WO2005034620A1

WO2005034620A1 - Aquaculture module and system

Info

Publication number: WO2005034620A1
Application number: PCT/US2004/033580
Authority: WO
Inventors: Faris M. Sadeg
Original assignee: Reveo, Inc.
Priority date: 2003-10-10
Filing date: 2004-10-12
Publication date: 2005-04-21
Also published as: TW200528021A

Abstract

A module is provided that maximizes land usage associated with aquaculture systems and methods. The module includes a water collection structure (12) supported above one or more aquaculture tanks (14). The water collection structure may include a mechanism for distributing photonic energy to organisms in the aquaculture tanks; and a water distribution system for distributing collected water to the aquaculture tanks, or for washing purposes. The present module may also include energy storage systems, thereby allowing the module to be partially or completely self-sustaining.

Description

Aquaculture Module and System

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to aquaculture systems and methods. Background of the Invention Macroscopically, present aquaculture techniques rely on an inherent dichotomy of land usage. On the one hand, land is required for tanks containing the fish or other organisms being cultivated. On the other hand, land is also used, either locally or at some distance from the tank, for support structures, including: energy collection, distribution, and/or storage, e.g., in the form of power plants, solar farms, wind energy farms, substations, etc; water collection and storage (e.g., ponds); and water filtration systems. However, usage of ponds for water collection leads to inherent inefficiencies. For example, unwanted minerals and other impurities collected in the pond (e.g., within the soil, algae, other organisms) are transported along with the water for the aquaculture tanks. Such impurities may attract pests, which in turn must be countered with pesticides. While these impurities may be prevented to some extent with water treatment, there is a clear expense associated therewith. Further, the act of water transport in and of itself is inefficient, requiring electricity or other energy to pump the water long distances. Therefore, a need remains, in the art for improved aquaculture systems and methods, particularly for improved land and rainwater usage efficiency. Objects of the Invention One object of the invention is to overcome the inefficiencies of conventional aquaculture techniques. Another object is to provide a module for collecting water above aquaculture tank(s) thereby maximizing land usage. Another object is to provide a module for collecting solar energy and water above aquaculture tank(s) on thereby maximizing land usage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the herein described systems and methods provide solutions to overcome the inefficiencies of conventional aquaculture techniques. Particularly, this is accomplished with a module for collecting water and/or solar energy above aquaculture tanks and systems, thereby maximizing land usage and increasing efficiency of aquaculture systems and methods. In one embodiment of the present invention, a module is provided that carries out the above object of the invention including: a water collection structure supported above aquaculture tanks or structures. The water collection structure may include a sub-system for collecting solar energy to further enhance land usage. A water distribution system is also provided for distributing collected water from said water collection structure to aquaculture tanks. The mechanism for distributing photonic energy may comprise a mechanical device for displacing the water collection structure, for example, to water reservoirs, or directly to the aquaculture tanks or structures. The sub-system for collecting solar energy comprise: one or more photovoltaic cells supported on the water collection structure, a secondary battery for storing energy collected from the one or more photovoltaic cells. In further embodiment, photonic energy is distributed to organisms being cultivated in the aquaculture tanks or structures. This may be accomplished by providing lighting sub-systems in photonic communication with the aquaculture tanks or structures. Alternatively, or in combination, a sub-system may be provided to allow the aquaculture tanks or structures to be exposed to natural sunlight. In still further embodiments of the present invention, where a solar energy collection sub system is provided on the module, water collection may be accomplished through or between the photovoltaic cells. This may be in the form of channels, e.g., between and/or around certain photovoltaic cells in an array of such cells. In another example, perforations may be included between and/or around cells to collect water (i.e., rainwater). Note that inclusion of the solar energy collection sub system allows the overall module to be at least partially self-sustaining, in the sense that energy consuming aspects of aquaculture (e.g., lights, filtration, pumps, control systems, feeder systems, etc.) may derive power from the solar energy collection sub system. Power may be provided from the PV cells directly, from the batteries, or a combination thereof. Further, supercapacitors may be provided for surges. One of skill in the art will appreciate that suitable power conditioning sub-systems may be incorporated, such as DC-AC conversion devices, voltage regulators, and the like. The above systems may be included with suitable structures and plumbing to direct water to the aquaculture tanks or structures, localized collection tanks or storage area for each module, or a networked collection tank or storage area plumbed to plural modules. The solar energy collection sub-system and water collection sub-system are supported on a structure that is configured and dimensioned over the aquaculture tanks. This support structure may include plumbing to distribute collected rainwater and/or conduits housing electrical wiring from the photovoltaic cell(s) to the energy storage subsystem. The support structure may also include conduits for housing wires for other integrated controls and devices, such as wiring from the energy storage sub-system to light systems, control signal wiring from controller system to light system, data signals to collect data from the module, motion control signals, and any other necessary or desired control or device. In one embodiment, a module is provided having a holding region integrated within the structure mounted atop a- pedestal or support. The holding region includes one or more apertures at a vertical level to define a maximum water height within the holding region. Water may be provided in the holding region by rainwater collection, from a separate holding tank associated with the module, and/or from one or more holding tanks associated with plural modules. The holding region may be separated from the holding tank(s) by suitable valves and plumbing. In still further embodiments of the present invention, a flush or washing cycle may be used on the module. Water for the flush cycle may originate from the water collection structure associated with the module, or from reservoirs or tanks. Further, optional solvents may be used in conjunction with flush cycle water. In particular, such cycles are desirable in modules having photovoltaic cells thereon. The flush cycle may be employed to eliminate contaminants from the photovoltaic cells that may block the efficient collection of solar energy. For example, such contaminants may include pollen, debris, droppings, acid rain residue, etc. A module may also serve to provide structural and system support to one or more integrated windmills.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figures 1 and 2 show an aquaculture module integrating water collection and aquaculture tank protection; Figure 3 shows an example of an underside of a water collection structure; Figure 4 shows an embodiment of an aquaculture module incorporating water collection and support structures; Figure 5 depicts an embodiment of a water collection structure configured to contain and distribute specified quantities of water; Figure 6 depicts an embodiment of an aquaculture module including energy collection, storage and light distribution; Figure 7 shows a network of aquaculture harvesting modules; Figure 8 depicts an aquaculture harvesting module incorporating water storage in structurel supports thereof; Figures 9A-9C depicts an aquaculture harvesting module incorporating water collection conjunction with a solar energy collection sub system; Figures 10A-10B depict embodiments of systems of the present invention integrating wind energy collection; Figure 11 depicts operation of a wash cycle for cleaning the aquaculture harvesting module, particularly solar panels integrated within a harvesting module; Figure 12 depicts one embodiment of a wash structure for the aquaculture harvesting module; Figure 13 depicts another embodiment of a wash structure for aquaculture harvesting module; Figures 14 and 15 depict operation of one embodiment of a mechanical subsystem for displacing a water collection structure relative a support for a harvesting module; Figure 16 depicts another embodiment of a mechanical sub-system for displacing a water collection structure relative a support for a harvesting module; and Figure 17 depicts a motor configuration for the mechanical sub-system of Figure 16. These and other embodiments of the present invention will be described in conjunction with the Detailed Description of the Invention and accompanying Figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Herein disclosed is a system and method for aquacultural production (e.g., fishfarming), whereby inefficiencies of conventional fish-farming techniques are overcome according to the above objects of the invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, and referring now to Figure 1, a module 10 is provided that is generally provided over, or is used to provide support for, one or more aquaculture tanks 14. The module 10 includes a water collection structure 12 supported above the one or more aquaculture tanks 14. Referring also now to Figure 2, in one embodiment the water collection structure 12 includes a holding region 16 that is structurally supported on legs 18. Although four legs are shown in Figure 2, it will be appreciated that fewer or more pedestals or legs may be provided for additional support or other functionality. Referring now to Figure 3, an example of the underside of a water collection structure 12 is depicted. For example, a centrally disposed drain 20 (in certain embodiments a controllable valve) is provided to remove water collected in the tank portion of the water collection structure 12. Pipes 22 are connected to the drain 20, for example, to collect water and distribute it through legs 18 (not shown). Referring to Figure 4, legs 18 include pipes 24 therethrough (or alternatively adjacent to legs 18), which may be networked to a holding reservoir, e.g., through pipes 26. Pipes 26 may be underground or above ground, depending on the desired conditions. Thus, the module 10 includes a water distribution system for distributing collected water from said water collection structure 12 for localized water demands, or may generally include suitable plumbing to divert water from the water collection structure 12 to a suitable storage sub-system (not shown). In further embodiments, suitable plumbing is included in the pedestal 16 to direct water from a water supply or a suitable storage sub-system to the water collection structure 12 for introduction into the aquaculture tanks. A system integrating a combination of the water releasing mechanism, water diversion plumbing (from the module) and water direction plumbing (to the module) is preferred in certain environments. Additionally, water collected in the water collection structure 12 may be directed to a suitable water collection structure such as a tank. Alternatively, instead of a tank, collected water may be diverted to a pond or reservoir. Further, for additional conservation of space, the water tank may be positioned underground. In still further embodiments, the water collection structures 12 of several modules 10 may be networked to a common tank or storage area (e.g., pond, reservoir, etc.). In certain embodiments, the tank (either associated with one or plural water collection structures 12) may be positioned above ground. Referring now to Figure 5, one embodiment of a water collection structure configured to contain and distribute specified quantities of water is shown. A module 10 including a water collection structure 12 and a pedestal 16 is provided. For example, the water collection structure 12 may include outer edge metering structures 36 (which may be one structure around all or part of the circumference, or plural structures). Water may be directed into the collection structure 12 via rainfall, or from a source via, e.g., a local pump 41. When the water level within the collection structure 12 reaches a certain level, e.g., determined by apertures 37 in the metering structure(s) 36, an automatic cut-off switch may be provided to prevent further filling via pump 41. The metered water in the collection structure 12 may be used to introduce water into the aquaculture tanks, e.g., with an automatic switch that activates when the collection structure is filled. Thus, a known quantity of water may be introduces into the aquaculture tanks with the metering structure incorporated in the module of Figure 5. The above systems may be included with suitable structures and plumbing to direct water to localized collection tanks or storage area at each level or for each module, or a networked collection tank or storage area plumbed to plural modules. As is shown particularly in Figure 6, energy stored in the battery or battery system 31, or electricity from another source, may be used to power lights 35. In preferred embodiments, lights 35 comprise light emitting diodes or other high efficiency light source. These lights may be illuminated to provide photonic energy (e.g., for photosynthesis or animal growth) to the crops and/or livestock on the ground therebelow. Alternatively, or in conjunction with light tracking sensors, the module 10 may be networked to a suitable information source, such as via the Internet or to a dedicated weather information network, to obtain local weather reports. Based on this information, time of motion, direction of motion, degree of motion and/or light period may be determined. A controller may be provided with any of the above modules 10, or in conjunction with a network of modules 10. The controller may integrate features including, but not limited to, sun tracking, water level sensors, integration with weather reports, organism health data, energy collection data, energy storage data, battery health, and other suitable controller functions. A plurality of sub-controllers may be associated with each module, and networked together, for optimal data collection and system control. A controller 50 may be provided with any of the above modules 10, or in conjunction with a plurality of modules 10, as shown in Figure 7. The controller 50 may integrate feature including, but not limited to, sun tracking, water level sensors, integration with weather reports, organism health data, energy collection date. In one example, and referring now to Figure 8, a module 10 having water collection structure 12 is depicted, wherein water storage is incorporated in the legs or pedestals 18 of the module 10. Water from pipes 22 may be diverted to a reservoir 28 integral within one or more pedestals 18 of the module 10. This water may be diverted to another storage area via outlet 32, or may be diverted into the aquaculture tank 14 via outlet 30. Of course, one of skill in the art will appreciate that suitable sensors (e.g., temperature, pH), heaters, filtration units, aerators, or other aquaculture support systems may be included, for example, between outlet 30 and the aquaculture tank 14. The module 10 generally includes a mechanism for distributing photonic energy to aquaculture tanks. The solar energy collection sub-system and water collection sub-system are supported on a structure that is configured and dimensioned over the agricultural land. This support structure may include plumbing to distribute collected rainwater and/or conduits housing electrical wiring from the photovoltaic cell(s) to the energy storage subsystem. The support structure may also include conduits for housing wires for other integrated controls and devices, such as wiring from the energy storage sub-system to light systems, control signal wiring from controller system to light system, data signals to collect data from the module, motion control signals, and any other necessary or desired control or device. In still further embodiments of the present invention, and referring now to Figures 9A-9C, water collection is undertaken in conjunction with a solar energy collection sub system on the module. The solar energy collection sub system generally includes suitable photovoltaic cells (PV cells) and an energy storage system, such as one or more secondary batteries. The module 10 including water collection structure 12 further includes photovoltaic cells 34 on the structure 12. As is generally shown, energy collected from the cells 34 may be stored by a secondary battery (not shown), distributed directly to energy consuming aspects of aquaculture, or distributed to a power grid for energy generation. Other types of electrical energy conversion systems include, for example, direct conversion of metal oxide into metal, which may be used in fuel cell battery systems, for example, described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,569,555, 6,558,829, 6,544,678, 6,383,673, 6,309,771, 6,296,960, and 6,239,508, all of which are incorporated by reference herein. Further, the electrical energy collected from the photovoltaic cells 34 may be distributed directly to a municipal, commercial or private electrical grid and/or sub-station. Note that inclusion of the solar energy collection sub system allows the overall module to be at least partially self-sustaining, in the sense that energy consuming aspects of aquaculture (e.g., lights, filtration, pumps, control systems, feeder systems, etc.) may derive power from the solar energy collection sub system. Power may be provided from the PV cells directly, from the batteries, or a combination thereof. Further, supercapacitors may be provided for surges. One of skill in the art will appreciate that suitable power conditioning sub-systems may be incorporated, such as DC-AC conversion devices, voltage regulators, and the like. Referring to Figure 9B, plural PV cells 34' are shown. These cells 34' are arranged with channels 38 between the cells 34' so that water (i.e., rainwater) may be collected in the structure 12. Further, channels 40 are positioned the periphery of the plural cells 34'. Water collected though channels 38, 40 into a holding region 36 of the structure 12. In another example, and referring now to Figure 9C, perforations 42 may be included in one or more cells 34" to collect water for storage into a holding region 36 of the structure 12. To maximize solar energy collection, sun tracking systems or apparatus may be incorporated in the harvesting module including solar panels. Accordingly, the solar panels, or the entire water collection structure including solar panels integrated therewith, may be rotated to obtain maximum sun exposure. The sun tracking movement may occur as frequently as plural times daily or as in frequently as once per year, for example. Referring now to Figure 10A, an aquaculture system 70 may be provided. The aquaculture system 70 generally includes a module 10 having legs 18 for structural support, and for housing or supporting pipes, wires, etc. Further, a windmill 72 is provided, shown as centrally disposed in the module 10. Note that the module 10 includes the water support structures and optional solar panels and/or sun tracking systems as described above. Accordingly, land utilization may be improved, using the same footprint of land for aquaculture, water collection and wind energy collection, and in some embodiments solar energy collection. Referring now to Figure 10B, another embodiment of a system of the present invention integrating wind energy collection is shown. An aquaculture system 80 generally includes a windmill structure 84 supported on a post 82. The post 82 also serves to support, in the depicted example, an annularly configured water collection structure 90. Further, the post 82 may house or support pipes, wires, etc. Note that in the systems described with respect to Figures 10A and 10B, solar panels may be integrated with the water collection structure as described above, or alternatively integrated on the support structure for the windmill. In various embodiments of the present invention, a flush or washing cycle may be used within the module. Water from the flush cycle may originate from the holding regions associated with the module, or from reservoirs or tanks. Further, optional solvents may be used in conjunction with flush cycle water. In particular, such cycles are desirable in modules having photovoltaic cells thereon. The flush cycle may be employed to eliminate contaminants from the photovoltaic cells that may block the efficient collection of solar energy. For example, such contaminants may include pollen, debris, droppings, acid rain residue, etc. Operation of the wash cycle is generally shown in Figure 11. In addition to the wash cycle, a wiping cycle may also be incorporated to clean the surface. In certain embodiments, the panel are very large, e.g., meters across. This wiping cycle may use power from the battery or cell. Periodically, e.g., each morning, the system may wash, e.g., as shown above with respect to Figure 11, and subsequently wipe the panels with suitable wiper structures, examples of which are described herein. Thus, by maintaining the cleanliness of the panels, solar energy collection efficiency is increased. In systems that are not cleaned, over periods of no rainfall, dust, pollen, etc. all build up and decrease efficiency. For example, one wiper structure for an aquaculture module 100 (having any or all of the features heretofore described) is shown with respect to Figures 12A and 12B. Figure 12A shows a sectional view, and Figure 12B shows a top plan view of the aquaculture module 100. The aquaculture module 100 generally includes a supporting based 118 and a solar panel 116 on the base 118. A wiper structure 110 is provided, having, e.g., gliders or wheels 112 configured, dimensioned and positioned to traverse channels 114 of the aquaculture module 100. Suitable motors, actuators, or the like, which may be under the control of a suitable controller or network, as described herein, are employed to allow the wiper 110 to traverse and wipe the solar panel 116 when needed, or periodically. Referring now to Figure 13, an embodiment of a radial wiper structure is shown incorporated in an aquaculture module 120. Module 120 includes a solar panel 126 generally supported on a based 128 of the module 120. The wiper 130 is rotated by action of a motor 122, suitable controlled as described herein. In addition to the active wipers, the solar panel, or a transparent cover to the solar panel, may incorporated self cleaning features, including but not limited to hydrophobicity, sonic wave systems, suitable electrical charge systems, or other suitable systems. The power storage and distribution system may also vary in the present aquaculture systems of the invention. For example, the energy storage (i.e., battery) may be based on modular batteries (e.g., one for each module), or batteries coupled to several modules of the present invention. Further, the power distribution sub-systems (e.g., to control lights, pumps, and other energy consuming sub-systems) may include DC-AC inverters, or the lights may be based on DC voltage. Alternatively, power may be collected in phase, allowing AC power transmission with suitable step-up transformer, as is well known in the art. In a further embodiment, referring to Figure 14, there is shown the water collection structure 12 of the invention placed on a hinge mechanism supported on the pedestal or column 18. In one embodiment, a hinge mechanism includes a cable 42 pivotally coupled to the water collection structure 12 and to the pedestal 18. The cable may comprise of steel wire, steel chain, or any other suitable rigid material which may be able to support the weight of the water collection structure 12. The placement of the cable may also vary along the plane of the underside of the water collection structure or along the pedestal so as to provide the proper support for the water collection structure. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling point of the cable to the pedestal includes a small motor 44 which controls a pivot point 46 with the cable. The motor is mechanically adopted for the rotation at the pivot point so that the water collection structure 12 may be rotated about the apex of the pedestal. The rotation of the water collection structure when the water collection structure is rotated to a closed position is illustrated in Figure 15. Referring back to Figure 14, a preferred embodiment additionally includes a sensor 48 adopted to sense the angle of the cable 42 with respect to the pedestal 18. The sensor may be additionally adopted to be aware of the proper positioning of the water collection structure (for example, if the water collection is in a closed state (i.e. water collection structure suitably retracted and roughly parallel to the pedestal) or is in an open state (i.e. water collection structure suitably open and roughly perpendicular to the pedestal). In a preferred embodiment, one or more sensors among a plurality of water collection structures 12 of the invention are networked. The network (not shown) may include wireless sensors and wireless actuators coupled wirelessly to a central server. In an alternative embodiment, the sensors may be hard wired to a network to a suitable central server. Referring to Figure 16, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the invention. The water collection structure 12 is divided into two sections 52 and 54 each independently pivotable about the pivot points 56 and 58. In a preferred embodiment, the pivot points 56 and 58 may include a motor 66 as disclosed in the previous embodiment. Importantly, the individual motors 66 may be independently actuatable for rotation along a perpendicular plane to the water collection structure so that the section of the water collection structures may be placed in an open state and a closed state. In a preferred embodiment, sensors 62 and 64 may additionally be included at the pivot point. These sensors may be networked as previously discussed. Referring to Figure 17, there is shown detailed structure of the motor 66 of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the motor includes a water pump 67 for facilitating water transfer along the pedestal. The motor is mechanically coupled to gears 68 and 69 at the pivot points of the sections of the water collection structure 52 and 54. The gears 68 and 69 are adapted for rotation about the pivot point of the sections of the water collection structure. Thus, as described generally above, an aquaculture module may accomplish many benefits. A particularly preferred embodiment incorporates pedestal base(s) and a water collection structure with solar collection, water collection, and sun tracking features to optimize solar energy collection. For certain embodiments, the water collection structure is supported about 2-4 meters above the ground, providing ample space for aquaculture tanks and support systems, including but not limited to, pumps, aerators, feeding subsystems, temperature control sub-systems, and other sub-systems common in the aquaculture industry. As water is collected directly from rain, there is no soil buildup to extensively pollute the water. Thus, this water may be suitable for direct introduction into the tanks, possibly with only bacteria treatment, and no need for extensive particulate filtration systems. Further, the space used by the system is maximized, as aquaculture organisms are harvested underneath, and water is collected above. In certain embodiments, both water and energy is collected above. This has clear advantages over conventional aquaculture techniques using separate reservoir or pond water storage. Another key benefit of the present invention is that the module may be partially or completely self-sustaining. Power for the control systems, pumps, motors (e.g., of sun- tracking systems, displacement systems, wiper systems) may be supplied from any integral PC cells, from batteries having energy captured from the PV cells, or from a conventional power grid. However, in preferred embodiments, a substantial amount of the module power is derived from the PV cells and/or batteries. While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustrations and not limitation.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An aquaculture module comprising: a water collection structure supported above an aquaculture tank; and a water distribution system for distributing collected water from said water collection structure to the tank and/or external storage.

2. The module as in claim 1, further comprising one or more photovoltaic cells supported on the water collection structure and a secondary battery for storing energy collected from the one or more photovoltaic cells.

3. The module as in claim 2, comprising water collection channels around and/or between photovoltaic cells.

4. The module as in claim 2, comprising water collection perforations may be included between and/or around photovoltaic cells.

5. The module as in claim 1, further comprising a storage region associated with the water collection structure.

6. The module as in claim 2, further comprising sun tracking functionality to optimize solar energy collection.

7. The module as in claim 1, further comprising a controller.

8. The module of claim 1, further comprising a windmill structure, whereby a footprint for the module uses land for aquaculture, water collection and wind energy collection.

9. The module of claim 2, further comprising a windmill structure, whereby a footprint for the module uses land for aquaculture, water collection, wind energy collection and solar energy collection.

10. A network of modules as in any of claims 1 -9.

11. An aquaculture module comprising: a support structure supported above an aquaculture tank; a water collection structure coupled to said support structure; and a water storage structure in fluid communication with said water collection structure.

12. An aquaculture module comprising: a support structure supported above an aquaculture tank; a water collection structure coupled to said support structure; a solar energy collection structure integrated with said water collection structure; and an energy conversion system for converting said solar energy into usable energy.

13. An aquaculture module comprising: a support structure supported above an aquaculture tank; and a water collection structure pivotably coupled to said support structure.

14. An integrated resource harvesting apparatus comprising: ' a support structure supported above an aquaculture tank; a water collection structure coupled to said support structure; a solar energy collection structure integrated with said water collection structure or coupled to said support structure; and a windmill, including windmill blades rotatably connected to a drive shaft.