JP2022181391A - Algae growing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an algae growth device that can automatically transfer algae from a growth tank, according to the growth level of the algae.SOLUTION: An algae growth device 1 has a growth tank 10 for growing algae, an algae transfer device 40 for transferring algae from the growth tank 10, an imaging device 50 for capturing the algae in the growth tank 10, and a control device 60 for operating the algae transfer device 40 on the basis of the result of capturing by the imaging device 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an algae growing apparatus.

Algae-growing apparatuses for growing algae such as seaweed, wakame seaweed, and kelp on land have been conventionally known. The algae growing apparatus of Patent Document 1 below includes a gas dissolving unit capable of generating a solution in which carbon dioxide is dissolved in a liquid, an algae tank capable of accommodating the solution and the algae contained in the solution, the solution and the algae. and a luminous body capable of emitting light toward the inside of the algae tank in which the is housed.

In addition, the marine plant cultivation system of Patent Document 2 below includes a pumping channel for pumping up salt water from at least one water source of seafloor groundwater and deep sea water, and a gas that mixes gas containing carbon dioxide with salt water to generate mixed salt water. It is provided with a mixing section, a growth tank that stores mixed salt water and can accommodate algae, and a light irradiation section that irradiates the growth tank with light.

The growth tank of Patent Literature 2 below has a plurality of growth chambers that are connected in order of increasing capacity from the upstream side to the downstream side. Between adjacent growth chambers, there is a communication port that allows liquid to flow by opening and closing, and marine organisms growing in the upstream growth chamber are connected to it according to the growth stage of the marine organisms. It is designed so that it is led out to a growing chamber on the downstream side to grow.

JP 2020-174607 A JP 2019-50782 A

By the way, when algae are grown in one growth tank as in Patent Document 1, the growth environment is unified, so it is difficult to grow the algae according to the degree of growth of the algae. In addition, as the algae grow, there is a concern that the amount of light required for photosynthesis may become insufficient due to the algae crowding in the growth tank. Therefore, there is a big problem in promoting industrialization.

In addition, when algae are grown in a plurality of growth tanks as in Patent Document 2, it is possible to avoid crowding due to the growth of algae. There is a problem in grasping the degree. Conventionally, the degree of growth of algae is determined by taking out the algae once and measuring the wet weight of the algae containing water for growing, which increases the number of steps and is inefficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an algae growing apparatus capable of automatically transferring algae from a growing tank according to the degree of algae growing.

An algae growing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a growing tank for growing algae, an algae transfer device for transferring the algae from the growing tank, a photographing device for photographing the algae in the growing tank, and the photographing device. and a control device that operates the algae transfer device based on the imaging result of.

Further, in the algae growing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, the control device may determine the degree of algae growth based on the size of the algae photographed by the photographing device.

Further, in the algae growing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the second growing tank having a larger volume than the growing tank is provided, and the control device controls the algae growing degree when the algae growing degree exceeds a predetermined threshold value. An algae transfer device may be operated to transfer the algae from the growth tank to the second growth tank.

Further, in the algae growing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the control device may determine whether or not the algae are sick based on the color of the algae photographed by the imaging device.

Further, in the algae-growing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, the algae-growing apparatus includes a disposal tank for discarding the algae. The device may be operated to transfer the algae from the growth tank to the waste tank.

Further, in the algae growing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, the growing tank may include growing water for growing the algae, and may include a measuring device for measuring a state quantity of the growing water.

Moreover, in the algae growing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the measuring device may include at least one of a pH sensor, a carbon dioxide dissolution detector, and a liquid analyzer.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an algae-cultivating apparatus capable of automatically transferring algae from the cultivating tank in accordance with the degree of algae-growth.

1 is a configuration diagram of an algae growing apparatus according to a first embodiment; FIG. It is a lineblock diagram of an ultraviolet sterilization tank concerning a 1st embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a process of transferring algae from the first cultivation tank to the second cultivation tank in the algae cultivation apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the process of transferring algae from the first growing tank to the ultraviolet sterilization tank in the algae growing apparatus according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart for explaining algae sterilization processing in the algae growing apparatus according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart for explaining algae sterilization processing in the algae growing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an algae growing apparatus according to a second embodiment; 9 is a flow chart for explaining algae sterilization processing in the algae growing apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an algae growing apparatus according to a third embodiment; Fig. 10 is an external view of an algae growing device according to a third embodiment; FIG. 11 is an external view of a growth tank according to a third embodiment; It is an external view of the drying device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. FIG. 11 is an external view of a drying processing apparatus according to a third embodiment; 10 is a flow chart for transferring algae from the growing tank of the algae growing apparatus according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flow chart for transferring algae in the drying device of the algae growing device according to the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, an algae growing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, first, an outline of the embodiments of the present invention will be described, and then details of the embodiments of the present invention will be described.

〔Overview〕
In the algae growing apparatus for growing algae on land, it is necessary to grasp the degree of algae growth, exterminate diatoms that inhibit algae growth, and the environment necessary for algae growth, specifically, water quality (nutrient salts, Dissolved carbon dioxide), water temperature and illumination control are becoming important.

The algae growing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 is composed of a gas dissolving unit for carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), an algae growing tank, lighting, a circulation pump, and a supply unit for components necessary for growing nutrients such as nutrients. In addition, there is a pipe for sending water from the gas dissolving part to the growing tank, adjusting the growing water in the gas dissolving part and the feeding part, sending and circulating the water to the algae growing tank, and growing the seaweed to be grown.

The marine plant culture system disclosed in Patent Document 2 divides the growing chambers according to the algae growing stages. In this aquaculture system, growing water is supplied to each growing room through a separate pipe and moved to a larger growing room as the algae grow. According to this configuration, since the cultivating water is independent for each cultivating chamber, the components of the cultivating water can be changed depending on the cultivating stage, and the cultivating components can be efficiently supplied to the algae.

Conventional algae-growing apparatuses can be roughly divided into a method of growing in one growing tank as in Patent Document 1, and a method of changing the growing tank according to the degree of algae growth as in Patent Document 2. .
In the method of growing in one growing tank, the growing environment is unified, so it is difficult to grow according to the growing situation. In addition, as the seaweed grows, algae grow densely in the growing tank, and there is a concern that the LED lighting required for photosynthesis may become insufficient. Therefore, there is a big problem in promoting industrialization.
In addition, in the method of changing the growth tank according to the growth rate of algae, it is possible to avoid crowding due to the growth of algae. has a problem. In the conventional method of measuring the degree of growth, the algae are taken out once and the wet weight of the algae containing seawater is measured.

In an algae growing apparatus, an embodiment of the present invention captures an image of algae in a growing tank with a photographing device, and easily grasps the degree of algae growth based on the image data acquired by the photographing device. As a result, the conventional process of measuring the wet weight of algae can be reduced, and at the same time, it is possible to transfer algae according to the algae's growth rate, stabilizing the arrival of light necessary for algae photosynthesis, As a result, it becomes possible to grow algae with high efficiency.
In addition, by analyzing the image data acquired by the imaging device, it is possible to understand diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as "white rot" and "red rot", which are diseases of seaweed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce loss costs through early detection of diseases.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an algae growing device 1 according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the algae growing apparatus 1 includes a plurality of growing tanks 10, an ultraviolet sterilization tank 20, a waste tank 30, an algae transfer device 40, an imaging device 50, and a control device 60. there is

The growing tank 10 contains algae and growing water for growing the algae. Examples of algae include seaweed, wakame seaweed, and kelp. The growing water is, for example, salt water containing nutrients dissolved in carbon dioxide. The cultivation tank 10 includes a water flow generator including a pump or the like that gives flow to the cultivation water in the tank, and a light irradiation apparatus including an LED (light emitting diode) that irradiates light for photosynthesis of algae in the tank. is provided.

The algae growing apparatus 1 includes a first growing tank 11 , a second growing tank 12 and a third growing tank 13 as the growing tanks 10 . The second growth tank 12 has a larger volume than the first growth tank 11 . Also, the third growth tank 13 has a larger volume than the second growth tank 12 . For example, the second growth tank 12 may have twice the volume of the first growth tank 11 . Also, for example, the third growth tank 13 may have a volume four times that of the first growth tank 11 (two times that of the second growth tank 12). Although the algae growing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has three stages of growing tanks 10, the number of stages is arbitrary, and the number of stages may be two or four or more. .

The algae transfer device 40 includes a first transfer line 41 that transfers algae from the first cultivation tank 11 to the second cultivation tank 12 . The first transfer line 41 is a pipe portion connecting between the first growth tank 11 and the second growth tank 12, and the pipe portion is provided with an opening/closing valve 41a. The algae transfer device 40 also includes a second transfer line 42 for transferring algae from the second cultivation tank 12 to the third cultivation tank 13 . The second transport line 42 is a pipe portion that connects the second growth tank 12 and the third growth tank 13, and the pipe portion is provided with an opening/closing valve 42a.

The algae transfer device 40 also includes a third transfer line 43 that transfers the algae from the first cultivation tank 11 to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 . The third transfer line 43 is a piping portion connecting between the first growth tank 11 and the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20, and the piping portion is provided with an opening/closing valve 43a and a pump 43b. The algae transfer device 40 also includes a fourth transfer line 44 that transfers (returns) the algae from the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 to the first growth tank 11 . The fourth transfer line 44 is a pipe portion connecting between the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 and the first growth tank 11, and the pipe portion is provided with an opening/closing valve 44a.

The algae transfer device 40 also includes a fifth transfer line 45 for transferring algae from the second growth tank 12 to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 . The fifth conveying line 45 is a piping portion that connects the second growth tank 12 and the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20, and the piping portion is provided with an opening/closing valve 45a and a pump 45b. The algae transfer device 40 also includes a sixth transfer line 46 that transfers (returns) the algae from the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 to the second growth tank 12 . The sixth transport line 46 is a pipe portion connecting between the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 and the second growth tank 12, and the pipe portion is provided with an opening/closing valve 46a.

The algae transfer device 40 also includes a seventh transfer line 47 that transfers algae from the third growth tank 13 to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 . The seventh transport line 47 is a piping portion connecting between the third growth tank 13 and the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20, and the piping portion is provided with an opening/closing valve 47a and a pump 47b. The algae transfer device 40 also includes an eighth transfer line 48 that transfers (returns) the algae from the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 to the third growth tank 13 . The eighth transport line 48 is a pipe portion connecting between the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 and the third growth tank 13, and the pipe portion is provided with an opening/closing valve 48a.

The algae transfer device 40 also includes a ninth transfer line 49 that transfers the algae from the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 to the waste tank 30 . The ninth transport line 49 is a pipe portion connecting between the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 and the waste tank 30, and the pipe portion is provided with an opening/closing valve 49a.
The opening/closing valves 41a to 49a described above are electric valves, electromagnetic valves, or the like, and operate under the control of the control device 60 together with the pumps 43b, 45b, and 48b.

In this embodiment, the second growth tank 12 is provided at a position lower than the first growth tank 11, the third growth tank 13 is provided at a position lower than the second growth tank 12, and the first growth tank 11, the An ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 is provided at a position higher than the second growth tank 12 and the third growth tank 13 , and a waste tank 30 is provided at a position lower than the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 . In this case, the pumps 43b, 45b, and 48b only need to be operated when the algae and growing water are pumped from the first growing tank 11, the second growing tank 12, and the third growing tank 13 to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20. Transfer between tanks can be accomplished by simply opening the on-off valves 41a to 49a using the difference in water head. In addition, when each tank is provided at the same height, a pump may be provided for each of the transfer lines 41 to 49 .

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 according to the first embodiment. 2 shows the connection relationship between the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 and the first growth tank 11, the connection relation between the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 and the second growth tank 12, The connection relationship with the tank 13 has the same configuration.
As shown in FIG. 2, the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 includes a net member 21, an ultraviolet light source 22, a growing water transfer device 23, a lower water level gauge 24, an upper water level gauge 25, and a moving device 26. there is

The ultraviolet sterilization tank 20, the net member 21, the ultraviolet light source 22, the growing water transfer device 23, the lower water level gauge 24, the upper water level gauge 25, and the moving device 26 are ultraviolet sterilization that irradiates the algae with UV rays after drying them out of the growing water. It constitutes the device 2 . The ultraviolet sterilizer 2 simulates the ebb and flow of seawater and the drying process caused by the ultraviolet rays of sunlight in the natural world.

The inside of the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 is divided into an upper space and a lower space by a net member 21 . The upper space of the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 is connected with the third transfer line 43 , the fourth transfer line 44 and the ninth transfer line 49 . The net member 21 has meshes smaller than the average size of juvenile algae, captures the algae received from the third transfer line 43 with the meshes, and separates the growing water (indicated by reference numeral 3 in FIG. 2) from the algae. do.

The ultraviolet light source 22 irradiates the algae supported by the net member 21 with ultraviolet rays. The ultraviolet light source 22 includes, for example, an ultraviolet light emitting diode capable of emitting ultraviolet rays equivalent to UV-B (ultraviolet B wave) having a wavelength of 280 to 320 nm. For example, the ultraviolet light source 22 irradiates the algae supported by the net member 21 with ultraviolet rays for a certain period of time, thereby inactivating diatoms and the like adhering to the algae.

The moving device 26 includes guides and actuators for moving the net member 21 up and down, and moves the net member 21 close to and away from the ultraviolet light source 22 to adjust the degree of exposure of the algae to the ultraviolet rays.
The growing water transfer device 23 includes a water removing line 23a, a water removing valve 23b, a buffer tank 23c, a water return line 23d, a water returning valve 23e, a pump 23f, a water sampling line 23g, a water sampling valve 23h, and growing water. It is provided with an extraction portion 23i.

The water removal line 23a is a piping portion that connects between the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 and the buffer tank 23c, and the water removal valve 23b (opening/closing valve) is provided in the piping portion. The buffer tank 23c stores the growing water transferred from the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 through the water removal line 23a. The water return line 23d is a pipe portion that connects between the buffer tank 23c and the downstream side of the opening/closing valve 43a of the third transfer line 43. The pipe portion includes a water return valve 23e (opening/closing valve) and a pump. 23f is provided.

The water sampling line 23g is a piping portion that connects between the water removal valve 23b of the water removal line 23a and the buffer tank 23c and the growth water extraction portion 23i. open/close valve) is provided. The cultivating water extractor 23i is provided for extracting part of the cultivating water out of the apparatus so that the user can check the condition of the cultivating water.
The water removal valve 23b, the water return valve 23e, and the water intake valve 23h described above are electric valves, electromagnetic valves, or the like, and operate under the control of the control device 60 together with the pump 23f.

The lower water level gauge 24 detects that the water level of the growing water in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 is lower than the net member 21 . The lower water level gauge 24 is arranged in the lower space of the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 above the connection position of the water removal line 23a.
The upper water level gauge 25 detects that the water level of the growing water in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 is higher than the net member 21 . The upper water level gauge 25 is arranged above the connection position of the fourth transfer line 44 in the upper space of the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 .
The lower water level gauge 24 and the upper water level gauge 25 described above are connected to the control device 60 .

The growing water transfer device 23 configured as described above operates under the control of the control device 60 . For example, when algae and growing water are received from the third conveying line 43 to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 and the growing water is separated from the algae by the net member 21, the growing water transfer device 23 is connected to the water removal valve 23b of the water removal line 23a. is opened to lower the water level of growing water in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 below the net member 21.例文帳に追加

After the ultraviolet irradiation, the growing water transfer device 23 opens the water return valve 23e of the water return line 23d, operates the pump 23f, and returns the growing water stored in the buffer tank 23c to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20. , the water level of the growing water in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 is raised above the net member 21. - 特許庁Thereby, the algae can be transferred (returned) from the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 to the first growth tank 11 via the fourth transfer line 44 .

Returning to FIG. 1 , each of the plurality of growth tanks 10 is provided with an imaging device 50 . A photographing device 50 is fixed at a fixed point in each growth tank 10 and photographs algae. In addition, each of the plurality of growing tanks 10 is provided with a measuring device 51 for measuring the state quantity of the growing water. The measuring device 51 includes at least one of a pH sensor, a carbon dioxide dissolution detector, and a liquid analyzer. Note that the measuring device 51 may include a water thermometer, a current meter, an illuminance meter, and other sensors.
Each imaging device 50 and each measurement device 51 described above are connected to a control device 60 .

The control device 60 includes a data processing unit 61 that processes various data input from the photographing device 50, the measuring device 51, the lower water level gauge 24, the upper water level gauge 25, etc. and a device control unit 62 that controls the operation of various devices and the algae transfer device 40 . The control device 60 includes a computing unit such as a CPU (not shown), a storage unit such as a RAM, ROM, hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), etc., an input/output interface for exchanging data with each component device, etc. (not shown). They are connected by a bus. The input/output interface is connected to a display device such as a display (not shown) and an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard, in addition to the components described above.

The storage unit stores a program to be read and executed by the calculation unit, and the control device 60 determines the growth degree of algae, determines the presence or absence of algae disease, and determines the presence or absence of algae disease, which will be described below, according to the program. Transfer algae based on the determination and perform algae sterilization treatment. Specifically, the control device 60 determines the degree of algae growth and the presence or absence of algae diseases based on the imaging results of the imaging device 50, and also performs algae sterilization at predetermined intervals.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a process of transferring algae from the first cultivation tank 11 to the second cultivation tank 12 in the algae cultivation apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Although FIG. 3 shows a flow for transferring algae from the first cultivation tank 11 to the second cultivation tank 12, the flow for transferring algae from the second cultivation tank 12 to the third cultivation tank 13 is the same. .
As shown in FIG. 3, first, the control device 60 starts counting time ts (step S1). Time ts is the residence time of algae in the first growth tank 11 .

Next, the control device 60 determines whether or not the time ts has reached a predetermined time (Check time) (step S2). The predetermined time is a cycle time for the control device 60 to determine the degree of growth of algae and the presence or absence of disease of algae. The cycle time may be set as a fixed time such as one hour, but may be changed as appropriate according to the growth rate of algae.

When the time ts reaches the predetermined time ("YES" in step S2), the control device 60 operates the imaging device 50 to acquire image data of algae and image-process the image data (step S3 ). The control device 60 acquires, for example, 10 pieces of image data captured by the imaging device 50 10 times at intervals of one frame.

Next, the control device 60 determines the presence or absence of algae disease based on the image data (step S4). Specifically, the control device 60 determines the presence or absence of algae disease by calculating the range of coloring (white, red, etc.) due to algae disease. For example, the control device 60 digitizes the area for each color of the image data and obtains the distribution. A threshold value for determining the occurrence of each disease is provided, and the control device 60 determines that the disease has occurred in the algae when the area of the specific color determined to be diseased exceeds the threshold value.

When it is determined that a disease has occurred in algae (when step S4 is "presence"), the control device 60 suspends the cultivation of algae. When the coloring range of a predetermined color of algae exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the control device 60 operates the algae transfer device 40 to transfer the algae from the first growth tank 11 (via the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 in this embodiment). Algae are transferred to waste tank 30 . Then, the diseased algae are discarded in the disposal tank 30 .

If it is determined that no disease has occurred in the algae ("No" in step S4), the control device 60 determines that the size of the algae at time ts (Size(ts)) is predetermined based on the image data. (Step S5). The predetermined size is the maximum size of algae determined for each growth tank 10 .

The control device 60, for example, binarizes the image data acquired by the imaging device 50, and calculates the surface area of the colored part of the algae. Then, a threshold is set from the correlation between the surface area and the weight of the algae obtained in advance, and the control device 60 calculates the surface area of the colored portion of the algae in each image data, and when the average value exceeds the threshold , it is determined that the algae have exceeded the maximum size determined for each growth tank 10 .

When it is determined that the algae have not exceeded the maximum size determined for each growth tank 10 ("NO" in step S5), the process returns to step S1, and the control device 60 restarts counting the time ts. On the other hand, when it is determined that the algae exceeds the maximum size determined for each growth tank 10 (when step S5 is "YES"), the control device 60 opens the opening/closing valve 41a of the first transfer line 41 ( step S6).
Transfer of the algae from the first cultivation tank 11 to the second cultivation tank 12 is thus completed.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a process of transferring algae from the first growing tank 11 to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 in the algae growing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Although FIG. 4 shows a flow for transferring algae from the first growth tank 11 to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20, the flow for transferring algae from the second growth tank 12 to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20, the third growth tank 13 The flow of transferring algae to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 is the same.
As shown in FIG. 4, first, the control device 60 starts counting the time tuv (step S11). The time tuv is the residence time of algae in the first growth tank 11 .

Next, the control device 60 determines whether or not the time ts has reached a predetermined time (Uv time) (step S12). The predetermined time is a cycle time for sterilizing algae. The cycle time may be set to a fixed time such as 12 hours and 25 minutes in accordance with the cycle of low tide in the natural world, but may be appropriately changed in accordance with the growth rate of algae.

When the time tuv reaches the predetermined time ("YES" in step S12), the control device 60 opens the open/close valve 43a of the third transfer line 43 (step S13), and operates the pump 43b of the third transfer line 43. Operate (step S14).
Thus, the transfer of algae from the first growth tank 11 to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 is completed.

5 and 6 are flowcharts for explaining the algae sterilization process in the algae growing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. 4 and 5 indicate the connection between the two flows.
When the transfer of algae from the first growth tank 11 to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 is completed, the control device 60 closes the open/close valve 43a of the third transfer line 43 (step S21), as shown in FIG. The pump 43b of the line 43 is stopped (step S22).

Next, the controller 60 opens the water removal valve 23b of the water removal line 23a connected to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 (step S23), and operates the pump 23f (step S24). If it is necessary for the user to collect the cultivating water to check the condition of the cultivating water ("YES" in step S25), the control device 60 turns the water sampling valve of the water sampling line 23g. 23h is opened (step S26). After the water sampling valve 23h of the water sampling line 23g is opened and part of the growing water is extracted by the growing water extraction portion 23i, the control device 60 closes the water sampling valve 23h of the water sampling line 23g (step S27). .

Next, the control device 60 confirms whether the water level of the growing water in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 is lower than the net member 21 by the lower water level gauge 24 (step S28). When the water level of the growing water in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 is lower than the net member 21 ("YES" in step S28), the control device 60 stops the pump 23f (step S29), and the water removal line 23a The water removal valve 23b is closed (step S30).

Next, the control device 60 operates the moving device 26 to adjust the height of the net member 21 supporting the algae (step S31). Then, the control device 60 causes the ultraviolet light source 22 to irradiate the algae with ultraviolet rays (step S32). Next, the control device 60 confirms whether or not the ultraviolet irradiation time has reached a preset irradiation time (step S33). When the ultraviolet irradiation time reaches the preset irradiation time ("YES" in step S33), the control device 60 stops the ultraviolet irradiation from the ultraviolet light source 22 (step S34).

After stopping the ultraviolet irradiation from the ultraviolet light source 22, the control device 60 returns the height of the net member 21 supporting the algae to the initial position as shown in FIG. 6 (step S41). Next, the controller 60 opens the water return valve 23e of the water return line 23d (step S42) and operates the pump 23f (step S43). Then, the control device 60 confirms whether or not the water level of the growing water in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 is higher than the net member 21 by the upper water level gauge 25 (step S44).

When the water level of the growing water in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 rises above the net member 21 ("YES" in step S44), the controller 60 stops the pump 23f (step S45), and the water return line 23d The water return valve 23e is closed (step S46). Then, the controller 60 opens the open/close valve 44a of the fourth transfer line 44 (step S47).
As described above, the return of algae from the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 to the first growth tank 11 is completed.

As described above, the algae growing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes the growing tank 10 for growing algae, the algae transfer device 40 for transferring algae from the growing tank 10, and the imaging device for photographing the algae in the growing tank 10. 50 , and a control device 60 that operates the algae transfer device 40 based on the photographed result of the photographing device 50 . According to this configuration, algae can be automatically transferred from the growth tank 10 according to the degree of algae growth.

In addition, in the algae growing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the control device 60 determines the degree of algae growth based on the size of the algae photographed by the photographing device 50 . According to this configuration, by simply grasping the growth degree of algae from the size of the algae photographed by the imaging device 50, the process of measuring the wet weight of algae as in the conventional type is reduced, and at the same time, By grasping the degree of growth of algae, it becomes possible to set a growth environment suitable for growth, and as a result, it is possible to grow algae at high speed.

Further, the algae growing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes the second growing tank 12 (second growing tank) having a larger volume than the first growing tank 11, and the control device 60 controls the degree of algae growing to a predetermined level. When the threshold (check size) is exceeded, the algae transfer device 40 is operated to transfer the algae from the first cultivation tank 11 to the second cultivation tank 12 . According to this configuration, the algae are transferred to the growth tank 10 having a large capacity in accordance with the degree of growth of the algae so that the density of the algae in each growth tank 10 is kept constant. The arrival can be stabilized, and algae can be grown with high efficiency.

Further, in the algae growing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the control device 60 determines the presence or absence of algae disease based on the color of the algae captured by the imaging device 50 . According to this configuration, it is possible to grasp diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as "white rot" and "red rot" which are diseases of seaweed, for example.

Further, the algae growing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes the waste tank 30 for discarding algae, and the control device 60 causes the algae transfer device 40 to be turned off when the coloring range of the algae exceeds a predetermined threshold value. It is operated to transfer algae from the growth tank 10 to the waste tank 30 . According to this configuration, diseased algae can be quickly discarded, so that loss costs due to the occurrence of disease can be reduced.

Further, in the algae growing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the growing tank 10 includes growing water for growing algae, and a measuring device 51 (a pH sensor, a carbon dioxide dissolution detector, a liquid analyzer, etc.). According to this configuration, the optimum growing environment (pH, carbon dioxide solubility, amount of nutrients, etc.) is made into a recipe according to the type of algae, and the algae is grown by managing and controlling the growing environment according to the degree of algae growth. It can be grown with high efficiency. In addition, by making the above recipe, it becomes possible to stably supply algae, and by taking correlation with nutritional value and taste, it is possible to increase the commercial value and contribute to the branding of algae production.

Further, the algae growing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a growing tank 10 for growing algae in growing water, and an ultraviolet sterilization device 2 for drying algae out of the growing water and irradiating them with ultraviolet rays. According to this configuration, diatoms adhere to the algae, consume the carbon dioxide added to the growing water, repeat photosynthesis, grow faster than the algae to be grown, and block the absorption of light by the algae to be grown. can be removed by UV irradiation. The ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 of the ultraviolet sterilizer 2 may also be preliminarily provided with an imaging device 50 for imaging algae.

In addition, in the algae growing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the ultraviolet sterilizer 2 includes an ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 that receives the algae and the growing water from the growing tank 10, and an ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 that is provided inside the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20, and removes the growing water from the algae. It comprises a separating net member 21 and an ultraviolet light source 22 for irradiating the algae supported by the net member 21 with ultraviolet light. According to this configuration, it is possible to simulate the ebb and flow of seawater and the drying process caused by ultraviolet rays of sunlight in the natural world, and it is possible to efficiently remove diatoms adhering to algae.

Further, in the algae growing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the ultraviolet sterilization device 2 includes a cultivation water transfer device 23 that lowers the water level of the cultivation water in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 below that of the net member 21 . According to this configuration, the water for growing algae can be transferred (removed) from the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20, so that the water level can be lowered without installing a large-volume ultraviolet sterilization tank 20. can be dried from

Further, in the algae growing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the growing water transfer device 23 returns the growing water after irradiation with ultraviolet rays, and raises the water level of the growing water in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 above the net member 21 . According to this configuration, by returning the growing water to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20, the algae supported by the net member 21 are floated by the growing liquid, and the algae can be transferred.

In addition, in the algae growing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 is provided with a lower water level gauge 24 for detecting that the water level of the growing water is lower than the net member 21 . With this configuration, the water level of the growing water in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 can be reliably lowered below the net member 21 .

In addition, in the algae growing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 includes an upper water level gauge 25 that detects whether the water level of the growing water is higher than the net member 21 . With this configuration, the water level of the growing water in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 can be reliably raised above the net member 21 .

In addition, in the algae growing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the ultraviolet sterilization apparatus 2 includes a moving device 26 that moves the net member 21 toward and away from the ultraviolet light source 22 . According to this configuration, by moving the net member 21 close to and away from the ultraviolet light source 22, it is possible to adjust the degree of exposure of the algae to ultraviolet rays.

In addition, in the algae growing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the ultraviolet sterilization device 2 includes ultraviolet light emitting diodes that irradiate ultraviolet rays. According to this configuration, it is possible to irradiate the algae with ultraviolet light while saving power.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the invention will be described. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same or equivalent configurations as in the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof will be simplified or omitted.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of the algae growing device 1 according to the second embodiment.
The algae growing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment performs ultraviolet irradiation in the process of transferring algae from the first growing tank 11 to the second growing tank 12, instead of the batch-type ultraviolet sterilization apparatus 2 described in the first embodiment. A continuous ultraviolet sterilization device 2 is provided. Although not shown, the continuous ultraviolet sterilizer 2 is also provided in the process of transferring the algae from the second growth tank 12 to the third growth tank 13 to irradiate the algae with ultraviolet light.

The ultraviolet sterilizer 2 shown in FIG. 7 is provided in the middle of a first transfer line 41A that transfers algae from the first growth tank 11 to the second growth tank 12. As shown in FIG. An opening/closing valve 41b is provided on the first transfer line 41A on the upstream side of the ultraviolet sterilizer 2 . Further, an opening/closing valve 41c is provided on the first transfer line 41A downstream of the ultraviolet sterilizer 2. As shown in FIG.

The ultraviolet sterilizer 2 includes a drying device 70 for drying algae out of the growing water and conveying them, and an ultraviolet light source 22 for irradiating the algae being conveyed by the drying device 70 with ultraviolet rays. The drying device 70 includes a drying preparation tank 71 , a conveyor device 72 , a transport control device 73 , a receiving tank 74 and a drying completion tank 75 . Note that the above-described photographing device 50 for photographing algae may also be preliminarily provided on the conveyor device 72 .

The drying preparation tank 71 is connected to the first transport line 41A on the upstream side, and places the algae received from the first transport line 41A on the conveyor device 72 with a predetermined width. The conveyor device 72 conveys the algae placed from the drying preparation tank 71 . The conveying surface of the conveyor device 72 is provided with slits, holes, etc. (not shown) so that the growing water and the algae adhering to the growing water can be dropped from the conveying surface and the algae can dry out. .

The transport control device 73 operates the conveyor device 72 under the control of the control device 60 . The water receiving tank 74 is arranged below the conveyor device 72 and receives the growing water dropped from the conveying surface of the conveyor device 72 . The drying completion tank 75 is arranged downstream of the conveyor device 72 and receives the algae from the conveyor device 72 and the growing water from the water receiving tank 74 . The drying completion tank 75 is connected to the downstream first transfer line 41A, and transfers the algae and growing water that have undergone the ultraviolet sterilization treatment to the next growing tank 10 .

The ultraviolet light source 22 is installed on the transport path of the conveyor device 72 . A blower 76 is installed upstream of the ultraviolet light source 22 in the transport path. The air blower 76 operates under the control of the control device 60 and blows air to the algae on the upstream side of the ultraviolet light source 22 , thereby promoting the fall of growing water from the conveying surface of the conveyor device 72 .

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the algae sterilization process in the algae growing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment.
The control device 60 opens the open/close valve 41b of the first transfer line 41A at the timing of transferring the algae from the first growth tank 11 to the second growth tank 12 described in the first embodiment, and the first growth tank 11 is dried. Algae are received in the exit preparation tank 71 (step S61).

Next, the control device 60 operates the air blower 76 (step S62), and operates the ultraviolet light source 22 (step S63). Then, the control device 60 activates the transport control device 73 to operate the conveyor device 72 (step S64). The algae are dried out of the growing water by being placed on the conveyor device 72 from the drying preparation tank 71 , and after being subjected to air blowing and ultraviolet irradiation during transportation by the conveyor device 72 , they are thrown into the drying completion tank 75 .

Next, the control device 60 confirms whether or not all the algae have entered the drying completion tank 75 (step S65). It should be noted that whether or not all the algae have entered the drying completion tank 75 may be confirmed by time, or may be confirmed by a photographing device (not shown). When all the algae have entered the drying completion tank 75 (when step S65 is "YES"), the control device 60 opens the opening/closing valve 41c of the first transfer line 41A on the downstream side of the drying completion tank 75 ( step S66). As described above, the algae are transferred from the drying completion tank 75 to the second cultivation tank 12 .

According to the second embodiment described above, the ultraviolet sterilizer 2 includes the drying device 70 for drying algae out of the growing water and conveying them, and the ultraviolet rays for irradiating the algae conveyed by the drying device 70 with ultraviolet rays. Since the light source 22 is provided, the ultraviolet sterilization treatment can be efficiently performed in the process of transferring the algae from the first growth tank 11 to the second growth tank 12 .

Further, the ultraviolet sterilizer 2 of the second embodiment includes a blower 76 that blows air to the algae on the upstream side of the ultraviolet light source 22 in the conveying route of the drying device 70 . According to this configuration, by sending air to the algae, it is possible to promote drying out of the algae and increase the efficiency of the ultraviolet sterilization treatment.

In addition, the drying device 70 includes a conveyor device 72 on which algae are placed and conveyed, and a water tank 74 arranged below the conveyor device 72 . According to this configuration, the growing water can be dropped from the conveying surface of the conveyor device 72, and the dropped growing water can be received in the water receiving tank 74 and reused.

In addition, the ultraviolet sterilization device 2 of the second embodiment described above is provided in parallel with the ultraviolet sterilization device 2 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. I do not care. Further, the ultraviolet sterilization device 2 of the second embodiment may be provided in the middle of the first transfer line 41 and the second transfer line 42 shown in FIG.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the invention will be described. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same or equivalent configurations as in the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof will be simplified or omitted.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of the algae growing device 1 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is an external view of the algae growing device 1 according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 3 indicates growing water, and reference numeral 4 indicates algae (the same applies to FIG. 11 and subsequent figures, which will be described later).
In the algae growing apparatus 1 of the third embodiment, the volumes of the first growing tank 11, the second growing tank 12, and the third growing tank 13 are adjusted according to the algae growing degree by increasing the number of the growing tanks 10 installed. increasing step by step. Specifically, the first growth tank 11 has one growth tank 10 , the second growth tank 12 has two growth tanks 10 , and the third growth tank 13 has four growth tanks 10 . be.

On the downstream side of each growth tank 10, a drying device 70 (continuous ultraviolet sterilization device 2) for dehydrating and drying algae described in the second embodiment is provided. Further, in the third embodiment, a seed algae selection tank 80 is connected to the third cultivation tank 13 . The seed algae selection tank 80 is a tank for selecting the algae species to be grown next from the algae in the final stage of growth in the third growth tank 13 . The seed algae selection tank 80 is connected to the first cultivation tank 11 via a seed algae supply line 81 .

Further downstream of the drying device 70 for dehydrating the algae on the downstream side of the third cultivation tank 13, a drying processing device 90 for drying the algae in the final stage of cultivation is provided. In addition, the water treatment unit (the water receiving tank 74 described above) of the drying device 70 for dehydrating algae on the downstream side of the third cultivation tank 13 merges on the downstream side and is connected to the large water treatment tank 100. It is

The water treatment tank 100 purifies the growing water used to grow the algae to maintain water quality, and dissolves nutrients and carbon dioxide to generate growing water. As a result, the amount of seawater and artificial seawater to be procured as growing water can be reduced, and as a result, the transportation cost can be reduced and the degree of freedom of the installation location of the algae growing apparatus 1 can be increased. At the same time, it is also possible to reduce the load on the sea, rivers, etc. caused by the discharge of growing water.

The water treatment tank 100 is connected to each growth tank 10 of the first growth tank 11 , the second growth tank 12 and the third growth tank 13 via a growth water supply line 101 . The growing water supply line 101 is provided with a pump 101A for pumping up the growing water.
Next, configurations of the growth tank 10, the drying device 70, and the drying processing device 90 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. FIG.

FIG. 11 is an external view of the growth tank 10 according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 11 , the growth tank 10 includes a growth container 14 and a light irradiation device 15 . The growth container 14 has a rectangular box shape in a plan view with an open top. The above-described growing water supply line 101 is arranged above the growing container 14, and growing water is supplied from a plurality of nozzles 101a provided in the growing water supply line 101. As shown in FIG. The nozzle 101a is provided with a flow control valve 101b so that the amount (flow rate) of the growing water can be adjusted. By changing the shape of the channel in the growth container 14, the flow of the growing water can be changed, so the channel may be formed so as to form turbulent or laminar flow where necessary.

The light irradiation device 15 is arranged further above the growing water supply line 101 and irradiates the inside of the growing container 14 with light necessary for photosynthesis of algae. A plurality of fixed plates 14 a are provided inside the cultivation container 14 to form flow paths for algae and cultivation water. The plurality of fixed plates 14 a are arranged alternately to form meandering flow paths in the growth container 14 . By meandering the flow path in this manner, the residence time of the algae in the cultivation container 14 can be lengthened.

Further, inside the growth container 14, a plurality of operation plates 14b capable of shielding the flow path are provided. The operating plate 14b is slidably attached to the rear side of some fixed plates 14a. Three operating plates 14b of this embodiment are provided so as to block the flow path at three locations. Vent holes 14c for extracting algae from the sides are provided in three areas on the upstream side of the three operation plates 14b inside the cultivation container 14 . The vent hole 14c is openable and closable by an opening/closing device (not shown), and is connected to a disposal tank (not shown).

Although not shown in FIG. 9, it is preferable that the imaging device 50 for imaging algae is provided in each of the three areas on the upstream side of the three operation plates 14b of the growth container 14 . The photographing device 50 may be installed above the growth container 14 , may be fixed to the fixing plate 14 a or the like and installed inside the growth container 14 , or may be provided at least partly of the growth container 14 with a transparent film. A window may be provided, and the inside of the growth container 14 may be photographed through the window.

FIG. 12 is an external view of a drying device 70 according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 12 , the drying device 70 includes a drying preparation tank 71 , a conveyor device 72 , a receiving tank 74 and a drying completion tank 75 . The drying preparation tank 71 has an inlet 71a for receiving algae and growing water, and an outlet 71b for discharging algae and growing water. The drying preparation tank 71 may include a mixer for pulverizing the algae received from the input port 71a, homogenizing the size, and discharging the same from the discharge port 71b.

The conveyor device 72 includes a mesh belt 72a for separating growing water from the algae discharged from the discharge port 71b of the drying preparation tank 71, and a plurality of forwarding rollers 72b for forwarding the mesh belt 72a. At least one of the forwarding rollers 72b may be a vacuum roller that sucks the growing water. A pressing roller 77 is provided at the downstream end of the conveyor device 72 to uniformly press the dried algae.

The drying device 70 of the third embodiment is provided with a photographing device 50 for photographing algae being conveyed by the conveyor device 72 . Other configurations are the same as those of the drying device 70 of the second embodiment described above.

FIG. 13 is an external view of a drying processing apparatus 90 according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 13 , the drying processing device 90 includes a conveyor device 91 , a dryer 92 and a roll cutter 93 . The conveyor device 91 includes a plurality of forwarding rollers 91a and a mesh belt 91b forwarded by the plurality of forwarding rollers 91a.

The dryer 92 blows hot air onto the algae placed on the mesh belt 91b to dry the algae. The roll cutter 93 cuts the algae dried by the dryer 92 into sheets. Algae cut into sheets are stacked and transferred to the next processing step.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart for transferring algae from the growing tank 10 of the algae growing apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 14, first, the controller 60 adjusts the amount of growing water supplied to the growing tank 10 and determines the flow rate in the growing tank 10 (step S71).

Next, the control device 60 operates the imaging device 50 to acquire image data of algae (step S72). It should be noted that the number of times n of photographing by the photographing device 50 in step S72 can be set externally. Also, it is preferable that the threshold value V1 for determining the degree of growth of algae can be set externally. Note that the threshold value V1 is a threshold value that serves as a criterion for determining the degree of growth in the area (first area) upstream of the first operation plate 14b inside the growth container 14, and the volume of algae is calculated from the image data. It is a value based on the value Vmes obtained.

Next, the control device 60 determines the presence or absence of algae disease in the first area based on the image data acquired by the imaging device 50 in the first area (step S73). When it is determined that a disease has occurred in algae (when step S73 is "yes"), the control device 60 closes the flow path with the first operating plate 14b to isolate the first area of the growing container 14 ( step S74). Next, the control device 60 opens the vent hole 14c in the first area and transfers the algae from the vent hole 14c to a waste tank (not shown). Then, the diseased algae are discarded in the disposal tank.

When it is determined that no disease has occurred in the algae in the first area (“No” in step S73), the control device 60, based on the image data acquired by the imaging device 50 in the first area, It is determined whether or not the algae growth rate Vtn1 in the area is greater than the threshold value V1 (step S75).

When it is determined that the algae growth rate Vtn1 in the first area does not exceed the threshold value V1 (“YES” in step S75), the control device 60 closes the flow path with the first operation plate 14b, The first area of container 14 is isolated (step S76). Next, the control device 60 sets the algae retention time Ts1 in the first area (step S76), and allows the algae to retain (grow) in the first area during the retention time Ts1 (step S78). After the residence time Ts1 has elapsed, the process returns to step S73, and the control device 60 again determines the presence or absence of disease in the algae in the first area and the degree of growth.

When it is determined that the algae growth rate Vtn1 in the first area exceeds the threshold value V1 (“NO” in step S75), the controller 60 determines that when the first operating plate 14b is closed, , the operating plate 14b is opened (step S79). Thus, the transfer of algae from the first area to the second area of the growth container 14 is completed. The second area is an area inside the growth container 14 on the downstream side of the first operating plate 14b and the upstream side of the second operating plate 14b.

The control device 60 repeats the above steps S72 to S79 also in the second area (step S80). Thus, the transfer of algae from the second area to the third area of the cultivation container 14 is completed. The third area is an area inside the growth container 14 on the downstream side of the second operating plate 14b and the upstream side of the third operating plate 14b. The control device 60 repeats the above steps S72 to S79 also in the third area (step S81).
As described above, the algae are transferred from the growth tank 10 to the drying device 70 (ultraviolet sterilization device 2).

FIG. 15 is a flow chart for transferring algae in the drying device 70 of the algae growing device 1 according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 15, first, the control device 60 operates the blower device 76 (step S91) and operates the ultraviolet light source 22 (step S92). Then, the control device 60 activates the transport control device 73 to operate the conveyor device 72 (step S93).

Next, the control device 60 operates the photographing device 50 installed on the conveyor device 72 to acquire image data of algae and image-process the image data (step S94). The control device 60 acquires, for example, 10 pieces of image data captured by the imaging device 50 10 times at intervals of one frame.

Next, the control device 60 determines the presence or absence of algae disease based on the image data (step S95). If a disease is found in the algae during such a transportation stage (“yes” in step S95), the control device 60 stops the conveyor device 72 to interrupt the transportation and cultivation of algae.

When it is determined that algae are not affected by the disease in the transport stage (“No” in step S95), the control device 60 removes all algae from the drying completion tank 75 based on the weight on the conveyor device 72. is entered (step S96). The weight of algae can be measured by a load cell (not shown) provided on the forwarding roller 72b of the conveyor device 72, for example.

When all the algae have entered the drying completion tank 75 ("YES" in step S96), the control device 60 causes the conveying control device 73 to stop the conveyor device 72 (step S97). Next, the control device 60 stops the ultraviolet light source 22 (step S98) and also stops the air blower 76 (step S99).
In this manner, by repeating the flow shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 described above, the algae can be grown efficiently by changing the breeding tank 10 according to the degree of algae growth.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The various shapes, combinations, and the like of the constituent members shown in the above-described embodiment are examples, and can be variously changed based on design requirements and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 algae growing device 2 ultraviolet sterilization device 10 growing tank 11 first growing tank 12 second growing tank (second growing tank)
13 Third growth tank (second growth tank)
20 Ultraviolet sterilization tank 21 Net member 22 Ultraviolet light source 23 Growing water transfer device 24 Lower water level gauge 25 Upper water level gauge 26 Moving device 30 Waste tank 40 Algae transfer device 50 Photographing device 51 Measuring device 60 Control device 70 Drying device 72 Conveyor device 74 Receiving tank 76 Air blower

Claims (7)

a growth tank for growing algae;
an algae transfer device for transferring the algae from the growth tank;
a photographing device for photographing the algae in the breeding tank;
and a control device that operates the algae transfer device based on the photographing result of the photographing device. 2. The algae growing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device determines the degree of growth of the algae based on the size of the algae photographed by the photographing device. A second growth tank having a larger volume than the growth tank,
The control device operates the algae transfer device to transfer the algae from the growth tank to the second growth tank when the degree of growth of the algae exceeds a predetermined threshold. Item 2. The algae growing apparatus according to item 2. The algae growing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control device determines whether or not the algae are sick based on the color of the algae photographed by the photographing device. . A waste tank for discarding the algae is provided,
The control device operates the algae transfer device to transfer the algae from the breeding tank to the waste tank when the coloring range of the predetermined color of the algae exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The algae growing apparatus according to claim 4. The cultivating tank comprises cultivating water for cultivating the algae,
The algae growing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a measuring device for measuring the state quantity of the growing water. 7. The algae growing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the measuring device comprises at least one of a pH sensor, a carbon dioxide dissolution detector, and a liquid analyzer.

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