VertiCube - Container Farm

The container is a repurposed 40ft refrigerated container, sourced second-hand and designed for versatile use. The original refrigeration motor unit is removed and replaced with an insulated steel wall. The container's walls and roof are constructed from tin steel sheets, featuring insulation with an 80mm CP blown rigid polyurethane foam. The floor consists of an insulated corrugated sub-floor and a flat floor with reversed T-shaped floorboards. The main door is an insulated split door, allowing a full-width opening for convenient access. We can provide various container variations tailored to client needs, including options like cladding installation, standard shipping containers, or non-ISO containers. Dimensions are as follows: Outside - 13.716 x 2.556 x 2.896 meters (length x width x height), Inside - 13.286 x 2.441 x 2.585 meters (length x width x height). The door opening measures 2.441 x 2.567 meters (width x height).

Growing System - Vertical Grow Columns

The container is adaptable to accommodate vertical grow columns suspended from a metal structure. These columns have the capability to move horizontally, allowing for side-to-side adjustments. Constructed from uPVC, the columns feature a foam insert serving as both a substrate for the plants and a hydroponic irrigation absorber. Plants are cultivated vertically within the columns, providing an overall growing area equivalent to 60+ square meters.

Growing System - Adjustable Grow Racks

The container can also be equipped with two grow racks measuring 0.6m x 7.2m/9.6m each. Each grow rack consists of four levels and can be horizontally repositioned from left to right to facilitate pedestrian access along each side. This arrangement ensures sufficient spacing between racks to promote proper airflow across each shelf. The system accommodates various growing media such as pots, trays, or rockwool slabs, offering flexibility in growing techniques and plant density.

Drip irrigation will be incorporated to channel water into the top of each column, ensuring absorption by the foam substrate. Run-off water is collected at the base and directed through pipes to a collection tank situated at the rear of the container. The control system monitors the pH and EC levels in this tank, facilitating adjustments to the nutrient mix as needed. To minimise water wastage, the irrigation system operates on a recirculating principle.

The irrigation intervals for each tray can be independently regulated via the environmental control computer. Employing an adjustable flow drip delivery head at the top of each column, the control system enables periodic on/off cycles with variable delivery durations in multiple cycles per day. Additionally, the container can be equipped with a standard Flood & Drain System featuring water run-off capabilities.

The Nutrient Station offers four mixes: three nutrients and one pH adjustment (up or down). These mixes automatically and continuously adapt based on the pH and EC levels in the main irrigation tank. The main tank collects return water from the columns and undergoes an automatic mains cold water top-up to maintain the correct water level. A drainage pipe system facilitates periodic venting and changing of water.

Variable crop options are achievable by fitting different dripper heads, with two options available: 2 litres per hour or 4 litres per hour. The initial set is installed for commissioning, while alternative heads can be provided as an additional option.

Floor drains are strategically placed in each corner of the container, allowing spillage or cleaning water to be vented to waste. Notably, these drains are not connected to any mains services.

We will install LED grow lights, featuring proprietary broad-spectrum dimmable LED units. The proposed spectrum is illustrated below, and the dimming function can be precisely controlled from 0% to 100% through the Control system. The lights will be strategically positioned on the wall face on either side of the grow columns and in a central back-to-back row between the columns. This layout achieves an efficient and reduced electrical load design while ensuring the necessary Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) is maintained for optimal plant growth.

The lights can be managed in terms of on/off time settings, incorporating a 30-minute ramp-up and ramp-down setting to emulate sunrise and sunset.

If the container is equipped with Standard Grow Racks, LED Grow Tubes will be installed beneath each grow level instead, featuring the same precise spectrum and capabilities.

The Grow Room will be managed by an environmental control computer with a Wi-Fi-enabled control system, operating on a cloud-based platform. This system facilitates control over:

• Temperature and relative humidity set points, adjustable within pre-set tolerances, and offering options for day and night settings.
• LED grow lights, including on/off time settings and dimming settings ranging from 0 to 100%.
• A 30-minute ramp-up and ramp-down setting for the lights.
• Irrigation intervals (on/off) with timed set points, variable delivery durations, and the option for multiple cycles per day.
• CO2 delivery and monitoring of parts per million (ppm) to regulate it to a defined set point.

The control system allows monitoring and recording of temperature, humidity, irrigation, and lighting on/off settings. Data can be downloaded in CSV format from the system. Remote access is facilitated via Wi-Fi, enabling adjustment of set points and real-time monitoring of current environmental conditions. This remote control functionality is accessible through a web-based browser app.