Device for cultivating and harvesting algae

Abstract

Device (1) for cultivating and harvesting algae, comprising a plurality of ropes (2), wherein at least one section of the sheath surface of each rope (2) is provided as a cultivation area for the algae, a water basin (3) as a breeding station for the algae, a harvesting device (4) for removing the algae from the ropes (2), and a winding device (5) for winding the ropes (2) onto the winding device (5) and a winding device (6) for unwinding the ropes (2) from the winding device (5), wherein each rope (2) is attached at a first end to the winding device (5) and at a second end opposite the first end to the winding device (6), wherein the ropes (2) are tensioned between the winding device (5) and the winding device (6), wherein the ropes (2) are guided through the harvesting device (4) or adjacent to the harvesting device (4) in the area of ​​the winding device (5), wherein the winding device (5) and the unwinding device (6) are opposite each other and the water basin (3) is arranged between the winding device (5) and the unwinding device (6), wherein a section of the ropes (2) is guided through the water basin (3) in a cultivation state, wherein the ropes (2) are guided or can be guided through the harvesting device (4) for harvesting the algae by means of the first winding device (5), and wherein the ropes (2) are unwound or can be unwound from the winding device (5) for providing the cultivation state by means of the unwinding device (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for cultivating and harvesting algae.

[0002] Algae and their components can be used for a variety of purposes. Therefore, there is a need for devices that enable the efficient harvesting of algae.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of providing a new device for cultivating and harvesting algae. In particular, a device is to be proposed by means of which algae can be both cultivated and harvested.

[0004] This problem is solved by a device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0005] The device according to the invention for cultivating and harvesting algae comprises a plurality of ropes, wherein at least one section of the outer surface of each rope is provided as a cultivation area for the algae, a water basin as a cultivation station for the algae, a harvesting device for removing the algae from the ropes, and a winding device for winding the ropes onto the winding device and an unwinding device for unwinding the ropes from the winding device, wherein each rope is attached at a first end to the winding device and at a second end opposite the first end to the unwinding device, wherein the ropes are tensioned between the winding device and the unwinding device, wherein the ropes are guided through the harvesting device or adjacent to the harvesting device in the area of ​​the winding device.wherein the winding device and the unwinding device are opposite each other and the water basin is arranged between the winding device and the unwinding device, wherein a section of the ropes in a cultivation state is guided through the water basin, wherein the ropes for harvesting the algae are guided or can be guided through the harvesting device by means of the first winding device, and wherein the ropes for providing the cultivation state are unwound or can be unwound from the winding device by means of the unwinding device.

[0006] The term "cultivation state" refers specifically to a condition in which algae are cultivated and / or grow on a section of the rope's outer surface. This section of the rope's outer surface is located, in particular, within the water-filled basin.

[0007] The advantages of the invention lie particularly in the fact that it enables practical and efficient, especially time-efficient, cultivation and harvesting of algae. A further significant advantage of the device is its portability, allowing it to be transported relatively easily to a destination.

[0008] The ropes are preferably movable through the water basin in two opposite directions of pull by means of the winding device and the unwinding device. When the ropes are wound onto the winding device, they move in a first direction of pull, and when the ropes are unwound from the unwinding device, they move in a second direction of pull opposite to the first. The harvesting device is positioned upstream of the winding device in the first direction of pull.

[0009] Preferably, the ropes for unwinding from the winding device can be wound up or are wound up on the unwinding device.

[0010] According to a further development of the invention, the device comprises at least two, in particular four, alignment rollers for each rope, wherein each rope is guided around the corresponding alignment rollers, and wherein the alignment rollers are arranged such that the ropes are arranged in a horizontal plane within the water basin by means of the alignment rollers.

[0011] In particular, the winding device and the unwinding device are arranged vertically at the same height. The water basin and / or the water level in the water basin may be lower than the winding device and / or the unwinding device. Alternatively, the water basin and / or the water level in the water basin may be at least substantially at the same height as the winding device and / or the unwinding device.

[0012] The ropes are preferably pressed downwards into the water basin and / or below the water level of the water-filled basin by means of first alignment rollers, and in particular their arrangement relative to the winding device and / or the unwinding device. One of the first alignment rollers is arranged on the water basin side in the area of ​​the winding device. Another first alignment roller is arranged on the water basin side in the area of ​​the unwinding device. In particular, the ropes are pressed 1 cm to 20 cm, preferably 2 cm to 15 cm, and most preferably 5 cm, below the water level of the water-filled basin.

[0013] Furthermore, it may be provided that two additional alignment rollers are provided for each rope, wherein one of the two additional alignment rollers is arranged between the winding device and the first alignment roller located in its area and higher than the winding device, and the other alignment roller is arranged between the unwinding device and the first alignment roller located in its area and higher than the unwinding device.

[0014] Preferably, the device includes a collecting device, wherein the collecting device is provided for receiving algae removed from the ropes by means of the harvesting device.

[0015] Furthermore, it may be provided that the collecting device is arranged in an area below the harvesting device, wherein the collecting device is designed as a pull-out drawer.

[0016] The drawer's extension direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the water basin, particularly in the horizontal plane. The drawer's base features a perforated metal sheet to allow water to drain away.

[0017] The device may include an irrigation device, wherein the irrigation device is intended for filling the water basin with water.

[0018] Furthermore, the irrigation device may include a collection container for flooding the water basin, wherein the collection container has a tilting mechanism, and wherein the collection container can be tilted or is tiltable by means of the tilting mechanism from a first state in which the collection container is filled or can be filled with water, into a second state in which water flows from the collection container into the water basin or floods the water basin.

[0019] The collection container can be designed as a tub. The tipping mechanism preferably comprises a tipping joint and a counterweight to the collection container. The counterweight can comprise one or more individual weights.

[0020] The device comprises, in particular, at least one splash guard element, wherein the splash guard element is arranged in the area of ​​the collection tank. The splash guard element is, for example, designed as a sheet metal plate arranged laterally on the water basin. Particularly preferably, two splash guard elements are provided, which are arranged in the area of ​​the collection tank on two opposing walls of the water basin. In particular, the at least one splash guard element extends in height above the height of the water basin.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the irrigation device comprises a piping system, in particular a pipe system, wherein the piping system has an inlet and an outlet, wherein water can be filled from the inlet into the collection tank by means of the piping system, and wherein water can be removed from the water basin by means of the outlet.

[0022] In particular, the piping system forms a water circuit. The collection tank is specifically part of the piping system and / or the water circuit. One or more water tanks may be provided as intermediate storage within the piping system. The water tank(s) are preferably located below the water basin. Furthermore, the irrigation device may also include a pump, in particular a submersible pump, for pumping water through the piping system.

[0023] Furthermore, the device may include at least one rope tensioner for each rope. The rope tensioners are arranged on the respective rope, particularly in the area of ​​the water basin. The ropes preferably have at least twice the length of the water basin.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the winding device and / or the unwinding device are each designed as a rotatable shaft, wherein the ropes, when wound onto the winding device and / or unwinding device, are wound around the shaft's outer surface or in designated rope guides or rope guide channels. The shaft has, in particular, a clamping device for each rope for securing the respective rope end to the shaft. Preferably, the winding device and / or the unwinding device each include a drive motor for rotating the respective shaft. In operation, the winding device and / or the unwinding device rotate in opposite directions.

[0025] According to a further development of the invention, the harvesting device has at least one harvesting unit per rope, wherein each rope is guided through and / or adjacent to each harvesting unit, wherein each harvesting unit has at least one stripping device, wherein each stripping device particularly at least partially encompasses the corresponding rope, wherein the stripping device is located so close to or in contact with the rope that algae located on the rope are stripped off by means of the stripping device when the rope is guided through the harvesting unit, wherein the rope is guided or can be guided through the harvesting device particularly during winding on the winding device.

[0026] Each harvesting unit of the harvesting device may comprise two stripping devices, in particular one arranged above the cable and one arranged below the cable, the stripping devices preferably being offset from each other in the direction of pull. It may also be provided that a filter grid is arranged below the harvesting device.

[0027] Preferably, the device comprises a housing, wherein the housing is designed as a container or of container construction. The container may have, in particular, height-adjustable feet. Furthermore, the container may have one or more access doors for operating personnel. Additionally, one or more windows may be provided on the exterior surfaces of the container. The container may also have lashing and / or lifting lugs, particularly on the top of the container. Furthermore, air intake and / or exhaust grilles may be provided on the exterior surfaces of the container. The container may be transported on a truck trailer or be transportable by trailer.

[0028] The device may include lamps, in particular UV lamps, for irradiating the algae with light, in particular UV light.

[0029] Furthermore, the device may be provided with one or more sensors for measuring the air temperature, humidity and / or CO2 content of the air, in particular in the container, and / or one or more sensors for measuring light, in particular the light intensity in the container, and / or one or more sensors for measuring the chemical and / or biological oxygen demand and / or one or more sensors for measuring the water temperature and pH value of water in the water basin, and in particular the flow rate of the water in the piping system.

[0030] The device may include a control cabinet for controlling the electrical and / or electronic components of the device. The device may also include one or more blowers, for example fans, particularly within the container.

[0031] The invention is further explained below with regard to its features and advantages by means of a description of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. These show Fig. 1 An embodiment of a device according to the invention in a schematic, three-dimensional representation, Fig. 2 an embodiment of a device according to the invention in a schematic side view, Fig. 3 an embodiment of a device according to the invention in a schematic side view, Fig. 4 the harvesting device of an embodiment of a device according to the invention in a schematic, three-dimensional representation, Fig. 5 the housing designed as a container of an embodiment of a device according to the invention in a schematic, three-dimensional representation,

[0032] Corresponding parts and components are marked with the same reference symbols in the figures.

[0033] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a device 1 according to the invention for cultivating and harvesting algae. The device 1 comprises a plurality of ropes 2, wherein at least one section of the outer surface of each rope 2 is provided as a cultivation area for the algae. The device 1 further comprises a water basin 3 as a cultivation station for the algae and a harvesting device 4 for removing the algae from the ropes 2.

[0034] Furthermore, the device 1 comprises a winding device 5 for winding the ropes 2 onto the winding device 5 and an unwinding device 6 for unwinding the ropes 2 from the winding device 5, wherein each rope 2 is attached at a first end to the winding device 5 and at a second end opposite the first end to the unwinding device 6, the ropes 2 being tensioned between the winding device 5 and the unwinding device 6. The ropes 2 are also guided through the harvesting device 4 or adjacent to the harvesting device 4 in the area of ​​the winding device 5.

[0035] The winding device 5 and the unwinding device 6 are positioned opposite each other, and the water basin 3 is located between them. A section of the ropes 2 is guided through the water basin 3 in a cultivation state. "Cultivation state" refers to the condition in which algae are cultivated and / or grow on a section of the ropes' outer surface. This section is the portion of the ropes' outer surface that lies within the water-filled water basin 3.

[0036] To harvest the algae, the ropes 2 are guided through the harvesting device 4 by being wound up by the first winding device 5. To prepare the cultivation state or to restore the cultivation state after harvesting, the ropes are unwound again from the winding device 5 by means of the unwinding device 6.

[0037] To unwind the ropes 2 from the winding device 5, they are wound onto the unwinding device 6. For this purpose, the ropes 2 can be moved through the water basin 3 in two opposite directions of pull by means of the winding device 5 and the unwinding device 6. When the ropes 2 are wound onto the winding device 5, they move in a first direction of pull Z1, and when the ropes are unwound from the unwinding device 6, they move in a second, opposite direction of pull Z2. The harvesting device 4 is positioned upstream of the winding device 5 in the first direction of pull Z1.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 shows that the device 1 comprises four alignment rollers 7a, 7b for each rope 2, wherein each rope is guided around the corresponding alignment rollers 7a, 7b, and wherein the alignment rollers 7a, 7b are arranged such that the ropes 2 are arranged in a horizontal plane within the water basin 3 by means of the alignment rollers 7a, 7b and are pressed below the water level of the water-filled water basin 3.

[0039] The winding device 5 and the unwinding device 6 are designed according to the exemplary embodiment shown. Fig. The ropes 2 are arranged vertically at the same height. The ropes 2 are pressed downwards into the water basin 3 and below the water level of the water-filled basin 3 by means of first alignment rollers 7a and their arrangement relative to the winding device 5 and the unwinding device 6. One of the first alignment rollers 7a is arranged on the water basin side in the area of ​​the winding device 5. Another first alignment roller 7a is arranged on the water basin side in the area of ​​the unwinding device 6. The ropes 2 are preferably pressed 5 cm below the water level of the water-filled basin 3.

[0040] Furthermore, two additional alignment rollers 7b are provided for each rope 2, one of which is located between the winding device 5 and the first alignment roller 7a located within its area, and higher than the winding device 5. The other alignment roller 7b is located between the unwinding device 6 and the first alignment roller 7a located within its area, and higher than the unwinding device 6.

[0041] The device 1 comprises a rope tensioner 18 for each rope 2 for tensioning the respective rope 2. The rope tensioners 18 are arranged on the respective rope 2 in the area of ​​the water basin 3.

[0042] The winding device 5 and the unwinding device 6 are each designed as rotatable shafts, with the ropes 2 being wound around the outer surface and / or in designated rope guides or rope guide channels of the respective shaft when wound onto the winding device 5 or the unwinding device 6, respectively. The shaft of the winding device 5 and the shaft of the unwinding device 6 each have a clamping device for securing the respective rope end of the rope 2 to the respective shaft. The winding device 5 and the unwinding device 6 each include a drive motor for rotating the respective shaft, with the winding device 5 and the unwinding device 6 having opposite directions of rotation during operation. The ropes 2 are each substantially twice as long as the longitudinal extent of the water basin 3.

[0043] The rope 2 is guided through the harvesting device 4 during winding up at the winding device 5. Fig. Figure 4 shows the harvesting device 4, which has a harvesting unit 19 for each rope 2, wherein each rope 2 is guided through and / or adjacent to each harvesting unit 19, wherein each harvesting unit 19 has two stripping devices 20, each stripping device 20 partially encircling the corresponding rope 2, wherein the stripping devices 20 are positioned so close to or in contact with the rope 2 that algae on the rope are stripped by the stripping device 20 as the rope 2 is guided through the harvesting unit 4. One stripping device 20 is arranged above the rope 2 and another stripping device 20 is arranged below the rope 2. The two stripping devices 20 are offset from each other in the direction of pull Z1, Z2. A filter grid is arranged below the harvesting device 4.

[0044] How Fig. Figure 1 shows that the device 1 comprises a collecting device 8, the collecting device 8 being designed to receive algae removed from the ropes 2 by means of the harvesting device 4. When the algae are removed from the ropes by means of the harvesting device 4, the algae fall into the collecting device 8.

[0045] This is arranged in an area below the harvesting device 4, with the collecting device 8 being designed as a pull-out drawer. The pull-out direction of the drawer is horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the water basin 3. The drawer has a perforated plate on its bottom surface so that water can drip out or be drained away from the drawer.

[0046] The device further comprises a Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 3 shows an irrigation device 9, wherein the irrigation device 9 is designed to fill the water basin 3 with water. For this purpose, the irrigation device 9 has a collection container 10 for flooding the water basin 3. The collection container 10 has a tilting mechanism 11, wherein the collection container 10 can be tilted by means of the tilting mechanism 11 from a first state in which the collection container 10 is being filled or can be filled, to a second state in which water flows from the collection container 10 into the water basin 3. The collection container 10 is designed as a trough. The tilting mechanism 11 comprises a tilting joint 12 and a counterweight 13 for the collection container 10. The counterweight comprises several individual weights. The counterweight corresponds to the quantity of water intended for flooding the water basin.

[0047] The device 1 also includes two splash guard elements (not shown in the figures) arranged in the area of ​​the collection container 10. The splash guard elements are each designed as sheet metal and are positioned on two opposing walls of the water basin 3 in the area of ​​the collection container 10. The splash guard elements extend above the height of the water basin 3, thus preventing water from splashing laterally out of the water basin when filling it with water via the collection container 10.

[0048] How Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the irrigation device 9 comprises a piping system 14, which has an inlet 15 and an outlet. Water can be drawn from the inlet 15 into the collection tank 10 via the piping system 14, and water can be removed from the water basin 3 via the outlet. The piping system 14 forms a water circuit, with the collection tank 10 being part of this circuit. Furthermore, two water tanks 16 are provided as intermediate storage in the piping system 14. The water tanks 16 are located below the water basin 3. The irrigation device 9 also includes a pump 17, in particular a submersible pump, for pumping water through the piping system 14.

[0049] Fig. Figure 5 shows that the device 1 has a housing, the housing being designed as a container 21 or in container construction. The container 21 has height-adjustable feet 22. Furthermore, the container 21 has one or more access doors 23 for operating personnel. Several windows 24 are also provided on the outer surfaces of the container 21. The container 21 also includes lashing and / or lifting lugs 25 on or in the area of ​​the container top. In addition, air intake and / or exhaust grilles 26 are provided on the outer surfaces of the container 21. The container 21 can be transported on a truck trailer or be transportable on a truck trailer.

[0050] Fig.Figure 3 shows that the device 1 has UV lamps 27 for irradiating the algae with UV light. The device 1 also has a control cabinet 29 for controlling the electrical and / or electronic components of the device 1. Furthermore, blowers 30, for example fans, are arranged inside the container 21.

[0051] The device 1 further comprises several sensors 28, wherein the sensors 28 are provided for measuring the air temperature, humidity and CO2 content of the air in the container, the light intensity in the container, the chemical and / or biological oxygen demand, the water temperature and pH value of water in the water basin 3 and the flow rate of water in the piping system 14. Reference symbol list 1 Device 2 ropes 3 water basins 4 Harvesting device 5 winding device 6. Roll-off device 7a Alignment roll 7b Alignment roll 8 Containment device 9 Irrigation device 10 collection containers 11 Tilting mechanism 12 Tilting joint 13 Counterweight 14 Pipeline system 15 inflows 16 Water tank 17 Pump 18 rope tensioners 19 harvest units 20 Scraper device 21 containers 22 Stand 23 Entrance door 24 windows 25 Lashing and / or lever straps 26 Inlet and / or exhaust air grilles 27 Lamp 28 Sensor 29 Control cabinet 30 blowers Z1 first direction of travel Z2 second direction of travel

Claims

[1] Device (1) for cultivating and harvesting algae, comprising a plurality of ropes (2), wherein at least one section of the sheath surface of each rope (2) is provided as a cultivation area for the algae, a water basin (3) as a breeding station for the algae, a harvesting device (4) for removing the algae from the ropes (2), and a winding device (5) for winding the ropes (2) onto the winding device (5) and a winding device (6) for unwinding the ropes (2) from the winding device (5), wherein each rope (2) is attached at a first end to the winding device (5) and at a second end opposite the first end to the winding device (6), wherein the ropes (2) are tensioned between the winding device (5) and the winding device (6), wherein the ropes (2) are guided through the harvesting device (4) or adjacent to the harvesting device (4) in the area of ​​the winding device (5), wherein the winding device (5) and the unwinding device (6) are opposite each other and the water basin (3) is arranged between the winding device (5) and the unwinding device (6), wherein a section of the ropes (2) is guided through the water basin (3) in a cultivation state, wherein the ropes (2) are guided or can be guided through the harvesting device (4) for harvesting the algae by means of the first winding device (5), and wherein the ropes (2) are unwound or can be unwound from the winding device (5) for providing the cultivation state by means of the unwinding device (6). [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the ropes (2) can be wound up or wound up on the unwinding device (6) for unwinding from the winding device (5). [3] Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the device (1) comprises at least two alignment rollers (7a, 7b) for each rope (2), wherein each rope is guided around the corresponding alignment rollers (7a, 7b), and wherein the alignment rollers (7a, 7b) are arranged such that the ropes (2) are arranged in a horizontal plane within the water basin (3) by means of the alignment rollers (7a, 7b). [4] Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the device (1) comprises a collecting device (8), wherein the collecting device (8) is provided for receiving algae removed from the ropes (2) by means of the harvesting device (4). [5] Device (1) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the collecting device (8) is arranged in an area below the harvesting device (4), wherein the collecting device (8) is designed as a pull-out drawer. [6] Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the device comprises an irrigation device (9), wherein the irrigation device (9) is provided for filling the water basin (3) with water. [7] Device (1) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the irrigation device (9) has a collection container (10) for flooding the water basin (3), wherein the collection container (10) has a tilting mechanism (11), wherein the collection container (10) can be tilted or is tiltable by means of the tilting mechanism (11) from a first state in which the collection container (10) is filled or can be filled with water, into a second state in which water flows from the collection container (10) into the water basin (3) or floods the water basin (3). [8] Device (1) according to claim 7, characterized by, that the irrigation device (9) comprises a piping system (14) wherein the piping system (14) has an inlet (15) and an outlet, wherein water can be filled from the inlet into the collection tank (10) by means of the piping system (14), and wherein water can be removed from the water basin (3) by means of the outlet. [9] Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the device (1) comprises at least one rope tensioner (18) for each rope (2) for tensioning the respective rope (2). [10] Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the winding device (5) and / or the unwinding device (6) are each designed as a rotatable shaft, wherein the ropes (2) are wound around the outer surface or in provided rope guides or rope guide channels of the respective shaft when wound on the winding device (5) and / or unwinding device (6). [11] Device (1) according to claim 10, characterized by , that the winding device (5) and / or the unwinding device (6) each comprise a drive motor for rotating the respective shaft. [12] Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the harvesting device (4) has at least one harvesting unit (19) per rope (2), wherein each rope (2) is guided through each harvesting unit (19) and / or adjacent to the harvesting unit (19), wherein each harvesting unit (19) has at least one stripping device (20), wherein the stripping device (20) is located so close to the rope (2) or in contact with the rope (2) that algae located on the rope are stripped off by means of the stripping device (20) when the rope (2) is guided through the harvesting unit (4). [13] Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device (1) has a housing, wherein the housing is designed as a container (21) or in container construction. [14] Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the device (1) has lamps (27) for irradiating the algae with light. [15] Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the device (1) has one or more sensors (28) for measuring the air temperature, humidity and / or CO2 content of the air and / or one or more sensors (28) for measuring light and / or one or more sensors (28) for measuring chemical and / or biological oxygen demand and / or one or more sensors (28) for measuring the water temperature and pH value of water in the water basin.

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