BIO-SOLAR HYBRID GREENHOUSE WITH ENERGY-HARVESTING PHOTOSYNTHETIC ALGAE PANELS

Abstract

This invention introduces a bio-solar hybrid greenhouse designed for energy-efficient, sustainable agriculture. Transparent solar panels embedded with photosynthetic algae generate electricity, regulate temperature, and produce organic fertilizers. The greenhouse operates on renewable energy, sequesters CO2, and supplies nutrient-rich algae-based fertilizers, creating an eco-friendly solution for improving crop productivity and sustainability in various agricultural settings.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to agricultural technology, particularly a bio-solar hybrid greenhouse system designed for renewable energy generation, climate control, and sustainable farming practices. The invention integrates transparent solar panels containing photosynthetic algae, which produce electricity, regulate temperature, and create an organic, nutrient-rich fertilizer for crops, enhancing productivity and sustainability.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Greenhouses are essential for modern agriculture, especially in regions with extreme weather conditions. However, traditional greenhouses demand high energy inputs for artificial lighting, heating, and cooling to maintain optimal growing conditions, which increases operational costs and carbon footprint. Further, the widespread use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture presents significant environmental risks, such as soil degradation and water pollution. While these fertilizers temporarily boost crop yield, they harm long-term soil health, leading to a dependency on artificial inputs.
Agriculture's environmental impact extends beyond energy use; carbon emissions from greenhouse operations and external fertilizer dependency create sustainability challenges. In remote or off-grid farming regions, access to fertilizers can be limited or expensive, forcing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Additionally, excessive heat and CO2 accumulation within traditional greenhouses require extensive energy for climate regulation. These challenges highlight the need for an integrated solution that conserves energy, reduces environmental harm, and sustains soil health through natural means.
The present invention addresses these issues by integrating renewable energy, climate control, and organic nutrient production within a hybrid greenhouse system. Transparent solar panels embedded with photosynthetic algae perform multiple functions: generating solar power, absorbing CO2, and reducing internal temperature. This unique greenhouse model also produces a bio-fertilizer derived from algae biomass, promoting sustainable farming and eliminating the need for synthetic fertilizers. With an IoT-based control system, this hybrid greenhouse continuously monitors environmental factors, optimizing crop growth and minimizing ecological impact.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The bio-solar hybrid greenhouse is an innovative agricultural structure that combines solar energy generation with photosynthetic algae to produce electricity, regulate temperature, and create bio-fertilizers. Transparent solar panels embedded with algae cultures absorb sunlight, capture CO2, and lower greenhouse temperature. This electricity powers greenhouse operations, and the algae biomass is periodically harvested to create nutrient-rich fertilizers. An IoT-based control system monitors and adjusts the greenhouse environment, promoting energy-efficient, sustainable crop growth while reducing dependency on chemical inputs and external energy sources.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: SHOWS THE STRUCTURE OF THE BIO-SOLAR HYBRID GREENHOUSE, HIGHLIGHTING TRANSPARENT SOLAR PANELS EMBEDDED WITH ALGAE.
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The bio-solar hybrid greenhouse is constructed from durable, transparent materials such as reinforced glass or high-strength polymers, maximizing sunlight penetration. The structure's roof and walls are fitted with transparent solar panels embedded with microalgae cultures, forming a dual-layer system. The outer photovoltaic (PV) layer captures sunlight and converts it into electricity, while the inner algae chamber enables photosynthesis, absorbing CO2 and excess sunlight. This setup creates a self-sustaining system that produces energy and maintains internal climate conditions favorable for crop growth.
The solar panels generate electricity to power various greenhouse systems, including lighting, irrigation, and temperature control, which reduces dependence on external energy sources. During peak sunlight hours, excess energy is stored in batteries to maintain uninterrupted greenhouse operations at night or on cloudy days. This energy storage capacity enables year-round agricultural productivity, even in off-grid or remote locations.
Inside the solar panels, photosynthetic algae absorb sunlight and CO2, creating a natural cooling effect by reducing internal heat. The algae sequester CO2, decreasing atmospheric concentration while promoting optimal gas levels for crop and algae growth. CO2 from external sources, such as farm equipment exhaust, can also be directed into the greenhouse, enhancing photosynthesis and biomass production. This closed-loop approach contributes to carbon sequestration and improved crop yield, aligning with environmental sustainability goals.
Algae are harvested periodically and processed into a bio-fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), essential nutrients for plant growth. This fertilizer is applied directly to the soil, creating a circular nutrient cycle that eliminates the need for synthetic chemical inputs. The greenhouse's IoT-based control system monitors environmental parameters such as light, temperature, CO2 concentration, and humidity. It adjusts these factors to ensure optimal growth conditions for both crops and algae, maximizing energy efficiency and agricultural yield.
, Claims:1. A bio-solar hybrid greenhouse for sustainable agriculture, comprising transparent solar panels with embedded photosynthetic algae, capable of generating electricity, reducing temperature, and producing organic fertilizers.
2. The bio-solar hybrid greenhouse as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the transparent solar panels contain a photovoltaic layer for converting sunlight into electricity.
3. The bio-solar hybrid greenhouse as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the algae cultures within the panels perform photosynthesis, absorbing CO2 and reducing heat.
4. The bio-solar hybrid greenhouse as claimed in Claim 1, wherein excess electricity generated is stored in batteries to power greenhouse systems during low-light conditions.
5. The bio-solar hybrid greenhouse as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the algae biomass is harvested periodically and processed into an organic fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
6. The bio-solar hybrid greenhouse as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the IoT-based control system monitors and adjusts environmental parameters for optimal crop and algae growth.
7. The bio-solar hybrid greenhouse as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the CO2 concentration is managed by directing external CO2 sources into the algae panels to enhance photosynthesis and carbon sequestration.
8. The bio-solar hybrid greenhouse as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the solar panels are positioned to maximize sunlight exposure and optimize the balance of light absorption for crop and algae growth.
9. The bio-solar hybrid greenhouse as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the algae-based fertilizer is applied directly to crops, supporting a closed-loop nutrient cycle.
10. The bio-solar hybrid greenhouse as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the system operates independently of external energy sources, suitable for remote and off-grid agricultural settings.

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