Hydroponics meets aeroponics

An entrepreneur is working with Bridgwater College to develop a new system of growing protected crops commercially, resulting in a much lower energy demand, carbon footprint and water consumption than that from traditional techniques.

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Prakash Kumar is a London-based entrepreneur who spotted a gap in the market for a better way to grow crops in glasshouses.

The problem is the large and unnecessary carbon footprints of commercial installations, primarily the need to heat the entire volume of the glasshouseto a favourable ambient temperature (with no insulation) and the large quantities of water wasted through traditional irrigation.

In addition, horizontal growing surfaces are inefficient and difficulty in maximising oxygen delivery to roots.

Prakash has developed Aeration and Heat Transfer (AHT) technology within a uniquely shaped large planter with integrated irrigation, heat transfer, aeration and growing components.

The growing surface area is maximised for direct sunlight and the system reverses heat flow so that roots are heated first.

Initial studies estimate a saving of 50% in energy and water – significant when the total carbon footprint of this type of agribusiness in the UK is more than 400m tons pa.

The invention has been shortlisted for a Clean Tech award, a European prize for innovation in the low carbon sector.

Having met Into Somerset’s renewables expert Gerard Tucker at a conference in early 2011, he has been working with Bridgwater College as a commercial partner and speaking with angel investors in the South West, in order to take the product to the next level.

Prakash is now looking at establishing the manufacturing requirements in Somerset.

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