Systems and methods for growing aquatic plant material

Abstract

A system for the growth of aquatic plant material comprising a bowl having a defined length, a variable depth, and a width, said width having a substantially parabolic cross-sectional shape.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 411,443 (Attorney Docket No. CBH0003MA), entitled "System and Method for Growing Aquatic Plant Material," filed September 29, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present specification relates generally to systems and methods for growing aquatic plant material, and more particularly to systems and methods including a parabolic bowl for growing aquatic plant material. [Background technology]

[0003] Technical background With up to 1.5 billion domestic cattle worldwide, a significant greenhouse gas ("GHG") contribution worldwide comes from cattle, sheep, and other ruminant production systems, which are responsible for up to 20% of global GHG emissions, primarily through the emission of methane. Such methane emissions are a by-product of the fermentation of feed organic matter in the stomach lumen of the ruminant's unique digestive system. It has been found that feeds or additives developed using certain aquatic plant materials can lead to reduced methane emissions.

[0004] However, growing such aquatic plant material can be difficult. For example, growing aquatic plant material suitable for animal feed may require segregation to avoid contaminants. Furthermore, growing aquatic plant material with desired properties may be difficult or impossible to achieve in typical growing environments. Therefore, there is a need for systems and methods that enable the growth of aquatic plant material to achieve desired properties. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one embodiment, a system for growing aquatic plant material includes a bowl having a defined length, a variable depth, and a width, the width having a substantially parabolic cross-sectional shape.

[0006] In another embodiment, a system for growing aquatic plant material includes a bowl having a defined bowl volume, length, variable depth, and width, the width having a substantially parabolic cross-sectional shape, and one or more environmental conditioning devices configured to adjust one or more environmental characteristics within the bowl volume.

[0007] In yet another embodiment, a method for growing aquatic plant material includes placing a growth medium within a bowl containing space having a defined length, a variable depth, and a width, the width having a substantially parabolic cross-sectional shape, and depositing the aquatic plant material within the bowl containing space for a growing period.

[0008] Additional features and advantages of the systems and associated methods described herein will be set forth in the detailed description that follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description, or will be learned by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the following detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings.

[0009] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are intended to provide an overview or framework for describing various embodiments and for understanding the nature and character of the claimed subject matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the various embodiments, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

[0010] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the subject matter determined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system for growing aquatic plant material according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 1B] 1B schematically illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 1A according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 1C] 1B schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1A according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 2] 1B illustrates a schematic diagram of multiple modules of the system of FIG. 1A according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 3] 1B diagrammatically illustrates a layout of the system of FIG. 1A in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 4] 1 depicts a flow chart illustrating a method for growing aquatic plant material according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Reference will now be made in more detail to various embodiments of the present disclosure, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0013] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the systems and methods for growing aquatic plant material described herein. According to one or more embodiments, a substantially parabolic tank or pond, referred to herein as a bowl, is used to grow the aquatic plant material. An agitator may be disposed within the bowl to agitate the growth medium, into which the aquatic plant material is placed. In particular, due to the parabolic shape of the bowl, agitation may be evenly distributed throughout the growth medium, thereby substantially eliminating undesirable stagnation points that may otherwise lead to growth inconsistencies within the bowl. Agitation can promote the growth and characteristic profile of the aquatic plant material, resulting in improved aquatic plant material for purposes such as animal feed, although other applications are also anticipated and possible. For example, substantially uniform agitation may ensure equal exposure of the aquatic plant material to stressors, such as increased production of certain chemicals by the aquatic plant material, to promote characteristic development. That is, the quality of the aquatic plant material may be substantially equivalent throughout the bowl. Thus, improved quality and consistency of the aquatic plant material may be achieved. These and additional benefits and embodiments are described in more detail herein.

[0014] While it is anticipated that a variety of aquatic plant materials may be grown using the systems and methods described herein, in at least one embodiment, the aquatic plant material may include macroalgae (e.g., marine macroalgae) such as those of the Asparagopsis genus, such as Asparagopsis taxiformis or Asparagopsis armata, which produce or possess the chemical bromoform and / or other halogenated active substances. Bromoform and / or other halogenated compounds, when ingested, may be useful in reducing methane gas in animals (e.g., cattle, sheep, or other ruminants).

[0015] As described herein, "halogen compound" refers to any compound containing a halogen (i.e., fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine). As described herein, these halogen compounds are generally present in the glands of some seaweed. Throughout this disclosure, references to a "halogen compound" or "halogen compounds" may refer to one or more halogen compounds present in the glands of seaweed, such as specialized seaweed, prior to harvest. In some embodiments, the halogen compound is an organic compound, which generally means that the halogen is bound to a carbon molecular backbone, as understood by those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the halogen compound can be bound with a binding agent in downstream processing to provide a "bound halogen compound."

[0016] In an embodiment, the halogen compound includes bromine. Of particular interest in this embodiment, but not limited to, is bromoform, which has been demonstrated to reduce methane emissions in ruminants when provided in sufficient doses. However, without being bound by any theory, it is believed that other halogen compounds besides bromoform may also be effective in reducing methane emissions in ruminants, and therefore scavenging these other compounds may also be beneficial. In a further embodiment, the halogen compound may include iodine, which may have an effect on the palatability of animal feed.

[0017] Halogen compounds include bromoform, dibromo(iodo)methane, bromo(diiodo)methane, iodoform, dibromo(chloro)methane, bromo-chloro-iodomethane, dibromomethane, bromo(iodo)methane, diiodomethane, tetrabromomethane, acetyl iodide, 2-iodoethanol, 1-bromo-2-iodoethane, 2,2-dibromoacetaldehyde, 1-bromopropan-2-one, 1-iodopropan-2-one, and 1,1-dibromopropane. -2-one, 1-bromobutan-2-one, 1-bromo-3-iodopropan-2-one, 1,1,1-tribromopropan-2-one, 1,1-dibromo-1-chloropropan-2-one, 1,3-dibromobutan-2-one, 1,1-dibromo-3-iodopropan-2-one, 1,1,3,3-tetrabromopropan-2-one, 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexachloropropan-2-one, 1,1,3-tribromopropan-2-ol, 1,1,3,3- Tetrabromoprop-1-ene, 1,1,3-tribromo-3-chloroprop-1-ene, 1,1-dibromo-3,3-dichloroprop-1-ene, 1,3,3-tribromo-1-iodoprop-1-ene, 3,3-dibromoprop-2-enal, 4,4-dibromobut-3-en-2-one, 1,4,4-tribromobut-3-en-2-one, 1-iodo-4,4-dibromobut-3-en-2-one, 1,1,4,4-tetrabromobut-3-en-2-one 1,4,4-tribromo-1-chlorobut-3-en-2-one, 1,1,4-tribromo-4-chlorobut-3-en-2-one, 1,1-dibromo-4,4-dichlorobut-3-en-2-one, 1,4-dibromo-1,4-dichlorobut-3-en-2-one, 2-chloroacetic acid, 2-bromoacetic acid, 2-iodoacetic acid, 2,2-dichloroacetic acid, 2-bromo-2-chloroacetic acid, 2-iodo-2-chloroacetic acid, 2,2-dibromoacetic acid, 2-iodo-2-bromoacetic acid , 2,2-Diiodoacetic acid, 3-chloroprop-2-enoic acid, 2-chloroprop-2-enoic acid, 3-bromoprop-2-enoic acid, 3-iodoprop-2-enoic acid, 3-iodoprop-2-enoic acid, 3,3-dichloroprop-2-enoic acid, 2,3-dichloroprop-2-enoic acid, 3,3-dibromoprop-2-enoic acid, 2,Examples of halogen compounds include, but are not limited to, 3-dibromoprop-2-enoic acid, 3-iodo-3-dibromoprop-2-enoic acid, 2-iodo-3-bromoprop-2-enoic acid, 2-bromo-3-iodoprop-2-enoic acid, 3,3-diiodoprop-2-enoic acid, 2,3-diiodoprop-2-enoic acid, 2,3,3-tribromoprop-2-enoic acid, 2,3-dibromo,3-iodoprop-2-enoic acid, and 2-iodo-3,3-dibromoprop-2-enoic acid. In some embodiments, halogen compounds may include the compounds shown in the following table: [Table 1] It should be noted that the aquatic plant material may have or produce any combination of the above compounds and / or other halogenated compounds.

[0018] As described herein, some embodiments are directed to the production of aquatic plant material (e.g., algae) to provide a seaweed feed product, which can be used as an animal feed and / or additive, provided as a supplement before or after consumption of the animal feed. Seaweed feed product, as described herein, refers to any material eaten (e.g., consumed and / or digested) by an animal, such as a ruminant, including seaweed or processed materials derived from seaweed. The seaweed feed products described herein, according to various embodiments, can be consumed individually by an animal (i.e., the feed is consumed primarily without other feed ingredients) or can be consumed together with other feeds (i.e., the feed is consumed in a mixture with other feed ingredients or "side-by-side" with other feeds). In some embodiments, the seaweed feed products described herein can constitute a relatively small portion of an animal's overall diet and can be considered a supplement to another bulk feed. For example, the feeds described herein can be eaten by animals along with other feeds, such as, for example, forage (including, for example, grass or legume (e.g., alfalfa) feeds), silage, corn, soybeans, other seeds, oils, nutritional supplements, etc. For example, in some embodiments, the seaweed feed products described herein can be mixed with other feeds, such as, for example, corn and / or soybeans. In other examples, animals can graze or otherwise be fed any of a variety of forages and can be separately fed some amount of the seaweed feed product described herein. It is anticipated that the seaweed feeds described herein can be part of a feeding regimen that can vary depending on the breed and type of ruminant, e.g., dairy cattle, beef lot cattle, "high-end" cattle (e.g., Wagyu or other premium cattle types), free-range cattle, etc., or depending on the feeding approach (e.g., feedlot or grazing system, or a combination thereof). Each type of ruminant can have a specialized diet that includes the seaweed feed product along with other additives.

[0019] According to various embodiments, the seaweed feed products described herein can be consumed and / or digested by ruminants. As described herein and understood by those skilled in the art, "ruminant" may refer to herbivorous ungulate mammals (suborders Tylopoda) with complex three- or four-chambered stomachs. Ruminants include, but are not limited to, cattle, sheep, deer, goats, giraffes, camels, and llamas. Ruminants described herein may be adapted for direct human food consumption, dairy products, and / or recreational ruminants. In some embodiments, ruminants may be dairy cattle, beef cattle, "high-end" cattle such as Waygu, free-range cattle, or may vary by feeding approach (e.g., feedlot or grazing system, or a combination thereof).

[0020] Thus, the aquatic plant material grown in the systems described herein can be used in the production of animal feed. More specifically, the aquatic plant material grown in the systems described herein can be used as an additive to animal feed to reduce methane production. In various embodiments, the aquatic plant material may undergo various subsequent processing and / or formulation steps following growth in the systems described herein.

[0021] 1A-1C, a system 10 for growing aquatic plant material is shown generally. For example, system 10 may generally include bowl 100. Disposed over bowl 100 may be cover 200 to substantially isolate bowl 100 from contaminants. As described in more detail herein, bowl 100 may be particularly suited for growing aquatic plant material, as opposed to bowls used in the fish or other wildlife industries.

[0022] Bowl 100 may be a tank formed from any combination of plastic, glass, fiberglass, concrete, etc. In some embodiments, bowl 100 may be a pond formed within a layer or substrate of soil 14 (e.g., clay, sand, soil, etc.). Note that if bowl 100 is a pond, the soil 14 substrate can provide insulative qualities for growing medium 160 and / or aquatic plant material 20 disposed within bowl 100. For example, the soil 14 layer can maintain a temperature of bowl 100 (and / or the growing medium and aquatic plant material disposed therein) between about 40°F and about 70°F, although other temperatures are anticipated and possible. If bowl 100 is formed within a layer or substrate of soil, bowl 100 may be contoured by excavating (e.g., with an earthmover, shovel, etc.) to move and / or carve the soil substrate.

[0023] In some embodiments, bowl 100 may be located near a collection of liquid, which may be an aqueous liquid (e.g., freshwater, saltwater, or filtered or otherwise processed water) and may be used as or for the production of growing medium 160. For example, in some cases, it may be beneficial to form or install bowl 100 within a predetermined range of a collection of liquid (e.g., a lake, ocean, reservoir, aquarium, etc.). For example, bowl 100 may be formed or installed within 300 miles (483 km) of the collection of liquid, e.g., within 100 miles (161 km) of the collection of liquid, e.g., within 50 miles (81 km) of the collection of liquid, e.g., within 1 mile (1.6 km) of the collection of liquid. By locating bowl 100 in close proximity to the collection of liquid, energy used in transporting the liquid (e.g., via pumps, trucks, etc.) may be reduced. In embodiments, the collection of liquid may be fluidly connected to bowl 100 via any combination of pipes, pumps, etc.

[0024] 1B, bowl 100 may generally extend between first end 102a and second end 102b to define a length L. The longitudinal dimension extends longitudinally. In embodiments, bowl 100 may have any length L, e.g., from about 10 feet ("ft") (3 m) to about 500 feet (153 m), e.g., from about 50 feet (15.2 m) to about 250 feet (76.2 m), e.g., from about 100 feet (30.5 m) to about 200 feet (61 m), e.g., about 150 feet (46 m), although other lengths are contemplated and possible.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1C , a cross-section of bowl 100 is depicted. As shown, bowl 100 has a width W. The width dimension extends in the horizontal direction. Thus, the vertical and horizontal directions are perpendicular to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, bowl 100 has a substantially parabolic cross-sectional shape, where bowl 100 has a variable depth D (vertical direction) along width W, which for simplicity is also referred to herein as a parabolic cross-sectional shape in the horizontal direction, and exhibits the profile of a paraboloid 122. That is, the bowl has a curved profile or surface that corresponds substantially to a parabola. In an embodiment, the substantially parabolic cross-sectional shape may generally correspond to the following equation:

number

[0026] A first berm 120a and a second berm 120b may be disposed along either longitudinal side of bowl 100. First berm 120a may be disposed along a first longitudinal side of bowl 100, and second berm 120b may be disposed along a second longitudinal side of bowl 100. As shown, first berm 120a and second berm 120b are elevated relative to the surrounding floor 12. For example, first berm 120a and second berm 120b may be elevated relative to the floor by approximately 200 mm to 500 mm, e.g., approximately 300 mm, although other heights are contemplated and possible. Note that in embodiments, first berm 120a and second berm 120b may continue the parabolic contour of bowl 100 or may have a different or modified contour relative to the parabolic contour.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1B , first end 102a and second end 102b may be first end wall 104a and second end wall 104b. First end wall 104a and second end wall 104b may be formed from any suitable material to close either end of bowl 100. For example, first end wall 104a and second end wall 104b may be formed from a substrate such as earth (e.g., clay, sand, grit, etc.), plastic, concrete, stone, etc. First end wall 104a and second end wall 104b may have inward-facing surfaces 105a, 105b that define the longitudinal ends of the storage space of bowl 100. Each of inward-facing surfaces 105a, 105b may be planar and disposed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, as shown. However, other orientations and / or configurations are contemplated and possible. For example, the inwardly facing surfaces 105a, 105b may be curved, wavy, or sloped.

[0028] As best depicted in FIG. 1C , the parabolic cross-sectional shape provided by the paraboloid surface 122 of the bowl 100 may have an apex 180 that indicates the maximum depth within the bowl 100. The apex 180 may be generally located at the center of the bowl 100 so that the bowl 100 is generally symmetrical from left to right. The bowl 100 may have any depth suitable for growing aquatic plant material 20, as shown in FIG. 1B . For example, the bowl 100 may have a depth at the apex 180 of about 2 feet (0.6 m) to about 100 feet (30.5 m), e.g., about 3 feet (0.9 m) to about 10 feet (3.1 m), e.g., about 6 feet (1.8 m). Note that when growing aquatic plant material 20, it is not necessary to fill the entire depth with the growing medium 160, but only a portion of it. First and second end walls 104a, 104b and parabolic surface 122 define bowl receiving space 101. The maximum width within bowl receiving space 101 may be from about 4 feet (1.2 m) to about 50 feet (15.2 m), for example, from about 6 feet (1.8 m) to about 15 feet (4.6 m), for example, about 12 feet (3.7 m), although other widths are contemplated and possible depending on the depth and parabolic coefficient.

[0029] A liner 125, such as a plastic liner, a geomembrane liner, or the like, can be disposed within the bowl's containment space 101. For example, the liner 125 may be formed of high-density polyethylene. The liner 125 can be a single layer or any number of layers. For example, if the bowl 100 is formed, for example, by digging into the soil 14 substrate, the liner 125 can prevent liquid loss through the soil surface. The liner 125 can be disposed along the parabolic surface 122 and / or end walls 104a, 104b of the bowl 100. In some embodiments, the liner 125 can extend over the first berm 120a and the second berm 120b. Anchors (e.g., rock, topsoil, fasteners, etc.) can hold the liner 125 in place. In some embodiments, the first berm 120a and the second berm 120b can be disposed on top of the liner 125. 1750

[0030] Liner 125 may be molded to bowl 100 and extend adjacent to parabolic surface 122 of bowl 100. For example, liner 125 may be molded to be positioned directly adjacent to parabolic surface 122 and extend along its curve. In some embodiments, an underlayment layer (not shown) may be disposed between parabolic surface 122 and liner 125. Liner 125 may have a substantially consistent thickness, for example, a thickness of about 1 mm to about 10 mm, e.g., about 2 mm. However, in other embodiments, the thickness of liner 125 may vary or increase (e.g., gradually) as liner 125 approaches apex 180. The inclusion of liner 125 does not substantially change the substantially parabolic cross-sectional shape of bowl receiving space 101, maintaining desired characteristics for stirring, described in more detail below. In embodiments, a drain 155 may be formed through liner 125 and bowl 100 to allow for removal of growing medium 160.

[0031] A growth medium 160, which may be an aqueous liquid (e.g., water, salt water, water mixed with one or more compounds (e.g., nutrient compounds)), may be placed within the bowl's containing space 101, such as on top of the paraboloid 122 and / or liner 125.

[0032] 1B and 1C , system 10 may generally include one or more environmental conditioning devices configured to condition the environment within bowl accommodating space 101. For example, one or more environmental conditioning devices may include one or more stirring devices 130 configured to stir or agitate growth medium 160, one or more temperature regulation devices 150 (such as those shown schematically in FIGS. 2 and 3 ) configured to adjust the temperature of growth medium 160 within bowl accommodating space 101, one or more lighting devices 170 configured to deliver or emit light into bowl accommodating space 101, one or more nutrient inlets 140 configured to deliver nutrients to growth medium 160, or any combination thereof. While various environmental conditioning devices are described, it should be noted that system 10 may include any number of environmental conditioning devices.

[0033] As described above, the one or more environmental conditioning devices may include one or more stirring devices 130 disposed within or on paraboloid 122 and / or within liner 125 to stir growth medium 160 within bowl accommodating space 101. Stirring device 130 may be positioned over or at apex 180 of bowl accommodating space 101 so as to be centered within bowl accommodating space 101. Stirring device 130 may extend in one or more segments between first end wall 104 and second end wall 104b. Stirring device 130 may be any device configured to stir growth medium 160 within bowl accommodating space 101. For example, stirring device 130 may include one or more sparge lines 132 (also called bubblers) extending along the bottom of bowl 100 between first end wall 104 and second end wall 104b. One or more sparge lines 132 may be arranged longitudinally and continuously to provide substantially consistent agitation along the entire length of bowl 100. One or more sparge lines 132 may be configured to emit a gas (e.g., air, carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, etc.), which may be fed into one or more sparge lines 132 and emitted into growth medium 160 through an array of openings 134. In some embodiments, multiple sparge lines emitting different gases may be included. For example, one line may emit air, and another line may emit nitrogen or carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, different gases may be emitted through the same line, as desired.

[0034] The parabolic shape of bowl 100 allows one or more agitation devices 130 to generate substantially consistent agitation throughout bowl accommodating volume 101. For example, as shown in FIG. 1C , agitation vortex 136 can be created evenly on both first side 108 a of bowl 100 and second side 108 b of bowl 100. Agitation vortex 136 is shown schematically for illustrative purposes and will substantially use both first side 108 a and second side 108 b of bowl 100 so as to substantially eliminate stagnation zones within first side 108 a and second side 108 b.

[0035] It should be noted that while a sparge line 132 is described above, other agitation devices are envisioned and possible. For example, a stirring or agitation device may be disposed within the bowl's containment space 101 and operated to agitate the growing medium 160 and any aquatic plant material 20 being grown therein.

[0036] One or more stirring devices 130 may be mounted within bowl 100 via one or more anchors (e.g., weights, fasteners, or the like). Alternatively, one or more stirring devices 130 may be untethered. For example, one or more stirring devices 130 may be dropped into bowl receiving space 101 and lowered and / or adjusted until positioned as desired within bowl receiving space 101.

[0037] As described above, the one or more environmental conditioning devices may include one or more lighting devices 170, such as a plurality of lighting devices. A lighting device may include any device capable of outputting light. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more lighting devices 170 may include one or more pendant lights 172, such as an array of one or more pendant lights 172 arranged above the bowl 100. As shown in FIG. 1B, the one or more arrays of pendant lights 172 may be positioned longitudinally above the bowl 100. For example, the pendant lights may be positioned approximately every 10 feet, such as approximately every 5 feet, such as approximately every 3 feet, etc. Referring to FIG. 1C, in an embodiment, there may be a single array of pendant lights 172 positioned above the bowl 100 and aligned above the apex 180 of the bowl 100 for the entire length of the bowl 100. In some embodiments, there may be two rows of pendant lights 172. In such an embodiment, the row of pendant lights 172 may be positioned above the centroid 138 of each stirring vortex 136 , such as directly above the centroid 138 of each stirring vortex 136 .

[0038] In some embodiments, one or more lighting devices 170 may be embedded and / or mounted to one or more structures within bowl 100. For example, one or more lighting devices 170 may be mounted to liner 125, stirring device 130, etc. One or more lighting devices 170 may be attached using fasteners, clips, or other types of anchoring devices.

[0039] In some embodiments, the one or more lighting devices 170 may include one or more submersible floating lighting devices 174. The one or more submersible floating lighting devices 174 may be buoyant such that the one or more submersible floating lighting devices 174 are configured to be embedded and positioned within the growth medium 160 at a desired depth below the surface of the growth medium 160. For example, the one or more submersible floating lighting devices 174 may be embedded and positioned approximately at the center of gravity 138 of each of the churning vortices 136 described above. In some embodiments, the one or more submersible floating lighting devices 174 may be arranged above and / or along the vertex 180. It is further noted that the submersible lighting devices may be positioned anywhere within the bowl's containing space 101. In some embodiments, the one or more lighting devices 170 may include multiple submersible lighting devices at various locations within the bowl 100.

[0040] The various lighting devices 170 described above may include single bulb-type lights or may include elongated or tubular lights. For example, one or more lighting devices 170 may include any combination of incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, CFL, and LED lights. The various lighting devices 170 may be battery operated or electrically coupled to a power source (e.g., DC and AC power sources). In embodiments, each or some of one or more lighting devices 170 may be adjustable. For example, the brightness of the emitted light, the wavelength of the emitted light, the color of the emitted light, etc. may be adjustable.

[0041] In some embodiments, the position of one or more lighting devices 170 may be adjustable. For example, in embodiments including pendant lights 172, one or more of the pendant lights 172 may be height adjustable. For example, the position of the pendant lights may be lowered (e.g., manually or via a motor or other type of actuator) closer to the growth medium 160 or raised farther from the growth medium 160. Such adjustments may also adjust the coverage of the emitted light.

[0042] As described above, the one or more environmental conditioning devices may include one or more nutrient inlets 140, such as multiple nutrient inlets. For example, nutrient inlet 140 may include a valve that, when operated to an open position, can be used to deliver nutrients, such as via a pump, into bowl 100 and growth medium 160. One or more nutrient inlets 140 may be located at various locations along the length of bowl 100 (e.g., approximately every 10 feet, approximately every 5 feet, approximately every 3 feet, etc.). Nutrients may include, but are not limited to, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, or other additives that may result in improved growth patterns or promote the development of desired characteristics within the aquatic plant material.

[0043] As mentioned above, the one or more environmental conditioning devices may include one or more temperature conditioning devices 150 (such as those schematically illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3). For example, the one or more temperature conditioning devices 150 may include any number of heating or cooling devices (e.g., heat exchangers) for adjusting the temperature of the growth medium 160 in the bowl 100. For example, with reference to FIG. 3, the bowl 100 may be fluidly coupled to various inlet and outlet lines 112, 114. Coupled to the inlet line 112 may be a temperature conditioning device 150 configured to adjust the temperature of the growth medium 160 entering the bowl 100. In some embodiments, the growth medium 160 may be recirculated from the temperature conditioning device 150 or a separate temperature conditioning device to adjust the temperature of the growth medium 160 during growth of the aquatic plant material 20. In some embodiments, the air, nitrogen, or other gas introduced by the sparge line 132 may be conditioned via the temperature conditioning device 150 (e.g., warmed via a heating device or cooled via a cooling device).

[0044] In some embodiments, temperature adjustment device 150 may include an HVAC unit that may adjust the air temperature surrounding bowl 100. For example, top surface 110 of bowl 100 may be enclosed by a cover 200, such as housing 202. Housing 202 may be enclosed not only to isolate the surface of bowl 100 from potential contaminants, but also to maintain the environmental (e.g., temperature) conditions of bowl 100.

[0045] As mentioned above, disposed around bowl 100 may be cover 200, which surrounds top surface 110 of bowl 100. In some embodiments, cover 200 may simply cover the surface of bowl 100 and / or growing medium 160. For example, cover 200 may be a polymer sheet, although other materials are contemplated and possible. However, in some embodiments, cover 200 is housing 202, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. For example, housing 202 may be constructed around bowl 100 to isolate bowl containment space 101 and the air containment space surrounding bowl 100 from external contaminants. In some embodiments, housing 202 may resemble a greenhouse and have translucent walls 204. Translucent walls 204 may have a coating applied to them or may act to filter incident light (e.g., sunlight or ambient light) as desired. In some embodiments, housing 202 may filter ambient light such that the filtered ambient light includes green and blue wavelengths and excludes substantially all other wavelengths of light. In some embodiments, housing 202 may condition or diffuse incident light to ensure consistent lighting across bowl 100. In embodiments, one or more hanging lights 172 may be mounted to housing 202. In embodiments, housing 202 may leave walking space around bowl 100 and / or first berm 120a and second berm 120b.

[0046] 2, various modules of system 10 are shown communicatively coupled to one another via communication paths 162. For example, system 10 may include communication paths 162, a control unit 161 including one or more processors 164 and one or more memories 166, one or more environmental conditioning devices including one or more lighting devices 170, one or more stirring devices 130, one or more nutrient inlets 140, and one or more temperature regulation devices 150 (although additional or fewer environmental conditioning devices are contemplated and possible). Additionally, system 10 may include one or more sensors 190.

[0047] Communication paths 162 provide data interconnectivity between the various modules disposed within system 10. Specifically, each of the modules can operate as a node capable of transmitting and / or receiving data. In some embodiments, communication paths 162 include a conductive material that enables transmission of electrical data signals to processors, memories, sensors, and actuators throughout system 10. In another embodiment, communication paths 162 can be a bus. In further embodiments, communication paths 162 can be wireless and / or optical waveguides. Communicatively coupled components may include components capable of exchanging data signals with each other, such as, for example, electrical signals over a conductive medium, electromagnetic signals over air, optical signals over an optical waveguide, etc. Thus, communication paths 162 can support wireless and / or wired communication.

[0048] The one or more processors 164 may include any device capable of executing machine-readable instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Accordingly, each processor may include a controller, an integrated circuit, a microchip, a computer, and / or any other computing device. There may be multiple processors 164 operable within a disturbed computing arrangement.

[0049] The one or more memories 166 are communicatively coupled to the one or more processors 164 via communication path 162. The one or more memories 166 may be configured as volatile and / or non-volatile memory and, as such, may include random access memory (including SRAM, DRAM, and / or other types of RAM), flash memory, secure digital (SD) memory, registers, compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), and / or other types of non-transitory computer-readable media. The one or more memories 166 may be configured to store one or more logics, as described in more detail below. As mentioned above, the embodiments described herein may utilize distributed computing arrangements to execute any portion of the logic described herein.

[0050] Embodiments of the present disclosure include logic stored in one or more memories 166, including machine-readable instructions and / or algorithms written in any programming language of any generation (e.g., 1GL, 2GL, 3GL, 4GL, and / or 5GL), such as machine language that can be executed directly by one or more processors 164, assembly language that can be compiled or assembled into machine-readable instructions and stored on a machine-readable medium, obstacle-oriented programming (OOP), scripting languages, microcode, etc. Similarly, logic and / or algorithms may be written in a hardware description language (HDL), such as logic implemented via either a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) configuration or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and their equivalents. Thus, logic may be implemented in any conventional computer programming language, as pre-programmed hardware elements, and / or as a combination of hardware and software components. As described in more detail herein, logic stored on one or more memories 166 and executed by one or more processors 164 enables the control unit 161 to control the operation of one or more of the various environmental conditioning devices described herein to adjust or modify the environment within the bowl receiving space 101.

[0051] Accordingly, each of the one or more environmental adjustment devices may be communicatively coupled to control unit 161 to enable control unit 161 to operate the one or more environmental adjustment devices to adjust the environment of bowl receiving space 101. For example, as described above, various attributes of one or more lighting devices 170 may be adjusted by control unit 161. For example, control unit 161 may execute logic stored in one or more memories 166 and control the operation of the lighting devices (e.g., via motors) to adjust position, brightness, wavelength, etc. Similarly, control unit 161 may be communicatively coupled to one or more pumps or motors associated with stirring device 130 to selectively control agitation of growth medium 160. Control unit 161 may be communicatively coupled to one or more valves and / or pumps associated with one or more nutrient inlets to selectively deposit nutrients or other materials within bowl 100. Control unit 161 may be communicatively coupled to one or more temperature adjustment devices to effect temperature adjustment within growth medium 160. Other adjustments / actuators are also anticipated and possible.

[0052] In embodiments, a user input device (not shown), such as any combination of a keyboard, touch screen, knobs, levers, joysticks, etc., may be communicatively coupled to control unit 161 to allow a user to input desired operating parameters for one or more environmental adjustment devices. In some embodiments, control unit 161 may automatically make environmental adjustments based on conditions within bowl 100. As described above, system 10 may include one or more sensors 190 communicatively coupled to control unit 161 via communication path 162. One or more sensors 190 may be operable to output a signal indicative of a growth or environmental condition within bowl receiving space 101. Based on that output, control unit 161 may alter environmental parameters to adjust the environment within bowl 100.

[0053] In some embodiments, one or more sensors 190 may include optical sensors that may be operable to output an optical signal related to at least one of light penetration (e.g., through growth medium 160) and reflectance (e.g., surface reflectance) of the growth medium. For example, the light penetration and / or reflectance of the growth medium may provide information to the control unit 161 regarding the growth pattern, size, etc. of the aquatic plant material. For example, the light penetration and / or reflectance may decrease as the plant aquatic medium grows. That is, larger plant size or larger volume of aquatic material may result in a decrease in light penetration and / or reflectance. Optical sensors may be positioned at various locations within and / or above bowl 100.

[0054] In some embodiments, one or more sensors 190 may include, in addition to or instead of optical sensors, pH sensors, salinity sensors, total dissolved solids (TDS) sensors, turbidity sensors, temperature sensors, etc. Thus, any combination of sensors communicatively coupled to control unit 161 may be used to determine environmental and / or growth conditions within bowl containing space 101. Additionally, one or more sensors may be located within housing 202, within bowl containing space 101, or outside bowl 100.

[0055] Using feedback from any of the one or more sensors 190, the control unit 161 can adjust the environment using one or more environmental adjustment devices described herein, such as agitating the growth medium 160 using one or more agitation devices, moving or otherwise adjusting one or more lighting devices, adding nutrients or other additives using one or more nutrient inlets 140, heating or cooling the growth medium 160 using one or more temperature adjustment devices 150, etc. For example, nutrient distribution, agitation, temperature changes, and lighting changes can be adjusted during the growing season as may be determined by the containment space, pH level, salinity, TDS, etc. of the aquatic plant material to produce a desired growth pattern or characteristics.

[0056] In some embodiments, the control unit 161 can be configured to execute stress scripts stored in one or more memories 166. The stress scripts can include instructions for adjusting the environment of the growth medium 160 to stress the aquatic plant material growing therein. For example, if the aquatic plant material includes Asparagopsis taxiformis or Asparagopsis armata, the introduction of a stressor (e.g., increasing / decreasing agitation, increasing / decreasing lighting, or other adjustments) can induce stress within the Asparagopsis taxiformis or Asparagopsis armata and promote increased production of bromoform. For example, increased stress due to agitation, lighting, nutrients, temperature, etc. may cause Asparagopsis taxiformis (or Asparagopsis armata) to respond in a way that increases production of bromoform and other halogenated materials prior to harvest. In some embodiments, using one or more sensors described herein, the control unit may detect the growth stage (e.g., by size or structure of the aquatic plant material) and identify when to apply or execute a stress script to increase production of bromoform and other halogenated materials.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 3 , a schematic layout diagram of system 10 is generally depicted. For example, as described above, growth medium 160 (e.g., water such as seawater) may be supplied to bowl 100 via inlet line 112. In some embodiments, inlet line 112 may include an operable valve that can be controlled manually or via control unit 161 to allow growth medium 160 to flow into bowl 100. Growth medium 160 may be passed through temperature regulation device 150 (e.g., a heat exchanger) to regulate the temperature of growth medium 160 to a desired temperature. One or more additives or nutrients may be added to growth medium 160 as it passes through temperature regulation device 150. Growth medium 160 may be passed through filtration system 30, which may include one or more levels of filtration (e.g., coarse filter 31 and / or fine filter 32). Before depositing growth medium 160 into bowl 100, growth medium 160 may further be passed through UV treatment 34 to kill any microbial life in growth medium 160.

[0058] Seedlings 22 (e.g., seeds) of desired aquatic plant material may be provided to bowl 100 via transfer device 24. For example, seedlings 22 may be transferred to bowl 100 via a pump or via manual or robotic deposition. Once placed in bowl 100, various environmental conditioning devices may be operated to condition the environment within bowl 100 as described herein. Growth medium 160 may be circulated out of bowl 100 as waste via drain 155 formed within bowl 100. Upon completion of various growth stages, aspirator 40 may be used to expel aquatic plant material 20 from the tank to hopper 50 or other structure for downstream processing.

[0059] A power supply 70 (e.g., an AC or DC power supply) may be coupled to various components (e.g., one or more lighting devices 170, one or more stirring devices 130, one or more temperature regulation devices 150, one or more nutrient inlets 140, etc.) to provide power for operation.

[0060] It should be noted that although the embodiments depict only a single bowl, in some embodiments, multiple bowls may be included in the system. In some embodiments, each bowl may have an independent housing, control unit, sensor, environmental conditioning device, etc. In other embodiments, multiple bowls may be housed in a common housing and may share a common control unit, sensor, and / or environmental conditioning device.

[0061] 4, a flowchart depicting a method 300 for growing aquatic plant material is generally depicted. While several steps are shown, a greater or lesser number of steps may be included without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the method may be performed in any order.

[0062] At block 302, the method generally includes placing growth medium 160 within receiving space 101 of bowl 100. For example, growth medium 160 may be pumped into bowl 100. As described above herein, before growth medium 160 is placed in the tank, it may be heated / cooled, supplemented with nutrients, filtered, and / or exposed to UV light. At block 304, the method may include depositing aquatic plant material 20 within receiving space 101 of bowl 100 for a growing period. For example, as described above, seedlings may be deposited within growth medium 160 and grown for the growing period.

[0063] In block 306, the method may include determining a growth state of the aquatic plant material 20. For example, determining the growth state may include detecting one or more characteristics of the aquatic plant material 20 using one or more sensors 190. Upon receiving feedback from the one or more sensors 190, the control unit 161 may determine the growth state (e.g., maturity). Based on the growth state, the method may include adjusting one or more environmental characteristics within the bowl containing space 101 in block 308, as described above. For example, the method may include increasing stress on the aquatic plant material 20, such as when the aquatic plant material includes Asparagopsis taxiformis or Asparagopsis armata, to increase the production of, for example, bromoform. For example, increasing stress about one week before harvest may increase the production of bromoform and other halogenated materials immediately prior to harvest.

[0064] In some embodiments, the method may include forming the bowl 100 in the earthen substrate, such as with a mechanical shovel, such that the bowl 100 has a parabolic cross-sectional shape as described above.

[0065] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be further described with respect to the following numbered clauses:

[0066] 1. A system for the growth of aquatic plant material, the system comprising a bowl defining a length, a variable depth, and a width, the width of the bowl having a substantially parabolic cross-sectional shape.

[0067] 2. The system of clause 1, further comprising a stirring device.

[0068] 3. The system of clause 2, wherein the agitator is located at the apex of a substantially parabolic cross-sectional shape.

[0069] 4. A system according to clause 2 or 3, wherein the stirring device is positioned within the receiving space of the bowl.

[0070] 5. The system of any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising a liner within the receiving space of the bowl.

[0071] 6. The system of clause 5, wherein the bowl includes a paraboloid and the liner is positioned adjacent to the paraboloid.

[0072] 7. The system of clause 5 or 6, wherein the bowl includes a paraboloid and the liner is positioned adjacent to the paraboloid.

[0073] 8. The system of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the substantially parabolic cross-sectional shape substantially corresponds to the equation: y=ax^2, where a is a coefficient having a value less than about 1.

[0074] 9. The system of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the bowl has a first end wall and a second end wall, the length being determined by the first end wall and the second end wall, and the agitation device comprises a sparge line disposed between the first end wall and the second end wall.

[0075] 10. A system described in any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the stirring device is configured to create a first stirring vortex on a first side of the bowl and a second stirring vortex on a second side of the bowl, and one or more lighting devices are positioned at the center of gravity of each of the first stirring vortex and the second stirring vortex.

[0076] 11. A system described in any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising a plurality of lighting devices arranged along the entire length of the bowl, wherein at least one of the brightness of the emitted light and the wavelength of the emitted light is adjustable.

[0077] 12. The system of any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising a housing surrounding the top surface of the bowl, the housing filtering ambient light entering the housing, the filtered ambient light comprising primarily green and blue wavelengths.

[0078] 13. The system of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the bowl comprises a first berm disposed along a first longitudinal side of the bowl and a second berm disposed along a second longitudinal side of the bowl, the first berm and the second berm being elevated relative to the surrounding floor.

[0079] 14. The system of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the bowl includes an earthen substrate that defines a containment volume for the bowl.

[0080] 15. A system for growing aquatic plant material, the system comprising: a bowl defining a length, a variable depth, a width, and a bowl containment space, said width having a substantially parabolic cross-sectional shape; and one or more environmental conditioning devices configured to adjust one or more environmental characteristics within the bowl containment space.

[0081] 16. The system of clause 15, further comprising one or more sensors operable to detect one or more characteristics of the aquatic plant material in the bowl, the control unit configured to execute logic that causes the control unit to perform the steps of: detecting a condition of the aquatic plant material in the aquarium based on signals from the one or more sensors; and adjusting one or more environmental characteristics in the bowl using one or more environmental adjustment devices.

[0082] 17. The system of clause 16, wherein the one or more environmental conditioning devices include an agitation device.

[0083] 18. The system described in clause 17, wherein the one or more environmental conditioning devices include a plurality of adjustable lighting devices positioned along the entire length of the bowl, and at least one of the brightness of the emitted light and the wavelength of the emitted light is adjustable.

[0084] 19. The system of clause 17 or 18, wherein the one or more environmental conditioning devices comprise a plurality of nutrient inlets positioned along the entire length of the bowl.

[0085] 20. The system of any one of clauses 17-19, wherein the one or more environmental conditioning devices include a sparge line that releases carbon dioxide.

[0086] 21. The system of any one of clauses 17-20, wherein the one or more sensors comprise an optical sensor operable to output an optical signal related to at least one of the light permeability and reflectance of the growth medium.

[0087] 22. A method for growing aquatic plant material, the method comprising the steps of: placing a growing medium within a receiving space of a bowl, the bowl defining a length, a variable depth, and a width, the width having a substantially parabolic cross-sectional shape; and depositing the aquatic plant material within the receiving space of the bowl for a growing period.

[0088] 23. The method of clause 22, further comprising determining a growth state of the aquatic plant material and adjusting one or more environmental characteristics within the containing space of the bowl based on the growth state of the aquatic plant material.

[0089] 24. The method of any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising the steps of receiving signals from one or more sensors, the signals indicating a growth state of the aquatic plant material; determining the growth state of the aquatic plant material based on the signals; and adjusting one or more environmental characteristics within the accommodating space of the bowl using one or more environmental adjustment devices based on the growth state of the aquatic plant material.

[0090] 25. The method of clause 24, wherein the one or more environmental conditioning devices include a stirring device disposed within the receiving space of the bowl.

[0091] 26. The method of clause 24 or 25, wherein the one or more environmental conditioning devices include a plurality of adjustable lighting devices positioned along the entire length of the bowl.

[0092] 27. The method of any one of clauses 24-26, wherein the one or more environmental conditioning devices comprise a plurality of nutrient inlets positioned along the entire length of the bowl.

[0093] 28. The method of any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising increasing the production of bromoform and / or other halogenated materials by the aquatic plant material by adjusting one or more environmental characteristics within the containing space of the bowl.

[0094] It should be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for growing aquatic plant material. In particular, the embodiments include a bowl having a parabolic cross-sectional shape. As described, the parabolic shape of the bowl allows agitation to be evenly distributed throughout the growing medium, thereby substantially eliminating undesirable stagnation points. In particular, agitation can promote the growth and property profile of the aquatic plant material, resulting in improved aquatic plant material for purposes such as animal feed, although other applications are also anticipated and possible. For example, substantially uniform agitation can ensure that the aquatic plant material is equally exposed to stressors that promote the development of characteristics such as increased production of certain chemicals by the aquatic plant material. That is, the quality of the aquatic plant material can be substantially similar throughout the tank or pond. Accordingly, improvements in the quality and consistency of the aquatic plant material can be achieved.

[0095] Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value and / or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0096] Unless otherwise expressly stated, any method described herein is in no way intended to be construed as requiring its steps to be performed in a particular order, nor is it intended to be construed as requiring the steps to be performed by any apparatus in a particular orientation. Thus, unless a method claim actually recites an order to be followed, or any apparatus claim actually recites an order or orientation for individual components, or unless it is otherwise specifically stated in the claim or specification that the steps are to be limited to a particular order, or no particular order or orientation for the apparatus components is recited, no order or orientation is intended to be implied in any way. This applies to all possible non-expressive criteria for interpretation, including matters of logic regarding the placement of steps, operational flow, component order, or component orientation; simple meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of embodiments described herein.

[0097] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to an element preceded by "a" includes aspects having two or more such elements unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Claims

1. 1. A system for growing aquatic plant material, comprising: a bowl having a defined length, a variable depth, and a width, said width comprising a bowl having a substantially parabolic cross-sectional shape; system.

2. further comprising a stirring device; The system of claim 1 .

3. a liner within the bowl receiving space including the paraboloid; The liner is positioned adjacent to the paraboloid, or the liner is positioned close to the paraboloid.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the bowl has a first end wall and a second end wall, the length being determined by the first end wall and the second end wall; the agitation device includes a sparge line disposed between the first end wall and the second end wall. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the stirring device is located at an apex of a substantially parabolic cross-sectional shape; the stirring device is configured to create a first stirring vortex on a first side of the bowl and a second stirring vortex on a second side of the bowl; one or more lighting devices are disposed at respective centers of gravity of the first agitating vortex and the second agitating vortex; A system according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. a plurality of lighting devices arranged along the length of the bowl, the lighting devices being adjustable in at least one of the brightness or wavelength of the emitted light; and / or a housing surrounding a top surface of the bowl, the housing filtering ambient light entering the housing, the filtered ambient light comprising primarily green and blue wavelengths; further comprising: A system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the bowl includes a first berm along a first longitudinal side of the bowl and a second berm disposed along a second longitudinal side of the bowl; The first berm and the second berm are elevated relative to the surrounding floor. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The bowl includes an earthen substrate defining a receiving space for the bowl. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. 1. A system for growing aquatic plant material, comprising: a bowl having a defined length, a variable depth, a width, and a bowl receiving volume, the width having a substantially parabolic cross-sectional shape; and one or more environmental conditioning devices configured to adjust one or more environmental characteristics within the bowl receiving space. system.

10. one or more sensors operable to detect one or more characteristics of the aquatic plant material in the bowl; a control unit detecting the condition of the aquatic plant material in the bowl based on signals from one or more sensors; and adjusting the one or more environmental characteristics within the bowl with the one or more environmental adjustments; the one or more environmental conditioning devices a stirring device; a plurality of adjustable lighting devices disposed along the length of the bowl, the lighting devices being adjustable in at least one of brightness of emitted light or wavelength of emitted light; a plurality of nutrient inlets disposed along the entire length of the bowl; The system of claim 9.

11. the one or more environmental conditioning devices include a sparge line that releases carbon dioxide; The system of claim 10.

12. 1. A method for growing aquatic plant material, comprising: placing a growing medium within a receiving space of a bowl, said bowl defining a length, a variable depth, and a width, said width having a substantially parabolic cross-sectional shape; depositing the aquatic plant material within the receiving space of the bowl for a growing period; A method comprising:

13. receiving signals indicative of a growth condition of the aquatic plant material from one or more sensors; determining a growth state of the aquatic plant material based on the signal; adjusting one or more environmental characteristics within the bowl's containing space with one or more environmental adjustment devices based on the growth status of the aquatic plant material. The method of claim 12.

14. the one or more environmental conditioning devices a stirring device disposed within the accommodation space of the bowl; a plurality of adjustable lighting devices positioned along the length of the bowl; or a plurality of nutrient inlets disposed along the length of the bowl; The method of claim 13.

15. adjusting one or more environmental characteristics within the bowl's containing space to increase the production of bromoform and / or other halogenated materials by the aquatic plant material; 15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

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