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Portable And Autonomous Hydroponics Growing Unit

Technology Benefits

Optimal environment for efficient plant growth and high yields Self-sustainable, small footprint Easy and ready to use “full package” Enclosed and fully controllable Portable Autonomous

Technology Application

Farm box for private consumer (house or restaurant) Urban agriculture

Detailed Technology Description

The inventors have developed a novel growing unit that creates a controlled environment that is utilized and optimized to grow plants in a hydroponic system. The space is optimized for growing and any user interaction happens by pulling out movable parts of the box and allows easy access to the plants and the components. The unit includes a big static frame, movable frames, perforated floor system, growing towers, a closed loop system for water circulation, an energy system powered by solar panel and battery and a sensors and environment control system. A typical farm box can produce the vegetable consumption of 11 people with a low cost.

Others

Background

Increasing population and reducing available land poses a big challenge for agriculture. At the same time, today’s agriculture is not very environmental friendly or sustainable. 69% of fresh water is used by agriculture. Food supply chain contributes to 54% of transportation CO₂ emissions and produces 31% spoiled food. Hydroponics is a technological solution to these problems- it uses less water, pesticide, energy and causes less spoilage. Meanwhile, it is more resilient and sustainable.

Tech ID/UC Case

29315/2017-998-0

Related Cases

2017-998-0

*Abstract

UCLA researchers in the Department of Architecture and Urban Design have developed a portable and self-sustainable hydroponics farm box for urban agriculture.

*Principal Investigator

Name: Dunia Abu Shanab

Department:

Name: Barak Kazenelbogen

Department:

Name: Pegah Koulaeian

Department:

Name: Thomas Mayne

Department:

Name: Eui-Sung Yi

Department:

Country/Region

USA