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WO2024047386A1 - Uncloggable agricultural aerosol generator for field and controlled environment agriculture - Google Patents

Uncloggable agricultural aerosol generator for field and controlled environment agriculture Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024047386A1
WO2024047386A1 PCT/IB2022/058295 IB2022058295W WO2024047386A1 WO 2024047386 A1 WO2024047386 A1 WO 2024047386A1 IB 2022058295 W IB2022058295 W IB 2022058295W WO 2024047386 A1 WO2024047386 A1 WO 2024047386A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
nozzle
management system
electronic management
aerosol
liquid
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2022/058295
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Vilmantas RAŠTUTIS
Gediminas KUDIRKA
Original Assignee
Baltic Freya, Uab
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Baltic Freya, Uab filed Critical Baltic Freya, Uab
Priority to PCT/IB2022/058295 priority Critical patent/WO2024047386A1/en
Priority to EP22777337.1A priority patent/EP4580814A1/en
Publication of WO2024047386A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024047386A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B17/00—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups
    • B05B17/04—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods
    • B05B17/06—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations
    • B05B17/0607—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers
    • B05B17/0623—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers coupled with a vibrating horn
    • B05B17/063—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers coupled with a vibrating horn having an internal channel for supplying the liquid or other fluent material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B13/00—Machines or plants for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces of objects or other work by spraying, not covered by groups B05B1/00 - B05B11/00
    • B05B13/02—Means for supporting work; Arrangement or mounting of spray heads; Adaptation or arrangement of means for feeding work
    • B05B13/04—Means for supporting work; Arrangement or mounting of spray heads; Adaptation or arrangement of means for feeding work the spray heads being moved during spraying operation
    • B05B13/0421—Means for supporting work; Arrangement or mounting of spray heads; Adaptation or arrangement of means for feeding work the spray heads being moved during spraying operation with rotating spray heads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B17/00—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups
    • B05B17/04—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods
    • B05B17/06—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations
    • B05B17/0607—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers
    • B05B17/0653—Details
    • B05B17/0669—Excitation frequencies
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B06—GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS IN GENERAL
    • B06B—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OF INFRASONIC, SONIC, OR ULTRASONIC FREQUENCY, e.g. FOR PERFORMING MECHANICAL WORK IN GENERAL
    • B06B1/00—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency
    • B06B1/02—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy
    • B06B1/0207—Driving circuits
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B06—GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS IN GENERAL
    • B06B—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OF INFRASONIC, SONIC, OR ULTRASONIC FREQUENCY, e.g. FOR PERFORMING MECHANICAL WORK IN GENERAL
    • B06B1/00—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency
    • B06B1/02—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy
    • B06B1/06—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
    • B06B1/0607—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction using multiple elements
    • B06B1/0611—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction using multiple elements in a pile
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B06—GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS IN GENERAL
    • B06B—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OF INFRASONIC, SONIC, OR ULTRASONIC FREQUENCY, e.g. FOR PERFORMING MECHANICAL WORK IN GENERAL
    • B06B2201/00—Indexing scheme associated with B06B1/0207 for details covered by B06B1/0207 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • B06B2201/70—Specific application
    • B06B2201/77—Atomizers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a nozzle and, more particularly, to a nozzle wherein sprayed liquid is atomised using ultrasonic vibrations.
  • a nozzle wherein sprayed liquid is atomised using ultrasonic vibrations.
  • the field of agriculture employs a variety of techniques to disperse aerosolised liquid for applications of irrigation, fertilisation, stimulation, sanitation, climate control and other purposes in field and/or controlled environment cultivation of edible plants, flowers, fruiting plants, fungi and algae (all are collectively referred to as “plants'' for the purpose of this document).
  • Agrichemical solution in the form of aerosol can be applied to below-ground level (roots) in controlled environment cultivation and above-ground foliar level (stem, leaves, fruits, flowers, fruiting bodies) in both field and controlled environment cultivation. Both approaches can be used in unison or separately and they both rely on plant surface (roots, stem, leaves, fruits, flowers, fruiting bodies) ability to exchange gases and absorb water and nutrients. Aerosol-based plant treatment allows for precise control of growing conditions thereby allowing to generate predictable and repeatable results. Different aerosol-dispersing nozzles are described in the state of the art. Low-pressure fixed orifice nozzle systems generate too large droplets, which can cause suboptimal oxygenation, run-off and imprecise feeding resulting in reduced yield of plants.
  • High-pressure systems with fixed orifice nozzles can generate droplets of optimal size for nutrient delivery to the roots and foliar level, however such systems require extensive pressure infrastructure including high pressure pumps, expansion tanks and separate replaceable filters at nozzle, pump and nutrient container levels.
  • such nozzles have very small dispersal orifices which can be easily clogged by solid particles originating from the water impurities, nutrients or biomass debris. Such clogging results in increased operating expenses, and uneven distribution of agrichemical solutions resulting in unpredictable growth.
  • external orifice blocking can occur due to liquid accumulation on the nozzle surface resulting in calcification and total or partial blocking.
  • the objective of the present invention is to solve the problem of nozzle clogging in the agricultural context by providing an uncloggable nozzle.
  • the present invention provides a nozzle comprising: 1. A wide atomisation channel of at least 1 millimetre in diameter with a tip that has a surface vibrating at least 10,000 times and up to 3 million times per second and atomises liquid droplets which prevents sedimentation, clogging or blocking 2. A wide inlet of at least 1 millimetre in diameter
  • Uncloggable nozzle encased in a waterproof casing Fig 3. Electronic management system of the uncloggable nozzle. Fig 4. Partially encased nozzle connected to a rotational mechanism with a pressure-positive aerosol distribution system. Fig 5. Partially encased rotational atomization nozzle with inbuilt electrostatic high voltage droplet charger and pressure-neutral aerosol distribution system. Fig 6. Cross-section of a partially encased rotational nozzle with a liquid transfer unit, an inbuilt electrostatic high voltage droplet charger and a pressure-neutral aerosol distribution system.
  • the nozzle for aerosolic cultivation and foliar spraying comprises a wide atomisation channel (1) of at least 1 millimetre in diameter that has a tip with a vibrating surface (2) of 10,000 times to 3 million times per second and atomises liquid flow into droplets and prevents sedimentation, and a wide liquid inlet (3) of at least 1 millimetre in diameter.
  • the nozzle comprises a back mass (4), two or more piezoceramic units (5) with electrodes (6), a front mass (7) with a tip (2), and a bolt (8) to bind components together.
  • Liquid flow in the present invention is atomised into droplets of 1 to 200 ⁇ m, preferably into droplets of 1 to 50 ⁇ m in diameter.
  • the nozzle can comprise a waterproof casing (9) for covering the nozzle itself and its related elements such as the electrodes (6) and wires that connect the nozzle to an electronic management system (13), and a liquid supply channel (10) to deliver the liquid to the nozzle front mass inlet (3).
  • the nozzle comprises a compressed air inlet (3) channel which may be placed in a front mass (7) or in a waterproof casing (9), and the compressed air outlet channels (11) near the atomisation channel (1) and front mass tip (2) to introduce additional aerosol distribution and droplet size management capabilities for foliar spraying and rhizosphere irrigation management.
  • the casing (9) can have an ionising unit (12) that changes droplet sorption properties by giving droplets positive or negative electrostatic charge. High-voltage electrostatic charge (1kV and more) enables additional droplet diameter management, aerosol directional travel management, and increased or decreased suspension and increased or decreased adhesion management to targeted plant surface, which may be managed through the electronic management system (13).
  • the invention can comprise a rotating mechanism (14) connected to the nozzle, which is designed to rotate the nozzle around its own axis, as well as but not necessarily around the axis of a rotating mechanism (14) mounting or other anchoring point, which can include spring-loaded pins, wireless power transfer, bearings, seals and other combination of parts, which may be managed through the electronic management system (13).
  • the nozzle can have a front mass (7) that is designed to work with replaceable tips (2) that can be detached from the front mass (7). Different shapes of tips (2) can be used to help manage aerosol dispersal shape, dispersal distance, droplet diameter and other operationally relevant parameters.
  • the nozzle can also comprise a liquid transfer unit (15) which is connected to an external liquid supply system and is designed to transfer the liquid into the atomizing unit to remove direct connection between the external liquid supply and the nozzle in order to avoid issues if the nozzle is rotating.
  • the nozzle is connected to an electronic management system (13) via wires that are also connected to the electrodes (6) which may be placed between nozzle parts including front mass (7), back mass (4) and piezoceramic units (5).
  • the electronic management system comprises a microprocessor-based electronic management system that comprises a microprocessor, a variable wave frequency generator, variable voltage supply, an analog-to-digital converter, an operational amplifier, a power switch, a switch driver, embedded software and firmware, wired and/or wireless connectivity to a physical or a digital control panel for an on-site or off-site management enabling management of the invention and the qualities and dispersal of aerosol.
  • the low operating voltage of the invention delivers low-energy performance and the direct current enables direct compatibility with solar panels.
  • the invention can include a waterproof encasing (13) of the electronic management system and other operationally relevant elements.
  • the nozzle can comprise a front mass (7) with an interchangeable tip (2), where different front masses (7) with tips (2), as well as a front mass (7) designed to work with replaceable tips (2) and the replaceable tips (2) themselves, are used to manage the dispersal shape, distance, droplet size diameter and other operationally relevant features.
  • the electronic management system (13) can optionally be used for real-time scanning of nozzle acoustic profile to detect new tip (2) shapes and autonomously adjust the resonance frequency based on the changed acoustic profile enabling autonomous optimal liquid atomization with different tip (2) shapes without manual firmware and software reconfiguration.
  • the electronic management system (13) involves a real-time scanning of nozzle resonance frequency and phase shift enables performance tracking, physical degradation tracking and data flows collection required for predictive maintenance.
  • the electronic management system (13) can have a wired and/or wireless connectivity to on-site and remote physical and digital control and management tools.
  • the electronic management system can have a wired connectivity to a tractor sprayer control software via tractor inner communication and management network, also can be connected via wired or wireless control panels of Controlled Environment Agriculture (indoor farm or greenhouse) operating software, and foliar spraying system management software or physical control panel of an indoor farm, greenhouse or other static or moving apparatus including portable sprayers, tractors, row sprayers and unmanned aerial vehicles.
  • the electronic management system (13) can have a pre-built contingency management logic for operating in low energy mode in power grid failure scenarios when running on backup power infrastructure.
  • the disclosed invention does not require high pressure infrastructure and can autonomously change dispersal intervals to keep the plants alive by working with limited backup power infrastructure.
  • the real-time scanning of nozzle resonance frequency and phase shift enables autocalibration and optimal operating performance of nozzles because manufactured nozzles do not need to be precisely tuned. This is important because it enables the utilisation of nozzle parts manufactured by different suppliers who use different manufacturing techniques and quality standards.
  • the nozzle’s performance depends on the ability to precisely reach peak vibration at tip (2) – in real world scenarios this may be impacted by wear, operator damage or any other mechanical changes to the nozzle front mass (7).
  • the novelty and importance of the self- scanning ability of the nozzle in the electronic management (13) system enables self-optimization wherein the electronic management system (13) is able to repeatedly scan the nozzle and autonomously alter the signal thereby adjusting performance to continuously deliver results regardless of any significant operational wear or structural damage.
  • the electronic management system (13) can also detect plaque, limescale, biofilm or other solid particle formation on the nozzle surface enabling fast autonomous self-clearing programmes, wherein peak vibration is delivered at increased power and amplitude, and is autonomously moved over the entire surface of the nozzle front mass (7) thereby removing any accumulation of particles on the surface.
  • the electronic management system (13), including the hardware and the firmware/software has been designed to support and operate other optional tools such as a liquid flow rate sensor, airflow sensor, additional airflow management (fan or compressed air), pH meter, EC meter, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, real-time clock module, liquid viscosity sensor and others, which is beneficial when implementing autonomous decision-making programmes (process automation).
  • the connectivity of the electronic management system to a computer system enables the delivery of remote firmware and software upgrades, data collection and optimised irrigation and/or foliar spraying recommendations.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Catching Or Destruction (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention discloses an uncloggable agricultural aerosol generator. Aerosolised organic and inorganic agrichemical solutions are often sprayed on plant roots in controlled environment farming (aerosolic cultivation), as well as on above-ground plant surfaces (foliar spraying). The goal of aerosol-based plant treatment techniques is to utilise the ability of plants to rapidly absorb and utilise water, nutrients and gasses. Pressure-based adiabatic spray systems are utilised in indoor farms, greenhouses and field sprayers. Such systems are limited by clogging and fixed droplet diameter, which often results in increased operating costs and sub-optimal results. Other inventions exist that aim to prevent clogging by using filters to capture solid particles, but filtration can neither prevent post-filter salt precipitation, nor external nozzle orifice obstruction due to calcification. The present invention discloses an uncloggable agricultural ultrasonic aerosol generator that is uncloggable due to its wide liquid channels and intense vibration. The present invention does not require a pressure system (high pressure pump, expansion tank, similar) for operation because aerosol is generated and distributed through an ultrasonic transducer managed by an electronic management system. The present invention enables large-scale aerosol generation in various agricultural scenarios with minimal operating costs, optimal aerosol qualities and remote control.

Description

UNCLOGGABLE AGRICULTURAL AEROSOL GENERATOR FOR FIELD AND CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT AGRICULTURE TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a nozzle and, more particularly, to a nozzle wherein sprayed liquid is atomised using ultrasonic vibrations. BACKGROUND ART The field of agriculture employs a variety of techniques to disperse aerosolised liquid for applications of irrigation, fertilisation, stimulation, sanitation, climate control and other purposes in field and/or controlled environment cultivation of edible plants, flowers, fruiting plants, fungi and algae (all are collectively referred to as “plants'' for the purpose of this document). Agrichemical solution in the form of aerosol can be applied to below-ground level (roots) in controlled environment cultivation and above-ground foliar level (stem, leaves, fruits, flowers, fruiting bodies) in both field and controlled environment cultivation. Both approaches can be used in unison or separately and they both rely on plant surface (roots, stem, leaves, fruits, flowers, fruiting bodies) ability to exchange gases and absorb water and nutrients. Aerosol-based plant treatment allows for precise control of growing conditions thereby allowing to generate predictable and repeatable results. Different aerosol-dispersing nozzles are described in the state of the art. Low-pressure fixed orifice nozzle systems generate too large droplets, which can cause suboptimal oxygenation, run-off and imprecise feeding resulting in reduced yield of plants. High-pressure systems with fixed orifice nozzles can generate droplets of optimal size for nutrient delivery to the roots and foliar level, however such systems require extensive pressure infrastructure including high pressure pumps, expansion tanks and separate replaceable filters at nozzle, pump and nutrient container levels. However, such nozzles have very small dispersal orifices which can be easily clogged by solid particles originating from the water impurities, nutrients or biomass debris. Such clogging results in increased operating expenses, and uneven distribution of agrichemical solutions resulting in unpredictable growth. Furthermore, external orifice blocking can occur due to liquid accumulation on the nozzle surface resulting in calcification and total or partial blocking. State of the art discloses various solutions to nozzle clogging issues in a system that includes pressure nozzles- based aerosol generation for root irrigation. The closest analogue US2020163297A1 discloses an aerosol- based system used for suspended root irrigation wherein a pre-filter is used to filter out any material larger than the orifice of the nozzle and a post-filter that filters to be recycled liquid from plant matter and other build-up before this liquid re-enters pressurisation. Such filtration requires filters which are consumable items which increases operational costs and requires labour for replacement and upkeep. As farm scale increases, so does the filter upkeep and cost. Furthermore, even if the filter is 100% successful in preventing clogging due to solid particles in the nutrient liquid, if the nutrient solution is improperly mixed, the interaction between agrochemicals - which causes solid particle precipitation - can occur after passing the filter. Those experienced in the art will be aware that nutrients containing phosphate (e.g., potassium phosphate) should never be mixed with nutrients containing calcium (e.g., calcium nitrate). Finally, liquid accumulation on the external surfaces of the nozzles calcifies and obstructs the atomisation orifice, thereby causing full or partial blocking. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The objective of the present invention is to solve the problem of nozzle clogging in the agricultural context by providing an uncloggable nozzle. To solve the problem of clogging and blocking, the present invention provides a nozzle comprising: 1. A wide atomisation channel of at least 1 millimetre in diameter with a tip that has a surface vibrating at least 10,000 times and up to 3 million times per second and atomises liquid droplets which prevents sedimentation, clogging or blocking 2. A wide inlet of at least 1 millimetre in diameter These features in combination allow to eliminate any possibility of clogging due to undissolved agrichemical solution particles or plant debris during agrichemical solution recycling or external blocking due to calcification or any other solid particle sedimentation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig 1. Minimal structure of uncloggable ultrasonic nozzle - cross-section. Fig 2. Uncloggable nozzle encased in a waterproof casing. Fig 3. Electronic management system of the uncloggable nozzle. Fig 4. Partially encased nozzle connected to a rotational mechanism with a pressure-positive aerosol distribution system. Fig 5. Partially encased rotational atomization nozzle with inbuilt electrostatic high voltage droplet charger and pressure-neutral aerosol distribution system. Fig 6. Cross-section of a partially encased rotational nozzle with a liquid transfer unit, an inbuilt electrostatic high voltage droplet charger and a pressure-neutral aerosol distribution system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The nozzle for aerosolic cultivation and foliar spraying according to the present invention comprises a wide atomisation channel (1) of at least 1 millimetre in diameter that has a tip with a vibrating surface (2) of 10,000 times to 3 million times per second and atomises liquid flow into droplets and prevents sedimentation, and a wide liquid inlet (3) of at least 1 millimetre in diameter. These features in combination allow to eliminate any possibility of clogging arising from undissolved agrichemical solution particles or plant debris during agrichemical solution recycling, as well as external sedimentation or calcification-caused obstruction/blocking due to the intense vibration. The vibration and ultrasonic waves provide droplets with initial inertia for aerosol travel without additional airflow. The nozzle comprises a back mass (4), two or more piezoceramic units (5) with electrodes (6), a front mass (7) with a tip (2), and a bolt (8) to bind components together. Liquid flow in the present invention is atomised into droplets of 1 to 200µm, preferably into droplets of 1 to 50µm in diameter. The nozzle can comprise a waterproof casing (9) for covering the nozzle itself and its related elements such as the electrodes (6) and wires that connect the nozzle to an electronic management system (13), and a liquid supply channel (10) to deliver the liquid to the nozzle front mass inlet (3). Optionally, the nozzle comprises a compressed air inlet (3) channel which may be placed in a front mass (7) or in a waterproof casing (9), and the compressed air outlet channels (11) near the atomisation channel (1) and front mass tip (2) to introduce additional aerosol distribution and droplet size management capabilities for foliar spraying and rhizosphere irrigation management. The casing (9) can have an ionising unit (12) that changes droplet sorption properties by giving droplets positive or negative electrostatic charge. High-voltage electrostatic charge (1kV and more) enables additional droplet diameter management, aerosol directional travel management, and increased or decreased suspension and increased or decreased adhesion management to targeted plant surface, which may be managed through the electronic management system (13). Further, the invention can comprise a rotating mechanism (14) connected to the nozzle, which is designed to rotate the nozzle around its own axis, as well as but not necessarily around the axis of a rotating mechanism (14) mounting or other anchoring point, which can include spring-loaded pins, wireless power transfer, bearings, seals and other combination of parts, which may be managed through the electronic management system (13). The nozzle can have a front mass (7) that is designed to work with replaceable tips (2) that can be detached from the front mass (7). Different shapes of tips (2) can be used to help manage aerosol dispersal shape, dispersal distance, droplet diameter and other operationally relevant parameters. The nozzle can also comprise a liquid transfer unit (15) which is connected to an external liquid supply system and is designed to transfer the liquid into the atomizing unit to remove direct connection between the external liquid supply and the nozzle in order to avoid issues if the nozzle is rotating. The nozzle is connected to an electronic management system (13) via wires that are also connected to the electrodes (6) which may be placed between nozzle parts including front mass (7), back mass (4) and piezoceramic units (5). The electronic management system comprises a microprocessor-based electronic management system that comprises a microprocessor, a variable wave frequency generator, variable voltage supply, an analog-to-digital converter, an operational amplifier, a power switch, a switch driver, embedded software and firmware, wired and/or wireless connectivity to a physical or a digital control panel for an on-site or off-site management enabling management of the invention and the qualities and dispersal of aerosol. Furthermore, the low operating voltage of the invention delivers low-energy performance and the direct current enables direct compatibility with solar panels. The invention can include a waterproof encasing (13) of the electronic management system and other operationally relevant elements. The nozzle can comprise a front mass (7) with an interchangeable tip (2), where different front masses (7) with tips (2), as well as a front mass (7) designed to work with replaceable tips (2) and the replaceable tips (2) themselves, are used to manage the dispersal shape, distance, droplet size diameter and other operationally relevant features. The electronic management system (13) can optionally be used for real-time scanning of nozzle acoustic profile to detect new tip (2) shapes and autonomously adjust the resonance frequency based on the changed acoustic profile enabling autonomous optimal liquid atomization with different tip (2) shapes without manual firmware and software reconfiguration. The electronic management system (13) involves a real-time scanning of nozzle resonance frequency and phase shift enables performance tracking, physical degradation tracking and data flows collection required for predictive maintenance. The electronic management system (13) can have a wired and/or wireless connectivity to on-site and remote physical and digital control and management tools. For example, the electronic management system can have a wired connectivity to a tractor sprayer control software via tractor inner communication and management network, also can be connected via wired or wireless control panels of Controlled Environment Agriculture (indoor farm or greenhouse) operating software, and foliar spraying system management software or physical control panel of an indoor farm, greenhouse or other static or moving apparatus including portable sprayers, tractors, row sprayers and unmanned aerial vehicles. The electronic management system (13) can have a pre-built contingency management logic for operating in low energy mode in power grid failure scenarios when running on backup power infrastructure. This is especially important in indoor farms utilising aerosol irrigation, wherein the interruption to power and the resulting interruption to irrigation can rapidly cause wilting and death of plants. The disclosed invention does not require high pressure infrastructure and can autonomously change dispersal intervals to keep the plants alive by working with limited backup power infrastructure. The real-time scanning of nozzle resonance frequency and phase shift enables autocalibration and optimal operating performance of nozzles because manufactured nozzles do not need to be precisely tuned. This is important because it enables the utilisation of nozzle parts manufactured by different suppliers who use different manufacturing techniques and quality standards. Furthermore, the nozzle’s performance depends on the ability to precisely reach peak vibration at tip (2) – in real world scenarios this may be impacted by wear, operator damage or any other mechanical changes to the nozzle front mass (7). The novelty and importance of the self- scanning ability of the nozzle in the electronic management (13) system enables self-optimization wherein the electronic management system (13) is able to repeatedly scan the nozzle and autonomously alter the signal thereby adjusting performance to continuously deliver results regardless of any significant operational wear or structural damage. By utilising the nozzle-scanning ability, the electronic management system (13) can also detect plaque, limescale, biofilm or other solid particle formation on the nozzle surface enabling fast autonomous self-clearing programmes, wherein peak vibration is delivered at increased power and amplitude, and is autonomously moved over the entire surface of the nozzle front mass (7) thereby removing any accumulation of particles on the surface. Finally, the electronic management system (13), including the hardware and the firmware/software has been designed to support and operate other optional tools such as a liquid flow rate sensor, airflow sensor, additional airflow management (fan or compressed air), pH meter, EC meter, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, real-time clock module, liquid viscosity sensor and others, which is beneficial when implementing autonomous decision-making programmes (process automation). Furthermore, the connectivity of the electronic management system to a computer system enables the delivery of remote firmware and software upgrades, data collection and optimised irrigation and/or foliar spraying recommendations.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A nozzle for aerosolic cultivation and foliar spraying comprising: a back mass (4); two or more piezoceramic units (5) with electrodes (6); a front mass (7) with a tip (2); a bolt (8) to bind components together; a wide liquid inlet (3) of at least 1 millimetre in diameter in the front mass; and a wide liquid atomisation channel (1) of at least 1 millimetre in diameter in the front mass (7), wherein the tip (2) vibrates between 10 thousand to 3 million times per second to atomise liquid flow into droplets, prevent sedimentation and provide initial inertia to the droplet mass for dispersal.
2. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein liquid flow is atomised into droplets of 1 to 200µm in diameter.
3. The nozzle according to claim 2, wherein liquid flow is preferably atomised into droplets of 1 to 50µm in diameter.
4. The nozzle according to claim 1, additionally comprising a waterproof casing (9) that covers the nozzle including the electrodes (6) and wires that connect the nozzle to an electronic management system (13) and a liquid supply channel (10) that delivers the liquid to the nozzle front mass inlet (3).
5. The nozzle according to claims 1 and 4, wherein the nozzle and/or the waterproof casing (9) provide an air stream that allows to control prefered droplet distribution in space.
6. The nozzle according to claims 4 and 5, wherein the waterproof casing (9) comprises an ionising unit (12) that changes droplet sorption properties by giving droplets positive or negative electrostatic charge.
7. The nozzle according to claims 4-6, wherein the encased nozzle is connected to a rotating mechanism (14) which rotates the nozzle around its own axis or around the axis of an anchoring point.
8. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the tip (2) is detachable from the front mass and wherein the front mass (7) is designed to work with replaceable tips (2) which are used for the management of dispersal shape, distance and droplet diameter.
9. An electronic management system (13) which is connected to the piezoceramic unit (5) electrodes (6) wherein the microprocessor-based electronic management system comprises (13): a microprocessor, a variable wave frequency generator, a variable voltage supply, an analog-to-digital converter, an operational amplifier, a power switch, a switch driver, embedded firmware and software, wired and wireless connectivity to a physical or a digital control panel.
10. The electronic management system (13) according to claim 9, wherein the electronic management system (13) is used for real-time scanning of nozzle acoustic profile and autonomous adjustment of resonance frequency based on acoustic profile changes enabling autonomous optimal liquid atomization with different tip (2) shapes without manual firmware and software reconfiguration.
11. The electronic management system (13) according to claim 10, wherein real-time scanning of nozzle resonance frequency and phase shift is additionally used for performance tracking, physical degradation tracking and data flows collection required for predictive maintenance.
12. The electronic management system (13) according to claim 10, wherein real-time scanning of nozzle resonance frequency and phase shift enables autocalibration and optimal operating performance with nozzle parts produced by manufacturing methods of varying precision and does not require precise nozzle tuning for each individual unit.
13. The electronic management system (13) according to claim 10, wherein real-time scanning of nozzle resonance frequency and phase shift enables detection of plaque or biofilm formation on the nozzle surface enabling autonomous self-clearing frequencies delivery for uninterruptible atomization.
14. The electronic management system (13) according to claim 9, comprising a wired and/or wireless connectivity to on-site or off-site physical or digital control panel for the management of the invention and the qualities and dispersal of aerosol.
15. The electronic management system (13) according to claim 9, wherein the firmware and software have pre-built contingency management logic for operating in low energy mode in power grid failure scenarios when running on backup power infrastructure.
PCT/IB2022/058295 2022-09-03 2022-09-03 Uncloggable agricultural aerosol generator for field and controlled environment agriculture WO2024047386A1 (en)

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US20200163297A1 (en) 2018-11-28 2020-05-28 Mason P. Newitt Full Environment Flow Aeroponics System

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JPS61227866A (en) * 1985-04-01 1986-10-09 Hitachi Chem Co Ltd Ultrasonic liquid atomizer
JPH04265172A (en) * 1991-02-20 1992-09-21 Hiroshi Saito Ultrasonic electrifying injection device
US20090200392A1 (en) * 2008-02-13 2009-08-13 L'oreal Device for spraying a cosmetic composition while blowing hot or cold air
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