US20260078002
2026-03-19
Chemistry; metallurgy
C01B21/02
The patent application introduces a method and apparatus for integrating solar nitrogen fixation technology into container farms. This system utilizes a copper mesh electrode powered by solar energy to fix atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms, such as ammonia, for crops. Designed to operate independently of traditional fertilizers, the approach is modular and scalable, making it suitable for urban and off-grid farming environments. This efficient, low-voltage system eliminates complex circuitry, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution for crop production. The nitrogen produced can be applied directly to plants via gaseous foliar feeding or through irrigation, ensuring a continuous nutrient supply for crops with high nitrogen needs.
Traditional container farms focus on optimizing environmental conditions for crop growth but have not integrated in situ nitrogen fixation, particularly using solar energy. Prior inventions by the same inventor involved using a current-limiting circuit to activate catalysts, which was unexplored in container farming. The current invention advances this by removing the need for a current-limiting circuit, instead using a short-circuit ratio to activate the catalyst directly with solar panels. This simplification aligns the system more closely with solar power, offering a decentralized, sustainable solution.
The new method allows solar panels to be directly wired in a short-circuit configuration, activating the catalyst without the need for additional circuitry. This approach contrasts with previous systems that required current-limiting circuits to stabilize reactions. By maintaining a short-circuit ratio above 1.5, the invention efficiently uses solar energy to activate the catalyst. This innovation marks a significant departure from complex electrical setups and enhances the practicality of integrating nitrogen fixation in container farms.
While various patents cover container farming technologies, none address nitrogen generation within a container. Existing patents focus on optimizing environmental conditions, vertical stacking, and lighting systems. The Solar Nitrogen Fixation method stands out by offering a practical, sustainable approach to nitrogen fixation, particularly in off-grid setups. It leverages solar power for nitrogen fixation, providing an integrated solution that aligns well with recent advancements in plasma reactors and catalyst technologies.
The system comprises several key components, including a solar power supply connected in a short-circuit configuration to a wire mesh electrode. This setup facilitates nitrogen fixation and emission directly to the crops. An optional HVAC system can enhance air circulation across the wire mesh, further optimizing nitrogen conversion and distribution. The system is depicted in detailed drawings, illustrating various embodiments and configurations for effective integration into container farms.