Control device, water circulation system, and water temperature adjustment method

Abstract

To provide a control device, a water circulation system, and a water temperature adjustment method that can improve energy efficiency in adjustment of the water temperature in water tanks in which living organisms are grown.SOLUTION: A control device 100 controls an amount of water supplied to a main water tank 10 in a water circulation system 1 including: a main water tank 10 in which a first living organism is grown and whose water temperature is controlled to a first requested temperature range, which is an appropriate temperature for the first living organism; and a first sub water tank 21 in which a second living organism is grown. In the first sub water tank 21, the water temperature is controlled to a second required temperature range, which is an appropriate temperature for the second living organism and which is different from the first required temperature range. The control device 100 includes: a water temperature information acquiring unit 112 for acquiring water temperature information for the main water tank 10; and a water amount control unit 115 for controlling an amount of water supplied from the first sub water tank 21 to the main water tank 10 so that the water temperature of the main water tank 10 is matched with the first required temperature range based on the water temperature information, the first required temperature range, and the second required temperature range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a water circulation system, and a water temperature adjustment method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a method for cultivating organisms such as fish and shellfish in multiple aquariums has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an apparatus for cultivating multiple organisms by circulating water between multiple aquariums. In recent years, research and development of renewable energy that contributes to energy efficiency has been conducted in order to ensure that more people have access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and advanced energy. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-113893 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, when cultivating organisms such as plankton and fish and shellfish, it is necessary to adjust the water temperature of the tank to an appropriate temperature range for the cultivation of each species. The water temperature is adjusted, for example, by adding heat from a heater or the like to the tank or piping, or by pouring cold water into the tank or piping. In this technology related to renewable energy, there is a problem of reducing the energy consumption required for adjusting the water temperature.

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present application aims to achieve a control device, a water circulation system, and a water temperature adjustment method that can improve the energy efficiency in adjusting the water temperature in an aquarium for cultivating organisms. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A control device comprises a first aquarium in which a first organism is grown and whose water temperature is controlled to a first required temperature zone which is a suitable water temperature for the first organism, and a second aquarium in which a second organism is grown, and controls the amount of water supplied to the first aquarium in a water circulation system capable of supplying water from within the second aquarium to the first aquarium, wherein the water temperature in the second aquarium is controlled to a second required temperature zone which is a suitable water temperature for the second organism and which differs from the first required temperature zone. The control device comprises a water temperature information acquisition unit which acquires water temperature information regarding the water temperature of the first aquarium, and a water volume control unit which controls the amount of water supplied from the second aquarium to the first aquarium based on the water temperature information acquired by the water temperature information acquisition unit, the first required temperature zone, and the second required temperature zone, so as to adjust the water temperature of the first aquarium to the first required temperature zone.

[0007] (2) The water circulation system further includes a third aquarium in which a third organism is grown, the water temperature of which is controlled to a third required temperature zone which is a suitable water temperature for the third organism and which is different from the first required temperature zone and the second required temperature zone, and water can be supplied from the third aquarium to the first aquarium, and the water volume control unit controls the amount of water supplied from the second aquarium to the first aquarium and the amount of water supplied from the third aquarium to the first aquarium based on the water temperature information acquired by the water temperature information acquisition unit, the first required temperature zone, the second required temperature zone, and the third required temperature zone, so as to adjust the water temperature of the first aquarium to the first required temperature zone.

[0008] (3) The control device described in (1) or (2), wherein the second organism is a nutrient source for the first organism, and the water volume control unit supplies the second organism together with water from the second aquarium to the first aquarium.

[0009] (4) The control device according to (2), wherein the third organism is a nutrient source for the first organism, and the water volume control unit supplies the third organism together with water from the third tank to the first tank.

[0010] (5) A water circulation system includes a first aquarium in which a first organism is grown and whose water temperature is controlled to a first required temperature zone which is a suitable water temperature for the first organism, a second aquarium in which a second organism is grown and whose water temperature is controlled to a second required temperature zone which is a suitable water temperature for the second organism and different from the first required temperature zone, a third aquarium in which a third organism is grown and whose water temperature is controlled to a third required temperature zone which is a suitable water temperature for the third organism and different from the first and second required temperature zones, a water supply line capable of supplying water from the second and third aquariums to the first aquarium, and a water supply line for supplying water to the first aquarium. A water circulation system comprising: a control device that controls the amount of water supplied, the control device comprising: a water temperature information acquisition unit that acquires water temperature information regarding the water temperature of the first water tank; and a water volume control unit that controls the amount of water supplied from the second water tank to the first water tank and the amount of water supplied from the third water tank to the first water tank based on the water temperature information acquired by the water temperature information acquisition unit and the first requested temperature band, the second requested temperature band, and the third requested temperature band, so as to adjust the water temperature of the first water tank to the first requested temperature band.

[0011] (6) The water circulation system according to (5), wherein the second water tank and the third water tank are stacked on top of each other in the vertical direction to form a multi-layer water tank unit.

[0012] (7) A water temperature adjustment method in a water circulation system comprising a first aquarium in which a first organism is grown and whose water temperature is controlled to a first required temperature zone which is a suitable water temperature for the first organism, and a second aquarium in which a second organism is grown, and capable of supplying water from within the second aquarium to the first aquarium, the water temperature in the second aquarium being controlled to a second required temperature zone which is a suitable water temperature for the second organism and which differs from the first required temperature zone, the water temperature adjustment method includes a water temperature information acquisition step of acquiring water temperature information regarding the water temperature of the first aquarium, and a water temperature control step of controlling the amount of water supplied from the second aquarium to the first aquarium based on the water temperature information acquired in the water temperature information acquisition step, the first required temperature zone, and the second required temperature zone so as to adjust the water temperature of the first aquarium to the first required temperature zone. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the energy efficiency in regulating the water temperature in an aquarium for cultivating organisms. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a water circulation system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration including a control device that executes a temperature adjustment process in a water circulation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a functional configuration of the control device. [Diagram 3] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a temperature adjustment process executed by a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a temperature adjustment process executed by a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, a water circulation system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a water circulation system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0016] The water circulation system 1 according to this embodiment is a system for cultivating living things such as fish and shellfish while circulating water. In this embodiment, a system using aquaponics technology that cultivates fish and shellfish and grows plants while circulating water will be described as an example.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the water circulation system 1 includes a hydroponic cultivation device 30, a main tank (first tank) 10, a sub-tank unit (tank unit) 20, a pump 40, a cold water supply section 50, a filtration filter 61, a microbial decomposition tank 62, heat dissipation fins 63, an air recovery device 70, a fermentation tank 80, and a control device 100.

[0018] The water circulation system 1 also includes, as lines for circulating water and the like, a first circulation line L1, a second circulation line L2, a third circulation line L3, a fourth circulation line L4, a first branch line L5, a second branch line L6, a first cold water supply line L7, a second cold water supply line L8, a main water temperature adjustment line (water supply line) L10, a sub water temperature adjustment line L20, a first carbon dioxide supply line L31, a second carbon dioxide supply line L32, and an oxygen supply line L33. In this specification, the term "line" is a general term for a line through which a fluid can flow, such as a flow path, a pathway, or a pipe.

[0019] The hydroponic cultivation apparatus 30 is an apparatus in which plants are cultivated using water. The hydroponic cultivation apparatus 30 has a cultivation tank (not shown) in which water for cultivating plants is stored. A temperature sensor T1 for detecting the temperature of the water is disposed in the cultivation tank of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 30. The water in the cultivation tank tends to rise by receiving heat from sunlight, etc. The water in the cultivation tank of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 30 is supplied to the main water tank 10 via a first circulation line L1.

[0020] The first circulation line L1 is a pipe that connects the hydroponic cultivation device 30 and the main water tank 10. A pH sensor P1 that detects the pH of water discharged from the hydroponic cultivation device 30 is disposed in the first circulation line L1.

[0021] The main aquarium 10 is a tank that stores water for cultivating a first organism, which is an organism to be cultured. Water supplied from a hydroponic cultivation device 30 or the like is stored in the main aquarium 10. A temperature sensor T2 that detects the water temperature is disposed in the main aquarium 10.

[0022] The first organism is not particularly limited as long as it is an aquatic organism such as fish or shellfish that can be cultured. In this embodiment, the first organism is a fish. The optimal water temperature, which is the range of water temperatures suitable for growth, differs depending on the type of aquatic organism. In this specification, the optimal water temperature for the first organism is referred to as the first required temperature range.

[0023] The water temperature of the main aquarium 10 is controlled to a first required temperature range for cultivating the first organism based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor T2, by using heat from a heater (not shown), inputting cold water from the cold water supply unit 50, and performing a water temperature adjustment process described later. The main aquarium 10 is arranged so that sunlight hits its water surface, and is configured so that heat from sunlight can also be used to increase the water temperature. The first required temperature range in this embodiment is around 20°C (for example, 19°C to 21°C). Water in the main aquarium 10 is supplied to the filtration filter 61 via the second circulation line L2. The main aquarium 10 is arranged so that sunlight hits its water surface. This allows heat from sunlight to be used to increase the water temperature.

[0024] The second circulation line L2 is a pipe that connects the main water tank 10 and the filtration filter 61. A pH sensor P2 that detects the pH of the water discharged from the main water tank 10 is disposed in the second circulation line L2.

[0025] The filtration filter 61 is a filter that filters out excrement, residual food, and other floating matter of the first organism contained in the water supplied from the main aquarium 10. The water filtered by the filtration filter 61 is supplied to the microbial decomposition tank 62 via the third circulation line L3.

[0026] The microbial decomposition tank 62 is a device that uses microorganisms to decompose organic matter such as excrement and residual food of the first organism contained in the water supplied from the filtration filter 61. In the microbial decomposition tank 62, the excrement and residual food of the first organism are decomposed into nutrients that can be absorbed by plants.

[0027] The water in the microbial decomposition tank 62 is supplied to the hydroponic cultivation device 30 via the fourth circulation line L4. That is, the water discharged from the hydroponic cultivation device 30 is returned to the hydroponic cultivation device 30 again as water containing nutrients via the main water tank 10, etc.

[0028] The fourth circulation line L4 is a pipe that connects the microbial decomposition tank 62 and the hydroponic cultivation device 30. A first branch line L5 and a second branch line L6 branch off from the fourth circulation line L4.

[0029] The first branch line L5 is a pipe that branches off from the fourth circulation line L4 and is connected to the sub-water tank unit 20. A heat dissipation fin 63 and a flow rate adjustment valve V1 are disposed in the first branch line L5.

[0030] The heat dissipation fins 63 dissipate heat from the water flowing through the first branch line L5. The water flowing through the first branch line L5 is cooled by the heat dissipation fins 63 from 20°C to 24°C to 15°C to 17°C, for example.

[0031] The flow rate control valve V1 is configured with an adjustable valve or the like, and adjusts the flow rate of water flowing through the first branch line L5. By opening the flow rate control valve V1, the water discharged from the microbial decomposition tank 62 is supplied to the sub-water tank unit 20 through the first branch line L5.

[0032] The second branch line L6 is a pipe that branches off from the fourth circulation line L4 and is connected to the sub water temperature adjustment line L20. A flow rate adjustment valve V2 is disposed in the second branch line L6.

[0033] The flow rate adjustment valve V2 is configured by a valve or the like whose opening degree can be adjusted, and adjusts the flow rate of water flowing through the second branch line L6. The opening degrees of the flow rate adjustment valves V1 and V2 are controlled by the control device 100.

[0034] The pump 40 is disposed in the first circulation line L1, and sends the water in the first circulation line L1 to the main aquarium tank 10. When the pump 40 is driven, water circulates between the main aquarium tank 10 and the hydroponic cultivation device 30 in a direction from the main aquarium tank 10 toward the filtration filter 61. In addition, a flow rate sensor Q1 that detects the flow rate of water is disposed in the first circulation line L1 between the pump 40 and the main aquarium tank 10. The driving of the pump 40 is controlled by the control device 100 based on the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor Q1.

[0035] The cold water supply unit 50 is a supply source of cold water. The temperature of the cold water is at least lower than a first required temperature zone and a second required temperature zone described later, and is about 10° C. in this embodiment. A first cold water supply line L7 and a second cold water supply line L8 are connected to the cold water supply unit 50.

[0036] The first cold water supply line L7 is a pipe having one end connected to the cold water supply unit 50 and the other end connected between the pump 40 and the flow rate sensor Q1 in the first circulation line L1. A flow rate adjustment valve V3, which is composed of an adjustable valve or the like and adjusts the flow rate of water flowing through the first cold water supply line L7, is disposed in the first cold water supply line L7. By opening the flow rate adjustment valve V3, cold water is merged with the first circulation line L1, and the temperature of the water input from the first circulation line L1 to the main water tank 10 can be lowered.

[0037] The second cold water supply line L8 is a pipe having one end connected to the cold water supply unit 50 and the other end connected to the first branch line L5 on the sub-water tank unit 20 side relative to the heat dissipation fins 63. The second cold water supply line L8 is provided with a flow rate control valve V4, which is configured with an adjustable valve or the like and controls the flow rate of water flowing through the second cold water supply line L8. By opening the valve of the flow rate control valve V4, cold water is merged with the first branch line L5, and the temperature of the water to be introduced from the first branch line L5 into a first sub-water tank 21 (described later) of the sub-water tank unit 20 can be lowered. The openings of the flow rate control valves V3 and V4 are controlled by the control device 100.

[0038] The sub-tank unit 20 includes a first sub-tank (second tank) 21, a second sub-tank (third tank) 22, and a third sub-tank (third tank) 23, which are tanks for cultivating organisms having a different optimum water temperature from the first organism. In this embodiment, different types of organisms are cultivated in the multiple tanks of the sub-tank unit 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the multiple tanks of the sub-tank unit 20 are stacked in the vertical direction. Specifically, the third sub-tank 23, the second sub-tank 22, and the first sub-tank 21 are stacked in this order from bottom to top. That is, the second sub-tank 22 is placed above the third sub-tank 23 and below the first sub-tank 21.

[0039] The first sub-aquarium 21 is a tank for cultivating a second organism, which is an organism with a different optimum water temperature from the first organism. The second organism is an organism whose optimum water temperature, that is, a second required temperature zone, is lower than the first required temperature zone. In this embodiment, the second organism is phytoplankton. The first sub-aquarium 21 is disposed at the topmost position of the sub-aquarium unit 20 so that it receives sunlight necessary for the growth of phytoplankton, and is configured so that heat from sunlight can be used to raise the water temperature.

[0040] The first sub-water tank 21 stores water supplied from the first branch line L5 and the like. A temperature sensor T3 is disposed in the first sub-water tank 21 to detect the water temperature. Based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor T3, the water temperature in the first sub-water tank 21 is controlled to a second required temperature range for growing a second organism by heat from a heater (not shown) or a water temperature adjustment process described below. The second required temperature range in this embodiment is 15°C to 17°C.

[0041] The second sub-aquarium 22 is a tank for cultivating a third organism, which is an organism having an optimum water temperature different from that of the first organism and the second organism. The third organism is an organism having a third required temperature zone, which is its optimum water temperature, higher than the first required temperature zone. The third organism in this embodiment is a zooplankton.

[0042] The second sub-water tank 22 stores water supplied from the first sub-water tank 21. A temperature sensor T4 is disposed in the second sub-water tank 22 to detect the water temperature. Based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor T4, the water temperature of the second sub-water tank 22 is controlled to a third required temperature range for growing a third organism by heat from a heater (not shown) or a water temperature adjustment process described below. The third required temperature range in this embodiment is 20°C to 28°C.

[0043] The third sub-aquarium 23 is a tank for cultivating a fourth organism, which is an organism different from the first organism, the second organism, and the third organism. In this embodiment, the optimum water temperature for the fourth organism is the same as that for the third organism, that is, the third required temperature range, which is 20°C to 28°C. In this embodiment, the fourth organism is a small fish. Note that in the first sub-aquarium 21, the second sub-aquarium 22, and the third sub-aquarium 23, heat generated by the activity of the organisms cultivated in each of the aquariums is also added to the water.

[0044] The third sub-tank 23 stores water supplied from the second sub-tank 22. A temperature sensor T5 for detecting the water temperature is disposed in the third sub-tank 23. The water temperature of the third sub-tank 23 is controlled to a third required temperature zone for growing a fourth organism by heat from a heater (not shown) or a water temperature adjustment process described below based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor T5. The first required temperature zone, the second required temperature zone, and the third required temperature zone are all different temperature zones. Note that in this specification, "different temperature zones" also includes cases where the upper and lower limits of temperature ranges are different but the temperature ranges partially overlap.

[0045] The sub-water tank unit 20 is configured to be able to circulate water within the tank via a main water temperature adjustment line L10 and a sub water temperature adjustment line L20. The main water temperature adjustment line L10 and the sub water temperature adjustment line L20 will be described later.

[0046] The air recovery device 70 is a device that recovers outside air and separates the recovered air into carbon dioxide and other gases including oxygen. The air recovery device 70 is connected to a first carbon dioxide supply line L31, a second carbon dioxide supply line L32, and an oxygen supply line L33.

[0047] The first carbon dioxide supply line L31 is a pipe having one end connected to the air recovery device 70 and the other end connected to the main water tank 10. The first carbon dioxide supply line L31 is provided with a flow control valve V12, which is configured with an adjustable valve or the like and adjusts the flow rate of carbon dioxide flowing through the first carbon dioxide supply line L31. When the flow control valve V12 is opened, carbon dioxide is supplied to the water stored in the main water tank 10, and the pH of the water decreases.

[0048] The second carbon dioxide supply line L32 is a pipe having one end connected to the air recovery device 70 and the other end connected to the first sub-tank 21. The second carbon dioxide supply line L32 is provided with a flow control valve V13, which is configured with an adjustable valve or the like and adjusts the flow rate of carbon dioxide flowing through the second carbon dioxide supply line L32. When the flow control valve V13 is opened, carbon dioxide is supplied to the water stored in the first sub-tank 21, and the amount of carbon dioxide in the water increases.

[0049] The oxygen supply line L33 is a pipe having one end connected to the air recovery device 70 and the other end connected to the fermenter 80. The oxygen supply line L33 is provided with a flow control valve V14, which is configured with an adjustable valve or the like and adjusts the flow rate of oxygen flowing through the oxygen supply line L33. When the flow control valve V14 is opened, oxygen is supplied to the fermenter 80. The openings of the flow control valves V12, V13, and V14 are controlled by the control device 100.

[0050] The fermentation tank 80 is a tank in which aerobic microorganisms and organic matter to be fermented are present, and the organic matter is aerobically fermented by the action of the aerobic microorganisms. In the fermentation tank 80, aerobic fermentation is promoted by supplying oxygen from the oxygen supply line L33, and the temperature of the organic matter to be fermented increases.

[0051] The main water temperature adjustment line L10 will now be described. The main water temperature adjustment line L10 has a first main water temperature adjustment line L11, a second main water temperature adjustment line L12, a third main water temperature adjustment line L13, and a bypass line L14.

[0052] The first main water temperature adjustment line L11 is a pipe that connects the first sub-tank 21 and the main water tank 10 and is capable of supplying water from the first sub-tank 21 to the main water tank 10. A filter F that filters water and a flow rate adjustment valve V5 are arranged in the first main water temperature adjustment line L11.

[0053] The flow rate regulating valve V5 is composed of an adjustable valve or the like, and regulates the flow rate of water circulating in the first main water temperature adjustment line L11. The flow rate regulating valve V5 is disposed on the first main water temperature adjustment line L11 closer to the main water tank 10 than the filter F. When the flow rate regulating valve V5 is opened, water whose temperature has been adjusted to the second required temperature range is supplied from the first sub-tank 21 to the main water tank 10, thereby lowering the water temperature of the main water tank 10.

[0054] The first main water temperature adjustment line L11 has a bypass line (not shown), which is a pipe that bypasses the filter F. One end of the bypass line in the first main water temperature adjustment line L11 is connected between the first sub-tank 21 and the filter F, and the other end is connected between the filter F and the flow rate adjustment valve V5. A bypass valve (not shown) controlled by the control device 100 is disposed at one end of the bypass line. By opening the bypass valve, a path can be formed that bypasses the filter F and supplies water from the first sub-tank 21 to the first aquarium 10, so that the second organism, which is phytoplankton in the first sub-tank 21, can be introduced into the first aquarium 10.

[0055] The second main water temperature adjustment line L12 is a pipe that branches off from the first main water temperature adjustment line L11, is connected to the second sub-tank 22, and can supply water from the second sub-tank 22 to the main water tank 10. The second main water temperature adjustment line L12 branches off from the first main water temperature adjustment line L11 on the main water tank 10 side relative to the flow rate adjustment valve V5. A filter F that filters water and a flow rate adjustment valve V6 are arranged in the second main water temperature adjustment line L12.

[0056] The flow rate regulating valve V6 is composed of an adjustable valve or the like, and regulates the flow rate of water circulating in the second main water temperature adjustment line L12. The flow rate regulating valve V6 is disposed on the second main water temperature adjustment line L12 closer to the main water tank 10 than the filter F. When the flow rate regulating valve V6 is opened, water whose temperature has been adjusted to a third required temperature zone is supplied from the second sub-tank 22 to the main water tank 10, thereby raising the water temperature of the main water tank 10.

[0057] The second main water temperature adjustment line L12 has a bypass line (not shown), which is a pipe that bypasses the filter F. One end of the bypass line in the second main water temperature adjustment line L12 is connected between the second sub-tank 22 and the filter F, and the other end is connected between the filter F and the flow rate adjustment valve V6. A bypass valve (not shown) controlled by the control device 100 is disposed at one end of the bypass line. By opening the bypass valve, a path can be formed that bypasses the filter F and supplies water from the second sub-tank 22 to the first aquarium 10, so that a third organism, which is an animal plankton in the second sub-tank 22, can be introduced into the first aquarium 10.

[0058] The third main water temperature adjustment line L13 branches off from the second main water temperature adjustment line L12. The third main water temperature adjustment line L13 is connected to the third sub-tank 23 and is capable of supplying water from the third sub-tank 23 to the main water tank 10. The third main water temperature adjustment line L13 branches off from the second main water temperature adjustment line L12 at the main water tank 10 side rather than the flow rate adjustment valve V6. A filter F and a flow rate adjustment valve V7 are disposed in the second main water temperature adjustment line L12.

[0059] The flow rate regulating valve V7 is composed of an adjustable valve or the like, and regulates the flow rate of water circulating in the third main water temperature adjustment line L13. The flow rate regulating valve V7 is disposed on the third main water temperature adjustment line L13 closer to the main water tank 10 than the filter F. When the flow rate regulating valve V7 is opened, water whose temperature has been adjusted to a third required temperature range is supplied from the third sub-tank 23 to the main water tank 10, thereby raising the water temperature of the main water tank 10.

[0060] The third main water temperature adjustment line L13 has a bypass line (not shown), which is a pipe that bypasses the filter F. One end of the bypass line in the third main water temperature adjustment line L13 is connected between the third sub-tank 23 and the filter F, and the other end is connected between the filter F and the flow rate adjustment valve V7. A bypass valve (not shown) controlled by the control device 100 is disposed at one end of the bypass line. By opening the bypass valve, a path can be formed that bypasses the filter F and supplies water from the third sub-tank 23 to the first aquarium 10, so that a fourth organism, which is a small fish in the third sub-tank 23, can be introduced into the first aquarium 10.

[0061] The bypass line L14 is a pipe that branches off from the second main water temperature adjustment line L12 and is connected to the second circulation line L2. Specifically, the bypass line L14 branches off from the second main water temperature adjustment line L12 on the main water tank 10 side from the point where the third main water temperature adjustment line L13 branches off.

[0062] A flow rate control valve V8, which is constituted by a valve with adjustable opening degree or the like, is disposed in the bypass line L14. By opening the flow rate control valve V8, the water circulating in the second main water temperature adjustment line L12 and the third main water temperature adjustment line L13 can be discharged to the second circulation line L2 without being input into the main water tank 10.

[0063] The sub water temperature adjustment line L20 will now be described. The sub water temperature adjustment line L20 has a first sub water temperature adjustment line L21 and a second sub water temperature adjustment line L22.

[0064] The first sub-water temperature adjustment line L21 is a pipe that connects the first sub-water tank 21 and the second sub-water tank 22 and is capable of supplying water in the first sub-water tank 21 to the second sub-water tank 22. The first sub-water temperature adjustment line L21 passes from the first sub-water tank 21 through the fermenter 80 and is connected to the second sub-water tank 22. The pipe of the first sub-water temperature adjustment line L21 is warmed by the heat in the fermenter 80, so that the temperature of the water flowing through the first sub-water temperature adjustment line L21 can be increased.

[0065] The first sub-water temperature adjustment line L21 is provided with a filter F for filtering water, a flow rate adjustment valve V9, and a flow rate adjustment valve V10. A second branch line L6 is connected to the first sub-water temperature adjustment line L21 between the flow rate adjustment valve V9 and the fermenter 80.

[0066] The flow rate control valve V9 and the flow rate control valve V10 are configured with valves with adjustable opening, etc., and adjust the amount of water flowing through the first sub-water temperature adjustment line L21. The flow rate control valve V9 is disposed downstream of the filter F (on the fermenter 80 side) in the first sub-water temperature adjustment line L21.

[0067] The first sub-water temperature adjustment line L21 has a bypass line (not shown), which is a pipe that bypasses the filter F. One end of the bypass line in the first sub-water temperature adjustment line L21 is connected between the first sub-tank 21 and the filter F, and the other end is connected between the filter F and the flow rate adjustment valve V9. A bypass valve (not shown) controlled by the control device 100 is disposed at one end of the bypass line. By opening the bypass valve, a path can be formed that bypasses the filter F and supplies water from the first sub-tank 21 to the second sub-tank 22, so that the second organism, which is phytoplankton in the first sub-tank 21, can be introduced into the second sub-tank 22.

[0068] The second sub-water temperature adjustment line L22 is a pipe that connects the second sub-water tank 22 and the third sub-water tank 23 and is capable of supplying water from the second sub-water tank 22 to the third sub-water tank 23. A filter F that filters water and a flow rate adjustment valve V11 are disposed in the second sub-water temperature adjustment line L22.

[0069] The flow rate regulating valve V11 is composed of a valve with adjustable opening, etc., and regulates the amount of water flowing through the second sub-water temperature adjustment line L22. The flow rate regulating valve V11 is disposed downstream (toward the third sub-tank 23) of the filter F in the second sub-water temperature adjustment line L22. When the valve of the flow rate regulating valve V11 is opened, water can be supplied from the second sub-tank 22 to the third sub-tank 23.

[0070] The control device 100 controls the pump 40, flow rate control valves V1-V14, etc., based on information detected by various sensors such as the flow rate sensor Q1, temperature sensors T1-T6, pH sensors P1, P2, etc., to control the water temperatures of the main water tank 10 and the sub water tank unit 20. Details of the control by the control device 100 will be described later.

[0071] Next, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the control device 100 which executes the water temperature adjustment process for the main water tank 10. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration including the control device 100 which executes the water temperature adjustment process in the water circulation system 1, and the functional configuration of the control device 100. As shown in Fig. 2, the control device 100 includes a communication unit (not shown), a storage unit 120, and a processing unit 110.

[0072] The communication unit controls communications with other devices such as the temperature sensors T1 to T6, the pH sensors P1 and P2, the flow rate sensor Q1, etc. The communication unit transmits and receives detection signals, control signals, etc. to and from these devices.

[0073] The storage unit 120 is a storage area for various programs and various data for making the hardware group function as the control device 100, and can be configured with a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, a solid-state drive (SSD), or hardware (HDD). Specifically, the storage unit 120 stores a program for making the processing unit 110 execute each function of the present embodiment, a control program for the water temperature adjustment process, and reference values ​​and ranges such as the required flow rate of the first organism, the required pH, the first required temperature zone, the second required temperature zone, the third required temperature zone, and a predetermined threshold value that is higher than the first required temperature zone and serves as a criterion for supplying cold water to the main aquarium 10. Note that these reference values ​​and ranges can be appropriately set by the user depending on the type of organism to be cultivated in the water circulation system 1.

[0074] The processing unit 110 is an arithmetic device configured by a processor, and executes predetermined data processing by reading various programs and data from the storage unit 120. The processor is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a system on a chip (SoC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a vision processing unit (VPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0075] As shown in FIG. 2, the processing unit 110 includes a flow rate information acquisition unit 111, a water temperature information acquisition unit 112, a temperature information acquisition unit 113, a pH information acquisition unit 114, a water volume control unit 115, and a pH adjustment unit .

[0076] The flow rate information acquisition unit 111 executes a process of acquiring flow rate information related to the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor Q1. In this embodiment, the flow rate information acquisition unit 111 acquires the flow rate of water introduced into the main water tank 10 from the first circulation line L1.

[0077] The water temperature information acquisition unit 112 acquires water temperature information relating to the water temperature detected by the temperature sensors T1 to T5. Examples of the water temperature information include the water temperature in the cultivation tank of the hydroponic cultivation device 30, the water temperature in the main water tank 10, the water temperature in the first sub-water tank 21, the water temperature in the second sub-water tank 22, and the water temperature in the third sub-water tank 23. In the water temperature adjustment process for the main water tank 10, the water temperature of the main water tank 10 detected by the temperature sensor T2 is used as the water temperature information.

[0078] The temperature information acquisition unit 113 acquires temperature information relating to the temperature inside the fermenter 80 detected by the temperature sensor T6.

[0079] The pH information acquisition unit 114 executes a process of acquiring pH information related to the pH detected by the pH sensors P1 and P2. Examples of pH information include the pH of the water discharged from the hydroponic cultivation device 30 detected by the pH sensor P1, the pH of the water discharged from the main water tank 10 detected by the pH sensor P2, etc.

[0080] The water volume control unit 115 controls the flow rate of water circulating through the water circulation system 1 based on the flow rate information acquired by the flow rate information acquisition unit 111, the water temperature information acquired by the water temperature information acquisition unit 112, etc. The water volume control unit 115 has a main water volume control unit 117 and a sub water volume control unit 118.

[0081] The main water volume control unit 117 controls the volume of water supplied from the sub-tank unit 20 to the main water tank 10 so that the water temperature of the main water tank 10 matches the first required temperature zone, based on the water temperature information of the main water tank 10 acquired by the water temperature information acquisition unit 112 and the first, second and third required temperature zones stored in the memory unit 120. Specifically, the main water volume control unit 117 controls the aperture of the flow rate adjustment valve V5 to control the volume of water supplied from the first sub-tank 21 to the main water tank 10. The main water volume control unit 117 controls the aperture of the flow rate adjustment valve V6 to control the volume of water supplied from the second sub-tank 22 to the main water tank 10. The main water volume control unit 117 also controls the aperture of the flow rate adjustment valve V7 to control the volume of water supplied from the third sub-tank 23 to the main water tank 10.

[0082] The main water volume control unit 117 may control the volume of water supplied from the sub water tank unit 20 to the main water tank 10 based on, for example, a comparison result between the water temperature information of the main water tank 10 acquired by the water temperature information acquisition unit 112 and the first required temperature zone, and the second and third required temperature zones. Specifically, when the water temperature of the main water tank 10 is lower than the lower limit of the first required temperature zone, the main water volume control unit 117 may control the aperture of the flow rate adjustment valve V5 so that the volume of water supplied from the first sub water tank 21 to the main water tank 10 becomes zero. Furthermore, when the water temperature of the main water tank 10 is lower than the lower limit of the first required temperature zone, the main water volume control unit 117 may control the aperture of the flow rate adjustment valve V6 so that the volume of water supplied from the second sub water tank 22 to the main water tank 10 increases, or may control the aperture of the flow rate adjustment valve V7 so that the volume of water supplied from the third sub water tank 23 to the main water tank 10 increases. Conversely, when the water temperature of the main water tank 10 is higher than the upper limit of the first required temperature range, the main water volume control unit 117 may close the flow control valve V6 and the flow control valve V7, and control the opening of the flow control valve V5 to increase the amount of water supplied from the first sub-tank 21 to the main water tank 10.

[0083] The main water volume control unit 117 may open all of the flow rate adjustment valves V5, V6, and V7 and control their opening degrees while supplying water from all of the first sub-tank 21, the second sub-tank 22, and the third sub-tank 23 to the main water tank 10. At this time, the main water volume control unit 117 may open the flow rate adjustment valve V8 and control its opening degree while discharging the water supplied from the second sub-tank 22 and the third sub-tank 23 into the second circulation line L2 downstream of the main water tank 10. This makes it possible to adjust the amount of water supplied from the second sub-tank 22 and the third sub-tank 23 to the main water tank 10.

[0084] The main water volume control unit 117 may open the flow rate adjustment valve V3 to supply cold water to the main water tank 10 when the water temperature information for the main water tank 10 exceeds a predetermined threshold value that is higher than the upper limit of the first required temperature zone.

[0085] The main water volume control unit 117 may also open a bypass valve provided on the first main water temperature adjustment line L11 to supply the water in the first sub-tank 21 to the main aquarium 10 without passing through the filter F. This allows the second organism, which is phytoplankton that serves as a nutrient source for the first organism, to be supplied to the main aquarium 10 together with the water. Similarly, the main water volume control unit 117 may open a bypass valve provided on the second main water temperature adjustment line L12 and a bypass valve provided on the third main water temperature adjustment line L13 to supply the third organism and the fourth organism, which serve as nutrient sources for the first organism, together with the water to the main aquarium 10.

[0086] The sub-water volume control unit 118 controls the volume of water supplied to the sub-water tank unit 20 and the volume of water circulating within the sub-water tank unit 20 based on the water temperature information of the sub-water tank unit 20 acquired by the water temperature information acquisition unit 112.

[0087] The sub-water volume control unit 118 may control the volume and temperature of water supplied through the first branch line L5 by adjusting the opening of the flow rate adjustment valve V1 and the flow rate adjustment valve V4, for example, based on the result of comparing the water temperature information of the first sub-water tank 21 with the second required temperature zone. Specifically, when the water temperature of the first sub-water tank 21 is higher than the upper limit of the second required temperature zone, the sub-water volume control unit 118 may control to increase the volume of water with a temperature lower than the upper limit of the second required temperature zone supplied from the first branch line L5 to the first sub-water tank 21. Furthermore, when the water temperature of the first sub-water tank 21 is lower than the lower limit of the second required temperature zone, the sub-water volume control unit 118 may control to increase the volume of water with a temperature higher than the lower limit of the second required temperature zone supplied from the first branch line L5 to the first sub-water tank 21.

[0088] The sub-water volume control unit 118 may control the volume and temperature of water supplied via the first sub-water temperature adjustment line L21 by adjusting the aperture of the flow rate adjustment valves V9, V10, and V14, for example, based on the result of comparing the water temperature information of the second sub-water tank 22 with the third required temperature zone. The temperature of the water supplied to the second sub-water tank 22 via the first sub-water temperature adjustment line L21 can be controlled by adjusting the aperture of the flow rate adjustment valve V14. For example, increasing the aperture of the flow rate adjustment valve V14 increases the amount of oxygen supplied to the fermenter 80, and the temperature inside the fermenter 80 through which the first sub-water temperature adjustment line L21 passes increases, so that the water temperature can be increased.

[0089] The sub-water volume control unit 118 may also open a bypass valve provided on the first sub-water temperature adjustment line L21 to supply the water in the first sub-tank 21 to the second sub-tank 22 without passing through the filter F. This allows the second organism, which is phytoplankton that serves as a nutrient source for the third organism, to be supplied to the second sub-tank 22 together with the water. Similarly, the sub-water volume control unit 118 may open a bypass valve provided on the second sub-water temperature adjustment line L22 to supply the water in the second sub-tank 22 to the third sub-tank 23 without passing through the filter F. This allows the third organism, which is zooplankton that serves as a nutrient source for the fourth organism, to be supplied to the third sub-tank 23 together with the water.

[0090] The pH adjustment unit 116 may adjust the flow rate of carbon dioxide supplied from the air recovery device 70 to the main aquarium 10 via the first carbon dioxide supply line L31 by controlling the opening of the flow control valve V12 based on the pH information acquired by the pH information acquisition unit 114 and the required pH of the first organism. For example, the pH adjustment unit 116 may control the flow rate of carbon dioxide supplied to the main aquarium 10 to be increased when the pH of the main aquarium 10 is higher than the required pH.

[0091] Next, an example of the water temperature adjustment process executed by the processing unit 110 of the control device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figures 3 and 4 are flow charts showing an example of the flow of the water temperature adjustment process for the main water tank 10 executed by the processing unit 110 of the control device 100 of the water circulation system 1.

[0092] 3, in step S11, the water volume control unit 115 controls the flow rate based on the flow rate information (hereinafter referred to as flow rate Q) detected by the flow rate sensor Q1 and acquired by the flow rate information acquisition unit 111 and the required flow rate of the first organism stored in the memory unit 120. Specifically, the water volume control unit 115 performs feedback control based on the flow rate Q and the required flow rate so that the flow rate Q matches the required flow rate. This creates a flow in which water circulates from the main aquarium 10 to the filtration filter 61, the microbial decomposition tank 62, and the hydroponic cultivation device 30, and allows water to be introduced into the main aquarium 10 at a flow rate of the required flow rate.

[0093] In step S12, the water volume control unit 115 opens the flow rate adjustment valve V1 to the minimum opening degree, which causes water to start being supplied to the first sub-tank 21 via the first branch line L5.

[0094] In step S13, the water volume control unit 115 determines whether the water temperature (hereinafter referred to as water temperature T) of the main water tank 10 acquired by the water temperature information acquisition unit 112 is below the lower limit of the first requested temperature zone. If the water volume control unit 115 determines that the water temperature T is below the lower limit of the first requested temperature zone (YES in step S13), it shifts the process to step S14. On the other hand, if the water volume control unit 115 determines that the water temperature T is equal to or higher than the lower limit of the first requested temperature zone (NO in step S13), it shifts the process to step S21. The process of step S21 will be described later.

[0095] In step S14, the water volume control unit 115 opens the flow rate adjustment valve V7, and performs feedback control so as to match the water temperature T with the first required temperature zone while adjusting the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve V7.

[0096] In step S15, the water volume control unit 115 determines whether the water temperature T has exceeded the lower limit of the first required temperature zone. If the water volume control unit 115 determines that the water temperature T has exceeded the lower limit of the first required temperature zone (YES in step S15), it ends the temperature adjustment process for the main water tank 10. On the other hand, if the water volume control unit 115 determines that the water temperature T is equal to or lower than the lower limit of the first required temperature zone (NO in step S15), it transitions the process to step S16.

[0097] In step S16, the water volume control unit 115 maximizes the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve V7.

[0098] In step S17, the water volume control unit 115 opens the flow rate adjustment valve V6, and performs feedback control so as to match the water temperature T with the first required temperature zone while adjusting the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve V6.

[0099] In step S18, the water volume control unit 115 determines whether the water temperature T has exceeded the lower limit of the first required temperature zone. If the water volume control unit 115 determines that the water temperature T has exceeded the lower limit of the first required temperature zone (YES in step S18), the process proceeds to step S19. In step S19, the water volume control unit 115 closes the flow rate control valve V6 while adjusting the opening of the flow rate control valve V6 by feedback control so as to match the water temperature T to the first required temperature zone, and then ends the temperature adjustment process of the main water tank 10. On the other hand, if the water volume control unit 115 determines that the water temperature T is equal to or lower than the lower limit of the first required temperature zone (NO in step S18), the process proceeds to step S20.

[0100] In step S20, the water volume control unit 115 maximizes the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve V6, and then ends the temperature adjustment process.

[0101] Next, the process from step S21 onwards will be described with reference to FIG.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 4, in step S21, the water volume control unit 115 opens the flow rate adjustment valve V5 to the minimum opening degree.

[0103] In step S22, the water volume control unit 115 determines whether the water temperature T has exceeded the upper limit of the first requested temperature zone. If the water volume control unit 115 determines that the water temperature T is equal to or lower than the upper limit of the first requested temperature zone (NO in step S22), the process proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if the water volume control unit 115 determines that the water temperature T has exceeded the upper limit of the first requested temperature zone (YES in step S22), the process proceeds to step S26.

[0104] In step S23, the water volume control unit 115 determines whether the flow rate adjustment valve V3 is open. If the water volume control unit 115 determines that the flow rate adjustment valve V3 is open (YES in step S23), the process proceeds to step S24. Then, in step S24, the water volume control unit 115 closes the flow rate adjustment valve V3 and proceeds to step S25. On the other hand, if the water volume control unit 115 determines that the flow rate adjustment valve V3 is closed (NO in step S23), the process of step S24 is omitted and the process proceeds to step S25.

[0105] In step S25, the water volume control unit 115 closes the flow rate adjustment valve V5. After that, the processing unit 110 ends the temperature adjustment process.

[0106] In step S26, the water volume control unit 115 maximizes the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve V5.

[0107] In step S27, the water volume control unit 115 determines whether the water temperature T exceeds a predetermined threshold value that is higher than the upper limit of the first required temperature zone. If the water volume control unit 115 determines that the water temperature T is equal to or lower than the threshold value (NO in step S27), the process proceeds to step S28. In step S28, the water volume control unit 115 closes the flow rate adjustment valve V5, and then ends the temperature adjustment process. On the other hand, if the water volume control unit 115 determines that the water temperature T exceeds the threshold value (YES in step S27), the process proceeds to step S29. In step S29, the water volume control unit 115 opens the flow rate adjustment valve V3. This causes cold water to be introduced into the main water tank 10 via the first circulation line L1. Then, the processing unit 110 ends the temperature adjustment process. The above-mentioned temperature adjustment process is repeated at predetermined intervals.

[0108] According to the embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved.

[0109] The control device 100 of this embodiment comprises a main aquarium 10 in which a first organism is cultivated and whose water temperature is controlled to a first required temperature zone which is a suitable water temperature for the first organism, and a first sub-aquarium 21 in which a second organism is cultivated, and controls the amount of water supplied to the main aquarium 10 in a water circulation system 1 capable of supplying water from the first sub-aquarium 21 to the main aquarium 10, where the water temperature in the first sub-aquarium 21 is controlled to a second required temperature zone which is a suitable water temperature for the second organism which is different from the first required temperature zone. The control device 100 comprises a water temperature information acquisition unit 112 which acquires water temperature information on the water temperature in the main aquarium 10, and a water volume control unit 115 which controls the amount of water supplied from the first sub-aquarium 21 to the main aquarium 10 based on the water temperature information acquired by the water temperature information acquisition unit 112, the first required temperature zone, and the second required temperature zone, so as to adjust the water temperature of the main aquarium 10 to the first required temperature zone.

[0110] This allows organisms with a different water temperature than the suitable water temperature for the first organism growing in the main aquarium 10 to be grown in other aquariums such as the first sub-aquarium 21, and the water temperature of the main aquarium 10 to be adjusted using the temperature-adjusted water of the first sub-aquarium 21, etc. In other words, while cultivating multiple types of organisms, water whose temperature has been adjusted by supplying heat from a heater or cold water can be used to adjust the water temperature of other aquariums. By reusing the thermal energy of water that would otherwise be discarded, it is possible to reduce the energy consumption required to adjust the water temperature of the aquarium in which organisms are grown. This improves the energy efficiency required to adjust the water temperature of the aquarium in which organisms are grown.

[0111] In addition, in the control device 100 of this embodiment, the water circulation system 1 further includes a second sub-tank 22 in which a third organism is cultivated and whose water temperature is controlled to a third required temperature zone which is a suitable water temperature for the third organism and which is different from the first required temperature zone and the second required temperature zone, and water can be supplied from the second sub-tank 22 to the main organism 10, and the water volume control unit 115 controls the amount of water supplied from the first sub-tank 21 to the main organism 10 and the amount of water supplied from the second sub-tank 22 to the main organism 10 based on the water temperature information acquired by the water temperature information acquisition unit 112 and the first required temperature zone, the second required temperature zone, and the third required temperature zone, so as to adjust the water temperature of the main organism 10 to the first required temperature zone.

[0112] This allows the amount of water from the first sub-tank 21 and the amount of water from the second sub-tank 22, which is controlled to a water temperature different from that of the first sub-tank 21, to be controlled, mixed, and supplied to the main tank 10, making it possible to more precisely adjust the water temperature of the main tank 10 by circulating the water.

[0113] Furthermore, in the control device 100 according to this embodiment, the second organism is a nutrient source for the first organism, and the water volume control unit 115 supplies the second organism from the first sub-aquarium 21 to the main aquarium 10 together with water.

[0114] As a result, the second organism in the aquarium used for adjusting the water temperature is supplied to the main aquarium 10 as a nutrient source for the first organism, thereby enabling more efficient cultivation of the first organism while adjusting the water temperature.

[0115] Furthermore, in the control device 100 according to this embodiment, the third organism is a nutrient source for the first organism, and the water volume control unit 115 supplies the third organism from the second sub-aquarium 22 to the main aquarium 10 together with water.

[0116] As a result, the third organism in the aquarium used for adjusting the water temperature is supplied to the main aquarium 10 as a nutrient source for the first organism, thereby enabling more efficient cultivation of the first organism while adjusting the water temperature.

[0117] The water circulation system 1 according to this embodiment includes a main aquarium 10 in which a first organism is grown and which is controlled to a first required temperature zone that is an appropriate water temperature for the first organism, a first sub-aquarium 21 in which a second organism is grown and whose water temperature is controlled to a second required temperature zone that is an appropriate water temperature for the second organism different from the first required temperature zone, a second sub-aquarium 22 in which a third organism is grown and whose water temperature is controlled to a third required temperature zone that is an appropriate water temperature for the third organism different from the first required temperature zone and the second required temperature zone, a main water temperature adjustment line L10 capable of supplying water from the first sub-aquarium 21 and the second sub-aquarium 22 to the main aquarium 10, and a main water temperature adjustment line L20. The water circulation system 1 includes a control device 100 that controls the amount of water supplied to the aquarium 10, and the control device 100 includes a water temperature information acquisition unit 112 that acquires water temperature information regarding the water temperature of the main aquarium 10, and a water volume control unit 115 that controls the amount of water supplied from the first sub-tank 21 to the main aquarium 10 and the amount of water supplied from the second sub-tank 22 to the main aquarium 10 based on the water temperature information acquired by the water temperature information acquisition unit 112 and a first required temperature zone, a second required temperature zone, and a third required temperature zone, so as to adjust the water temperature of the main aquarium 10 to the first required temperature zone.

[0118] This allows organisms with a different water temperature than the suitable water temperature for the first organism growing in the main aquarium 10 to be grown in other aquariums such as the first sub-aquarium 21, and the water temperature of the main aquarium 10 to be adjusted using the temperature-adjusted water of the first sub-aquarium 21, etc. In other words, while cultivating multiple types of organisms, water whose temperature has been adjusted by supplying heat from a heater or cold water can be used to adjust the water temperature of other aquariums. By reusing the thermal energy of water that would otherwise be discarded, it is possible to reduce the energy consumption required to adjust the water temperature of the aquarium in which organisms are grown. This improves the energy efficiency required to adjust the water temperature of the aquarium in which organisms are grown.

[0119] Furthermore, in the water circulation system 1 according to this embodiment, the first sub-tank 21 and the second sub-tank 22 form a multi-layered sub-tank unit 20 in which they are stacked one on top of the other in the vertical direction.

[0120] This allows installation in a small area and allows sunlight to be collected in the first sub-tank 21 or the second sub-tank 22.

[0121] The water temperature adjustment method according to this embodiment is a water temperature adjustment method for adjusting the water temperature of the main aquarium 10 in a water circulation system 1 that includes a main aquarium 10 in which a first organism is cultivated and whose water temperature is controlled to a first required temperature zone that is a suitable water temperature for the first organism, and a first sub-aquarium 21 in which a second organism is cultivated, and that is capable of supplying water from the first sub-aquarium 21 to the main aquarium 10, wherein the water temperature in the first sub-aquarium 21 is controlled to a second required temperature zone that is a suitable water temperature for the second organism which is different from the first required temperature zone, and the water temperature adjustment method includes a water temperature information acquisition step of acquiring water temperature information on the water temperature of the main aquarium 10, and a water temperature control step of controlling the amount of water supplied from the first sub-aquarium 21 to the main aquarium 10 based on the water temperature information acquired in the water temperature information acquisition step, the first required temperature zone, and the second required temperature zone so as to adjust the water temperature of the main aquarium 10 to the first required temperature zone.

[0122] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The detailed configuration may be appropriately changed within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

[0123] In the above embodiment, the sub-tank unit 20 had three tanks: the first sub-tank 21, the second sub-tank 22, and the third sub-tank 23, but the number of tanks may be one, or four or more.

[0124] In the above embodiment, the optimum water temperatures for the organisms grown in the second sub-tank 22 and the third sub-tank 23 are both in the third required temperature range, but organisms with different optimum water temperatures may be grown in each sub-tank and the water temperatures may be controlled to their respective optimum water temperatures. This allows water of different temperatures to be mixed from the three sub-tanks and supplied to the main aquarium 10, making it possible to more precisely adjust the water temperature of the main aquarium 10 by circulating water.

[0125] In the above embodiment, organisms with a lower optimum water temperature are cultivated in the first sub-tank 21 than the main aquarium 10, and organisms with a higher optimum water temperature are cultivated in the second sub-tank 22 and the third sub-tank 23 than the main aquarium 10, but organisms with a higher optimum water temperature than the main aquarium may be cultivated in the first sub-tank 21, and organisms with a lower optimum water temperature than the main aquarium 10 may be cultivated in the second sub-tank 22 and the third sub-tank 23. Furthermore, organisms with a lower optimum water temperature than the main aquarium 10 may be cultivated in the three aquariums, the first sub-tank 21, the second sub-tank 22, and the third sub-tank 23, and organisms with a higher optimum water temperature than the main aquarium 10 may be cultivated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1. Water Circulation System 10 Main tank (1st tank) 20 Sub-aquarium unit (aquarium unit) 21 First sub-tank (Second tank) 22 Second sub-tank (third tank) 100 Control device 112 Water temperature information acquisition section 115 Water volume control unit L10 Main water temperature adjustment line (water supply line)

Claims

1. A control device for controlling an amount of water supplied to the first aquarium in a water circulation system capable of supplying water from inside the second aquarium to the first aquarium, the control device comprising: a first aquarium in which a first organism is grown and whose water temperature is controlled to a first required temperature zone that is an appropriate water temperature for the first organism; and a second aquarium in which a second organism is grown, the control device comprising: In the second water tank, the water temperature is controlled to a second required temperature zone which is a suitable water temperature for the second organism and is different from the first required temperature zone; The control device includes: a water temperature information acquisition unit that acquires water temperature information related to the water temperature of the first water tank; A control device comprising: a water volume control unit that controls the amount of water supplied from the second water tank to the first water tank so as to adjust the water temperature of the first water tank to the first required temperature zone based on the water temperature information acquired by the water temperature information acquisition unit, the first required temperature zone, and the second required temperature zone.

2. The water circulation system further includes a third water tank in which a third organism is grown and whose water temperature is controlled to a third required temperature zone that is a suitable water temperature for the third organism and is different from the first required temperature zone and the second required temperature zone, and is capable of supplying water from the third water tank to the first water tank; The control device described in claim 1, wherein the water volume control unit controls the amount of water supplied from the second water tank to the first water tank and the amount of water supplied from the third water tank to the first water tank so as to adjust the water temperature of the first water tank to the first required temperature zone based on the water temperature information acquired by the water temperature information acquisition unit, the first required temperature zone, the second required temperature zone, and the third required temperature zone.

3. The second organism is a nutrient source for the first organism; The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water volume control unit supplies the second organism together with water from the second aquarium to the first aquarium.

4. the third organism is a nutrient source for the first organism; The control device according to claim 2 , wherein the water volume control unit supplies the third organism together with water from the third aquarium to the first aquarium.

5. A first aquarium in which a first organism is grown and which is controlled to a first required temperature range that is an appropriate water temperature for the first organism; A second aquarium in which a second organism is grown and whose water temperature is controlled to a second required temperature zone that is a suitable water temperature for the second organism and is different from the first required temperature zone; A third aquarium in which a third organism is grown and whose water temperature is controlled to a third required temperature zone which is a suitable water temperature for the third organism and which is different from the first required temperature zone and the second required temperature zone; a water supply line capable of supplying water from the second water tank and the third water tank into the first water tank; A water circulation system comprising: a control device for controlling an amount of water supplied to the first water tank, The control device includes: a water temperature information acquisition unit that acquires water temperature information related to the water temperature of the first water tank; a water volume control unit that controls the amount of water supplied from the second water tank to the first water tank and the amount of water supplied from the third water tank to the first water tank so as to adjust the water temperature of the first water tank to the first required temperature zone based on the water temperature information acquired by the water temperature information acquisition unit, the first required temperature zone, the second required temperature zone, and the third required temperature zone.

6. 6. The water circulation system according to claim 5, wherein the second water tank and the third water tank are arranged vertically one on top of the other to form a multi-layer water tank unit.

7. A water temperature adjustment method for adjusting the water temperature of a first aquarium in a water circulation system capable of supplying water from inside the second aquarium to inside the first aquarium, the method comprising: a first aquarium in which a first organism is grown and whose water temperature is controlled to a first required temperature zone that is an appropriate water temperature for the first organism; and a second aquarium in which a second organism is grown, the water temperature of the first aquarium being adjusted in the water circulation system, the water temperature of the first aquarium being adjusted in the water circulation system capable of supplying water from inside the second aquarium to inside the first aquarium, the method comprising: In the second water tank, the water temperature is controlled to a second required temperature zone which is a suitable water temperature for the second organism and is different from the first required temperature zone; The water temperature adjustment method includes: a water temperature information acquisition step of acquiring water temperature information regarding the water temperature of the first water tank; a water temperature control step of controlling the amount of water supplied from the second water tank to the first water tank so as to adjust the water temperature of the first water tank to the first required temperature zone based on the water temperature information acquired in the water temperature information acquisition step, the first required temperature zone, and the second required temperature zone.

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