the underfloor space A2 and the cultivation space A1 are connected by the ventilation opening 3b2.

The drive mechanism 6j3 is composed of a so-called rack and pinion system, comprising a rack gear 6j3a attached to the lower surface of each heat insulating member 6j1, a pinion gear 6j3b that meshes with the rack gear 6j3a, and a heat insulating motor 6j3c that rotationally drives the pinion gear 6j3b.

When the heat-insulating motor 6j3c is driven by the control device 7, the pinion gear 6j3b rotates, causing the heat-insulating member 6j1 to slide in the east-west direction while being supported by the support member 6j2.

When the insulating member 6j1 on the west side (left side of the drawing) shown in Figure 8(a) is slid eastward, and the insulating member 6j1 on the east side (right side of the drawing) is slid westward, each vent 3b2 becomes covered by the pair of insulating members 6j1, resulting in a non-communicated state, as shown in Figure 8(b).

In the non-connected state, the cultivation space A1 and the underfloor space A2 are not connected, and the cold air in the underfloor space A2 is not supplied to the cultivation space A1 through the ventilation opening 3b2.

Conversely, when the western insulation member 6j1 shown in Figure 8(b) is slid westward and the eastern insulation member 6j1 is slid eastward, the ventilation openings 3b2 become open and not covered by the pair of insulation members 6j1, as shown in Figure 8(a).

In the connected state, the cultivation space A1 and the underfloor space A2 are connected, and as described above, the cold air in the underfloor space A2 is supplied to the cultivation space A1 through the ventilation opening 3b2.

Each thermal insulation motor 6j3c is powered by electricity supplied from a battery 6h10, which stores electricity generated by the solar cell module 6h4a.

In this embodiment, the control device 7 is configured to switch from a connected state to a disconnected state by driving the insulation motors 6j3c of the east and west drive mechanisms 6j3 when the temperature near the cultivation bed 8, as measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 9a, falls below a predetermined temperature. Simultaneously, the control device 7 drives the skylight opening/closing motor 6a1 shown in Figure 2 to close the skylight 6a.

In this way, by blocking the cold air from the underfloor space A2 and closing the skylight 6a, the cultivation space A1 can be kept warm.

Furthermore, if the temperature near the cultivation bed 8 falls below a predetermined temperature after sunset, the control device 7 drives the louver rotation motors 6h3 in each louver device 6h so that the numerous louvers 6h4 extend in a straight line, changing the angle of each louver 6h4 to be parallel to the drive shafts 6h1 and 6h2. This prevents relatively warm air from rising to the upper part of the facility 1.

Furthermore, in addition to the aforementioned heat retention, the control device 7 may be configured to operate the circulating fan 6e to circulate air and bring relatively warm air down to the cultivation space A1, or it may be configured to stop the circulating pump, which will be described in detail later.

On the other hand, the circulation device 6g can circulate the nutrient solution as follows, supplying cooled nutrient solution to the containers 8a of each cultivation bed.

Figure 9(a) is a schematic perspective view showing multiple containers 8a and the first piping connecting them, while Figure 9(b) is a schematic plan view showing the second piping extending through the underfloor space A2 and the circulation pump.

The circulation system 6g comprises numerous first pipes 6g1 (see Figure 9(a)) connecting the containers 8a of the numerous cultivation beds 8, a second pipe 6g2 (see Figures 1 and 9(b)) extending through the underfloor space A2, a third pipe 6g3 connecting the container 8a located at the eastern end to the second pipe 6g2, a circulation pump 6g5 that increases the pressure of the nutrient solution flowing through the second pipe 6g2 and sends it upward, and a fourth pipe 6g4 that sends the nutrient solution, which has been increased in pressure by the circulation pump 6g5, to the container 8a located at the western end.

The third pipe 6g3 is connected to the side (specifically the south side) of container 8a, which is located at the eastern end. The nutrient solution in container 8a is then delivered to the underfloor space A2 through the third pipe 6g3.

The lower end of the third pipe 6g3 is connected to the eastern end of the second pipe 6g2. The nutrient solution supplied from container 8a located at the eastern end is then sent westward through the second pipe 6g2 into the underfloor space A2.

Here, the second pipe 6g2 is a metal pipe made of a metal with a higher thermal conductivity than commonly used PVC pipes, and as shown in Figure 9(b), it extends in a zigzag pattern within the underfloor space A2 in a plan view.

Because the underfloor space A2 receives little sunlight and the ground is cold, its temperature is lower than that of the cultivation space A1. Therefore, the second pipe 6g2 is cooled within the underfloor space A2, and the nutrient solution is cooled within the second pipe 6g2 as it is sent to the west.

The cooled nutrient solution is then pressurized by a circulation pump 6g5 (see Figures 1 and 9(b)) connected to the western end of the second pipe 6g2. It then flows upward through the fourth pipe 6g4, connected to the circulation pump 6g5, and is supplied to the container 8a located at the western end.

As a result, the liquid level in container 8a located at the western end becomes higher than that of container 8a to the east, causing the nutrient solution to flow to container 8a to the east through the first pipe 6g1.

Subsequently, the nutrient solution is sequentially supplied through each first pipe 6g1 to the container 8a located one to the east, and finally the nutrient solution is returned to the container 8a located at the eastern end. Afterward, the nutrient solution is again supplied to the underfloor space A2 through the third pipe 6g3.

Thus, in this embodiment, the nutrient solution, which is heated as it is sequentially passed through numerous containers 8a in the cultivation space A1, is flowed to the underfloor space A2 where it is cooled, and then circulated back into the containers 8a in cultivation space A1.

Therefore, the temperature of the cultivation space A1 can be lowered by the cooled nutrient solution, preventing high-temperature damage to the cultivated plants P1 during the summer months.

The circulation pump 6g5 is configured to be switched on and off by the control device 7. Furthermore, a second solenoid valve 6g6 is provided in the third pipe 6g3. When the second solenoid valve 6g6 is closed, the flow of nutrient solution from the container 8a located at the eastern end to the underfloor space A2 is blocked.

Therefore, it is desirable to configure the control device 7 to stop the circulation pump 6g5 and close the second solenoid valve 6g6 when a cooling event occurs as described above. This prevents the nutrient solution cooled in the underfloor space A2 from being supplied to the container 8a, thus maintaining the temperature of the cultivation space A1 and the nutrient solution.

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the floor member 3b has two through-holes 3b3 and 3b4 through which the piping of the circulation device 6g passes. The third pipe 6g3 and the second pipe 6g2 are connected within the through-hole 3b3, and the fourth pipe 6g4 passes through the through-hole 3b4.

Furthermore, while the first, third, and fourth pipes 6g1, 6g3, and 6g4 are formed from PVC pipes in this embodiment, the material of these pipes is not limited to PVC.

<Technical significance of this embodiment>
According to this embodiment, a ventilation opening 3b2, which is an example of the "ventilation section" of the present invention, is formed in the floor member 3b that defines the bottom of the cultivation space A1 in which the cultivated crop P1 is grown. Since the cultivation space A1 is in communication with the underfloor space A2 provided below the floor member 3b, the cold air from the underfloor space A2, which is relatively colder than the air in the cultivation space A1, can be sent to the cultivation space A1 through the ventilation section 3b2.

Here, the cultivation space A1 and the underfloor space A2 are separated by the floor member 3b, at least near the ventilation opening 3b2. The distance between the underfloor space A2, which is the source of the cool air, and the cultivation space A1, which is the destination, is very short. Therefore, the cool air from the underfloor space A2 does not warm up before reaching the cultivation space A1, effectively suppressing the temperature rise in the cultivation space A1.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the four corners of the underfloor space A2 are fitted with underfloor columns 3c and foundation 2, but the four sides of the underfloor space A2 (north, south, east, and west) are not covered by anything.

Thus, since the underfloor space A2 is connected to the outside of the cultivation facility 1 below the floor member 3b, outside air is supplied into the underfloor space A2 from a position below the floor member 3b. Therefore, even when the circulator 6d is not running, the air cooled in the underfloor space A2 can be naturally sent into the cultivation space A1 through the ventilation section 3b2.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, because the distance between the underfloor space A2, which is the source of the cool air, and the cultivation space A1, which is the destination, is short, there is no need to use a large fan to send cool air to the cultivation space A1, and the power consumption of the cultivation facility 1 can be reduced.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, since an underfloor space A2 is provided below the floor member 3b that defines the bottom of the cultivation space A1, this underfloor space A2 can be used as a second cultivation space to cultivate crops P2 such as shiitake mushrooms, which do not require light.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since multiple louvers 6h4 are provided to block sunlight entering the cultivation space A1, the temperature rise inside the cultivation space A1 can be further suppressed.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since it includes a circulator 6d as an example of an air pressure supply means that pumps the relatively cooler air from the underfloor space A2 into the cultivation space A1, the cultivation space A1 can be effectively cooled.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, each louver 6h4 has a solar cell module 6h4a, and the circulator 6d can be driven by the electricity generated by this solar cell module 6h4a, thus further reducing the power consumption of the cultivation facility 1.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the pair of east-west insulating members 6j1 can be slid to switch between a non-communicated state where the vent 3b2 is covered by the insulating member 6j1 (see Figure 8(b)) and a communicated state where it is not covered by the insulating member 6j1 (see Figures 1 and 8(a)). Therefore, when cooling the cultivation space A1, the system can be switched to the communicated state to supply cool air from the underfloor space A2, and when warming the cultivation space A1, the system can be switched to the non-communicated state to block the cool air.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the electricity generated by the solar cell module 6h4a provided in the louver 6h4 can drive the thermal insulation motor 6j3c, which is an example of the "actuator" of the present invention, and slide the thermal insulation member 6j1, thereby suppressing the power consumption of the cultivation facility 1.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the nutrient solution in the container 8a used for hydroponic cultivation within the cultivation space A1 is taken out, flows through the second pipe 6g2 extending into the underfloor space A2, and then recirculated back into the container 8a. This allows for cooling of both the nutrient solution used for hydroponic cultivation and the cultivation space A1.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the second pipe 6g2 extending through the underfloor space A2 has a zigzag shape, allowing for a longer flow path for the nutrient solution within the underfloor space A2. Additionally, because it is made of a metal with relatively high thermal conductivity, the nutrient solution can be reliably cooled within the underfloor space A2.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as described in the claims, and these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 9, a transparent film 5 is stretched over the wooden section 3. However, a so-called vinyl greenhouse may be constructed to cover the wooden section, thus concealing it with the vinyl greenhouse. In this case, the film 5 covering the top of the wooden greenhouse and the pipes 4 supporting the film 5 are unnecessary, and the louver device can be attached to the support columns of the outer vinyl greenhouse or the side walls of the wooden section.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the wooden section is constructed using the Azekura-zukuri method, and the four sides of the cultivation space A1 are surrounded by side walls 3d. However, instead of side walls 3d, the four sides of the cultivation space A1 may be surrounded by a louver device 6k, as shown in Figures 12 and 13. This allows more light to enter the cultivation space A1 from all four sides during winter or cloudy days. When the louver device 6k is arranged on all four sides of the cultivation space A1, the amount of sunlight L entering the cultivation space A1 can be adjusted by configuring the angle of each louver (blade member) 6k1 of the louver device 6k to be changeable by a motor or the like. It is preferable to cover the outside of the louver device 6k surrounding the four sides of the cultivation space A1 with a transparent material such as a film 5. In addition, it is preferable to configure the louver device 6k to be driven by power supplied from a storage battery 6h10 that stores power generated by a solar cell module 6h4a.

Furthermore, side windows may be provided in the side wall 3d shown in Figure 1, or in the transparent outer member of the louver device 6k that surrounds the structure on all four sides. In this case, it is preferable to configure the system so that the side windows also open automatically via a motor or other control when any of the above-mentioned cooling conditions are met (i.e., during cooling control). This allows the heated air inside the cultivation space A1 to escape to the outside through the side windows, in addition to the skylight.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the floor member 3b is formed by a number of floor plates 3b1 arranged in a substantially horizontal direction. However, the floor member defining the bottom of the cultivation space may be constructed by two layers (two plates), each having an opening.

For example, as shown in Figure 11(a), each plate member 3b1' constituting the floor member 3b' has openings X that allow light and air to pass through and blocking sections Y that block light and air arranged in a checkerboard pattern. These plate members 3b1' are arranged in two layers (two sections), as shown in Figures 11(b) and 11(c). The cultivation bed 8 is placed on the upper plate member 3b1', and the lower plate member 3b1' is configured to slide (move) in a substantially horizontal direction using a horizontal movement mechanism.

By configuring it in this way, the size of the ventilation opening 3b2' (an example of the "ventilation section" of the present invention), where the opening X of the upper plate member 3b1' and the opening X of the lower plate member 3b1' overlap (in a plan view), can be changed, thereby increasing or decreasing the amount of cool air supplied from the underfloor space A2 to the cultivation space A1. Therefore, even when the ventilation opening 3b2' is enlarged, cool air can be drawn into the cultivation space A1 from the underfloor space A2 by a natural airflow, even when an air pressure supply means such as a circulator 6d is not being driven. In other words, the ventilation opening 3b2' is a ventilation opening formed by the opening X of the upper floor plate 3b1' and the opening X of the lower floor plate 3b1'.

As described above, if the size of the ventilation opening 3b2' can be changed, it is desirable that the control device 7 be configured to increase the size (area) of the ventilation opening 3b2' by controlling the horizontal moving means, such as a motor, according to the temperature near the cultivation bed 8 measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 9a. For example, the higher the temperature, the larger the size (area) of the ventilation opening 3b2', thereby increasing the amount of cold air flowing into the cultivation space A1. The horizontal moving means can be configured, for example, by a rack and pinion mechanism using a motor such as the drive mechanism 6j3, or by a solenoid. It is not necessarily required to arrange the openings X and blocking parts Y in a checkerboard pattern on each plate member 3b1'.

Furthermore, if each of the shielding portions Y of the lower plate member 3b1' of the two-layer plate member is made of an insulating material with heat-insulating properties, then each of the openings X of the upper plate member 3b1' can be treated as vents (an example of the "ventilation portion" of the present invention). In this case, similar to the above embodiment, when the temperature near the cultivation bed 8 measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 9a falls below a predetermined temperature, the control device 7 drives the horizontal moving means to slide the lower plate member 3b1', covering each of the openings X of the upper plate member 3b1', which are vents, with each of the shielding portions Y of the lower plate member 3b1', thereby blocking cold air from the underfloor space A2 and maintaining the temperature of the cultivation space A1. That is, the state in which each of the openings X of the upper plate member 3b1' is covered with each of the shielding portions Y of the lower plate member 3b1' is a non-communication state. In this case, the "actuator" of the present invention also serves as the "horizontal moving means". The horizontal moving means is driven by electricity generated by the solar cell module 6h4a. It is not necessarily required to configure the lower plate member 3b1' to be electrically driven for sliding; it may also be configured to slide by manually rotating the pinion side of the rack and pinion mechanism.

Furthermore, in order to adjust the amount of ventilation from the underfloor space A2 to the cultivation space A1, in addition to the two-layer plate structure described above, it is also possible to construct part or all of the floor member 3b from a grating 3b5 made of FRP, steel, stainless steel, etc., equipped with numerous ventilation openings (ventilation holes), as shown in Figure 12, and to place a louver device 6m below this grating 3b5.

In this case, by configuring the louvers (blades) 6m1 of the louver device 6m to be adjustable by a motor or the like, the amount of cold air entering the cultivation space A1 through the vents of the grating 3b5 can be adjusted. That is, while the louvers 6m1 are open, an amount of cold air corresponding to the angle of the louvers 6m1 can be taken into the cultivation space A1, and when the louvers are closed, cold air from the underfloor space A2 can be blocked, thus maintaining the temperature of the cultivation space A1.

Furthermore, by placing an air-pressure supply means such as a circulator 6d on the grating 3b5, the cold air from the underfloor space A2 can be compressed and supplied to the cultivation space A1 through the louver device 6m and the ventilation openings of the grating 3b5. It is preferable that the louver device 6m be configured to be driven by power supplied from a storage battery 6h10, which stores power generated by the solar cell module 6h4a.

Alternatively, instead of using the grating 3b5, the amount of cold air ventilating the cultivation space A1 can be adjusted by constructing a portion of the floor material with a louver device and configuring the louver angle to be adjustable using a motor or similar mechanism.

Furthermore, while the above embodiment is configured to cultivate the crop P1 using hydroponics, the crop may also be cultivated in the cultivation space A1 using soil, pellets, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "soil") instead of hydroponics. In this case, it is desirable to further install a soil moisture sensor as an environmental measurement unit to measure the soil's moisture content, and to add a cooling trigger when the measured moisture content falls below a preset threshold. This allows for blocking sunlight L entering the cultivation space A1 and maintaining the soil's moisture content.

Furthermore, when cultivating crops using soil, an irrigation system is required instead of the circulation device 6g. However, as described above, by constructing the floor member with two layers of plate members having openings X, the irrigated water can be drained (water removed) into the underfloor space A2 through the ventilation openings 3b2' (see Figure 11) formed by the overlapping openings X.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the system is configured to adjust the angle of each louver 6h4 to lower the illuminance when the illuminance near the cultivation bed 8 exceeds a predetermined leaf burn risk value [lx] based on the measurement results of the illuminance sensor 9b. However, instead of an illuminance sensor that measures lux, a solar radiation sensor that measures joules may be placed near the cultivation bed 8, and the system may be configured to adjust the angle of each louver 6h4 so that the value measured by the solar radiation sensor falls below a predetermined value when the value is above a predetermined value.

Furthermore, while a circulator 6d is used as the air pressure supply means in the above embodiment, a blower, propeller fan, compressor, ventilation fan, etc., may also be used. In addition, although the circulator 6d, an example of an air pressure supply means, is placed within the cultivation space A1, the air pressure supply means may also be placed in the underfloor space A2, and configured to supply cool air from the underfloor space to the cultivation space A1. Furthermore, the air pressure supply means may also be placed inside a ventilation opening.

Furthermore, when supplying cool air to the cultivation space A1 using a fan device such as a ventilation fan, it is preferable to configure a portion of the floor member 3b as shown in Figure 13, by constructing a grating 3b5 made of FRP, steel, stainless steel, etc., equipped with numerous ventilation holes, and placing the fan device 6n below this grating 3b5 to supply cool air from the underfloor space A2 to the cultivation space A1 (from bottom to top).

In this case, the fan device 6n, which is an example of a pneumatic supply means, is positioned in the underfloor space A2, thus keeping the fan device 6n from being bulky. The fan device 6n is equipped with an openable and closable shutter 6n3, and when the shutter 6n3 is closed, the airflow path from the air intake port 6n1 of the fan device 6n to the ventilation opening formed in the grating 3b5 is blocked by the shutter 6n3.

Furthermore, by configuring the system so that the shutter 6n3 opens when the fan 6n5 rotates due to the motor 6n4 (when the fan device 6n is operating) and closes when the motor 6n4 stops, it is possible to prevent insects, pathogens, etc. from entering the cultivation space A1 while the fan device 6n is not operating.

In this case as well, it is preferable that the motor 6n4 that rotates the fan 6n5 is controlled by the control device 7, and that when any of the above-mentioned cooling conditions are met, the motor 6n4 is driven by the control device 7, automatically supplying the cool air from the underfloor space A2 to the cultivation space A1, and automatically opening the shutter 6n3. It is preferable that the fan device 6n is driven by power supplied from the storage battery 6h10, which stores power generated by the solar cell module 6h4a. The shutter 6n3 may be configured to open and close electrically by a motor, or it may be configured to open and close by wind pressure generated by the rotation of the fan 6n5.

Furthermore, by installing an insect-proofing device such as a fine mesh screen or filter at the air intake 6n1 of the fan device 6n, it is possible to prevent insects from entering the cultivation space A1 through the vents of the grating 3b5 even when the ventilation fan is operating. It is more preferable to make the insect-proof screen or filter replaceable. This configuration allows for replacement when the screen or filter becomes dirty or damaged, providing greater convenience.

Furthermore, the placement of insect-repellent nets or filters is not limited to the air intake 6n1. They can be placed anywhere along the air (cold air) flow path from the intake 6n1 to the ventilation opening of the grating 3b5. This prevents insects from entering the cultivation space A1 through the ventilation opening of the grating 3b5, which is an example of a floor component. Therefore, they may be placed, for example, at the air outlet of the fan device 6n, or above or below the fan 6n5.

Similarly, regarding the shutter 6n3, as long as it is positioned along the air (cold air) flow path from the intake opening 6n1 to the ventilation opening of the grating 3b5, it can prevent insects, pathogens, etc., from entering the cultivation space A1 through the ventilation opening of the grating 3b5, which is an example of a floor component.

In addition, the control device 7 may transmit a control signal to the inverter, changing the frequency of the power supplied to the air pressure supply means such as a circulator, blower, or ventilation fan, thereby allowing the fan's rotation speed (i.e., the airflow rate of the compressed air) to be adjusted. In this case, for example, the rotation speed can be controlled to increase as the temperature near the cultivation bed 8 in the cultivation space A1, as measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 9a, increases, thereby preventing the temperature in the cultivation space A1 from becoming too high or too low. In the case of a DC motor, instead of an inverter, the rotation speed of the blades (i.e., the airflow rate of the compressed air) can be adjusted by, for example, transmitting a control signal from the control device 7 to the driver circuit and changing the applied voltage supplied to the air pressure supply means such as a circulator, blower, or ventilation fan.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the solar cell module 6h4a is attached to the mounting frame 6h4b, but the louvers (blade members) may be formed by the solar cell modules alone.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the system is configured to block a portion of the sunlight L using a number of louvers 6h4, but it may also be configured to completely block sunlight using a number of louvers.

Furthermore, although the above embodiment is configured to automatically slide the pair of heat insulating members 6j1 using a rack and pinion mechanism, the system may also be configured to allow an operator to manually slide the heat insulating members.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the "actuator" of the present invention is configured to slide-drive the heat insulating member 6j1 using a motor, but it may also be configured to slide the heat insulating member using an air cylinder, a solenoid, or the like.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the pair of heat insulating members 6j1 are arranged at the upper end of the underfloor space A2. However, the heat insulating members may also be arranged on the floor member 3b, and the ventilation opening 3b2 may be covered with the heat insulating members.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the nutrient solution is configured to circulate between the numerous containers 8a arranged in the cultivation space A1 and the second pipe 6g2 extending through the underfloor space A2. However, the number of containers in the cultivation space through which the nutrient solution circulates may be one or two or more.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the underfloor space A2 is not covered on all four sides and is in communication with the outside of the cultivation facility 1. However, by covering the sides of the underfloor space A2 with walls or the like, and forming ventilation openings in these walls or the like, and connecting them to the outside of the cultivation facility, outside air can be supplied to the underfloor space, and the air cooled within the underfloor space can be naturally sent into the cultivation space.

1. Cultivation facility 2. Foundation 3. Wooden structure 4. Pipes 5. Film 6. Environmental control unit 7. Control device 8. Cultivation bed 9. Environmental measurement unit

Claims (4)

A cultivation facility that can bring sunlight into the cultivation space where crops are grown,
A floor member defining the bottom of the cultivation space,
The underfloor space formed below the floor member,
A plurality of louvers are positioned above the cultivation space and block at least a portion of the sunlight entering the cultivation space,
It is equipped with a pneumatic pumping means for pressurizing and supplying air,
The floor member has a ventilation section that connects the cultivation space and the underfloor space,
The air supply means is configured to pump air from the underfloor space through the ventilation section into the cultivation space.
An insulating member covering the aforementioned ventilation portion,
The system includes an actuator for sliding the aforementioned heat insulating member,
The cultivation facility is characterized in that the louvers have solar cell modules, the actuators are driven by electricity generated by the solar cell modules, and the facility is configured to be switchable between a connected state in which the ventilation section is not covered by the heat insulating member and a disconnected state in which the ventilation section is covered by the heat insulating member. A cultivation facility that can bring sunlight into the cultivation space where crops are grown,
A floor member defining the bottom of the cultivation space,
The underfloor space formed below the floor member,
A plurality of louvers are positioned above the cultivation space and block at least a portion of the sunlight entering the cultivation space,
It is equipped with a pneumatic pumping means for pressurizing and supplying air,
The floor member has a ventilation section that connects the cultivation space and the underfloor space,
The air supply means is configured to pump air from the underfloor space through the ventilation section into the cultivation space.
A container placed in the aforementioned cultivation space for hydroponic cultivation of plants,
The facility includes piping extending through the underfloor space,
The nutrient solution in the container is removed, flows through the piping, and then returned to the container.
The cultivation facility is characterized in that the aforementioned piping is made of metal and extends in a zigzag pattern in plan view within the space under the floor. A cultivation facility that can bring sunlight into the cultivation space where crops are grown,
A floor member defining the bottom of the cultivation space,
The underfloor space formed below the floor member,
A plurality of louvers are positioned above the cultivation space and block at least a portion of the sunlight entering the cultivation space,
It is equipped with a pneumatic pumping means for pressurizing and supplying air,
The floor member has a ventilation section that connects the cultivation space and the underfloor space,
The air supply means is configured to pump air from the underfloor space through the ventilation section into the cultivation space.
The floor member comprises two layers of plate members arranged vertically,
Each of the plate members has a blocking portion that blocks light and air, and an opening that allows light and air to pass through, and the lower plate member is configured to slide substantially horizontally.
A cultivation facility characterized in that the size of the ventilation portion, formed by the overlapping of the opening in the upper plate member and the opening in the lower plate member, can be changed by sliding the lower plate member in a substantially horizontal direction. A cultivation facility that can bring sunlight into the cultivation space where crops are grown,
A floor member defining the bottom of the cultivation space,
The underfloor space formed below the floor member,
A plurality of louvers are positioned above the cultivation space and block at least a portion of the sunlight entering the cultivation space,
It is equipped with a pneumatic pumping means for pressurizing and supplying air,
The floor member has a ventilation section that connects the cultivation space and the underfloor space,
The air supply means is configured to pump air from the underfloor space through the ventilation section into the cultivation space.
The air supply means is positioned below the ventilation section and includes an air intake and a shutter that blocks the airflow path from the intake to the ventilation section.
When the air supply means is not operating, the shutter is closed, and while the air supply means is operating, the shutter is open, and the air taken in from the intake by the air supply means is compressed and sent into the cultivation space through the ventilation section.
A cultivation facility characterized in that the flow path is provided with an intrusion prevention means for preventing insects from entering the cultivation space, and the intrusion prevention means is configured to be replaceable.