Culture system for duckweed starch enrichment

Abstract

The present invention provides a culture system for duckweed starch enrichment. The culture system for duckweed starch enrichment includes a duckweed proliferation equipment, a starch enrichment equipment and a harvesting equipment. The duckweed proliferation equipment is configured to culture a plurality of duckweeds in a duckweed proliferation space for a first period of proliferation days, so as to make the plurality of duckweeds to proliferate to an expected quantity. The starch enrichment equipment is configured to culture the plurality of duckweeds in a starch enrichment space for a second period of proliferation days to obtain a plurality of high-starch duckweeds. The harvesting equipment is configured to harvest the plurality of high starch duckweeds.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an aquaculture system, and more particularly to an aquaculture system that promotes the growth of starch in duckweed. Prior Technology

[0002] Since the Industrial Revolution propelled global development, fossil fuels have been widely used, generating greenhouse gases that have led to record-breaking levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and annual emissions. This has exacerbated the greenhouse effect, causing extreme weather events worldwide, such as melting ice, droughts, heat waves, and floods. To achieve sustainable development, countries around the world have begun actively implementing carbon reduction measures (including negative carbon emissions). The European Commission has also submitted a draft climate protection law (Fit for 55) and proposed increasing carbon tax prices, aiming to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

[0003] Currently, countries around the world primarily focus on developing renewable energy sources (such as solar power and wind power) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, developing sustainable biofuels is also a key development priority. First-generation biofuels primarily use sugarcane, soybeans, and corn as sources. However, sugarcane, soybeans, and corn are themselves food crops, and their cultivation occupies land designated for these crops. Additionally, fallow land or ponds are often used for solar power generation, but these solar power plants may cause subsequent pollution problems, thereby affecting the quality of the soil or ponds used for subsequent cultivation.

[0004] Since research has found that duckweed bioethanol can be converted into bioethanol with 50% more starch content than corn bioethanol based on area, duckweed is a more efficient source of next-generation biofuel. Therefore, how to effectively utilize fallow land or ponds to produce duckweed with high starch content to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings has become one of the important issues that this project aims to solve. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an aquaculture system that promotes the growth of duckweed starch, which can be effectively applied to fallow farmland or ponds in a low-cost and zero-pollution manner, and increases the starch content in duckweed to increase the conversion efficiency of biofuel crops and realize the goal of global sustainable development.

[0006] To solve the aforementioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide a culture system for promoting the starch growth of duckweed. The culture system for promoting the starch growth of duckweed includes a duckweed culture device, a starch growth promoting device, and a harvesting device. The duckweed culture device includes a duckweed culture space. The duckweed culture space is configured to accommodate and cultivate multiple duckweeds. The duckweed culture device is configured to allow the multiple duckweeds to undergo a first-stage cultivation period of several days in the duckweed culture space, so that the multiple duckweeds have increased to a desired quantity. The starch growth promoting device is connected to the duckweed culture device and configured to receive the multiple duckweeds that have increased to the desired quantity. The starch growth promoting device includes a starch growth promoting space. The starch growth promoting device is configured to allow the multiple duckweeds to undergo a second-stage cultivation period of several days in the starch growth promoting space, to obtain multiple high-starch duckweeds. The harvesting device is connected to the starch growth promoting device. The harvesting device is configured to harvest the multiple high-starch duckweeds.

[0007] In one embodiment of the invention, the aquaculture system for promoting duckweed starch growth further includes a drying device. The drying device is connected to and configured with respect to the harvesting device to dry multiple high-starch duckweeds.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the duckweed aquaculture equipment includes at least one first partition, which is detachably disposed in the duckweed aquaculture space to divide the duckweed aquaculture space into multiple duckweed aquaculture areas.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the starch growth promoting device includes at least one second partition, which is detachably or fixedly disposed in the starch growth promoting space to divide the starch growth promoting space into multiple starch growth promoting regions.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the duckweed aquaculture device includes a first culture solution contained in the duckweed aquaculture space, and the starch growth promoting device includes a second culture solution contained in the starch growth promoting space. The first culture solution is selected from the group consisting of water and nutrient solution, and the second culture solution does not contain any starch growth promoting agent.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the duckweed aquaculture device includes a first injection unit and a first discharge unit. The first injection unit is connected to and configured to inject the first aquaculture solution into the duckweed aquaculture space, and the first discharge unit is connected to and configured to discharge the first aquaculture solution. The starch growth promoting device includes a second injection unit and a second discharge unit; the second injection unit is connected to and configured to inject the second aquaculture solution into the starch growth promoting space, and the second discharge unit is connected to and configured to discharge the second aquaculture solution.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aquaculture system for promoting starch growth in duckweed further includes a first monitoring device and a second monitoring device. The first monitoring device is disposed in the duckweed aquaculture equipment and is configured to detect the first culture liquid in the duckweed aquaculture space to obtain first detection data. The second monitoring device is disposed in the starch growth promoting equipment and is configured to detect the second culture liquid in the starch growth promoting space to obtain second detection data.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the starch growth promoting device further includes a plurality of second partitions and a driving element. One of the second partitions is configured to divide the starch growth promoting space into a space having a circulation channel, and another portion of the second partitions is disposed in the starch growth promoting space and connected to one of the second partitions. The driving element may be disposed in the starch growth promoting space and located between the other portion of the second partitions, and the driving element is configured to drive the second culture medium in the starch growth promoting space to flow in a specific direction.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the duckweed cultivation equipment includes a first injection unit, a sprinkler, and a first discharge unit. The first injection unit is connected to and configured to inject water into the duckweed cultivation space. The sprinkler is disposed above the duckweed cultivation space and configured to spray a nutrient solution into the duckweed cultivation space and mix it with the water to form a first cultivation solution. The first discharge unit is connected to and configured to discharge the first cultivation solution from the duckweed cultivation space.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aquaculture system for promoting duckweed starch growth further includes a transfer unit. The transfer unit is disposed between the duckweed aquaculture equipment and the starch growth promotion equipment, and is configured to transfer at least a portion of the plurality of duckweed from the duckweed aquaculture space to the starch growth promotion space; wherein a sprinkler is disposed above the transfer unit.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aquaculture system for promoting duckweed starch growth further includes a transfer unit and a distribution unit. The transfer unit is disposed between the duckweed aquaculture equipment and the distribution unit, and the transfer unit is configured to transfer at least a portion of the plurality of duckweed from the duckweed aquaculture space to the distribution unit. The distribution unit has a distribution outlet, which is switchably connected to the starch growth promotion space.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the starch growth space has multiple starch growth regions, the distribution unit has a moving device configured to selectively connect the distribution outlet to one of the multiple starch growth regions; wherein a sprinkler is provided above the distribution unit.

[0018] One of the beneficial effects of this invention is that the aquaculture system for promoting the starch growth of duckweed provided by this invention can increase the starch content in duckweed by means of the following technical solutions: "the duckweed aquaculture equipment is configured to allow multiple duckweeds to be cultured for a first period of aquaculture days in the duckweed aquaculture space, so as to increase the multiple duckweeds to a expected number" and "the starch growth promoting equipment is configured to allow multiple duckweeds to be cultured for a second period of aquaculture days in the starch growth promoting space, so as to obtain multiple high-starch duckweeds". This will increase the conversion efficiency of biofuel crops and realize the goal of global sustainable development.

[0019] To further understand the features and technical content of the present invention, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings of the present invention. However, the drawings provided are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0020] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of the aquaculture system for promoting the growth of duckweed starch according to the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 is a top view schematic diagram of the duckweed aquaculture equipment of the aquaculture system for promoting duckweed starch growth according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 is a top view schematic diagram of the starch growth promoting device of the aquaculture system for promoting the growth of duckweed starch according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the duckweed aquaculture equipment of the aquaculture system for promoting duckweed starch growth according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the starch growth promoting device of the aquaculture system for promoting duckweed starch growth according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 is a top view schematic diagram of the aquaculture system for promoting the growth of duckweed starch according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 is a top view schematic diagram of the aquaculture system for promoting the growth of duckweed starch according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the aquaculture system for promoting the growth of duckweed starch according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 9 is a top view schematic diagram of the aquaculture system for promoting the growth of duckweed starch according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 10 is a top view schematic diagram of the aquaculture system for promoting the growth of duckweed starch according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Implementation

[0030] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the "aquaculture system for promoting duckweed starch growth" disclosed in this invention. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of this invention from the content disclosed in this specification. This invention can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of this invention. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings of this invention are for simple illustrative purposes only and are not depictions of actual dimensions; this is stated in advance. The following embodiments will further describe the relevant technical content of this invention in detail, but the disclosed content is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention.

[0031] It should be understood that while terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used in this document to describe various components or signals, these components or signals should not be limited by these terms. These terms are primarily used to distinguish one component from another, or one signal from another. Furthermore, the term "or" as used herein should, as appropriate, include any combination of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0032] Referring to Figure 1, this invention provides a cultivation system for promoting the starch growth of duckweed. The duckweed cultivation system of this invention includes at least a duckweed cultivation device 1, a starch growth promoting device 2, and a harvesting device 3. The duckweed cultivation device 1, the starch growth promoting device 2, and the harvesting device 3 can be directly or indirectly connected via various devices. Specifically, the duckweed cultivation device 1 is configured to allow multiple duckweeds to grow in a duckweed cultivation space 11 for a first cultivation period of several days, so that the multiple duckweeds grow to a desired quantity. The starch growth promoting device 2 is configured to allow multiple duckweeds to grow in a starch growth promoting space 21 for a second cultivation period of several days, to obtain multiple high-starch duckweeds. The harvesting device 3 is configured to harvest the multiple high-starch duckweeds. Further, the duckweed cultivation system of this invention may further include a drying device 4. The drying device 4 can be directly or indirectly connected to the harvesting device 3 via various devices. The drying device 4 is mainly used to dry the high-starch duckweed, and is not limited to equipment using drying technologies such as air drying or freeze drying.

[0033] The detailed setup and types of the aquaculture system for promoting duckweed starch growth according to the present invention will be further described in the following embodiments. However, the embodiments described are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the implementation of the present invention.

[0034] [First Embodiment]

[0035] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, the first embodiment of the present invention provides a culture system for promoting the starch growth of duckweed. This system is a cage-type culture system, suitable for small fallow areas or small ponds, and can be implemented in a simplified and convenient manner. In this embodiment, the culture system for promoting the starch growth of duckweed includes a duckweed culture device 1, a starch growth promoting device 2, and a harvesting device 3. Specifically, in this embodiment, the duckweed culture device 1 includes a duckweed culture space 11, at least one first partition 12, a first injection unit 13, and a first discharge unit 14. The starch growth promoting device 2 includes a starch growth promoting space 21, at least one second partition 22, a second injection unit 23, and a second discharge unit 24. The harvesting device 3 is a cage-type device. In this embodiment, the duckweed cultivation device 1 and the starch growth promotion device 2 are not connected. Therefore, the duckweed starch growth promotion cultivation system in this embodiment further includes a transfer unit 5, which is disposed between the duckweed cultivation device 1 and the starch growth promotion device 2. The transfer unit 5 can be a cage, box, sieve, etc., with a mesh size slightly smaller than that of the duckweed. Its movement between the duckweed cultivation device 1 and the starch growth promotion device 2 can be accomplished by a lifting device. Specifically, in this embodiment, the duckweed cultivation device 1 and the starch growth promotion device 2 are connected by the transfer unit 5, and the transfer unit 5 can also be a cage, box, sieve, etc., with a mesh size slightly smaller than that of the duckweed. The movement of the transfer unit 5 between the duckweed cultivation device 1 and the starch growth promotion device 2 can be accomplished by a lifting device. In this embodiment, the harvesting device 3 and the transfer unit 5 can have the same structure but different functions. It should be noted that the number of harvesting devices 3 and transfer units 5 can be more than one.

[0036] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the duckweed cultivation equipment 1 is configured to allow multiple duckweed plants to proliferate in a duckweed cultivation space 11 for a first cultivation period of several days, so that the duckweed plants multiply to a desired quantity. For example, the first cultivation period can be 0.5 to 10 days, with the number of duckweed plants reaching the desired quantity as the baseline for the first cultivation period. Furthermore, the duckweed cultivation space 11 can contain a first cultivation solution S1, so the duckweed will float on the first cultivation solution S1 and grow by absorbing the contents of the first cultivation solution S1. For example, the first cultivation solution S1 can be selected from a group consisting of water and nutrient solution. The components of the nutrient solution may include, but are not limited to, nitrogen sources and phosphorus sources.

[0037] At least one first separator 12 is detachably or fixedly installed in the duckweed cultivation space 11 to divide the duckweed cultivation space 11 into multiple duckweed cultivation areas 11A. Since duckweed (including duckweed and high-starch duckweed) floats on the water surface, the at least one first separator 12 does not necessarily need to prevent the multiple duckweed cultivation areas 11A from being connected; it is only necessary to separate the duckweed areas on the surface of the first cultivation liquid S1 to achieve the effect of partitioning.

[0038] The first injection unit 13 can be an injection pipe connected to the duckweed culture space 11 and used to inject the first culture liquid S1 into the duckweed culture space 11. The first discharge unit 14 can be a discharge pipe, also connected to the duckweed culture space 11, and used to discharge the first culture liquid S1 from the duckweed culture space 11. In some other embodiments, the configuration of the first injection unit 13 and the first discharge unit 14 may further include a water injection or drainage device such as a water pump motor for assistance.

[0039] Next, the transfer unit 5 can transfer at least a portion of the duckweed from the duckweed culture space 11 to the starch growth space 21 of the starch growth device 2.

[0040] Referring to Figures 3 and 5, the starch growth promoting device 2 is configured to allow multiple duckweeds to undergo a second cultivation period of several days in the starch growth promoting space 21, resulting in multiple high-starch duckweeds. For example, the second cultivation period can be 2 to 14 days (preferably 4 to 9 days), with the growth of the duckweed into high-starch duckweed as the baseline for the second cultivation period. Furthermore, the starch growth promoting space 21 can contain a second cultivation solution S2, so the duckweed will float on the second cultivation solution S2. In particular, the second cultivation solution S2 can be a liquid that does not contain any starch growth promoters (such as sugars, nitrogen sources, phosphorus sources, etc.), such as well water, ordinary tap water, or seawater. In this embodiment, the second cultivation solution S2 is only well water, which puts the duckweed into a starvation stage to further promote starch production. In some other embodiments, the starch growth promoting device 2 may also be equipped with a device to maintain the circulation of the second cultivation solution S2, so that the duckweed is in a good growth environment.

[0041] At least one second separator 22 is detachably or fixedly disposed in the starch-promoting space 21 to divide the starch-promoting space 21 into multiple starch-promoting regions 21A. The at least one second separator 22 is similar to the at least one first separator 12. That is, since duckweed (including duckweed and high-starch duckweed) floats on the water surface, the at least one second separator 22 does not necessarily need to prevent the multiple starch-promoting regions 21A from being connected. It only needs to separate the duckweed areas on the surface of the second aquaculture solution S2 to achieve the effect of partitioning. In this embodiment, multiple second separators 22 are provided in the starch growth space 21 to divide the starch growth space 21 into multiple starch growth regions 21A. The starch content of the duckweed cultivated in the multiple starch growth regions 21A may be partially the same or different from each other. For example, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 5, the starch content of the duckweed cultivated in the leftmost starch growth region 21A may be low, the starch content of the duckweed cultivated in the two rightmost starch growth regions 21A may be medium, the starch content of the duckweed cultivated in the second left starch growth region 21A may be high, or the starch content of the duckweed cultivated in the four starch growth regions 21A may be different from each other.

[0042] The second injection unit 23 can be an injection pipe connected to the starch growth space 21 and used to inject the second culture medium S2 into the starch growth space 21. The second discharge unit 24 can be a discharge pipe, also connected to the starch growth space 21, and used to discharge the second culture medium S2 from the starch growth space 21. In some other embodiments, the configuration of the second injection unit 23 and the second discharge unit 24 may further include a water injection or drainage device such as a water pump motor.

[0043] Once the duckweed has become high-starch duckweed, multiple high-starch duckweeds are harvested using harvesting device 3. The main feature of harvesting device 3 is its ability to drain the second culture liquid S2 while retaining the high-starch duckweed. Therefore, harvesting device 3 can be a cage, box, sieve, etc., with a mesh size slightly smaller than that of the high-starch duckweed, and can be shared with transfer unit 5. In this embodiment, multiple duckweeds that have undergone a first-stage culture in the duckweed culture space 11, along with the cages, boxes, sieves, etc. of transfer unit 5, can be placed in the starch growth space 21 of starch growth device 2 for starch growth. The second separator 22 is used to separate the duckweeds that have undergone starch growth for a certain number of days. When the number of days of starch growth for the duckweed in a certain interval separated by the second separator 22 is reached, that is, when the starch growth function is completed and high-starch duckweed is formed, transfer unit 5 can act as harvesting device 3, pulling up or removing the high-starch duckweed from starch growth device 2 to harvest the high-starch duckweed. However, the examples given above are merely one feasible embodiment and are not intended to limit the present invention. Conversely, the harvesting device 3 can also be used as a transfer unit 5, that is, the harvesting device 3 can place multiple duckweed plants, along with cages, boxes, sieves, etc., that have undergone the first stage of cultivation in the duckweed cultivation space 11 into the starch growth space 21 of the starch growth device 2 for starch growth; when the starch growth function is completed and high-starch duckweed is formed, the harvesting device 3, along with the high-starch duckweed therein, is pulled up or removed from the starch growth device 2 to harvest the high-starch duckweed.

[0044] In some other embodiments, the transfer unit 5 may further include a pumping device, a collection area, and a cage. The cage is disposed in the collection area, which is adjacent to the duckweed culture device 1. The collection area has a slope and a drain outlet located at the lower end of the slope, which is connected to the duckweed culture device 1. The pumping device is used to draw the first culture liquid S1, along with the duckweed, from the duckweed culture device 1 into the cage in the collection area. The first culture liquid S1 is filtered out by the cage and flows back into the duckweed culture device 1 through the drain outlet at the lower end of the slope, while the duckweed is collected in the cage. Therefore, the collected duckweed is transferred via the cage of the transfer unit 5 to a starch growth area 21A in the starch growth promotion device 2 for starch growth. However, the examples given above are only one possible embodiment and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0045] [Second Embodiment]

[0046] Referring to Figure 6, the second embodiment of the present invention provides a culture system for promoting the starch growth of duckweed. This system is a matrix-type system suitable for fallow land or medium-sized ponds with a medium-sized hinterland. In this embodiment, the culture system for promoting the starch growth of duckweed includes a duckweed culture device 1, a starch growth promoting device 2, and a harvesting device 3. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that the culture system for promoting the starch growth of duckweed in the second embodiment is matrix-type, with the duckweed culture device 1 located on one side of the starch growth promoting device 2. Of course, the area ratio or number of rows and columns of the actual duckweed culture space and starch growth promoting space, as well as the distance between them, can be appropriately adjusted. Referring to Figure 6, the duckweed cultivation device 1 is arranged in the first row, and the duckweed cultivation space 11 is detachably divided into multiple duckweed cultivation areas 11A by a first separator 12. These multiple duckweed cultivation areas 11A are connected after the first separator 12 is removed, allowing the transfer unit 5 to transfer duckweed from one of the 11A areas from the duckweed cultivation space 11 to the starch growth promotion space 21. The first separator 12 can then be removed, allowing duckweed to float from other duckweed cultivation areas 11A and proliferate in the transferred area 11A. Next, the starch growth promotion device 2 is located adjacent to or near the right side of the duckweed cultivation device 1 (i.e., on the right side of each of the multiple duckweed cultivation areas 11A), and the starch growth promotion space 21 is divided into multiple starch growth promotion areas 21A by a second separator 22. Therefore, the duckweed starch growth promotion cultivation system of the second embodiment presents a matrix structure.

[0047] The duckweed cultivation device 1 in this embodiment is the same as the duckweed cultivation device 1 in the first embodiment, having a first injection unit 13 and a first discharge unit 14. The difference is that the duckweed cultivation device 1 in this embodiment further includes a sprinkler 15. In this embodiment, the first injection unit 13 can be an injection pipe, which is connected to the duckweed cultivation space 11 and is used to inject water into the duckweed cultivation space 11. The sprinkler 15 is disposed above the duckweed cultivation space 11 and configured to spray a nutrient solution into the duckweed cultivation space 11, which mixes with water to form a first cultivation solution S1. The first discharge unit 14 can be a discharge pipe, which is also connected to the duckweed cultivation space 11 and is used to discharge the first cultivation solution S1 from the duckweed cultivation space 11. As described in the first embodiment, in some other embodiments, the transfer unit 5 of the duckweed cultivation space 11 may further include a pumping device, a collection area, and a hanging cage. The hanging cage is located in the collection area, which is adjacent to the duckweed cultivation device 1. The collection area has a slope and a drain outlet located at the lower end of the slope, which is connected to the duckweed cultivation device 1. The pumping device is used to draw the first cultivation liquid S1 from the duckweed cultivation device 1, along with the duckweed, into the hanging cage in the collection area. The first cultivation liquid S1 is filtered out by the hanging cage and flows back into the duckweed cultivation device 1 through the drain outlet at the lower end of the slope, while the duckweed is collected in the hanging cage. Therefore, the collected duckweed is transferred to a starch growth area 21A in the starch growth promotion device 2 via the hanging cage of the transfer unit 5 for starch growth. In this duckweed harvesting setup, several rows of duckweed cultivation spaces 11 can share a pumping device and a collection area. However, the examples given above are merely one possible embodiment and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0048] [Third Embodiment]

[0049] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the third embodiment of the present invention provides a culture system for promoting the starch growth of duckweed. This system is a linear culture system suitable for large areas and operates in a relatively systematic manner. In this embodiment, the culture system for promoting the starch growth of duckweed includes a duckweed culture device 1, a starch growth promoting device 2, and a harvesting device 3. The duckweed culture device 1 in the third embodiment can be similar to the duckweed culture device 1 in the first and second embodiments. The difference is that, in this embodiment, the starch growth promoting device 2 includes a starch growth promoting space 21 and at least one second separator 22. The starch growth promoting space 21 is divided into multiple non-communicating starch growth regions 21A by the at least one second separator 22. In this embodiment, the multiple starch growth promoting regions 21A are arranged in a linear fashion and are adjacent to each other.

[0050] Further, referring to Figures 7 and 8, the aquaculture system for promoting duckweed starch growth also includes a transfer unit 5 and a distribution unit 6. The transfer unit 5 is disposed between the duckweed aquaculture equipment 1 and the distribution unit 6, and is used to transfer at least a portion of the multiple duckweed plants from the duckweed aquaculture space 11 to the distribution unit 6. In this embodiment, the transfer unit 5 is a conveyor belt that transports the duckweed to the distribution unit 6.

[0051] Specifically, the distribution unit 6 has a distribution outlet 61, which is switched and connected to the starch-promoting space 21. The distribution unit 6 also has a moving device 62, which can selectively connect the distribution outlet to one of multiple starch-promoting zones 21A. In this embodiment, the moving device 62 of the distribution unit 6 is a roller, and the distribution unit 6 is an inclined plate. The distribution outlet 61 is located at the lower end of the inclined plate and connected to the starch-promoting device 2. That is, through the moving device 62, the duckweed in the distribution unit 6 can be transferred in batches into different starch-promoting zones 21A. Furthermore, to ensure smooth and complete transfer and to prevent the duckweed from drying out and dying, a sprinkler 7 can be installed above the transfer unit 5 and / or the distribution unit 6.

[0052] In this embodiment, the harvesting device 3 is located on the side of the starch growth zone 21A that is connected to the distribution unit 6. The number of harvesting devices 3 can correspond to the starch growth zone 21A or there may be only one, and each device is equipped with a movable component. The bottom of the starch growth zone 21A may be sloping, with the lower part being the side connected to the harvesting device 3. A gate (or a second separator) is provided on the side of the starch growth zone 21A connected to the harvesting device 3. When harvesting high-starch duckweed, the gate of the starch growth zone 21A can be opened, allowing the second culture liquid S2 to flow towards the side (lower part) connected to the harvesting device 3, thus retaining the high-starch duckweed on the harvesting device 3, thereby harvesting the high-starch duckweed. However, the above example is only one possible embodiment and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0053] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0054] Referring to Figure 9, the fourth embodiment of the present invention provides a culture system for promoting the growth of duckweed starch. This system is a radial type, applicable to large areas, and is implemented in a more systematic manner than the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the duckweed starch-promoting culture system includes a duckweed culture device 1, a starch-promoting device 2, and a harvesting device 3. The fourth embodiment is similar to the third embodiment, except that the distribution unit 6 is a spinnable wheel-shaped device, and the multiple starch-promoting regions 21A are radially distributed with the distribution unit 6 as the center. The harvesting device 3 can be arranged on one side of the multiple starch-promoting regions 21A opposite to the distribution unit 6. However, the examples given above are merely feasible embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0055] [Fifth Embodiment]

[0056] Referring to Figure 10, the fifth embodiment of the present invention provides an aquaculture system for promoting the growth of duckweed starch, which may include a duckweed aquaculture equipment 1, a starch growth promoting equipment 2, and a harvesting equipment 3. The difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiments is that, in this embodiment, the starch growth promoting equipment 2 may have multiple second partitions 22A, 22B, and 22C, and may also include at least one driving element 25. The second partition 22A may be a non-perforated partition element, which can divide the starch growth space 21 of the starch growth promoting equipment 2 into a space with a circulation channel. The multiple second partitions 22B and 22C may be partition elements with mesh, and the mesh size of the second partitions 22B and 22C is smaller than that of the duckweed. The multiple second partitions 22B and 22C may be disposed in the starch growth space 21 and connected to the second partition 22A; wherein, the second partition 22B may be adjacent to the transfer unit 5, and the second partition 22C may be adjacent to the harvesting equipment 3. The driving element 25 can be disposed in the starch growth space 21 and located between multiple second partitions 22B and 22C. The driving element 25 can be configured to drive the second aquaculture liquid S2 in the starch growth space 21 to flow in a specific direction F. The harvesting device 3 can also have a conveying element 31, which can be a conveyor belt or other type of conveying element. The conveying element 31 can connect the body of the harvesting device 3 and the starch growth device 2, and the conveying element 31 can be configured to convey the high-starch duckweed in the starch growth space 21 to the body of the harvesting device 3. A sprinkler 15 can also be disposed in the starch growth space 21.

[0057] Therefore, in operation, the duckweed cultivation system for promoting duckweed starch growth in this embodiment can transport the duckweed in the duckweed cultivation space 11 of the duckweed cultivation equipment 1 to the starch growth space 21 via the transfer unit 5. Then, the drive element 25 drives the flow of the second cultivation liquid S2, causing the duckweed transported from the transfer unit 5 to the starch growth space 21 to flow in a cyclical manner towards the conveying element 31. The second separator 22B prevents the duckweed transported by the transfer unit 5 from flowing back to the conveying element 31.

[0058] Next, the duckweed, propelled by the flow of the second culture medium S2, gradually flows to the conveying element 31. During this process, as the duckweed moves from its position near the second separator 22B to the conveying element 31, it enters a starvation phase, promoting starch production and thus becoming high-starch duckweed. This means the flow time of the duckweed is the optimal period for promoting starch production. Therefore, by the time the duckweed reaches the vicinity of the conveying element 31, it is already high-starch duckweed. Then, the high-starch duckweed is transported from the starch-promoting space 21 to the harvesting device 3 using the conveying element 31 for harvesting.

[0059] It is worth mentioning that the conveying element 31 can be a conveying device with a mesh structure. Therefore, during the process of transporting high-starch duckweed, the second aquaculture liquid S2 remaining in the high-starch duckweed can be returned to the starch growth space 21; or, the harvesting device 3 can also guide the received second aquaculture liquid S2 back to the starch growth space 21 through a return pipe.

[0060] Furthermore, the aquaculture system for promoting starch growth in duckweed according to the present invention may also include a first monitoring device 8 and a second monitoring device 9. The first monitoring device 8 is installed in the duckweed aquaculture device 1 and is configured to detect the water quality of the first aquaculture solution S1 in the duckweed aquaculture space 11 to obtain first detection data. The second monitoring device 9 is installed in the starch growth promoting device 2 and is configured to detect the water quality of the second aquaculture solution S2 in the starch growth promoting space 21 to obtain second detection data.

[0061] Since the concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus sources and the pH of the first culture solution S1 affect the growth rate of duckweed, and the second culture solution S2 will accumulate nitrogen and phosphorus sources and change pH due to the first culture solution S1 brought in by the duckweed transferred from the duckweed culture device 1, thus affecting the amount of starch increase in the duckweed; therefore, the duckweed starch growth promotion culture system of the present invention sets a first monitoring device 8 and a second monitoring device 9 in the duckweed culture device 1 and the starch growth promotion device 2 respectively, so as to monitor and detect the water quality changes of the first culture solution S1 in the duckweed culture space 11 and the water quality changes of the second culture solution S2 in the starch growth promotion space 21 in real time, so as to control the water quality changes in time and make appropriate adjustments or replacements to the first culture solution S1 and the second culture solution S2.

[0062] It is worth mentioning that the first monitoring device 8 and the second monitoring device 9 described in this embodiment can also be applied to any of the above embodiments, and are not limited to this embodiment.

[0063] [Beneficial Effects of the Examples]

[0064] One of the beneficial effects of this invention is that the aquaculture system for promoting the starch growth of duckweed provided by this invention can increase the starch content in duckweed by means of the following technical solutions: "the duckweed aquaculture equipment is configured to allow multiple duckweeds to be cultured for a first period of aquaculture days in the duckweed aquaculture space, so as to increase the multiple duckweeds to a expected number" and "the starch growth promoting equipment is configured to allow multiple duckweeds to be cultured for a second period of aquaculture days in the starch growth promoting space, so as to obtain multiple high-starch duckweeds". This will increase the conversion efficiency of biofuel crops and realize the goal of global sustainable development.

[0065] The content disclosed above is only a preferred and feasible embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the patent application of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings are included in the scope of the patent application of the present invention.

[0066] S1: First culture medium S2: Second culture medium 1: Duckweed cultivation equipment 11: Duckweed Cultivation Space 11A: Duckweed Cultivation Area 12: First separator 13: First Injection Unit 14: First Discharge Unit 15: Shower head 2: Starch growth promotion equipment 21: Potential for Starch Growth 21A: Starch growth promotion zone 22, 22A, 22B, 22C: Second separator 23: Second Injection Unit 24: Second Discharge Unit 25: Driving element 3: Harvesting equipment 31: Conveying element 4: Drying equipment 5: Transfer Unit 6: Allocation Unit 61: Export Allocation 62: Mobile device 7: Sprinkler 8: First monitoring equipment 9: Second monitoring equipment F: Specific direction

Claims

1. An aquaculture system for promoting starch growth in duckweed, comprising: A duckweed cultivation device includes a duckweed cultivation space configured to accommodate and cultivate multiple duckweeds, the duckweed cultivation device being configured to allow the multiple duckweeds to undergo a first cultivation period of several days in the duckweed cultivation space to increase the number of duckweeds to a desired quantity; a starch growth promoting device connected to the duckweed cultivation device and configured to receive the multiple duckweeds that have increased to the desired quantity, the starch growth promoting device including a starch growth promoting space configured to allow the multiple duckweeds to undergo a second cultivation period of several days in the starch growth promoting space to obtain multiple high-starch duckweeds; and a harvesting device connected to the starch growth promoting device configured to harvest the multiple high-starch duckweeds; wherein the duckweed cultivation device includes a first culture solution contained in the duckweed cultivation space, the starch growth promoting device includes a second culture solution contained in the starch growth promoting space, the first culture solution being selected from the group consisting of water and nutrient solution, and the second culture solution not containing any starch growth promoter.

2. The aquaculture system for promoting the starch growth of duckweed as described in claim 1, further comprising a drying device connected to and configured with respect to the harvesting device to dry a plurality of the high-starch duckweed.

3. The aquaculture system for promoting duckweed starch growth as described in claim 1, wherein, The duckweed aquaculture equipment includes at least one first partition, which is detachably installed in the duckweed aquaculture space to divide the duckweed aquaculture space into multiple duckweed aquaculture areas.

4. The aquaculture system for promoting duckweed starch growth as described in claim 1, wherein, The starch growth promoting device includes at least one second partition, which is disposed in the starch growth promoting space to divide the starch growth promoting space into multiple starch growth promoting regions.

5. The aquaculture system for promoting duckweed starch growth as described in claim 1, wherein, The duckweed aquaculture equipment includes a first injection unit and a first discharge unit; the first injection unit is connected to and configured to inject the first aquaculture solution into the duckweed aquaculture space, and the first discharge unit is connected to and configured to discharge the first aquaculture solution; wherein, the starch growth promoting equipment includes a second injection unit and a second discharge unit; the second injection unit is connected to and configured to inject the second aquaculture solution into the starch growth promoting space, and the second discharge unit is connected to and configured to discharge the second aquaculture solution.

6. The aquaculture system for promoting duckweed starch growth as described in claim 1, further comprising: A first monitoring device is installed in the duckweed aquaculture equipment. The first monitoring device is configured to detect the first aquaculture liquid in the duckweed aquaculture space to obtain a first detection data. And a second monitoring device, which is installed in the starch growth promoting device, the second monitoring device being configured to detect the second culture liquid in the starch growth promoting space to obtain a second detection data.

7. The aquaculture system for promoting starch growth in duckweed as described in claim 1, wherein, The starch growth promoting device further includes: a plurality of second partitions, wherein one of the second partitions is configured to divide the starch growth promoting space into a space having a circulation channel, and another portion of the second partitions is disposed in the starch growth promoting space and connected to one of the second partitions; and a driving element, which can be disposed in the starch growth promoting space and located between the other portion of the second partitions, the driving element being configured to drive the second culture liquid in the starch growth promoting space to flow in a specific direction.

8. The aquaculture system for promoting duckweed starch growth as described in claim 1, wherein, The duckweed aquaculture equipment includes a first injection unit, a sprinkler, and a first discharge unit; the first injection unit is connected to the duckweed aquaculture space and configured to inject water; the sprinkler is located above the duckweed aquaculture space and configured to spray a nutrient solution into the duckweed aquaculture space and mix it with the water to form the first aquaculture solution; the first discharge unit is connected to the duckweed aquaculture space and configured to discharge the first aquaculture solution from the duckweed aquaculture space.

9. The aquaculture system for promoting starch growth in duckweed as described in claim 1, further comprising a transfer unit disposed between the duckweed aquaculture equipment and the starch growth promotion equipment, the transfer unit being configured to transfer at least a portion of the plurality of duckweed from the duckweed aquaculture space to the starch growth promotion space; wherein, A sprinkler is installed above the transfer unit.

10. The aquaculture system for promoting starch growth of duckweed as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a transfer unit and a distribution unit, the transfer unit being disposed between the duckweed aquaculture equipment and the distribution unit, the transfer unit being configured to transfer at least a portion of the plurality of duckweed from the duckweed aquaculture space to the distribution unit, the distribution unit having a distribution outlet being switchably connected to the starch growth promotion space.

11. The aquaculture system for promoting duckweed starch growth as described in claim 10, wherein, The starch growth space has multiple starch growth zones, and the distribution unit has a moving device configured to selectively connect the distribution outlet to one of the multiple starch growth zones; wherein a sprinkler is provided above the distribution unit.

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