Climate zone of an agricultural system

Abstract

The invention relates to a climate zone of an agricultural or livestock farming system. The climate zone comprises a set of boxes stacked in multiple stacks of boxes ((P1…P8), each stack of boxes comprising at least one first face (F1) on which the boxes form openings and at least one second face (F2) on which the boxes form openings so that an air flow can pass through each stack of boxes between the first face and the second face thereof. The first faces of the stacks of boxes are oriented substantially in the same direction and positioned so as to define a straight pathway (5) therebetween. The climate zone comprises an air diffusion device. The air diffusion device is configured so as to diffuse air into the passage (5) only in one or more directions parallel to the first faces (F1) of the stacks of boxes (P1…P8).

Description

[0001] Climatic zone of an agricultural system

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of agriculture in so-called "vertical" installations, such as vertical farms, and relates in particular to the cultivation of plants or fungi or the breeding of animals, in particular the breeding of insects, in such installations.

[0004]

[0002] The present invention is thus applicable to vertical farms, in which plants or fungi are cultivated or animals raised in shelving systems, on several floors. The plants, fungi, or animals develop there in suitable containers, which may in particular take the general form of stackable crates.

[0005]

[0003] Although the invention is applicable to various agricultural installations, the example of insect farming will generally be taken in the remainder of this document to illustrate the present invention.

[0006]

[0004] A particularly relevant application of the invention thus relates to insect breeding workshops, for example a workshop such as that described in the European patent published under the reference EP3282837. The breeding described in this document uses breeding containers (typically crates) which are stacked, in one or more columns, to form elementary breeding units. The elementary breeding units are stored, and, when a breeding operation must be carried out, the containers are brought to a station suitable for carrying out the operation, grouped into elementary breeding units or ungrouped individually.

[0007]

[0005] The insects concerned by the present invention may be, in a non-limiting manner, chosen from the group of Coleoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Neuroptera, Orthoptera, Hymenoptera, Dictyoptera including in particular Blattoptera, including Isoptera, and Mantoptera, Phasmoptera, Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Ephemeroptera, Mecoptera, and mixtures thereof, preferably from the group of Coleoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Neuroptera, Orthoptera and mixtures thereof, more preferably, the insects belong to the group of Coleoptera. Preferably, the Diptera belong to the suborder Brachycera. Preferably, Lepidoptera belong to the suborder Ditrysia, more preferably to the superfamily Pyraloidea.Preferably, the Neuroptera belong to the suborder Hemerobiiformia, in particular to the families Mantispidae, Ithonidae, Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the beetles belong to the infraorder Cucujiformia, in particular to the families Tenebrionidae, Coccinellidae, Cerambycidae, Dryophthoridae, or mixtures thereof. More preferably, the beetles are chosen from Tenebrio molitor, Alphitobius diaperinus, Zophobas morio, Tenebrio obscurus, Tribolium castaneum, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, and mixtures thereof, even more preferably Tenebrio molitor, Alphitobius diaperinus, and mixtures thereof. The insects targeted by the invention therefore preferably belong to the group of beetles and more particularly to the family Tenebrionidae. Preferably, the insects targeted by the invention belong to the species Tenebrio molitor and / or Alphitobius diaperinus.

[0008]

[0006] The term "insect" is used to designate any stage of development from the egg or ootheca to the adult insect, including the larva and the nymph such as the pupa.

[0007] In the type of breeding particularly targeted by the invention, the insects live in an area in which they grow and develop between breeding operations. It is therefore important in this area, called a climatic zone, to ensure environmental conditions favorable to their health, well-being, and rapid growth.

[0009]

[0008] By environmental conditions, reference is made in particular to the air temperature, the humidity, and the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) present in the air.

[0010] STATE OF THE ART

[0011]

[0009] Various systems have been proposed in the context of industrial-scale insect farming, in an attempt to obtain and maintain correctly controlled and homogeneous environmental conditions.

[0012]

[0010] As far as temperature regulation in the breeding workshop is concerned, two main problems arise in a very large-scale breeding operation. On the one hand, insects in large quantities (typically, several tens of tons of insects in a breeding workshop) generate a very significant amount of heat. On the other hand, it is difficult to ensure sufficient temperature homogeneity, particularly due to the vertical nature of the breeding operation.

[0013]

[0011] However, the optimum temperature range for insect growth is generally quite restricted. For example, the mealworm, although it is active between 15°C and 40°C and can survive at a slightly lower or slightly higher temperature, the growth rate of this species is maximum at a temperature around 25°C. Similarly, in areas of farming where maximum insect growth is not sought, but for example egg-laying, a fairly precise temperature must be maintained.

[0014]

[0012] Obtaining such a temperature in a large breeding area in a relatively uniform manner, and maintaining it despite possible temporal and spatial variations, is an important problem.

[0015]

[0013] The same is true for the humidity level in the air. Indeed, although it tolerates a fairly wide range of relative humidity, too low humidity can slow the growth of this insect and too high humidity can encourage the development of fungal diseases.

[0016]

[0014] Document EP3883369 effectively solves this problem by proposing a climatic zone of an insect breeding workshop comprising two sets of ducts for supplying air at distinct temperatures, making it possible to quickly and efficiently regulate the temperature while ensuring adequate air renewal. This document further describes the use of air diffusion ducts extending between the shelves of the workshop, according to an appropriate arrangement. The ducts can be placed vertically between the shelves. They comprise air ejection nozzles, the positioning of which essentially allows a supply of air at a homogeneous temperature, over the entire height of the climatic zone. Their configuration also allows the mixing of the air supplied respectively at the two temperatures. The containers in which the insects are raised have open faces allowing the passage of air.

[0017]

[0015] Document WO2019 / 022596 discloses a method and system for climate control in an insect farm. The farm is organized into stacks of boxes, and at least two ventilation openings are associated with each box. Aeration devices comprising several outlets are positioned adjacent to each stack of boxes, in order to send air through the openings of the boxes. This document discloses an optimized climate control system in that it comprises a database comprising a reference table of conditioned air properties making it possible to apply an appropriate control of the climate system according to at least one air parameter.

[0018]

[0016] Document WO2022 / 119443 discloses an insect rearing system according to which the insects are also reared in boxes which are stacked. These stacks of boxes define an air flow path. In particular, this document proposes that an air inlet duct is provided along a stack of boxes, and comprises a plurality of openings aligned with inlet openings of the boxes in the stack. On an opposite face of the stack of boxes, the boxes form outlet openings. Thus, the system proposed in this document is based on the idea that good ventilation of the contents of the boxes is obtained by blowing air into the boxes directly towards and into the inlet openings they form.

[0019]

[0017] The applicant has nevertheless noted that by proceeding as suggested in document WO2022 / 119443, the air flow through the boxes is not optimal. The air is very significantly slowed down at the inlet of the boxes due to the level of pressure losses at the inlet of the boxes. This results in a low dynamic of air renewal in the boxes, and poor homogeneity of the air above each box, the air being able to stagnate in certain areas of the boxes. This also leads to low efficiency of the system, the pressure loss at the inlet of the boxes having to be compensated by a higher speed and / or flow rate of air at the inlet. The energy consumption of the system, to ensure air blowing between the boxes, is thus significant.

[0020]

[0018] In this context, document WO2022 / 123153 proposes the use of breeding boxes having an optimized shape to avoid disturbances of the air circulating between the boxes.

[0021]

[0019] Nevertheless, existing methods and systems can still be improved, particularly with regard to their energy efficiency and their ability to ensure effective ventilation in breeding containers.

[0022] STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0023]

[0020] The present invention aims at improving the climatic systems in a vertical agricultural structure.

[0024]

[0021] To this end, the invention relates to a climatic zone of an agricultural crop or livestock system, said climatic zone comprising a set of crates stacked in several stacks of crates, each stack of crates comprising at least a first face on which the crates form openings and at least a second face on which the crates form openings, so that an air flow can pass through each stack of crates between its first face and its second face. The first faces of the stacks of crates are oriented substantially in the same direction and positioned so as to define between them a straight aisle. In other words, at least two stacks of crates face each other and are aligned to define between them the aisle which is straight, rectilinear.

[0025]

[0022] The term "aisle" designates throughout this document an essentially free rectilinear space formed between stacks of boxes. An aisle can therefore meet a logistical need (for example, to allow a stacker crane to pass through it), in which case it may be referred to as a "logistics" aisle, or it may be created for other reasons. An aisle may in particular be created, within the framework of the invention, to allow air circulation. In this case it may be referred to as an "airflow" aisle. Nevertheless, it is quite obvious that a "logistics" aisle, or one created for other reasons, may be used for air circulation, in certain configurations. Insofar as the present invention relates in particular to a climate system, unless something else is specifically indicated, an "aisle" is understood in this document as an airflow aisle, generally allowing air to pass through.

[0026]

[0023] The climatic zone further comprises an air diffusion device.

[0027]

[0024] The air diffusion device is configured to diffuse air into the aisle only in one or more directions parallel to said first faces of the stacks of boxes.

[0028]

[0025] Indeed, the applicant has found that, surprisingly, it is not by diffusing the air directly towards the openings of the stacks of crates that the best results are obtained in terms of diffusion of the air in the crates.

[0029]

[0026] By blowing the air parallel to the stacks of crates, i.e. parallel to the open faces of the crates and stacks of crates, it has been found that the air flows induced in the crates allow for air renewal that is just as effective, if not more effective, with a regular and homogeneous flow that allows air renewal in the crates, without dead zones or with small dead zones. Velocity losses in the flow are reduced. Thus, the removal of heat from the stacks of crates is optimized, thanks to the generation of a regular air flow and the low velocity losses in this flow.

[0030]

[0027] This is explained by the swirling movements and the venturi effect which are created in the air flow as it passes in front of the openings in the stacks of crates. An air flow is thus created in the stacks of crates, the air entering or leaving the first open face depending on the position of the crates in the stacks.

[0031]

[0028] Since the pressure drop is low for the air flow diffused in the climatic zone and the flow in the boxes is established with relatively low and regular speeds, so that it also undergoes a low pressure drop, the climatic system is very efficient in energy terms. The output of calories from the stacks of boxes is optimized in the present invention, compared to devices in which the air is blown directly towards the boxes and which cause significant slowdowns in the air flows.

[0032]

[0029] It will be noted that the direction of diffusion of the air corresponds to the direction in which the air is blown. For the case where the air diffuses, near the nozzle through which it is blown, in the form of a cone, the direction of diffusion corresponds to the main axis of this cone. Generally, the tendency is to diffuse the air in a rectilinear manner or according to a slightly open cone, for example a cone with an angle of less than 30°, preferably less than 20°, even more preferably less than 10°.

[0033]

[0030] The fact that the air diffusion device is configured so as to diffuse only in a given direction therefore designates the fact that the main axis of the diffusion cone is oriented in this direction, or that the main axes of the diffusion cones of the air diffusion device are all oriented in this direction.

[0034]

[0031] The air diffusion device may comprise at least one diffusion duct extending vertically and comprising vertically distributed air ejection nozzles. It may be one or more textile ducts.

[0035]

[0032] The diffusion duct may be metallic or textile. The nozzles may be formed by simple orifices formed in the duct, in particular when the duct is a textile duct. Alternatively, the nozzles have a shape adapted to precisely direct and conform the air flow from the nozzles.

[0036]

[0033] According to this first configuration, the air is preferably diffused horizontally between the stacks of crates, preferably at the openings formed in the crates (but parallel to the openings, and not towards them). For example, the vertical duct may comprise a diffusion nozzle (which in this type of duct essentially corresponds to an outlet orifice) at each crate or nozzles distributed appropriately over the height of the duct (for example one nozzle every three crates, one nozzle every five crates, etc.).

[0037]

[0034] The diffusion ducts placed in the aisle can of course be configured to diffuse air in two opposite directions, towards each end of the aisle.

[0038]

[0035] The air diffusion device may comprise a diffusion box or a diffusion duct arranged horizontally above the aisle or below the aisle, said diffusion box or said diffusion duct being configured to diffuse air vertically in said aisle.

[0039]

[0036] When the climatic zone comprises several parallel aisles, and in particular when the aisles are of a significant height, the diffusion ducts (or diffusion boxes) can be arranged alternately above one aisle and below the adjacent aisle or aisles.

[0040]

[0037] The diffusion box or diffusion duct may comprise several vertically oriented air ejection nozzles.

[0041]

[0038] According to this second configuration, the air is diffused vertically between the stacks of boxes. However, as explained above, the passage of the air flow opposite the openings of the boxes generates a horizontal air flow in the boxes, in particular due to the pressure differences which are established and generate a venturi effect.

[0042]

[0039] This second configuration also has the advantage of requiring less space between the stacks of crates, i.e. a narrower aisle, than the first configuration in which the diffusion ducts are installed vertically, and are therefore present in the aisle. Indeed, no air diffusion means need to be installed in this aisle when the diffusion duct (or the diffusion box) is above or below the aisle, so that it is not necessary to physically pass the duct through the aisle. Therefore, the quantity of crates stored can be greater, for the same surface area of ​​the climatic zone.

[0043]

[0040] The climate zone may comprise at least one second aisle and the air diffusion device may comprise a second diffusion box or a second diffusion duct configured to diffuse air into the second aisle in a vertical direction opposite to the diffusion direction of the other diffusion box or diffusion duct.

[0044]

[0041] Pressure differences for generating air flows in the crates are thus generated between the two aisles at all levels (vertically) of the stacks of crates. This improves the efficiency of the climate system. In general, the principles developed in the present invention can be applied to large agricultural systems by multiplying the air diffusion points in the climate zone. This results, for example, in an increase in the number of diffusion ducts or diffusion boxes of the diffusion device. The positioning and diffusion direction of these elements of the air diffusion device make it possible to optimize the air flows generated in each crate.

[0045]

[0042] The climatic zone may further comprise at least one air return device.

[0046]

[0043] The air return device(s) allow the evacuation of air from the climatic zone. By locally creating a depression, they participate in establishing flows in the climatic zone. Their positioning is thus advantageously chosen to improve the circulation of air in the climatic zone.

[0047]

[0044] In the climatic zone, the crates can be stacked in the form of elementary units comprising a given number of crates, the climatic zone comprising shelves in which several elementary units are superimposed, the shelves comprising a vertical partition formed between the elementary units on either side of the aisle or aisles of the climatic zone.

[0048]

[0045] Such a grouping into elementary units may be particularly relevant for certain applications, as explained in documents EP3282837 and EP3282836. Thus, when storing the elementary units in shelves, for example in racks of the pallet rack type, spaces may exist between the different elementary units. The fact of providing a partitioning of these spaces prevents any passage of air, and thus prevents a part of the air flow diffused in the climatic zone from being consumed to generate an unnecessary flow in these spaces.

[0049]

[0046] The boxes may be generally rectangular in shape (i.e. having a rectangular bottom and a low height compared to the length and width of the boxes) such that they have four side faces, the boxes having an opening on each side face.

[0050]

[0047] In particular, the boxes may comprise a solid bottom, defining a substantially horizontal plane, side walls defining a peripheral belt of the box, the bottom and the side walls defining a box body, and feet extending vertically from the bottom of the box to a level located above the belt of the box, said feet being configured to allow stacking on said breeding box of an identical insect breeding box, while providing a space between the bottom of said identical box and the belt of the box, said feet comprising an upper bearing surface configured to cooperate with a lower bearing surface of the feet of said identical box; the body of the box being devoid of sharp edges, so as to limit disturbances to a laminar air flow flowing around the box.

[0051]

[0048] This type of box greatly limits pressure losses when air enters between the boxes of a stack of boxes. This embodiment of the invention therefore limits the energy requirements of the system for diffusing air in the climatic zone so as to generate the desired flows in the stacks of boxes.

[0052]

[0049] The climatic zone may comprise a system for regulating the temperature of the air diffused into the climatic zone by the air diffusion device.

[0053]

[0050] The climatic zone may further comprise a system for regulating at least one of the following parameters of the air diffused into the climatic zone by the air diffusion device: hygrometry; carbon dioxide content; oxygen content, ammonia content.

[0054]

[0051] The environmental parameters can thus be regulated according to the needs in the climatic zone, in order for example to optimize the growth of plants, fungi, or animals which grow there.

[0055]

[0052] The aisle(s) in the climatic zone may be less than 4 m wide. The width of the aisles may in particular be less than 2 m, or even less than 1 m.

[0056]

[0053] Indeed, since the aisles have the sole function of ensuring air circulation in the climatic zone, it is not necessary to dimension them, for example, to allow the stacks of crates to exit the climatic zone, for example using a stacker crane (or other suitable system). In this case, the movement of the stacks of crates, and for example their exit from the climatic zone, can be carried out using a device passing under the stacks of crates, and / or a device allowing the placement and removal of crates in the shelves over several levels of depth.

[0057]

[0054] The aisle(s) may be between 2m and 30m high.

[0058]

[0055] This height range, given for information purposes, shows that the invention is applicable in particular to high-rise agricultural systems. It makes it possible to maintain environmental conditions, in particular temperature conditions, which are relatively homogeneous and in any event compatible with the intended agricultural activity.

[0059]

[0056] The agricultural system targeted within the framework of the present invention may advantageously be an insect breeding system comprising a climatic zone as defined above.

[0060] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0061]

[0057] Other advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the present invention will emerge from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the devices and methods which are the subject of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0062] • Figure 1 schematically represents an insect breeding workshop;

[0063] • figure 2 represents a stack of crates forming an elementary breeding unit;

[0064] • Figure 3 represents, in a three-dimensional schematic view, an example of a box that can be used in the context of the present invention;

[0065] • figure 4 represents, in a top view, a climatic zone according to the prior art;

[0066] • Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a climatic zone of an agricultural system according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0067] • Figure 6 is a schematic view of the climate zone of Figure 6, seen from above;

[0068] • Figure 7 schematically represents the air flows in boxes located in the upper part of the climatic zone of Figures 5 and 6;

[0069] • Figure 8 schematically represents the air flows in boxes located halfway up the climatic zone of Figures 5 and 6;

[0070] • Figure 9 schematically represents the air flows in boxes located in the lower part of the climatic zone of Figures 5 and 6;

[0071] • Figure 10 schematically represents the temperature fields in boxes located in the upper part of the climatic zone of Figures 5 and 6; • Figure 11 schematically represents the temperature fields in boxes located halfway up the climatic zone of Figures 5 and 6;

[0072] • Figure 12 schematically represents the temperature fields in boxes located in the lower part of the climatic zone of Figures 5 and 6;

[0073] • Figure 13 schematically represents the temperature fields in a cross-section of the stacks of crates in the climatic zone of Figures 5 and 6;

[0074] • Figure 14 corresponds to the annotated Figure 8;

[0075] • Figure 15 schematically represents the air flows in boxes located halfway up the climatic zone according to a variant of the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6;

[0076] • Figure 16 schematically represents the air flows in boxes located halfway up the climatic zone according to another variant of the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6;

[0077] • Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view of a climatic zone of an agricultural system according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0078] • figure 18 represents, in a schematic view in vertical section, the air flows in a climatic zone according to figure 17;

[0079] • Figure 19 shows, in a schematic vertical sectional view, the air flows in a climatic zone according to Figure 17;

[0080] • Figure 20 shows, in a schematic cross-sectional view, the air flows in a climatic zone according to Figure 17;

[0081] • Figure 21 is a schematic perspective view of a climatic zone of an agricultural system according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0082] • Figure 22 is a three-dimensional schematic view of a climatic zone of an agricultural system according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0083] • figure 23 represents, according to a three-dimensional schematic view of an element implemented in the embodiment of the figure.

[0084] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0085]

[0058] The present description is given as a non-limiting example of embodiment.

[0086]

[0059] Figure 1 represents an insect breeding workshop, here represented in the form of a three-dimensional schematic view.

[0087]

[0060] Insect farming can in particular be considered as an organized set allowing the laying of eggs by adult insects for the production of larvae, certain larvae being raised to the adult stage for the laying of new eggs, the adults being regularly renewed (for example following their death) by young adults ensuring new clutches and so on. The final product of the production can be eggs, and / or larvae, and / or nymphs, and / or adult insects.

[0088]

[0061] The workshop shown as an example includes a climatic zone Z1 organized for the storage of insects during their growth.

[0089]

[0062] In this climatic zone Z1, insects grow in controlled, directed, and optimized environmental conditions (defined by environmental parameters including temperature, humidity, etc.).

[0090]

[0063] As previously mentioned, the concept of insect breeding includes the growth of adult insects to a desired stage, but can also include all the phases preceding the obtaining of an adult insect (or imago), from the laying of eggs (or ootheca) through their hatching, the larval stage, the possible nymph stage, pupa stage (all the intermediate stages), etc.

[0091]

[0064] The workshop shown here also includes a second zone Z2, organized for carrying out one or more breeding sequences or operations. The management of the breeding involves the implementation of a succession of breeding sequences or operations. A sequence or “operational sequence” includes one or more predefined successive operations, and is carried out between two growth phases (except when it is a question of sending the insects to another process).

[0092]

[0065] Breeding operations correspond to operations that must be carried out to maintain the life, good growth and / or optimization of the breeding conditions of insects.

[0093]

[0066] The second zone Z2 comprises in particular one or more work stations P1, P2 specialized in carrying out one or more breeding operations.

[0094]

[0067] The insects (eggs, larvae, nymphs, or adults) are raised in boxes, which can optionally be grouped into sets called elementary rearing units. During growth phases, the boxes are stored in the climatic zone Z1, for example in pallet racks (or any other type of suitable shelves).

[0095]

[0068] An example of an elementary breeding unit is shown in Figure 2 according to a three-dimensional principle representation. The elementary breeding unit may comprise a predefined number of stacked crates 1. One or more stacks may constitute an elementary breeding unit.

[0096]

[0069] The crates used in the context of the present invention are stackable, that is to say they can be superimposed on top of each other, for example in a slightly recessed manner, which provides a certain stability to the column of crates thus formed.

[0097]

[0070] The crates 1 used are configured so that when they are stacked, at least a first face on which the crates form openings 2 and at least a second face on which the crates also form openings. An air flow can pass through each stack of crates between its first face F1 and its second face F2. This makes it possible to renew the air in the breeding crates and makes it possible to prevent, if the air renewal is sufficient, the temperature in the crates from rising excessively.

[0098]

[0071] The boxes 1 used may in particular be of the type described in the French patent application published under the reference FR3116993.

[0099]

[0072] Such a box is shown in Figure 3. This box 1 has a solid bottom 101, side walls 102 defining a peripheral belt 103.

[0100]

[0073] Feet 104 extend vertically from the bottom 101 of the body to a level located above the belt 103 of the body.

[0101]

[0074] The feet 104 are configured to allow stacking on said box of an identical insect breeding box, while providing a space forming an opening 2 between the bottom of said identical box and the belt of the box.

[0102]

[0075] The box shown in Figure 3 has the particularity of being largely free of sharp edges, so as to limit the disturbances of a laminar air flow flowing around the box. This greatly limits the power to be provided for blowing air in order to establish an air flow through the stacks of boxes.

[0103]

[0076] Figure 4 shows, in a top view, a climate zone according to the prior art, in which to bring air, for example temperature-conditioned air, into the climate zone, an air diffusion device is used. In this case, a diffusion duct 4 which is installed vertically between the stacks of crates.

[0104]

[0077] The diffusion duct 4 can be supplied with air by a suitable air conditioning system, in order to diffuse air in the climatic zone.

[0105]

[0078] The speed of the flows is represented according to the gray level, from zero speed (in light gray) to a speed of the order of 2ms' 1 (in black).

[0106]

[0079] The diffusion duct 4 comprises diffusion nozzles configured to blow air towards a stack of PO boxes.

[0107]

[0080] The configuration proposed in Figure 4 allows for air renewal in the PO stack boxes. However, the following problems created by this configuration are noted.

[0108]

[0081] In order to generate an air flow up to the face of the stack of boxes PO opposite the diffusion duct 4, the air must be blown at high speed towards the stack of boxes, in this case at a speed of the order of 2 ms' 1 . The blown air enters the boxes of the PO box stack at high speed, so that the first few centimeters at the entrance of the box experience an air flow at a speed potentially too high for the organisms present in the box, typically more than 1 ms' 1. However, dead zones remain in the PO stack of crates, near the face opposite the duct. Indeed, the pressure drop at the inlet of the crates is significant. The blowing power required to ensure ventilation of the stacks of crates is therefore significant. The stacks of crates adjacent to the PO stack of crates are relatively poorly ventilated, and have dead zones in terms of air flow.

[0109]

[0082] In summary, the configuration proposed in the prior art and the principle of which is illustrated in Figure 4 certainly makes it possible to generally fulfill the desired function of ventilating the stacks of boxes, but numerous improvements can be sought.

[0110]

[0083] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a climatic zone of an agricultural system according to one embodiment of the invention. Reference is also made to Figure 6 which represents the climatic zone of Figure 5, seen from above.

[0111]

[0084] Crates 1 are stacked to form stacks, in this case 8 stacks P1...P8 of crates in the example shown. Each stack may comprise, for example, between 10 and 30 crates. In the example shown, each stack comprises 22 crates.

[0112]

[0085] Each box may have, for example, the dimensions of a “Euro” pallet, i.e. 1.20 m by 0.80 m or a multiple of these dimensions, for example 2.40 m (i.e. three times 0.80 m) by 1.20 m, or be square, for example with sides of 1.20 m. This facilitates handling and makes the box, and the stacks of boxes, compatible with pallet transport and storage devices (pallet truck or other conventional handling system, pallet shelves or “racks”). But other dimensions can of course be chosen.

[0113]

[0086] The detailed examples below are presented for boxes having a length of 80 cm and a width of 60 cm.

[0114]

[0087] The lower crate can serve as a handling support, i.e. a pallet, for the entire stack of crates.

[0115]

[0088] Just as in the example shown in Figure 4 to illustrate the prior art of the invention, in order to bring air, for example temperature-conditioned air, into the climatic zone, an air diffusion device is used. In the example shown, the air diffusion device comprises a diffusion duct 4 which is installed vertically between the stacks of crates.

[0116]

[0089] Unlike the solutions in the prior art, in particular the solution illustrated in Figure 4, the duct is not necessarily installed opposite an open face (for example the first faces F1) of a stack of crates. Indeed, according to the principle developed in the present invention, the air is diffused in the climatic zone not in the direction of the open faces of the crates and the stacks of crates, but parallel to these open faces.

[0117]

[0090] In practice, the stacks of crates form, between their first faces on which the crates form openings, an aisle 5. In the example shown, the air is diffused in the direction of extension of the aisle 5, between the stacks of crates P1...P8. The air is more particularly diffused in two opposite directions, towards each of the ends of the aisle 5. The directions of diffusion of the air are represented by arrows in Figure 6.

[0118]

[0091] It is notable that since the air is diffused parallel to the stacks of crates and not towards them, the width of the aisle 5 can be reduced, since it is not necessary to provide a significant distance between the diffusion duct 4 and the crates 2.

[0119]

[0092] In this embodiment as in the other embodiments presented below, the diffusion direction typically corresponds, for a given nozzle, to the main axis of the air diffusion cone at the outlet of the nozzle. This cone is advantageously of a small angle, for example less than 30°, preferably less than 20°, even more preferably less than 10°.

[0120]

[0093] In order to diffuse the air over the entire height of the climatic zone, the diffusion duct 4 comprises nozzles distributed (for example regularly distributed) over its height. The concept of nozzle is generally understood as an element which ensures the flow and evacuation of the diffusion duct 4. It can therefore simply be an orifice formed in the diffusion duct 4, or a part configured to channel the flow of air leaving the diffusion duct 4.

[0121]

[0094] The diffusion sheath 4 may be a textile sheath. Alternatively, it may be a rigid sheath, for example a metal sheath such as a stainless steel sheath.

[0122]

[0095] Thus, and as is clearly visible in Figures 7 to 9, the principle developed in the invention consists of generating an air flow in the stacks of boxes P1 ... P8 without diffusing the air in the direction of the stacks of boxes, but parallel to the open faces of these stacks of boxes. In the example shown, the air is diffused with a speed of the order of 2 ms' 1 measured 50 cm from the nozzle.

[0123]

[0096] Figure 7 schematically represents the air flows in boxes located in the upper part of the climatic zone of Figures 5 and 6, according to the section plane C1 shown in Figure 5. The orientation of the air flows in this section plane is represented by arrows. The speed of the flows is represented according to the gray level, from zero speed (in light gray) to a speed of the order of 2 ms' 1 (in black).

[0124]

[0097] It can be seen that the air flows are established in the boxes according to a swirling movement leaving no or only a few dead zones. The flows are established in horizontal planes, substantially symmetrically on either side of the aisle 4. In the example shown, the air flow is established at a moderate speed, of the order of 0.5 ms -1in the stacks of crates, in a regular manner and ensuring suitable renewal in the crates.

[0098] A similar result is obtained at the bottom of the stack of crates, as can be seen in Figure 9 which schematically represents the air flows in crates located in the lower part of the climatic zone of Figures 5 and 6, according to the section plane C3 shown in Figure 5.

[0099] Figure 8 schematically represents the air flows in crates located at mid-height of the climatic zone of Figures 5 and 6, according to the section plane C2 shown in Figure 1. It can be seen that at mid-height of the crates, an air flow is established with a slightly higher speed than at the top and bottom of the crates, of the order of 0.7 ms' 1 at 1.1 ms' 1 in the example shown.

[0125]

[0100] Figures 6, 7 and 8 show that, counterintuitively, a regular flow in the stacks of crates is obtained by diffusing the air not in the direction of the crates, but in the general direction of the aisles which separate these crates.

[0126]

[0101] It has further been found that this way of diffusing the air parallel to the stacks of crates and not towards them is much more effective in terms of the regularity of the flow created in the crates and in terms of the power required to ensure effective air renewal in the crates, compared to diffusing the air towards the stacks of crates.

[0127]

[0102] Figure 10, Figure 11 and Figure 12 schematically represent the temperature fields in boxes located respectively in the section plane C1, in the section plane C2 and in the section plane C3. The higher the temperature, the darker the temperature field, white corresponding to a temperature of 25°C, black to a temperature of 40°C.

[0128]

[0103] For the scenario shown, the assumption that each box has a thermal power of 20W is retained. Obviously the thermal power released by each insect or the power released per unit mass of insects depends on many factors, for example the stage of development or the current biological activity of the insects (for example, whether or not they have just eaten). The power considered is however of an order of magnitude consistent with the power that can be released by the boxes during breeding.

[0129]

[0104] Figure 13 schematically shows the temperature fields in a cross-section along the couple plane C4 shown in Figure 6 of the stacks of crates in the climatic zone of Figures 5 and 6.

[0130]

[0105] It can be seen in Figures 10 to 13 that thanks to the regular renewal of the air achieved by the diffusion of air parallel to the open faces of the boxes, a relatively uniform temperature, here between 31°C and 36°C, is maintained over the entire surface of the boxes, and this at all levels (vertically) of the stacks of boxes.

[0131]

[0106] The applicant further studied the role of the air diffusion speed on the flows induced in the stacks of boxes.

[0132]

[0107] Figure 14 and Figure 15 are annotated by surrounding, with a dot-and-dash line, the areas where a vortex flow at a speed of the order of 1 ms' 1is established. Figure 14 corresponds to Figure 8 described above, but annotated. Figure 15 corresponds to the same conditions as those of Figure 14, except that the air, instead of being diffused at 2 ms' 1 measured at 50 cm from the nozzles, is diffused more quickly, so as to be measured at 2ms' 1 70cm from the nozzles.

[0133]

[0108] It can be seen in Figures 14 and 15 that the configuration of the flows generated in the stacks of boxes depends on the diffusion speed of the air. In particular, it can be seen that beyond a certain diffusion speed, the penetration into the boxes of a flow having a speed greater than or equal to 1 ms' 1 is reduced.

[0134]

[0109] This is explained by a lower induction rate when the diffusion speed is high. The "induction rate" of a diffuser refers to the ratio between the volume of ambient air and air blown at a given distance from the diffuser. The higher the induction rate, the faster the mixing between ambient air and diffused air, and the more quickly a homogeneous temperature is obtained.

[0135]

[0110] Thus, the diffusion speed of the flow is a parameter that should be optimized according to the application considered, to obtain the generation of a flow covering as much as possible the surface of the stacks of crates.

[0136]

[0111] Figure 16 schematically represents the air flows in boxes located at mid-height of a climatic zone according to a variant of the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6.

[0137]

[0112] According to this variant, the aisles in the direction in which the air is blown, between the stacks of crates, are of small width and are formed between the long sides of the crates (in their length). The diffusion ducts are installed vertically, opposite the aisles formed between the crates so as to blow between the stacks of crates in these aisles. It can thus be considered that the diffusion ducts extend vertically at the entrance to the aisles in which they blow. The speed of the flows is represented according to the gray level, from a zero speed (in light gray) to a speed of the order of 2 ms' 1 (in black).

[0138]

[0113] It can be seen that the air flows are established in the boxes according to a swirling movement leaving no or only a few dead zones. The flows are established in horizontal planes, substantially symmetrically on either side of the aisle 4. In the example shown, the air flow is established at a moderate speed, of the order of 0.7 ms -1 in the stacks of crates, regularly and ensuring proper renewal in the crates.

[0139]

[0114] Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view of a climatic zone of an agricultural system according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0140]

[0115] According to this embodiment, the air is diffused vertically in the aisles 5 between the stacks of boxes. In this case, diffusion ducts 4 are used, namely a first diffusion duct 401 and a second diffusion duct 402.

[0141]

[0116] The first diffusion duct 401 extends in the direction of extension of a first aisle 501, above the latter. The first diffusion duct 401 is configured to diffuse air downwards, for example towards a floor 6 of the climatic zone.

[0117] The second diffusion duct 402 extends in the direction of extension of a second aisle 502, below the latter. The second diffusion duct 402 is configured to diffuse air upwards, for example towards a ceiling 7 of the climatic zone.

[0142]

[0118] In the example shown, an air intake 8 (i.e. a device for extracting air from the climatic zone) is provided at the level of the ceiling 7.

[0143]

[0119] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 16, each stack of crates forms an elementary unit. Due to the configuration of the shelves in which these stacks are stored, there is a space 9, vertically, between the elementary units.

[0144]

[0120] Vertical partitions 10 are installed to fill these spaces on either side of each aisle 5, 501, 502. These vertical partitions 10 make it possible to channel the air diffused in the aisles, in order to avoid strong diffusion of air in the spaces 8 and to allow the diffused air to reach the top or respectively the bottom of the aisles.

[0145]

[0121] The air flows are shown in Figure 17, in the section plane C5 shown in Figure 16.

[0146]

[0122] Figure 18 shows that the air flow diffused by each of the diffusion ducts 401, 402 reaches the side of the aisle opposite the duct (i.e. the top or respectively the bottom of the aisle) with little loss of speed. More particularly, due to the air intake 8 located in the ceiling 7, the air flow diffused by the second diffusion duct 402 in the second aisle 502 reaches the top of the climatic zone with almost no loss of speed, i.e. at a speed of the order of 2 ms -1 The air flow diffused by the first diffusion duct 401 in the first aisle 501 reaches the bottom of the climatic zone at a speed greater than 1 ms' 1 .

[0147]

[0123] Figure 19 is a vertical section in the plane of a third aisle 503, located between the first aisle 501 and the second aisle 502, parallel to the latter. In particular, the third aisle is defined between second faces F2 of the stacks of crates, which have openings.

[0148]

[0124] Figure 20 shows, according to a schematic cross-sectional view along the section plane C8 shown in Figure 17, the air flows in a climatic zone.

[0149]

[0125] Figure 19 and Figure 20 show that air flows are established throughout the climatic zone, between each box, in a relatively homogeneous manner and with a speed of between 0.2 ms -1 and 1 ms -1 , which is particularly well suited to satisfactorily renewing the air in the climatic zone, particularly in the boxes, and maintaining a relatively uniform temperature there.

[0150]

[0126] Figure 21 is a schematic perspective view of a climatic zone of an agricultural system according to another embodiment of the invention. Figure 20 illustrates the fact that the configuration proposed in Figure 16 can be adapted for very large climatic zones. In the example of Figure 20, the climatic zone comprises seven aisles 5, four of which are equipped with a diffusion duct 4. The number of stacks of crates can thus be increased as much as necessary, both transversely with respect to the diffusion ducts and in their direction of extension.

[0151]

[0127] Similarly, the climatic zone constituted according to the example shown in Figure 5 can be enlarged by multiplying the number of stacks of boxes and the number of diffusion ducts.

[0152]

[0128] Figure 22 is a three-dimensional schematic view of a climatic zone of an agricultural system according to another embodiment of the invention. Compared to the climatic zone of Figures 16 and 20, the air diffusion device does not comprise diffusion ducts but diffusion boxes 11. Each diffusion box 11 comprises, as shown in Figure 23, an air collector 111 and a set of nozzles 112, in the form of air ejection pipes for diffusing the air with a low-angle diffusion cone.

[0153]

[0129] Whatever the embodiment of the invention, but a fortiori when the diffusion of the air is carried out vertically, it is possible to ensure this diffusion in narrow aisles.

[0154]

[0130] In particular, the width of the aisles for the air diffusion function may be only a few tens of centimeters, for example of the order of 30 cm to 100 cm. In any event, the air diffusion configuration in the climatic zone according to the invention - and in particular according to the second configuration in which the air is blown vertically between the stacks of crates - is of particular interest when combined with a handling system, for the automated movement of the crates, which does not require the creation of wide aisles between the stacks of crates.

[0155]

[0131] For example, while a stacker crane system requires the creation of wide aisles, a handling system adapted to extracting crates or stacks of crates from below does not require the creation of wide aisles. Similarly, a system capable of managing the storage or removal of crates over several levels of depth in the shelves makes it possible to limit the number of aisles dedicated to handling. Since it is not necessary to provide wide aisles for the ventilation of the climatic zone, the number of crates that can be stored per unit area of ​​the climatic zone can be greatly increased compared to the climatic zones known in the prior art.

[0156]

[0132] A climatic zone of an agricultural crop or livestock system is thus proposed, particularly suited to insect farming, allowing the entire climatic zone to be maintained at a relatively uniform temperature and satisfactory air renewal throughout the entire climatic zone.

[0157]

[0133] The climatic zone proposed in the invention does not require high power for the diffusion of air, thanks to a general configuration and a direction of introduction of air which are counterintuitive compared to known systems. This nevertheless allows the creation of air flows having a low speed but which are regular, in the boxes stacked in the climatic zone.

Claims

Claims 1. Climatic zone (Z1) of an agricultural crop or livestock system, said climatic zone comprising a set of crates (1) stacked in several stacks of crates (P1 ...P8), each stack of crates (P1 ...P8) comprising at least a first face (F1) on which the crates form openings (2) and at least a second face (F2) on which the crates (1) form openings (2), so that an air flow can pass through each stack of crates between its first face and its second face, the first faces of the stacks of crates being oriented substantially in the same direction and positioned so as to define between them a straight aisle (5), the climatic zone further comprising an air diffusion device, characterized in that the air diffusion device is configured so as to diffuse air in the aisle (5) only in one or more directions parallel to said first faces (F1) of the stacks of crates.

2. Climatic zone according to claim 1, in which the air diffusion device comprises at least one diffusion duct (4) extending vertically and comprising air ejection nozzles distributed vertically.

3. Climatic zone according to claim 2, in which the diffusion sheath (4) is a textile sheath.

4. Climate zone according to claim 1, wherein the air diffusion device comprises a diffusion box (11) or a diffusion duct (4) arranged horizontally above the aisle (5) or below the aisle (5), said diffusion box (11) or said diffusion duct (4) being configured to diffuse air vertically in said aisle (5).

5. Climatic zone according to claim 4, in which the diffusion box (11) or the diffusion duct (4) comprises several vertically oriented air ejection nozzles.

6. A climate zone according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the climate zone comprises at least one second aisle and wherein the air diffusion device comprises a second diffusion box or a second diffusion duct configured to diffuse air into the second aisle in a vertical direction opposite to the diffusion direction of the other diffusion box or diffusion duct.

7. Climatic zone according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one air return device.

8. Climate zone according to one of the preceding claims, in which the crates are stacked in the form of elementary units comprising a given number of crates, the climate zone comprising shelves in which several elementary units are superimposed, the shelves comprising a vertical partition formed between the elementary units on either side of the aisle or aisles of the climate zone.

9. Climatic zone according to one of the preceding claims, in which the boxes are of generally rectangular shape so that they have four side faces, the boxes (1) having an opening (2) on each side face.

10. Climatic zone according to one of the preceding claims in which the boxes comprise - a solid background, defining a substantially horizontal plane, - side walls defining a peripheral belt of the body, the bottom and the side walls defining a body of the body, and - feet extending vertically from the bottom of the box to a level above the belt of the box, said feet being configured to allow stacking on said breeding box of an identical insect breeding box, while providing a space between the bottom of said identical box and the belt of the box, said feet comprising an upper bearing surface configured to cooperate with a lower bearing surface of the feet of said identical box; the body of the box being devoid of sharp edges, so as to limit disturbances to a laminar air flow flowing around the box.

11. Climatic zone according to one of the preceding claims comprising a system for regulating the temperature of the air diffused in the climatic zone by the air diffusion device.

12. Climatic zone according to claim 11, further comprising a system for regulating at least one of the following parameters of the air diffused into the climatic zone by the air diffusion device: hygrometry; carbon dioxide content, oxygen content, ammonia content.

13. Climatic zone according to one of the preceding claims, in which the aisle(s) are less than 4 m wide.

14. Climatic zone according to one of the preceding claims, in which the aisle(s) have a height of between 2 m and 30 m.

15. Insect breeding system comprising a climatic zone according to one of the preceding claims.

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