Microalgae culture support device, microalgae culture system using the same, and microalgae culture support method

Abstract

The culture support device (100) includes a measurement value acquisition unit (1) that acquires at least one of the types as a measurement value, the types being classified as the water quality of the culture solution, the gas supplied to the culture solution, and the chemicals for adjusting the pH of the culture solution; a condition index calculation unit (2) that calculates a condition index in the culture solution from the measurement value as a function of time; a warning value setting unit (3) that sets a warning value for the condition index based on the type for which the measurement value was acquired; a warning determination unit (4) that determines whether the condition index will reach the warning value; and a warning notification unit (5) that issues a warning when the warning determination unit determines that the condition index will reach the warning value.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a culture assistance device, a culture system using the same, and a method for assisting microbial culture. [Background technology]

[0002] Microorganisms such as microalgae that grow through photosynthesis are attracting attention for use in a wide range of fields, including food, fuel, and various materials, and technologies for culturing these are being studied. If unintended foreign matter is mixed into the culture solution, the growth of the targeted microorganisms is inhibited and they die. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for culturing microalgae using natural water sources, in which the growth of unintended microorganisms is suppressed by maintaining an alkaline culture tank, thereby efficiently culturing microalgae. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-110086 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the cultivation of microorganisms such as microalgae requires nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, water, light, CO2, etc., and many values ​​must be controlled. Furthermore, these values ​​fluctuate due to various factors such as photosynthesis and the season, making it difficult to immediately detect unintended foreign matter and maintain the culture solution in good condition.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a culture support device that can measure fluctuations in a culture solution and eliminate unintended factors to maintain the culture solution in a good condition, as well as a culture system and a microbial culture support method using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Books Disclosure slight The microalgae cultivation support device includes a measurement value acquisition unit that acquires at least one of the types as a measurement value, which are classified as the water quality of the culture solution, the amount of gas supplied to the culture solution, and the amount of chemical agent supplied to adjust the pH of the culture solution; a status index calculation unit that calculates a status index of the culture solution using the measurement value as a function of time; a warning value setting unit that sets a warning value for the status index based on the type for which the measurement value was acquired; a warning determination unit that determines whether the status index will reach the warning value; and a warning notification unit that issues a warning when the warning determination unit determines that the status index will reach the warning value.The status index calculation unit calculates, as the status index, the square of the value obtained by subtracting from the current measurement value, which is a function of time, reference data that has been created in advance by fluctuating over time based on photosynthesis, or processed data obtained using past measurement values ​​accumulated as a function of time that fluctuates due to photosynthesis.

[0007] The culture system according to the present disclosure includes a culture tank for storing a culture solution, a substrate supply unit for supplying a substrate for culturing a microorganism in the culture tank, a gas supply unit for supplying a gas to the culture tank, a chemical supply unit for supplying a chemical for adjusting the pH of the culture solution to the culture tank, a measuring device for measuring at least one of the types, which are classified as the water quality of the culture solution, the supply amount of gas to be supplied to the culture solution, and the supply amount of the chemical for adjusting the pH of the culture solution, and a measuring device for acquiring measurement values ​​measured by the measuring device, calculating a state index of the culture solution as a function of time using the measurement values, setting a warning value for the state index based on the type, and notifying a warning based on the warning value. Microalgae The culture support device includes a control unit that controls at least one of the substrate supply unit, the gas supply unit, and the drug supply unit when a warning is issued.

[0008] Books Disclosure slightThe method for supporting microalgae cultivation includes the steps of: classifying the water quality of the culture solution, the amount of gas supplied to the culture solution, and the amount of chemical agent supplied to adjust the pH of the culture solution into categories; acquiring at least one of the categories as a measurement value; calculating, as a status index of the culture solution, a value obtained by subtracting, from a current measurement value, which is a function of time, the value obtained by squaring the subtracted value, which is a function of time, the reference data that is created by previously varying over time based on photosynthesis, or the processed data that is obtained using past measurement values ​​accumulated as a function of time that varies due to photosynthesis; setting a warning value for the status index based on the category for which the measurement value was acquired; determining whether the status index will reach the warning value; and notifying a warning if it is determined that the status index will reach the warning value. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, the state of the culture solution is obtained as a measurement value, a state index of the culture solution is calculated as a function of time using the measurement value, a warning value of the state index is set based on the type, and a warning is issued based on the warning value, thereby making it possible to maintain the state of the culture solution in a good condition, which may fluctuate depending on the time, season, etc. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a culture system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between state index E1(t) and time t according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4 is an example showing a relationship between a state index E1(t) and time t according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the drug supply amount F(t) and pH, for illustrating state indexes S and P according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the drug supply amount F(t) and pH, for illustrating state indexes S and P according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 13 is an example showing a relationship between a measurement value and time t according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] 11 is an example showing a relationship between a state index I and time t according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 is an example showing the relationship between pH and time t according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 is an example showing a relationship between a state index E2(t) and time t according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is an example showing a relationship between a state index E2(t) and time t according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 is an example showing a relationship between a state index E3(t) and time t according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is an example showing a relationship between a state index E3(t) and time t according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing a process flow executed by the culture supporting device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a processing circuit that realizes each function of the culture support device according to embodiment 4. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a culture support device according to embodiment 4. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a culture support device according to embodiment 4. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a culture support device according to embodiment 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The following description of the embodiments will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same contents and corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0012] Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a culture system 1000 according to embodiment 1. In Fig. 1, the culture system 1000 includes a culture tank 11 for storing a culture solution, a substrate supplying section 12 for supplying substrates such as water, organic matter, and nutrients for culturing a desired microorganism to the culture tank 11, a gas supplying section 13 for supplying gases such as air and carbon dioxide to the culture tank 11, and a chemical supplying section 14 for supplying a chemical to the culture tank 11 to adjust the pH in the culture tank 11. Also provided in the culture tank 11 are a diffuser 15 for diffusing the supplied substrate, gas, chemical, and the like, and a culture solution discharge section 16 for discharging the culture solution.

[0013] In addition, there are provided a water quality measuring instrument 111 for measuring the water quality of the culture solution in the culture tank 11, a substrate measuring instrument 121 for measuring the amount of substrate supplied from the substrate supply unit 12 to the culture tank 11, a gas measuring instrument 131 for measuring the amount of gas supplied from the gas supply unit 13 to the culture tank 11, a drug measuring instrument 141 for measuring the amount of drug supplied from the drug supply unit 14 to the culture tank 11, and a culture solution measuring instrument 161 for measuring the water quality of the culture solution discharged from the culture solution discharge unit 16. The chemical supply unit 14 acquires the pH value measured by the water quality measuring device 111, and if the pH value deviates from the desired value, supplies a chemical to the culture tank 11 to adjust the pH. The culture solution discharge unit 16 may be used as a means for removing the culture solution in the culture tank 11, or may be used as a means for discarding unnecessary culture solution. In the culture system 1000, the control unit 17 controls the supply by the substrate supply unit 12, the gas supply unit 13, and the chemical supply unit 14, the diffuser 15, the culture solution discharge unit 16, etc.

[0014] Furthermore, the culture system 1000 is provided with a culture support device 100, which includes a measurement value acquisition unit 1 that acquires at least one of the following types as a measurement value: the water quality of the culture solution, the amount of gas supplied to the culture solution, and the amount of drug supplied for adjusting the pH of the culture solution; a status index calculation unit 2 that calculates a status index of the culture solution as a function of time using the measurement value; a warning value setting unit 3 that sets a warning value A for the status index based on the type in which the measurement value was acquired; a warning determination unit 4 that determines whether the status index reaches the warning value A; and a warning notification unit 5 that issues a warning when the warning determination unit 4 determines that the status index will reach the warning value A. The measurement value acquisition unit 1 acquires a measurement value at each preset acquisition time, and stores the acquired measurement value in the storage unit 20. The calculation of the state index in the state index calculation unit 2 is executed by taking in the measurement value stored in the storage unit 20 as a function of time at a preset calculation time. The notification of the warning from the warning notification unit 5 is received, for example, by the control unit 17 as a warning signal. When the control unit 17 receives a notification from the warning notification unit 5, it controls the supply amount of at least one of the substrate supply unit 12, the gas supply unit 13, and the drug supply unit 14 to improve the water quality of the culture solution in the culture tank 11. Other processing may be performed to improve the water quality of the culture solution. The warning notification unit 5 may sound an alarm as a warning notification, and prompt the operator operating the culture system 1000 to perform the processing.

[0015] A method for calculating the state index E1(t) of the culture solution using the measurement values ​​acquired by the measurement value acquisition unit 1 will be described. For example, the measurement value acquisition unit 1 acquires measurement values ​​obtained by continuously measuring at least one of the water quality of the culture solution in the culture tank 11, the supply amount of gas supplied to the culture solution in the culture tank 11, and the supply amount of a chemical agent for adjusting the pH of the culture solution in the culture tank 11 from an arbitrary start time t0. If the time elapsed from the start time t0 is t, the measurement value acquisition unit 1 acquires a measurement value D(t) at time t. Using these measurement values ​​D(t), the state index E1(t) as a function of t is calculated from the following equation (1).

[0016]

number

[0017]

number

[0018] Furthermore, the state index E1(t) is not limited to a positive value, and may be a negative value. In this case, the following formula (3) or (4) is used, and the warning value A is set to at least one of a negative warning value A1 and a positive warning value A2. When the current state index E(t) becomes negative, it is determined that the warning value A has been reached if it is equal to or less than the negative warning value A1, and when the current state index E(t) becomes positive, it is determined that the warning value A has been reached if it is equal to or more than the positive warning value A2. The normal value may be equal to or more than the negative warning value A1 and equal to or less than the positive warning value A2, and the warning value A may be set to be less than the negative warning value A1 or more than the positive warning value A2.

[0019]

number

[0020]

number

[0021] For example, when culturing microalgae as microorganisms, carbon dioxide from the air dissolves in the culture solution, producing carbonate ions, which lowers the pH. Conversely, when the carbonate ions in the culture solution are consumed by photosynthesis, the pH rises. The pH value fluctuates differently when comparing times with high and low levels of sunlight. Also, the pH value fluctuates differently when it is sunny and when it is rainy, when it is hot and when it is cold, etc., so it is difficult to determine whether the condition is deteriorating just by tracking the pH measurement.

[0022] FIG. 3 shows an example of a value obtained by the measurement value acquisition unit 1 acquiring pH as a measurement value from the water quality measurement device 111 that measures the water quality of the culture solution in the culture tank 11 from 7:30 to 24:00 the next day, calculating the state index E1(t) using the formula (1) in the state index calculation unit 2, and using the warning value A set in the warning value setting unit 3 from the relationship with the state index E1(t) with the type being pH, which is one of the water qualities of the culture solution, the warning determination unit 4 determines whether the state index E1(t) reaches the warning value A. At 17:30 the next day, 34 hours after the measurement value acquisition, the state index E1(t) reaches the warning value A, and the warning notification unit 5 notifies the control unit 17 of a warning. This is an example of a pH rise after sunset. In this way, by obtaining the state of the culture medium as a measurement value and calculating the state index E1(t) of the culture medium using the time-based measurement value, it is possible to receive an immediate notification when the state index E1(t) reaches the set warning value A.

[0023] The state index is not limited to the above formulas (1) to (4), and other measured values ​​may be used as a function of time. For example, a relationship between multiple variables related to time t may be used. FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the pH and the amount of drug supplied per hour F(t) from the drug supply unit 14 to adjust the pH under the above conditions. The drug is supplied to adjust the pH of the culture solution in the culture tank 11, so that the slope S shown in FIG. 4 has a relationship of Sn1 under normal conditions. However, when an abnormality occurs in which the pH increases more than expected, for example, the slope S changes to, for example, Sa1 as shown in FIG. 4. Therefore, the state index calculation unit 2 may calculate the slope S as the state index from the relationship between multiple variables related to time t, and the warning value setting unit 3 may set, for example, a slope outside the region Rn as the warning value Sa, and the warning determination unit 4 may determine whether the state index S reaches the warning value Sa.

[0024] In this example, the measurement value acquisition unit 1 acquires the measurement values ​​of two types, the supply amount of a chemical to adjust the pH of the culture solution, and the pH, which is one of the water qualities of the culture solution, and the condition index calculation unit 2 sets the slope S of a plot of each measurement value as a function of time as a condition index. The warning value setting unit 3 sets the slope Sa as a warning value from the relationship between the two types. By acquiring multiple measured values ​​based on time and calculating the state index S from the relationship between multiple variables related to time t, it is possible to receive an immediate notification when the state index S reaches the set warning value Sa. In this case, since multiple measured values ​​are taken into consideration, abnormalities can be detected with greater accuracy.

[0025] The state index may be a coordinate P indicating the relationship between a plurality of measurement values. In the state index calculation unit 2, the coordinate P based on the relationship between a plurality of measurement values ​​related to time t may be calculated as the state index, the warning value setting unit 3 may set a coordinate Pa outside the region Rn that is set as the warning value, and the warning determination unit 4 may determine whether the state index P reaches the warning value Pa. In the example shown in FIG. 4, when the coordinate P is, for example, Pn1, it is determined to be normal, and when the coordinate P is Pa1, it is determined to be abnormal. The region Ra outside the region Rn may be set as the warning value. Although an example using two types of the drug supply amount per time F(t) and pH has been shown, a three-dimensional relationship including the concentration of CO2 (carbon dioxide) dissolved in the culture solution, the concentration of O2 (oxygen), etc. may be used. Other combinations of these measurement values ​​may be used. By acquiring multiple measurement values ​​based on time t and calculating the state index P from the relationship between multiple variables related to time t, it is possible to receive an immediate notification when the state index P reaches the set warning value Pa. Anomalies can be detected with even greater accuracy.

[0026] In this way, the state of the culture solution is obtained as a measurement value, a state index of the culture solution is calculated using the time-based measurement value, and a warning is issued when this state index reaches a set warning value, thereby making it possible to maintain the state of the culture solution in a good condition, even if it fluctuates depending on the time, season, etc.

[0027] Although an abnormality in which the pH increases has been described in FIG. 4, an abnormality in which the pH decreases can also be detected in the same way as in FIG. 5. It is sufficient to determine whether the normal slope S reaches the warning value Sa. In the example shown in FIG. 5, for example, the slope Sn2 is the normal state, and the slope Sa2 is the state where it has reached the warning value Sa. As above, the slope outside the region Rn can be taken as Sa. In addition, the coordinate P may be taken as the state indicator and the warning value Pa, and it may be determined whether the coordinate P is in the normal region Rn or outside the region Rn.

[0028] Embodiment 2 The second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which a status index was calculated from the relationship between time and a measurement value and a plurality of measurement values, but in the second embodiment, the amount of change over time of a plurality of measurement values ​​is calculated as a status index, and a judgment is made using the plurality of status indexes. Other than that, the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6 shows the relationship between the measured value and time when pH, the amount of drug supplied per unit time, and the concentration of CO2 dissolved in the culture medium are used as the measured values ​​acquired by the measured value acquisition unit 1. Figure 6(a) shows an example of a normal state, and Figure 6(b) shows an example of an abnormal state. In Figure 6(a), we can see that the amount of drug supply increases sharply 6 hours after the start of measurement. If the relationship was based only on time and the measured value, a warning notification may be issued. Therefore, in order to know the relationship between the increase in the amount of drug supply and other measured values, we further calculate the ratio of the amount of change in the amount of drug supply to the amount of change in other measured values ​​as the condition index I.

[0030] Figure 7 plots the absolute values ​​of the change in drug supply amount per unit time ΔM, the change in pH per unit time ΔpH, ΔM and the change in dissolved CO2 concentration per unit time ΔC, and the ratios of ΔC and ΔpH. In FIG. 7(a), all of the condition indicators I1 = |ΔM / ΔpH|, I2 = |ΔM / ΔC|, and I3 = |ΔC / ΔpH| are below the warning value A and have not reached the warning value A. Therefore, all of the measured values ​​are determined to be normal values ​​Dn. This is because an increase in the amount of drug supply causes an increase in pH, which may activate the metabolism of microorganisms and increase dissolved CO2. In this case, the behavior of the other measured values ​​in response to the change in the amount of drug supply can be determined to be normal, so it is determined that no abnormal condition has occurred.

[0031] On the other hand, in Fig. 6(b), there is also a sudden increase in the drug supply amount 6 hours after the start of measurement. In Fig. 7(b), the state indices I1 and I2 reach or exceed warning value A and reach the warning value. In this case, the measured value from the start of measurement up to 5 hours is determined to be a normal value Dn, and the measured value 6 hours later is determined to be an abnormal value Da. This is because the behavior of the other measured values ​​in response to the change in the drug supply amount is outside the expected range. In this way, by finding abnormal values ​​from the correlation between multiple measurement values, more accurate abnormality detection is possible.

[0032] In this embodiment, the change in the amount of drug supply, pH, and dissolved CO2 concentration are used as variables for deriving the state index I, but the flow rate and concentration of the substrate supplied from the substrate supply unit 12, and the dissolved oxygen concentration measured by the water quality measuring instrument 111 may also be used. Other variables that may be used include the microbial concentration, MLSS (Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids) which is an index of the microbial concentration, the viscosity, absorbance, color, ozone concentration, and temperature of the culture liquid. For example, the MLSS can be obtained by measuring the suspended solids in the sludge mixed liquor in the aeration tank in the activated sludge treatment.

[0033] Embodiment 3 The third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8 to Fig. 12. In the third embodiment, an example will be shown in which differential processing is performed when handling measured values ​​that periodically vary between day and night, such as pH and temperature. Other than that, the third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. During sunlight, the pH rises as CO2 in the culture solution is consumed by photosynthesis. Therefore, the pH changes with time t as shown in Figure 8. Therefore, reference data Dref is prepared, and the value subtracted from the measured value D is set as the condition index E2(t). E2(t) can be expressed, for example, by the following equation:

[0034]

number

[0035] where t is time and D(ti) is the time from t1 to t N The reference data Dref(ti) is the measurement value from time t1 to t N The reference data Dref(ti) may be data created as assumed data or ideal data. It may be a past measurement value or an average value calculated from past measurement values.

[0036] 9 is a graph showing the relationship between time and the state index E2(t) calculated by subtracting the reference data Dref measured in the same manner for 96 hours from the pH value measured by the water quality measuring device 111 acquired by the measurement value acquiring unit 1 from the time 0:00 to 24:00 four days later. In FIG. 9, the state index E2(t) does not reach the negative warning value A1 or the positive warning value A2 at any time t, so it is determined to be normal. On the other hand, in the graph of FIG. 10 showing the relationship between the state index E2(t) calculated in the same manner for other data and time, the state index E2(t) does not reach the negative warning value A1 or the positive warning value A2 up to 80 hours after the start of measurement, so the data Dn is determined to be normal, and the state index E2(t) after 86 hours Da is equal to or greater than the positive warning value A2, so it is determined that the state index E2(t) reaches the warning value.

[0037] In this way, if the condition index is calculated by subtracting the periodic fluctuation of the measurement value, it is possible to easily grasp the abnormal condition. Similarly, the condition indexes E1(t), S, P, and I described in the first or second embodiment may be calculated using the measurement value from which the periodic fluctuation has been subtracted, and used as other condition indexes. By using the measurement value from which the expected fluctuation has been removed, abnormalities can be detected with even greater accuracy.

[0038] Similarly, reference data Dref may be prepared, and the state index E3(t) may be calculated by subtracting the reference data Dref from the measured value D and squaring the result. E3(t) is expressed by the following equation, for example.

[0039]

number

[0040] where t is time and D(ti) is the time from t1 to t N The reference data Dref(ti) is the measurement value from time t1 to t N The reference data Dref(ti) may be data created as assumed data or ideal data. It may be a past measurement value or an average value calculated from past measurement values.

[0041] Fig. 11 is a graph showing the relationship between time and state index E3(t) calculated by subtracting reference data Dref measured in a similar manner for 96 hours from pH values ​​measured by water quality measuring device 111 acquired by measurement value acquisition unit 1 from time 0 to 24:00 four days later. In Fig. 11, state index E3(t) does not reach warning value A3 at any time t, so it is determined to be normal. Meanwhile, in the graph of Fig. 12 showing the relationship between state index E3(t) calculated in a similar manner for other data and time, data Dn is determined to be normal because state index E3(t) up to 80 hours after the start of measurement does not reach warning value A3, and data Da 86 hours later is determined to have state index E3(t) equal to or greater than warning value A3 and reach the warning value.

[0042] In this way, the condition index calculation unit 2 calculates a value obtained by subtracting reference data created in advance by varying it over time, or processed data obtained using accumulated past measurement values ​​that are a function of time, from the current measurement value that is a function of time, or a value obtained by squaring this value, as the condition index, and since the value obtained by subtracting periodic fluctuations in the measurement value can be used as the condition index, it is easy to grasp an abnormal condition and it is possible to detect an abnormality with greater accuracy. Furthermore, by using a squared value, there is no need to consider a warning value on the negative side, and the calculation flow can be simplified.

[0043] Alternatively, the square of the value obtained by dividing the measurement value by its standard deviation may be used as the status index. By expanding the distribution of the measurement values, it becomes easier to find warning values ​​that deviate from the distribution.

[0044] Embodiment 4 A description will be given of a microbial culture assistance method using the culture assistance device 100. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing routine executed by the culture assistance device 100 according to the fourth embodiment. First, the water quality of the culture solution, the supply amount of gas supplied to the culture solution, and the supply amount of a drug for adjusting the pH of the culture solution are classified as types, and at least one of the types is acquired as a measurement value (step S101). Then, the state index of the culture solution is calculated as a function of time using the measurement value (step S102). Then, based on the type for which the measurement value was acquired, a warning value of the state index is set (step S103). Next, it is determined whether the state index reaches the warning value (step S104). Then, if it is determined that the state index reaches the warning value (YES in step S104), a warning is notified (step S105). If it is determined that the state index does not reach the warning value (NO in step S104), the process returns to step S101. Then, if the support is to be continued (YES in step S106), the process returns to step S101, and if the support is not to be continued (NO in step S106), the process ends.

[0045] Here, the acquisition of the measurement value in step S101 is performed at every preset acquisition time, and is stored in the storage unit 20. The calculation of the state index in step S102 is executed by taking in the measurement value stored in the storage unit 20 as a function of time at a preset calculation time. For example, with an acquisition time of 10 minutes and a calculation time of 24 hours, measurement values ​​acquired every 10 minutes for 24 hours are imported to calculate the state index. Measurement values ​​acquired every hour for 100 hours may also be used. The acquisition times and calculation times are arbitrary and can be combined in any way. Multiple acquisition times and calculation times may be set to perform multiple processes. These measurement values ​​and state indexes may be displayed at all times. The measurement value acquisition unit 1 continuously acquires measurement values, and the state index calculation unit 2 calculates the state index of the culture solution from the measurement values ​​imported as a function of time, including past measurement values.

[0046] Here, each function of the culture support device 100 is realized by a processing circuit. Fig. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a processing circuit that realizes each function of the culture support device 100. The culture support device 100 has a processor 30, a storage device 201, a communication I / F (interface) 40, etc. For example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) is used as the processor 30. The storage device 201 transmits and receives data to and from the processor 30 and stores data therein. Measurement values ​​such as the water quality of the culture solution, the amount of gas supplied to the culture solution, and the amount of chemicals supplied to adjust the pH of the culture solution are acquired from each measuring device via the communication I / F 40. The calculations and judgments of the measurement value acquisition unit 1, state index calculation unit 2, warning value setting unit 3, warning judgment unit 4, and warning notification unit 5 are executed by the processor 30. The measurement values ​​acquired by the measurement value acquisition unit 1 and the calculation formulas used by the state index calculation unit 2 are stored in the storage device 201. Commands of the culture support device 100 are transmitted to the control unit 17 via the communication I / F 40.

[0047] The processor 30 and the storage device 201 may be one shared device or a plurality of devices may be provided. The processor 30 may include, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an integrated circuit (IC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other logic circuitry, and various signal processing circuits. A plurality of processors 30, either of the same type or of different types, may be provided, so that each process is shared and executed by a plurality of arithmetic processing devices.

[0048] The multiple storage devices 201 may include, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) configured to enable data to be read from and written to by the processor 30, a ROM (Read Only Memory) configured to enable data to be read from the processor 30, a hard disk (HDD), etc.

[0049] Each function of the culture support device 100 is realized by the processor 30 executing software or a program stored in the storage device 201 and cooperating with the hardware. Setting data to be set in the culture support device 100 may be stored in the storage device 201 as part of the software or a program, or may be input by a user. A non-transitory recording medium 203 on which the culture support program 202 is recorded may be distributed and installed in the culture support device 100 (storage device 201).

[0050] In this way, by including the steps of acquiring at least one of the types as a measurement value, which are the water quality of the culture solution, the amount of gas supplied to the culture solution, and the amount of chemical agent supplied to adjust the pH of the culture solution, the step of calculating a state index of the culture solution using the measurement value as a function of time, the step of setting a warning value for the state index based on the type for which the measurement value was acquired, the step of determining whether the state index will reach the warning value, and the step of notifying a warning when it is determined that the state index will reach the warning value, the state of the culture solution which changes with the time, season, etc. can be maintained in a good state.

[0051] In the first to fourth embodiments, an example in which the warning notification unit 5 notifies the control unit 17 of the culture system 1000 of a warning signal has been described. However, as shown in FIG. 15, a warning signal may be notified to the supply support unit 7 in the culture support device 100. The supply support unit 7, which has received a warning notification from the warning notification unit 5, acquires the dissolved oxygen concentration, microbial concentration, MLSS, viscosity of the culture solution, absorbance, chromaticity, ozone concentration, temperature, and the like measured by the water quality measuring device 111 from the measurement value acquisition unit 1, and analyzes the level of the warning. Then, the supply amount of at least one of the substrate supply unit 12, the gas supply unit 13, and the chemical supply unit 14 of the culture system 1000 is controlled to improve the water quality of the culture solution in the culture tank 11. Other processing may be performed to improve the water quality. Depending on the analyzed level of the warning, the operator operating the culture system 1000 may be prompted to perform a processing.

[0052] Further, an example has been described in which the state index is calculated by the state index calculation unit 2 and the warning value is set by the warning value setting unit 3. However, as shown in FIG. 16, a reference data storage unit 8 may be provided for storing reference data among these data to be used as a reference, and the reference data may be updated by the reference data update unit 9 in response to changes in operating conditions, fluctuations in microbial activity in the culture tank, seasonal fluctuations, etc., and the state index may be calculated and the warning value may be set based on the updated reference data. In addition, reference data that has been created in advance by varying it over time and standard data obtained using past measurement values ​​that are a function of time may be stored in the standard data storage unit 8, and these data may be updated in the standard data update unit 9 in response to changes in operating conditions, fluctuations in microbial activity in the culture tank, seasonal fluctuations, etc. The reference data storage unit 8 may be provided inside the storage unit 20 or outside the storage unit 20.

[0053] The system is provided with a reference data storage unit 8 that stores as reference data at least one of the status index, warning value, reference data created in advance by varying over time, and processing data obtained using past measurement values ​​which are a function of time, and a reference data update unit 9 that updates the reference data in response to at least one of changes in operating conditions, fluctuations in microbial activity in the culture tank 11, and seasonal fluctuations. This makes it possible to use the status index, warning value, reference data, processing data, etc. using the latest reference data, thereby enabling more accurate detection of abnormalities and maintaining the state of the culture solution which varies with the time, season, etc. in a good state.

[0054] Although an example has been described in which the measurement values ​​acquired by the measurement value acquisition unit 1 are stored in the storage unit 20, a database 50 may be provided outside the culture support device 100 to store the measurement values, as shown in Fig. 17. For example, the state index calculation unit 2 of the culture support device 100 retrieves the measurement values ​​from the database 50 using a wireless line 10. A wired line may also be used. Additionally, various status indicators, warning values, reference data, etc. may be stored in database 50 and recalled as needed.

[0055] Which status indicator to use may be selected before the start of operation of the culture assistance device 100, or all of them may be monitored. A setting may be made so that the status indicators are switched in stages. The culture support device 100 may be disposed adjacent to the culture tank 11 or may be disposed in a remote location. It is sufficient if the culture support device 100 can perform processes such as sending an alarm signal to the control unit 17 and controlling the substrate supply unit 12, the gas supply unit 13, the drug supply unit 14, etc. from the supply support unit 7.

[0056] In the present disclosure, various exemplary embodiments are described, but various features, aspects, and functions described in one or more embodiments are not limited to the application of a specific embodiment, and can be applied to the embodiments alone or in various combinations. Therefore, countless modifications not illustrated are expected within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present specification. For example, the modification, addition, or omission of at least one component, and the extraction and combination of at least one component with components of other embodiments are included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1 Measurement value acquisition unit, 2 Status index calculation unit, 3 Warning value setting unit, 4 Warning judgment unit, 5 Warning notification unit, 7 Supply support unit, 8 Reference data storage unit, 9 Reference data update unit, 10 Wireless line, 11 Culture tank, 12 Substrate supply unit, 13 Gas supply unit, 14 Drug supply unit, 15 Diffuser, 16 Culture solution discharge unit, 17 Control unit, 20 Memory unit, 30 Processor, 40 Communication I / F, 50 Database, 111 Water quality measuring device, 121 Substrate measuring device, 131 Gas measuring device, 141 Drug measuring device, 161 Culture solution measuring device, 100 Culture support device, 201 Storage device, 202 Culture support program, 203 Recording medium, 1000 Culture system

Claims

1. A measurement value acquisition unit that acquires at least one of the types, which are a water quality of a culture solution, a supply amount of a gas to be supplied to the culture solution, and a supply amount of a drug for adjusting a pH of the culture solution, as a measurement value; a state index calculation unit that calculates a state index of the culture solution as a function of time of the measured value; a warning value setting unit that sets a warning value of the state indicator based on the type of the acquired measurement value; a warning determination unit that determines whether the state indicator reaches the warning value; a warning notification unit that issues a warning when the warning determination unit determines that the state index will reach the warning value, The status index calculation unit of the microalgae cultivation support device calculates, as the status index, the square of the value obtained by subtracting reference data that has been created in advance by varying over time based on photosynthesis, or processed data obtained using past measurement values ​​accumulated as a function of time that varies due to photosynthesis, from the current measurement value, which is a function of time.

2. The microalgae culture support device according to claim 1, wherein the reference data or the processed data is defined as Dref, and a state index E3(t) expressed by the following equation (1), which is the square of the value obtained by subtracting Dref from the measured value, is determined to reach the warning value. [0010] where t is time, D(ti) is time t 1 From N where N is the number of data, and Dref(ti) is the time t 1 From N Reference data or processed data.

3. a reference data storage unit that stores, as reference data, at least one of the state indicator, the warning value, reference data that has been created by varying the state indicator over time, and processing data that has been calculated using the past measured values ​​that are a function of time; The microalgae culture support device according to claim 1, further comprising a reference data update unit that updates the reference data in response to at least one of changes in operating conditions, fluctuations in microbial activity in the culture tank, and seasonal fluctuations.

4. The microalgae culture support device according to claim 1, wherein the water quality of the culture solution is at least one of the pH, dissolved carbon dioxide concentration, dissolved oxygen concentration, microbial concentration, viscosity, absorbance, chromaticity, ozone concentration, and temperature of the culture solution.

5. The microalgae cultivation support device according to claim 1, further comprising a supply support unit that, when notified by the warning notification unit, calculates the amount of at least one of a gas to be supplied to improve the state of the culture solution and a chemical to adjust the pH of the culture solution and supports the supply to the culture solution.

6. A culture tank for storing a culture solution, a substrate supply unit for supplying a substrate for culturing a microorganism to the culture tank, a gas supply unit for supplying a gas to the culture tank, and a drug supply unit for supplying a drug for adjusting the pH of the culture solution to the culture tank. A measuring device that measures at least one of the water quality of the culture solution, the amount of gas supplied to the culture solution, and the amount of a drug supplied to adjust the pH of the culture solution as types; and The microalgae culture support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a measurement value measured by the measuring device; a state index of the culture solution is calculated as a function of time based on the measurement value; a warning value of the state index is set based on the type; and a warning is issued based on the warning value; a control unit that controls at least one of the substrate supply unit, the gas supply unit, and the drug supply unit when the warning is notified; A microalgae culture system comprising:

7. A step of acquiring at least one of the types, which are a water quality of a culture solution, a supply amount of a gas to be supplied to the culture solution, and a supply amount of a drug for adjusting a pH of the culture solution, as a measurement value; a step of subtracting reference data, which is created by varying the measured value over time based on photosynthesis as a function of time, or processed data, which is obtained by using past measured values ​​accumulated as a function of time that varies due to photosynthesis, from the current measured value, which is a function of time, and squaring the result, as a state index of the culture solution; setting a warning value for the condition indicator based on the type of the measurement value obtained; determining whether the condition indicator reaches the warning value; issuing a warning when it is determined that the condition indicator will reach the warning value; A method for assisting microalgae cultivation comprising:

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