Ecological restoration device for three-dimensional latticed marine ranch

Abstract

The invention discloses an ecological restoration device for a three-dimensional latticed marine ranch, which belongs to the technical field of marine ecological engineering and comprises a net cage frame, a biological filtration module, a nutrient solution supply module and a plurality of sensor systems. The biological filtration module consists of an algae agglutination unit and a shellfish filtering unit and is used for purifying water. A tension sensor and a fiber grating sensor array are arranged on the net cage frame, structural stress changes can be monitored in real time, the damaged position of the netting can be accurately positioned, if damage is detected, the system releases humic liquid through a micro valve, plankton and small fishes are attracted to gather, algae and microorganisms are promoted to adhere and grow at the damaged position, and a biological barrier is formed; the self-repairing of the netting is realized. In addition, the device integrates functions of shellfish behavior monitoring, netting cleaning, pH adjusting and the like, so that the ecological restoration efficiency and the system reliability are improved, and the device is suitable for ecological maintenance and culture management of marine ranches.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of marine ecological engineering technology, specifically relating to an ecological restoration device for a three-dimensional grid-like marine ranch. Background Technology

[0002] With the decline of marine fishery resources and increasing pressure on nearshore environments, marine ranching, as a modern production method integrating fishery enhancement and ecological restoration, is becoming increasingly important. However, in practice, traditional marine ranching facilities, especially cage systems, face a series of technical challenges. First, the nets are prone to damage in the long-term complex marine environment, and traditional monitoring methods struggle to detect and pinpoint the damage early, leading to the escape of farmed fish and economic losses. Second, existing restoration methods mainly rely on manual diving operations, which are inefficient, costly, and risky, and cannot achieve rapid response. Furthermore, traditional water quality monitoring largely depends on chemical index analysis, which cannot reflect the ecological function and biological activity of water bodies in real time and directly, resulting in a lag in assessing the health status of the ecosystem. Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a three-dimensional marine ranching device that integrates intelligent monitoring, autonomous restoration, and ecological function assessment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an ecological restoration device for a three-dimensional grid-like marine ranch. This device uses intelligent sensors to monitor netting damage in real time and utilizes a biological induction mechanism to achieve autonomous netting repair and ecosystem maintenance, thereby improving the reliability and ecological sustainability of marine ranch operations.

[0004] This invention employs the following technical solution: an ecological restoration device for a three-dimensional grid-like marine ranch, comprising a net cage frame, within which a biological filtration module is installed. The biological filtration module includes an algae aggregation unit and a shellfish filter-feeding unit. At least two tension sensors are fixed on the net cage frame to monitor tension changes and transmit the tension signals to a controller. The net cage frame is connected to a nutrient solution supply module, the outlet of which is equipped with at least two micro-valves. When the netting is damaged, the hemodynamics of the affected area change, and the tension sensors around the damaged point detect abnormal vibration signals at a specific frequency. By using multiple tension sensors, the controller can not only identify whether the netting is damaged but also accurately locate the damaged area. The opening state of the micro-valve is controlled by the controller, which is configured to: receive and process the tension signals from the tension sensors, analyze whether the netting is damaged and determine the damaged area, and generate a control command to open the micro-valve corresponding to the damaged area. Once damage is confirmed, the system instructs the micro-valve near the damaged point to open, and the nutrient solution supply module slowly releases humic liquid. The concentrated release of humic liquid will attract small fish and plankton to feed, greatly reducing the willingness of farmed fish to escape from the net cage frame through the hole. It can also attract and promote the attachment and growth of algae and marine microorganisms on the damaged net, forming a "biological barrier" and realizing the autonomous biological repair of the net.

[0005] Specifically, the shellfish filter-feeding unit includes a suspension structure for suspending filter-feeding shellfish. At least one accelerometer is fixed to the suspension structure to monitor the mechanical vibrations generated by the filter-feeding shellfish's activity. Shellfish (such as oysters and mussels) rhythmically open and close their shells and eject water during filter feeding. This microscopic activity generates continuous, minute dynamic loads on the structures to which they are attached. Using a highly sensitive accelerometer and a trained model, this "biopulse" signal, representing healthy filter-feeding activity in shellfish, can be extracted from background noise. When water is polluted, shellfish reduce their filter-feeding activity as a self-protective mechanism, and the "biopulse" signal weakens or disappears, allowing the system to provide early warning of water quality deterioration. Specifically, the shellfish filter-feeding unit also includes a signal processing unit, which is communicatively connected to an accelerometer and configured to: pass the raw vibration signal collected by the accelerometer through a bandpass filter to suppress low-frequency water flow fluctuations and high-frequency environmental noise; perform time-frequency analysis on the filtered signal to identify and extract periodic pulse signals with frequencies ranging from 10Hz to 200Hz; and identify the periodic pulse signals as originating from the filter-feeding activity of shellfish. This technical solution aims to overcome the limitations of traditional water quality monitoring methods.

[0006] Specifically, the shellfish filter-feeding unit also includes a reference accelerometer, which is fixed to a rigid part of the cage frame where no shellfish are attached, and is located in the same water flow environment as the suspended structure. The signal processing unit is further configured to: extract the unique vibration component generated by shellfish activity by comparing and analyzing the signals from the accelerometer and the reference accelerometer, and subtracting the common water flow background noise from the mixed signal.

[0007] Specifically, the algae aggregation unit contains suspended microalgae for aggregating pollutants to form algae microparticles, and the shellfish filter-feeding unit contains two shellfish for filtering algae microparticles.

[0008] Specifically, the nutrient solution supply module is connected to the algae coagulation unit and is used to add humic solution.

[0009] Specifically, it also includes a water quality monitoring sensor that communicates with the controller to monitor at least one parameter among nutrients, chlorophyll a, and suspended particulate matter concentrations in the water. Specifically, it also includes a pH adjustment tank containing an alkaline regulator.

[0010] Specifically, a buoy is connected to the top of the cage frame, and connectors are installed at the nodes of the cage frame. At least two connectors are equipped with fiber Bragg grating sensor arrays for real-time monitoring of the stress state of the grid nodes and transmitting the signals to the controller. Traditional sensors can only provide discrete, isolated force data points. However, this design, by deploying sensor arrays at the nodes of the three-dimensional grid, can capture and calculate the three-dimensional spatial force vector in real time. When the three-dimensional force data of the nodes converges to the controller, the system can reconstruct a three-dimensional dynamic stress cloud map of the entire three-dimensional grid in a complex marine environment. This invention uses a fiber Bragg grating sensor array, which can connect all node sensors in series with a single optical cable, simplifying the wiring and greatly reducing installation complexity and cost. Furthermore, due to its resistance to electromagnetic interference and corrosion, it improves the long-term reliability of the sensor system in harsh marine environments.

[0011] Specifically, it also includes a netting cleaning module, which comprises at least one cleaning unit movable along the net cage frame. The netting cleaning module is configured to prioritize cleaning bio-attachments in stress concentration areas. In the default mode, the controller controls the cleaning unit to clean the netting according to a preset cycle to inhibit excessive bio-attachment. When the tension sensor detects and locates a tear in the netting, the controller immediately updates the cleaning strategy: instructing the cleaning unit to actively avoid the located damaged area for at least the next three cleaning cycles, providing undisturbed growth time for the nutrient-rich "biological barrier." The cleaning unit is a high-pressure water jet unit or a brushing unit. The controller is further configured to: during the active avoidance period, if the tension sensor detects that the "biological barrier" in the damaged area has formed a stable structure—characterized by the tension vibration signal amplitude dropping to a safe threshold and the frequency characteristics returning to normal—the avoidance command is automatically released, and cleaning of the entire netting resumes. If no stable structure is detected after a preset time limit, the nutrient solution supply module is controlled to perform a second quantitative addition to the damaged area.

[0012] Specifically, a fish farming area is set up within the net cage frame, and a variable flow field generator is installed within the fish farming area. The effect of the variable flow field generator is to: enhance water flow to improve the feeding efficiency of shellfish during peak filter feeding periods; break up water stratification through artificial flow fields, evenly distribute dissolved oxygen, and simulate natural ocean current environments to reduce stress responses in farmed fish and promote their healthy growth.

[0013] The core advantages of this invention are as follows: First, by deploying tension sensors and fiber optic grating sensor arrays on the net cage frame, the system can capture abnormal vibrations and stress changes caused by net damage in real time and accurately locate the damage position, overcoming the shortcomings of traditional manual inspections, which are characterized by low efficiency and slow response. After identifying the damage, the system releases humic liquid through a nutrient solution supply module, attracting plankton and algae to gather and grow at the damaged site, gradually forming a "biological barrier," achieving in-situ, autonomous repair of the net, and significantly reducing the risk of fish escape and maintenance costs. Second, this invention is a real-time biological monitoring system based on shellfish filter feeding behavior. By continuously collecting and analyzing real-time data streams of shellfish behavior, the system enables... This invention enables continuous tracking of the dynamic operation of the ecosystem and direct assessment of water purification efficiency and overall health based on the filter-feeding behavior of shellfish. This allows for more timely and direct monitoring of aquatic ecological functions, overcoming the limitations of traditional water quality monitoring methods. Traditional methods primarily rely on monitoring environmental parameters, reflecting only chemical or physical indicators and failing to directly assess the ecological functions of water bodies. Furthermore, they are typically only detected after pollutants accumulate to a certain concentration and impact the water. Many biological monitoring methods (such as periodically collecting water samples for biotoxicity testing) are discrete monitoring methods, unable to achieve continuous tracking, thus failing to capture instantaneous changes in water quality or periodic pollution events. Superior to existing technologies, this invention integrates multifunctional modules such as stress monitoring, biological filtration, cleaning avoidance, and flow field regulation, and achieves coordinated control and strategy optimization under the collaboration of a controller. This significantly enhances the structural safety and ecological sustainability of marine ranches in complex marine environments. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an ecological restoration device for a three-dimensional grid-shaped marine ranch according to the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the nutrient solution supply module layout of the ecological restoration device described in Example 1.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the fiber Bragg grating sensor array of the ecological restoration device described in Example 1.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the mesh cleaning module of the ecological restoration device described in Example 1.

[0019] Figure descriptions: 1-Net cage frame; 11-Tension sensor; 12-Fiber Bragg grating sensor array; 2-Biofiltration module; 21-Algae aggregation unit; 22-Shellfish filter feeding unit; 221-Suspension structure; 222-Acceleration sensor; 223-Reference acceleration sensor; 3-Nutrient solution supply module; 31-Miniature valve; 4-Water quality monitoring sensor; 5-Controller; 6-pH adjustment tank; 7-Net cleaning module; 71-Cleaning unit; 8-Fish farming area; 81-Variable flow field generator; 9-Float. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] The concepts involved in this application will first be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following descriptions of various concepts are only for the purpose of making the content of this application easier to understand and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application; furthermore, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other unless otherwise specified. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0022] Example 1 See Figure 1 and Figure 2An ecological restoration device for a three-dimensional grid-like marine ranch includes a net cage frame 1. A biological filtration module 2 is installed within the net cage frame 1, comprising an algae aggregation unit 21 and a shellfish filter-feeding unit 22. At least two tension sensors 11 are fixed on the net cage frame 1 to monitor tension changes and transmit tension signals to a controller 5. The net cage frame 1 is connected to a nutrient solution supply module 3, whose outlet is equipped with at least two micro-valves 31. When the netting is damaged, the hemodynamics of the affected area change, and the tension sensors 11 around the damaged point detect abnormal vibration signals at a specific frequency. By employing multiple tension sensors 11, the controller 5 can not only identify whether the netting is damaged but also accurately locate the damaged area. The opening state of the micro-valves 31 is controlled by the controller 5, which is configured to: receive and process the tension signals from the tension sensors 11, analyze whether the netting is damaged and determine the damaged area, and generate a control command to open the micro-valves 31 corresponding to the damaged area. Once the damage is confirmed, the system instructs the micro valve 31 near the damage point to open, and the nutrient solution supply module 3 slowly releases humic liquid. The concentrated release of humic liquid will attract small fish and plankton to feed, greatly reducing the willingness of farmed fish to escape from the net cage frame 1 through the hole. It can also attract and promote algae and marine microorganisms to attach and grow on the damaged net, forming a "biological barrier" and realizing the autonomous biological repair of the net.

[0023] Specifically, the shellfish filter-feeding unit 22 includes a suspension structure 221 for suspending filter-feeding shellfish. At least one accelerometer 222 is fixed to the suspension structure 221 to monitor the mechanical vibrations generated by the filter-feeding shellfish's activity. Shellfish (such as oysters and mussels) regularly open and close their shells and eject water during filter feeding. This microscopic activity generates continuous, small-amplitude dynamic loads on the structures to which they are attached. Using the highly sensitive accelerometer 222 and a trained model, this "biopulse" signal, representing healthy filter-feeding activity in shellfish, can be extracted from background noise. When water is polluted, shellfish reduce their filter-feeding activity to protect themselves, and the "biopulse" signal weakens or disappears, allowing the system to provide early warning of water quality deterioration. Specifically, the shellfish filter-feeding unit 22 also includes a signal processing unit, which is communicatively connected to the accelerometer 222 and configured to: pass the raw vibration signal collected by the accelerometer 222 through a bandpass filter to suppress low-frequency water flow fluctuations and high-frequency environmental noise; perform time-frequency analysis on the filtered signal to identify and extract periodic pulse signals with frequencies in the range of 10Hz to 200Hz; and identify the periodic pulse signals as originating from the filter-feeding activity of shellfish. This technical solution aims to overcome the limitations of traditional water quality monitoring methods.

[0024] Specifically, the shellfish filter-feeding unit 22 further includes a reference accelerometer 223, which is fixed to a rigid part of the net cage frame 1 where no shellfish are attached, and is located in the same water flow environment as the suspension structure 221. The signal processing unit is further configured to: extract the unique vibration component generated by shellfish activity by comparing and analyzing the signals of the accelerometer 222 and the reference accelerometer 223, and subtracting the common water flow background noise from the mixed signal.

[0025] Specifically, the algae agglomeration unit 21 contains suspended microalgae for agglomerating pollutants to form algae microparticles, and the shellfish filter-feeding unit 22 contains two shellfish for filtering the algae microparticles.

[0026] Specifically, the nutrient solution supply module 3 is connected to the algae agglomeration unit 21 and is used to add humic solution.

[0027] Specifically, it also includes a water quality monitoring sensor 4 that is communicatively connected to the controller 5, for monitoring at least one parameter among nutrients, chlorophyll a, and suspended particulate matter concentration in the water.

[0028] Specifically, it also includes a pH adjusting tank 6, which stores an alkaline regulator.

[0029] See Figure 3 Specifically, a float 9 is connected above the cage frame 1, and connectors are provided at the nodes of the cage frame 1. At least two connectors are equipped with fiber Bragg grating sensor arrays 12 for real-time monitoring of the stress state of the grid nodes and transmitting the signals to the controller 5. Traditional sensors can only provide discrete, isolated force data points. This design, by deploying sensor arrays at the nodes of the three-dimensional grid, can capture and calculate the three-dimensional spatial force vector in real time. When the three-dimensional force data from the nodes converges to the controller 5, the system can reconstruct a three-dimensional dynamic stress cloud map of the entire three-dimensional grid in a complex marine environment. This invention uses a fiber Bragg grating sensor array 12, which connects all node sensors in series with a single optical cable, simplifying the wiring and greatly reducing installation complexity and cost. Furthermore, its resistance to electromagnetic interference and corrosion enhances the long-term reliability of the sensor system in harsh marine environments.

[0030] See Figure 4Specifically, it also includes a mesh cleaning module 7, which includes at least one cleaning unit 71 movable along the mesh frame 1. The mesh cleaning module 7 is configured to prioritize cleaning bio-attachments in stress concentration areas. In the default mode, the controller 5 controls the cleaning unit 71 to clean the mesh at a preset cycle to inhibit excessive bio-attachment. When the tension sensor 11 detects and locates mesh damage, the controller 5 immediately updates the cleaning strategy: instructs the cleaning unit 71 to actively avoid the located damaged area in at least the next three cleaning cycles, providing undisturbed growth time for the nutrient-rich "biological barrier". The cleaning unit 71 is a high-pressure water jet unit or a brushing unit; the controller 5 is further configured to: during the active avoidance period, if the tension sensor 11 detects that the "biological barrier" of the damaged area has formed a stable structure - characterized by the amplitude of the tension vibration signal dropping to a safe threshold and the frequency characteristics returning to normal, then the avoidance command is automatically released and the cleaning of the entire mesh fabric is resumed; if a stable structure is not detected after a preset time limit, then the nutrient solution supply module 3 is controlled to perform a second quantitative addition to the damaged area.

[0031] Specifically, the net cage frame 1 is equipped with a fish farming area 8, and the fish farming area 81 is equipped with a variable flow field generator 9. The effect of the variable flow field generator 9 is to enhance the water flow during the peak period of shellfish filter feeding to improve their feeding efficiency; to break up water stratification through artificial flow field, to evenly distribute dissolved oxygen, and to simulate the natural ocean current environment, thereby reducing the stress response of farmed fish and promoting their healthy growth.

[0032] The embodiments and / or implementation methods described above are merely preferred embodiments and / or implementation methods for implementing the technology of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation methods of the technology of the present invention in any way. Any person skilled in the art may make some modifications to other equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical means disclosed in the content of the present invention, but these should still be regarded as the technology or embodiments that are substantially the same as the present invention.

[0033] This document uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the methods and core ideas of this application. The above descriptions are only preferred embodiments of this application. It should be noted that due to the limitations of written expression, while there are objectively infinite specific structures, those skilled in the art can make several improvements, modifications, or changes without departing from the principles of this application, and can also combine the above technical features in an appropriate manner. These improvements, modifications, changes, or combinations, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, should all be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An ecological restoration device for a three-dimensional grid-like marine ranch, comprising a net cage frame (1), characterized in that, The net cage frame (1) is equipped with a biological filtration module (2), which includes an algae aggregation unit (21) and a shellfish filter feeding unit (22). At least two tension sensors (11) are fixed on the net cage frame (1) to monitor the tension changes of the net cage frame (1) and transmit the tension signal to the controller (5). The net cage frame (1) is connected to a nutrient solution supply module (3), and the outlet of the nutrient solution supply module (3) is equipped with at least two micro valves (31).

2. The ecological restoration device for a three-dimensional grid-like marine ranch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shellfish filter feeding unit (22) includes a suspension structure (221) for suspending filter-feeding shellfish, and at least one acceleration sensor (222) is fixed on the suspension structure (221) for monitoring mechanical vibrations caused by the activity of filter-feeding shellfish.

3. The ecological restoration device for a three-dimensional grid-like marine ranch according to claim 2, characterized in that, The shellfish filter feeding unit (22) also includes a reference acceleration sensor (223), which is fixed to a rigid part of the cage frame (1) where no shellfish are attached, and is located in the same water flow environment as the suspension structure (221).

4. The ecological restoration device for a three-dimensional grid-like marine ranch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The algae agglomeration unit (21) contains suspended microalgae for agglomerating pollutants to form algae microparticles, and the shellfish filter-feeding unit (22) contains two shellfish for filtering the algae microparticles.

5. The ecological restoration device for a three-dimensional grid-like marine ranch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nutrient solution supply module (3) is connected to the algae aggregation unit (21) and is used to add humic solution.

6. The ecological restoration device for a three-dimensional grid-like marine ranch according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a water quality monitoring sensor (4) that is communicatively connected to the controller (5) for monitoring at least one of the following parameters in the water: nutrient salts, chlorophyll a and suspended particulate matter concentration.

7. The ecological restoration device for a three-dimensional grid-like marine ranch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening state of the micro valve (31) is controlled by the controller (5), which is configured to: receive and process the tension signal of the tension sensor (11), analyze whether the mesh is damaged and determine the damaged area, and generate a control command to open the micro valve (31) corresponding to the damaged area.

8. The ecological restoration device for a three-dimensional grid-like marine ranch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cage frame (1) is connected to a float (9) on top. Connectors are provided at the nodes of the cage frame (1). At least two connectors are provided with fiber optic grating sensor arrays (12) for real-time monitoring of the stress state of the grid nodes and transmitting the signal to the controller (5).

9. The ecological restoration device for a three-dimensional grid-like marine ranch according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a mesh cleaning module (7), which includes at least one cleaning unit (71) movable along the mesh frame (1), and the mesh cleaning module (7) is configured to prioritize cleaning bio-attachments in areas of stress concentration.

10. The ecological restoration device for a three-dimensional grid-like marine ranch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cage frame (1) is provided with a fish farming area (8), and the fish farming area (81) is provided with a variable flow field generator (81).

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