Energy-saving temperature control system and method for breeding silkworms with artificial feed

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of breeding, and discloses an energy-saving temperature control system for silkworm breeding with artificial feed. The micro-fluidic thermal cycle unit comprises a plurality of micro pumps and semiconductor temperature changing elements; the sensing and feedback system is provided with a plurality of temperature sensors and a micro electrode array; the metabolic heat flow monitoring system comprises a temperature difference sensor array and a calculation module, the breeding substrate comprises an upper contact layer, a middle phase change energy storage layer and a lower microfluidic heat conduction layer; the bottom of the breeding base plate is connected with the micro-fluidic thermal cycle unit, so that the micro-fluidic thermal cycle unit adjusts the temperature through the middle phase change energy storage layer. By integrating the micro-fluidic thermal cycle unit and the sensing and feedback system, real-time monitoring and adjustment of the temperature of the feeding base plate and the water content of feed are achieved, the micro pump quickly responds according to the change of monitored data, the precision of internal environment control is effectively improved, and it is ensured that silkworm groups grow under the optimal growth condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aquaculture technology, specifically to an energy-saving temperature control system and method for raising silkworms with artificial feed. Background Technology

[0002] The growth and development rate of silkworms is directly affected by temperature. Within a suitable temperature range, silkworms have vigorous metabolism and accelerate growth and development, which can shorten their larval stage, thereby increasing the number of batches and yield. Conversely, excessively low temperatures will inhibit the physiological activities of silkworms, leading to slow growth and a prolonged developmental cycle; excessively high temperatures may cause silkworms to become restless and even die from heat stress. Due to the high frequency of artificial feed feeding, temperature control has also received attention in the industry.

[0003] Existing temperature control systems largely rely on conventional temperature and humidity sensors at the sensing level. However, their data acquisition timeliness and spatial resolution are limited, making it difficult to capture subtle changes in the silkworm colony's microenvironment. Specifically, at the execution level, traditional heating or cooling devices have slow response times, hindering rapid and precise intervention in the microenvironment. Especially when feed moisture content deviates, traditional adjustment methods are often lagging, unable to quickly adjust the microenvironment temperature to influence the feed's evaporation or condensation rate, thus failing to maintain optimal palatability. This lag and lack of precision in control can not only hinder silkworm growth and reduce feed utilization but also often result in high energy consumption, contradicting the energy-efficient goals of modern agriculture. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an energy-saving temperature control system and method for silkworm rearing with artificial feed, solving the problem of insufficient temperature control accuracy in existing artificial feed silkworm rearing.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an energy-saving temperature control system for silkworm rearing using artificial feed, comprising: The feeding substrate; the microfluidic thermal circulation unit, including multiple micropumps and semiconductor temperature-changing elements; the sensing and feedback system, which is equipped with multiple temperature sensors and microelectrode arrays; and the metabolic heat flow monitoring system, including a temperature difference sensor array and a computing module.

[0006] According to the above technical solution: the whole uses the breeding substrate as a carrier, and its internal multi-layer structure (upper contact layer, middle phase change energy storage layer and lower microfluidic heat conduction layer) provides a control range for temperature regulation. Through the connection with the microfluidic heat circulation unit, especially the micro pump and semiconductor temperature variable element, the temperature and flow rate of the heat exchange liquid flowing through the breeding substrate can be controlled, thereby realizing the regulation of the substrate and the overall silkworm rearing temperature.

[0007] Preferably, the breeding substrate includes an upper contact layer, a middle phase change energy storage layer, and a lower microfluidic heat conduction layer.

[0008] Preferably, the bottom of the feeding substrate is connected to the microfluidic thermal circulation unit, so that the microfluidic thermal circulation unit regulates the temperature through the middle phase change energy storage layer.

[0009] Preferably, the microfluidic thermal circulation unit is connected to the incubation substrate via a pipeline to achieve heat exchange; the micropump is used to pump liquid and is electrically connected to a semiconductor temperature-regulating element for temperature regulation.

[0010] Preferably, the microelectrode array of the sensing and feedback system is used to monitor the moisture content of the feed in real time, and its calculation formula is as follows: ;in Indicates the moisture content of the feed. The measured impedance value.

[0011] Preferably, the metabolic heat flux monitoring system calculates the metabolic heat flux generated by the silkworm colony using a temperature difference sensor array, and the calculation formula is as follows: ;in For metabolic heat flow, For the temperature of the incubation substrate, For ambient temperature, This refers to the sensitivity of the sensor.

[0012] Preferably, the temperature sensor and the microelectrode array are arranged in parallel on the breeding substrate to acquire the temperature of the breeding substrate in real time. and feed moisture content The data is then transmitted to the computing module to adjust the working status of the microfluidic thermal circulation unit in real time.

[0013] Preferably, the micropump is turned on and off by a computing module, specifically including: when the feed moisture content monitored by the microelectrode array... Below the preset lower limit The micro pump turns on when the feed moisture content is... Higher than the preset upper limit The micro pump shuts off at that time.

[0014] Preferably, the system further includes a user interface connected to the computing module, which facilitates the user to view the monitoring data.

[0015] An energy-saving temperature control method for silkworm rearing with artificial feed includes the following steps: a. Start the feeding substrate and monitor the temperature of the feeding substrate and the moisture content of the feed in real time; b. Dynamically adjust the liquid flow rate of the microfluidic thermal circulation unit according to the monitored moisture content of the feed; c. Adjust temperature and humidity in real time according to metabolic heat flow and feeding needs.

[0016] This invention provides an energy-saving temperature control system and method for silkworm rearing using artificial feed. It has the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention integrates a microfluidic thermal circulation unit with a sensing and feedback system to achieve real-time monitoring and adjustment of the temperature of the rearing substrate and the moisture content of the feed. The micro-pump responds quickly to changes in the monitoring data, effectively improving the accuracy of internal environmental control and ensuring that the silkworms grow under optimal conditions.

[0017] 2. This invention employs metabolic heat flow monitoring technology to analyze the metabolic changes of silkworm colonies in real time and automatically adjust temperature and humidity. By adjusting the moisture content of the feed in a timely manner, it avoids the feed being too wet or too dry, significantly improving feed utilization efficiency and thus reducing resource waste. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system architecture of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the steps of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] This invention provides an energy-saving temperature control system for silkworm rearing using artificial feed, whose structure and functions are realized through multiple collaborative modules. The system mainly includes a rearing substrate, a microfluidic thermal circulation unit, a sensing and feedback system, a metabolic heat flux monitoring system, and a user interface. The rearing substrate, serving as the rearing carrier for silkworms, integrates temperature regulation and data acquisition functions. The microfluidic thermal circulation unit is responsible for precise temperature control, achieved through heat exchange with the rearing substrate. The sensing and feedback system acquires key parameters of the rearing environment in real time, such as the temperature of the rearing substrate and the moisture content of the feed. The metabolic heat flux monitoring system focuses on measuring the heat generated by the silkworm colony, providing a basis for dynamic system adjustment. Data from all modules is collected and processed by the computing module, and then provided to the user for viewing and management through the user interface, thus forming a closed-loop intelligent temperature control system.

[0021] The present invention will further illustrate the energy-saving temperature control system for silkworm rearing using artificial feed with the following embodiments. These embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0022] See attached document Figure 1 -Appendix Figure 2 This invention provides an energy-saving temperature control system for silkworm rearing using artificial feed, which may include the following components: The feeding substrate comprises an upper contact layer, a middle phase change energy storage layer, and a lower microfluidic heat conduction layer. The bottom of the feeding substrate is connected to a microfluidic thermal circulation unit, allowing the microfluidic thermal circulation unit to regulate the temperature of the feeding substrate through the middle phase change energy storage layer. Temperature sensors and a microelectrode array are arranged in parallel on the feeding substrate to acquire real-time data on the feeding substrate temperature and feed moisture content. This data is transmitted to a computing module to enable real-time adjustment of the operating status of the microfluidic thermal circulation unit.

[0023] The design of the rearing substrate is fundamental to achieving precise temperature and humidity control. The upper contact layer, which comes into direct contact with the silkworms and feed, is preferably made of biocompatible materials with moderate thermal conductivity, such as medical-grade silicone or modified polymers. This layer's surface can be designed with microstructures to increase the contact area with the feed and facilitate uniform moisture distribution. The middle phase change energy storage layer, located below the contact layer, is filled with a phase change material, such as paraffin or hydrated salts with specific melting points. This phase change material absorbs or releases a large amount of latent heat during phase change (melting or solidification) within a specific temperature range, thus providing a thermal buffer during temperature fluctuations and maintaining the temperature stability of the rearing substrate.

[0024] The lower microfluidic heat conduction layer, adjacent to the phase change energy storage layer, consists of a series of micron-sized channels, preferably fabricated using microfabrication techniques with materials such as polydimethylsiloxane or glass. Heat exchange liquid circulates within these channels, allowing for precise heating or cooling of the phase change energy storage layer by adjusting the fluid's temperature and flow rate, thereby influencing the overall temperature of the feeding substrate. The bottom of the feeding substrate is tightly connected to the piping of the microfluidic thermal circulation unit through encapsulation or integration, ensuring efficient heat transfer. Temperature sensors and microelectrode arrays are integrated or embedded within or immediately below the upper contact layer of the feeding substrate to accurately sense the actual temperature of the feeding substrate and the impedance value of the feed, thus reflecting the feed moisture content.

[0025] The microfluidic thermal circulation unit comprises multiple micropumps and a semiconductor temperature-controlled element. The unit is connected to the feeding substrate via tubing for heat exchange. The micropumps pump the liquid and are electrically connected to the semiconductor temperature-controlled element for temperature regulation. The micropumps are controlled by a computational module. The micropumps activate when the feed moisture content monitored by the microelectrode array is below a preset lower limit; they deactivate when the moisture content exceeds a preset upper limit.

[0026] The preferred micropiezoelectric pumps or microperistaltic pumps are small in size and offer high control precision, enabling accurate control of the flow rate and velocity of the heat exchange liquid. The pump's fluid outlet and inlet are connected to the inlet and outlet of the microfluidic heat conduction layer on the feeding substrate via micro-tubes, forming a closed loop. A semiconductor temperature-regulating element, such as a Peltier effect thermocouple, works in conjunction with the micropump to regulate the heat exchange liquid via electrical connection. When heating is required, the Peltier element generates heat through current and transfers it to the liquid; when cooling is required, reverse current allows it to absorb heat from the liquid. The computing module controls the magnitude and direction of the current flowing through the Peltier element, as well as the start, stop, and speed of the micropump, to achieve precise adjustment of the heat exchange liquid temperature and flow rate, thereby controlling the temperature of the feeding substrate. The micropump's on / off logic is directly linked to the monitoring results of the feed moisture content, ensuring that when the feed moisture deviates from the ideal range, the temperature of the feeding substrate is indirectly adjusted through the heat exchange of the circulating liquid, thus affecting the rate of moisture evaporation or condensation in the feed.

[0027] The sensing and feedback system is equipped with multiple temperature sensors and a microelectrode array. The microelectrode array in the sensing and feedback system is used to monitor the moisture content of the feed in real time. The formula for calculating the feed moisture content is as follows: ,in Indicates the time of feed moisture content, In time The measured impedance value, function This indicates the calibration relationship between impedance value and moisture content, which is obtained through experimental calibration.

[0028] The system is equipped with multiple temperature sensors, which can be thermistors or thermocouples, strategically positioned at different locations on the feeding substrate to acquire local and overall temperature data. The microelectrode array consists of multiple precisely spaced microelectrodes, preferably fabricated on the surface in contact with the feed using screen printing or photolithography. When feed covers the electrode array, conductive paths are formed between the electrodes, and their impedance changes with the feed's moisture content. The sensing and feedback system converts these analog temperature and impedance signals into digital signals and transmits them to the computing module. The function here... The impedance value was determined by conducting experiments on feed samples with different moisture contents to establish a mathematical relationship between the impedance value and the actual moisture content, thus ensuring the accuracy of the calculation.

[0029] A metabolic heat flux monitoring system includes a temperature difference sensor array and a calculation module. The system calculates the metabolic heat flux generated by the silkworm colony using the temperature difference sensor array. The formula for calculating the metabolic heat flux is as follows: ;in, For metabolic heat flow, For the sensitivity of the sensor, For the incubation substrate in time temperature, The ambient temperature is used. The temperature difference sensor array preferably consists of multiple high-precision thermopile or differential thermistors, with one end in close contact with the rearing substrate and the other end exposed to the ambient air. It is used to measure the minute temperature difference between the rearing substrate and the environment. The value depends on the thermal conductivity and thickness of the rearing substrate material, the sensor layout, and the convective heat dissipation conditions of the external environment, and needs to be determined through experimental calibration. By monitoring metabolic heat flow, the system can understand the physiological state and metabolic level of the silkworm colony in real time, thus providing an important reference for adjusting the temperature and humidity of the rearing environment and avoiding energy waste caused by overheating or cooling.

[0030] The system further includes a user interface connected to the computing module, allowing users to view monitoring data. Through the collaborative work of these modules, the entire system achieves precise temperature and humidity control of the artificial feed silkworm rearing environment, improving feed utilization efficiency. The user interface displays real-time information such as the current temperature of the rearing substrate, feed moisture content, metabolic heat flux data, and the operating status of the micropumps. Simultaneously, users can set target ranges for temperature and humidity, as well as start / stop thresholds for the micropumps, through the interface. The computing module receives user-defined commands and converts them into control signals for the microfluidic thermal circulation unit and the micropumps. This human-computer interaction design makes silkworm rearing management more intelligent and convenient.

[0031] An energy-saving temperature control method for silkworm rearing with artificial feed includes the following steps: a. Start the feeding substrate and monitor the temperature of the feeding substrate and the moisture content of the feed in real time; b. Dynamically adjust the liquid flow rate of the microfluidic thermal circulation unit according to the monitored moisture content of the feed; c. Adjust temperature and humidity in real time according to metabolic heat flow and feeding needs.

[0032] The present invention will further illustrate the energy-saving temperature control system for silkworm rearing using artificial feed with the following embodiments. These embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0033] This invention provides an energy-saving temperature control method for silkworm rearing with artificial feed, which is illustrated below through a specific application scenario: In an artificial feed silkworm rearing facility equipped with the energy-saving temperature control system described in this invention, after the system is started, the following steps are executed: When the system power is turned on, the computing module starts and initializes each sensor. Temperature sensors (e.g., high-precision PT100 RTDs) arranged in parallel on the rearing substrate begin collecting real-time temperature data at different locations on the substrate at a preset frequency (e.g., every 5 seconds). Simultaneously, a microelectrode array (e.g., made of LCP substrate with an electrode spacing of 50 micrometers) integrated into the upper contact layer of the rearing substrate also operates synchronously, measuring the impedance of the artificial silkworm feed laid on the substrate. The computing module receives voltage signals from the temperature sensor array and impedance signals from the microelectrode array in real time. The computing module utilizes pre-stored calibration functions... The impedance value measured in real time Real-time moisture content when converted into feed For example, when the measured impedance value is... At that time, the calculation module obtains the corresponding moisture content by looking up a table or using a function. All of this real-time data, including feed substrate temperature and feed moisture content, will be displayed on the user interface and stored for later analysis.

[0034] While step a continues, the calculation module compares the currently monitored feed moisture content in real time. Compared with the preset moisture content target range (e.g., lower limit value) 65%, upper limit (70%). When the calculation module determines the feed moisture content. Below the preset lower limit If the moisture content is detected at a time (e.g., 63%), it indicates that the feed may be losing water.

[0035] At this point, the computing module sends a command to the microfluidic thermal circulation unit to activate its internal micropump (e.g., a piezoelectric micropump) and adjust its operating frequency or duty cycle, causing the heat exchange liquid to flow at a low rate (e.g., 0.5 ml / min) through the microfluidic heat conduction layer beneath the culture substrate. Simultaneously, the semiconductor temperature-regulating element (e.g., a TEC1-12706 Peltier thermocouple) is controlled in endothermic mode, thereby reducing the temperature of the flowing liquid to a preset cooling temperature (e.g., 18°C).

[0036] Lowering the local temperature of the feeding substrate can slow down the rate of moisture evaporation from the feed, helping to maintain or increase the feed moisture content. Conversely, when the monitored feed moisture content... Higher than the preset upper limit When a moisture content of 72% is detected (e.g., the feed is detected to be too wet), the computing module controls the micro-pump to operate at a higher flow rate (e.g., 2.0 ml / min), and the semiconductor temperature-controlled element is controlled to operate in exothermic mode, raising the temperature of the heat exchange liquid to a preset heating temperature (e.g., 30°C). By increasing the local temperature of the feeding substrate, the evaporation of moisture from the feed surface can be accelerated, reducing the feed moisture content to a suitable range.

[0037] In addition to directly regulating feed moisture content, the system also performs macroscopic temperature and humidity regulation based on the metabolic heat flux of the silkworm colony. The temperature difference sensor array (e.g., multiple high-sensitivity thermopile) in the metabolic heat flux monitoring system continuously measures the surface temperature of the rearing substrate. With ambient temperature The temperature difference between them.

[0038] The calculation module is based on the formula Real-time calculation of metabolic heat flow of silkworm colonies .in, The system heat transfer coefficient has been calibrated to a fixed value (e.g., 0.01) through preliminary experiments under different environmental conditions. .

[0039] When the calculation module detects metabolic heat flow If the temperature continues to rise and exceeds a preset threshold (e.g., 0.5W per square meter), this preferably indicates that the silkworm population is metabolically active, generating a large amount of heat, and the rearing environment temperature may rise. At this time, the system will combine the currently set rearing requirements (e.g., the suitable temperature for a specific age is 25°C) and activate the cooling mode of the microfluidic thermal circulation unit. By controlling the micro-thermal pumps and semiconductor temperature-changing elements, the overall temperature of the rearing substrate will slowly decrease to the target value.

[0040] Conversely, if the metabolic heat flux is low, the system will appropriately raise the temperature of the rearing substrate based on feeding needs. Through the above method, this invention achieves high-precision control of the artificial feed silkworm rearing environment, specifically by controlling the temperature fluctuation range of the rearing substrate within a certain range. Within this range, the feed moisture content is maintained at... Within the target range. Furthermore, based on real-time feedback from the silkworm colony's metabolic heat flow, the system can optimize feed utilization efficiency and reduce feed waste caused by unsuitable environments through precise temperature and humidity control.

[0041] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An energy-saving temperature control system for silkworm rearing using artificial feed, characterized in that, include: The feeding substrate; the microfluidic thermal circulation unit, including multiple micropumps and semiconductor temperature-changing elements; the sensing and feedback system, which is equipped with multiple temperature sensors and microelectrode arrays; and the metabolic heat flow monitoring system, including a temperature difference sensor array and a computing module.

2. The energy-saving temperature control system for artificial feed silkworm rearing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The incubation substrate includes an upper contact layer, a middle phase change energy storage layer, and a lower microfluidic heat conduction layer.

3. The energy-saving temperature control system for artificial feed silkworm rearing according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom of the feeding substrate is connected to the microfluidic thermal circulation unit, so that the microfluidic thermal circulation unit can regulate the temperature through the middle phase change energy storage layer.

4. The energy-saving temperature control system for silkworm rearing with artificial feed according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microfluidic thermal circulation unit is connected to the incubation substrate via a pipeline to achieve heat exchange; the micropump is used to pump liquid and is electrically connected to a semiconductor temperature-regulating element for temperature regulation.

5. The energy-saving temperature control system for artificial feed silkworm rearing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microelectrode array of the sensing and feedback system is used to monitor the moisture content of the feed in real time, and its calculation formula is as follows: ;in Indicates the moisture content of the feed. The measured impedance value.

6. The energy-saving temperature control system and method for artificial feed silkworm rearing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The metabolic heat flux monitoring system calculates the metabolic heat flux generated by the silkworm colony using a temperature difference sensor array. The calculation formula is as follows: ;in For metabolic heat flow, For the temperature of the incubation substrate, For ambient temperature, This refers to the sensitivity of the sensor.

7. The energy-saving temperature control system for artificial feed silkworm rearing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature sensor and the microelectrode array are arranged in parallel on the breeding substrate to obtain the temperature of the breeding substrate in real time. and feed moisture content The data is then transmitted to the computing module to adjust the working status of the microfluidic thermal circulation unit in real time.

8. The energy-saving temperature control system for artificial feed silkworm rearing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The micropump is controlled by a computing module to turn on and off, specifically including: when the feed moisture content monitored by the microelectrode array... Below the preset lower limit The micro pump turns on when the feed moisture content is... Higher than the preset upper limit The micro pump shuts off at that time.

9. The energy-saving temperature control system for artificial feed silkworm rearing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The system further includes a user interface connected to the computing module, which allows users to view the monitoring data.

10. An energy-saving temperature control method for silkworm rearing with artificial feed, the energy-saving temperature control system for silkworm rearing with artificial feed according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: a. Start the feeding substrate and monitor the temperature of the feeding substrate and the moisture content of the feed in real time; b. Dynamically adjust the liquid flow rate of the microfluidic thermal circulation unit according to the monitored moisture content of the feed; c. Adjust temperature and humidity in real time according to metabolic heat flow and feeding needs.

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