A lighting control system for insect breeding in a rearing chamber with a skylight admitting solar radiation, a breeding method using the same, and uses of this system

Abstract

The object of the invention is a lighting control system for insect breeding, for controlling the light in a rearing chamber (1) with a skylight (2) admitting solar radiation, which uses solar and artificial radiation for lighting in accordance with the set breeding conditions. A lighting control system controller (5) adjusts the amount of UV and VIS light by controlling the operation of lamps (6) while adjusting the emission of the spectrum and intensity within the range of UV and VIS light, as well as the amount of UV and VIS light admitted through the skylight by controlling selective UV (10) and VIS screens (11); moreover, by controlling a selective IR light screen (12), the controller adjusts the temperature in the rearing chamber. The invention also relates to a lighting control method for insect breeding in a rearing chamber (1) with a skylight (2), as well as the use of the lighting control system to control the lighting with natural and artificial light in insect breeding, to control the lighting and temperature in insect breeding, to control the lighting in order to increase the activity of insects, particularly their copulative activity.

Description

[0001] A lighting control system for insect breeding in a rearing chamber with a skylight admitting solar radiation, a breeding method using the same, and uses of this system

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The object of the invention is a lighting control system for insect breeding, for controlling the light in a rearing chamber with a skylight admitting solar radiation, which uses solar and artificial radiation for lighting in accordance with the set (desired, preset) breeding conditions. A lighting control system controller adjusts the amount of UV and VIS light by controlling the operation of lamps while adjusting the emission of the spectrum and intensity within the range of UV and VIS light, as well as the amount of UV and VIS light admitted through the skylight by controlling selective UV and VIS screens; moreover, by controlling a selective IR light screen, the controller adjusts the temperature in the rearing chamber. The invention also relates to a lighting control method for insect breeding in a rearing chamber with a skylight, as well as the use of the lighting control system for controlling the lighting with natural and artificial light in insect breeding, for controlling the lighting and temperature in insect breeding, for controlling the lighting in order to increase the activity of the insects. The lighting control system for insect breeding in a rearing chamber is particularly useful for mobilising insects in order to increase the reproductive activity and increase its efficiency. The lighting control system uses both natural and artificial light, ensuring optimisation of the amount of light and the range of light for breeding tropical and subtropical insects, such as insects from the order Coleoptera and / or Diptera, preferably Hermetia illucens, the locust, particularly for strengthening the reproductive activity of the fly Hermetia illucens.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Numerous species of tropical and subtropical insects naturally not abundant in the temperate climate have an increasing economic significance, in particular the insects from the order Coleoptera and / or Diptera, preferably Hermetia illucens and the locust, particularly Locusta migratoria and / or Schistocerca gregaria. At the same time, the lighting conditions occurring in other climate zones prevent their effective breeding and reproduction. Hence, while breeding insects originating from tropical and subtropical zones, it is necessary to support their reproduction and / or the related activity, and it is necessary to properly enhance their lighting.

[0006] In particular, larvae of the fly Hermetia illucens originating from North America are finding an increasing use in the process of disposal and conversion of biomass and organic waste into feed material. Due to specific environmental requirements, the range of the natural occurrence of this species of insects is limited to a relatively small area in the subtropical zone. The specific requirements of the species prevent year-round breeding of Hermetia illucens under the temperate climate conditions of Central and Northern Europe. In addition, this provides protection against uncontrolled spreading of the species and adaptation in the natural environment as a potentially invasive insect, enabling complete control even for breedings on an industrial scale. At the same time, these requirements necessitate the use of systems supporting the reproduction of insects. A similar problem concerns the reproduction of other insect species occurring in the tropics, e.g. the locust, commonly used both in amateur and professional breedings as food for people, farm animals and pets.

[0007] Factors which are crucial in terms of stimulating the reproduction of Hermetia illucens listed in the literature include the intensity of light (Tomberlin JK, Sheppard DC. 2002. Factors influencing mating and oviposition of black soldier flies (Diptera: Strati omyidae) in a colony. Journal Entomological Science. 37:345-352) and the spectral range of light (Zhang J, Sun M., Huang L., Liu Z., He J., Yu Z., Tomberlin JK (2010) An artificial light source influences mating and oviposition of black soldier flies, Hermetia illucens. Journal of Insect Science: Vol. 10 Article 202). Under industrial conditions, the reproduction of Hermetia illucens is supported by the use of lamps with various light sources, such as quartz iodine, sodium, fluorescent, LED, halogen lamps, etc.

[0008] Due to the emission of natural light radiation within a wide spectral range, apart from a spectrum within the range of visible light, insects also require providing additional light within the UV range. The lamps used consume a lot of energy, and at the same time they emit large amounts of thermal radiation. At the same time, the lamps used, even the highest quality ones, are unable to precisely reflect the spectrum and intensity of sunlight. An alternative is to use natural daylight as additional light for the breeding. However, such an approach rules out year-round breeding of Hermetia illucens and other insects under the conditions of temperate climate, since it prevents precise adjustment of the environmental conditions within the rearing chamber (including, apart from the light, the temperature and humidity, which are affected by the amount and range of the light). Moreover, even during the summer period, the share of radiation within the UV range in natural light in the temperate climate is not sufficient to conduct effective breeding for reproduction, and requires providing additional light from artificial light sources. The Applicant’s solution comprising a system of lamps dedicated to conducting the breeding of Hermetia illucens is known from the publication PL228682B1, but this solution is energy-intensive. This publication also describes the use of lamps for breeding and stimulating the reproduction of insects.

[0009] When used for insect breeding, artificial lighting as such is unable to provide a light intensity level reflecting the intensity of sunlight and stimulation of reproduction or the related activity. The lamps used allow for reaching an intensity level between several dozen and 100 W / m2at a distance of 50 cm from the light source, while the sunlight in tropical areas reaches an intensity value exceeding even 1,100 W / m2on the surface of the earth / soil.

[0010] Solar radiation reaching the earth consists in 3% of ultraviolet rays (UV), in 42% of visible light (VIS), and in as many as 55% of infrared rays (IR) responsible for heating. However, even on sunny days, natural light in temperate and subpolar zones does not provide a proper amount of UV light within specific ranges and with proper proportions, and an additional problem in the case of intense additional lighting with natural light on summer days in these climate zones is the excessively long day relative to the night, with respect to the requirements of most insects from tropical and subtropical zones, for which an optimal cycle is close to an equilibrium between the day and the night.

[0011] Moreover, during intense lighting with natural light, the solar energy reaching a room through a glass pane heats it, which is preferable when a low temperature is outside and there is a need to additionally heat the room, but with a high temperature outside, during high insolation, the rooms are overheated, and thus such overheated rooms have to be additionally cooled down to avoid overheating the inside of the room and the death of insects, which entails increased energy consumption of breeding.

[0012] DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The purpose of the invention is to provide a lighting control system for insect breeding, which enables energy-efficient, economic and effective breeding and stimulation of the activity of insects and the reproduction of insects, particularly for stimulating in rearing chambers the insects which are naturally not abundant in the temperate climate zone, using a mixed natural and artificial lighting system, controlled by the lighting control system. This purpose has been fulfilled by a lighting control system which, via automation coupled with light intensity and spectrum sensors, regulates the operation of the lamps by regulating the intensity and spectrum of the UV and VIS light generated by them; at the same time, it regulates the intensity and spectrum of the light entering the rearing chambers via skylights, adjusting the covering / uncovering thereof by selective screens, thus ensuring optimised lighting and thermal conditions for active and optimised stimulation for the reproduction of tropical and subtropical insects, and enabling their efficient breeding by increasing the reproduction level; in particular, increasing the activity leading to copulation and the resulting increase in the number of eggs laid by Hermetia illucens and the locusts.

[0014] The previously mentioned known solutions do not disclose the existence of a system for using visible light originating from skylights mixed with artificial light by using automatic adjustment of the intensity and the spectrum of light for insect breeding, nor do they disclose any possibilities of the use of such a system. The purpose of the invention is also to provide a system which, by means of industrial automation, sensors and controllers, governs the activation, deactivation and regulation of the power of breeding lamps within specified UV and VIS wavelength ranges, as well as the level of opening and closing of the selective screens of skylights in order to automatically provide proper lighting and temperature conditions for a given insect species. Another purpose is to make the control of lighting for insect breeding fully automated and not requiring any operator intervention to work, apart from the original loading of the set breeding conditions, including a lighting and preferably also temperature programme which is to be executed. Moreover, the purpose is to provide a lighting control system for insect breeding, which causes reduction in the energy consumption of breeding by maximum utilisation of sunlight at the expense of artificial lighting, which is supposed to work only supportively, in order to provide programmed lighting and temperature conditions of breeding as part of the set breeding conditions. Another purpose is to improve the environmental conditions having a biological significance and a result involving an increase in the activity of insects, their copulative activity and an increase in the number of eggs laid by tropical insects in rearing chambers using the lighting control system for insect breeding developed by the inventors.

[0015] Inventors of the invention have found out that the use of a lighting control system for insect breeding in breeding and stimulating the reproduction of tropical and subtropical insects, providing an optimised combination of natural light from skylights selectively admitted into the rearing chamber, and artificial light from a system of lamps, along with the use of an intelligent lighting control system enables controlling the spectrum and intensity of the lighting depending on the set breeding conditions and the programmed optimal lighting programme for a given insect species, with maximum utilisation of the available natural lighting; at the same time, it allows for associating the regulation of the amount and intensity of the light with the regulation of the temperature, and even the humidity in the rearing chamber. Such a solution provides multiple benefits, both economic-lower consumption of electricity, lower consumption of utilities for heating / cooling the rooms, extending the lifespan of the lamps; as well as biological-increasing the welfare (well-being) of the insects, increasing the activity of the insects, more effective pairing of insects and increasing the number of copulations resulting in a larger number of eggs laid by the insects. Therefore, by using the lighting control system for insect breeding, the reproductive productivity of the insects has also been increased.

[0016] The invention relates to a lighting control system for insect breeding, for controlling the light in a rearing chamber with a skylight admitting solar radiation, which comprises

[0017] - a lamp providing the emission of light within the range of ultraviolet, UV, and visible, VIS, light with independent adjustment of the emission of the spectrum and the intensity within the range of UV and VIS light; the lamp being disposed below the skylight, above or in the upper part of the rearing room;

[0018] - a UV light sensor and a VIS light sensor, preferably as a single UV and VIS light sensor, disposed below the lamp to read the spectrum and intensity of the light within the range of UV and VIS light;

[0019] - a temperature sensor disposed in the rearing chamber to measure the air temperature in the rearing chamber;

[0020] - a selective UV screen for regulating the passing of UV light into the rearing chamber through the skylight;

[0021] - a selective VIS screen for regulating the passing of VIS light into the rearing chamber through the skylight;

[0022] - a selective IR screen for regulating the passing of infrared light IR into the rearing chamber through the skylight; wherein each selective UV, VIS and IR screen is provided with an independent drive element, independently uncovering O or covering P a specific selective screen;

[0023] - a system controller

[0024] (i) operationally connected via a light adjustment arrangement to the UV light sensor, the VIS light sensor, the lamp, the selective UV screen and the selective VIS screen via their drive element, respectively, to receive readings from the UV light sensor and the VIS light sensor, to send signals for controlling the operation of the lamp, and to send signals for uncovering O / covering P the selective UV screen and / or the selective VIS screen by the respective drive element, in order to achieve the set spectrum and intensity of the light within the UV and VIS range in the rearing chamber, as part of the set insect breeding conditions;

[0025] (ii) operationally connected via a temperature adjustment arrangement to the temperature sensor and the selective IR screen via its drive element, to receive readings from the temperature sensor, to send signals for uncovering O / covering P the selective IR screen by the drive element in order to achieve the set temperature in the rearing chamber, as part of the set insect breeding conditions.

[0026] In a preferable lighting control system, the system controller is further operationally connected via the temperature adjustment arrangement to the heating and cooling arrangement (GR-CH) of the rearing chamber to send signals to the heating and cooling arrangement (GR-CH) in order to heat / cool the rearing chamber for achieving the set temperature as part of the set insect breeding conditions.

[0027] In a preferable control system, the heating and cooling arrangement is selected from a ventilation, heat recovery, underfloor heating / cooling, gas heating, electric heating, heat pump and air conditioning arrangement, and combinations thereof.

[0028] In a preferable control system, the lamp is a LED lamp.

[0029] In a preferable control system, in order to scatter the light, a light diffuser is disposed below the skylight, more preferably below the screens.

[0030] In a preferable control system, the skylight is constructed with a gap (distance, space) between the glass panes.

[0031] In a preferable control system, the selective UV screen, the selective VIS screen and the selective IR screen are disposed in the gap between the glass panes of the skylight.

[0032] In a preferable control system, a regulator sending signals for controlling the operation of the lamp from the system controller is disposed between the lamp and the system controller, the preferable regulator is a tracking regulator.

[0033] In a preferable control system, the skylight is disposed in the roof of the rearing chamber.

[0034] In a preferable control system, the skylight is a roof skylight, a flat skylight, a sloped skylight, a domed skylight, an arched skylight, a tubular skylight, a window, a glass pane, a glazing unit, a hatch or a flap.

[0035] In a preferable control system, the UV and VIS light sensor / s are disposed near the part of the rearing room facing the lamp, more preferably within the rearing room. In a preferable control system, the temperature sensor is disposed within the rearing room (4).

[0036] In a preferable control system, it is configured to breed insects selected from the order Coleoptera and / or Diptera, preferably Hermetia illucens, the locust, particularly Locusta migratoria and / or Schistocerca gregaria.

[0037] In a preferable control system, the drive element is a stepper motor.

[0038] In a preferable control system, the values of measurements from the UV light and VIS light sensors in the system controller pass through a programmable low-pass filter.

[0039] In a preferable control system, it is configured to breed Hermetia illucens with a day / night cycle, wherein during the day cycle, the set value of light SP has an intensity of light of no less than 5000-lx, measured at a distance of 50 cm from the light source, with irradiance within a spectral range of 350-1000 nm at a level of 35-50 W / m2, wherein no less than 95% of irradiance falls within a range of 350-700 nm, and wherein irradiance within a spectral range of 370-410 nm amounts to 25-80% of irradiance within a range of 350-700 nm, and amounts to no less than 10 W / m2; the set temperature falls within a range of 27-29°C±5%, and preferably the day / night cycle is 16 / 24 : 8 / 24 hours day / night.

[0040] In a preferable control system, the rearing room has the form of a rearing tent, a cage, preferably made of a mesh preventing the insects from escaping.

[0041] In a preferable control system: the selective UV screen limits the passing of light within a UV range of 5-380±5%; preferably, it limits its passing by at least 50%; the selective VIS screen limits the passing of light within a range of 380-790±5% nm, preferably limiting the passing of UV and VIS light within a range of 5-790±5% nm; preferably, it limits its passing by at least 50%; the selective IR screen limits the passing of light within a range of 790-3000±5% nm; preferably, it limits its passing by at least 50%.

[0042] The invention also relates to a lighting control method for insect breeding in a rearing chamber with a skylight, in which the lighting is controlled by the lighting control system according to the invention, wherein in the lighting control method

[0043] (i) the spectrum and intensity of the light within the UV and VIS range in the rearing chamber are adjusted by the system controller operationally connected via the light adjustment arrangement to the UV light sensor, the VIS light sensor, the lamp, the selective UV screen and the selective VIS screen, via their drive elements, respectively, in order to achieve the set value of light SP within the range of the spectrum and intensity of the light within the UV and VIS range as part of the set insect breeding conditions, wherein the system controller receives the reading of the actual value of light PV from the UV light sensor and from the VIS light sensor, and compares it to the set value of light SP within the range of UV and / or VIS light, and

[0044] (1.1) controls the operation of the lamp, wherein

[0045] (1.1.1) when the actual value of light PV within the UV and / or VIS range is higher than the set value of light SP within the UV and / or VIS range, the system controller verifies whether the power of the lamp within the set spectral range of light is higher than 0; if Yes (Y), the system controller sends a signal for deactivating the lamp or reducing the power of the lamp within this spectral range of UV and / or VIS light;

[0046] (1.1.2) when the actual value of light PV within the UV and / or VIS range is lower than the set value of light SP within the UV and / or VIS range, the system controller verifies whether the selective UV screen and / or the selective VIS screen is completely uncovered; if Yes (Y), the system controller sends a signal for activating the lamp or increasing the power of the lamp within this spectral range of UV and / or VIS light;

[0047] (1.1) controls the uncovering O / covering P of the selective UV screen and / or the selective VIS screen by the respective drive element, wherein

[0048] (1.2.1) when the actual value of light PV within the UV and / or VIS range is higher than the set value of light SP within the UV and / or VIS range, the system controller verifies whether the power of the lamp within the set spectral range of light is higher than zero; if it is Not (N) higher than zero, the system controller sends a signal for covering P the skylight by the selective UV screen and / or the selective VIS screen, respectively;

[0049] (1.2.2) when the actual value of light PV within the UV and / or VIS range is lower than the set value of light SP within the UV and / or VIS range, the system controller verifies whether the selective UV screen and / or the selective VIS screen is completely uncovered; if No (N), the system controller sends a signal for uncovering O the skylight by the selective UV screen and / or the selective VIS screen, respectively;

[0050] (ii) by the system controller operationally connected via the temperature adjustment arrangement to the temperature sensor, by the selective IR screen via its drive element it adjusts the temperature in the rearing chamber for achieving the set temperature ST as part of the set insect breeding conditions, wherein the system controller receives the actual temperature reading TV from the temperature sensor and compares it to the set temperature value, and

[0051] (ii.l) controls the uncovering O / covering P of the selective IR screen by the drive element, wherein (11.1.1) when the actual temperature value TV is higher than the set temperature value ST, the system controller verifies whether the selective IR screen is uncovered; if Yes (Y), the system controller sends a signal for covering P the skylight by the selective IR screen,

[0052] (11.1.2) when the actual temperature value TV is lower than the set temperature value ST, the system controller verifies whether the selective IR screen is uncovered; if No (N), the system controller sends a signal for uncovering O the skylight by the selective IR screen.

[0053] Preferably, in the lighting control method, the temperature in the rearing chamber is further controlled by the system controller operationally connected via the temperature adjustment arrangement to the heating and cooling arrangement (GR-CH) of the rearing chamber to send signals to the heating and cooling arrangement (GR-CH) in order to heat / cool the rearing chamber for achieving the set temperature ST as part of the set insect breeding conditions, wherein

[0054] (iii) the system controller controls

[0055] (iii.l) the heating / cooling of the rearing chamber by the heating and cooling arrangement (GR-CH), wherein

[0056] (111.1.1) when the actual temperature value TV is higher than the set temperature value ST, the system controller verifies whether the selective IR screen is uncovered; if No (N), the system controller sends a signal for cooling the rearing chamber by the GR-CH arrangement;

[0057] (111.2.2) when the actual temperature value TV is lower than the set temperature value ST, the system controller verifies whether the selective IR screen is completely uncovered; if Yes (Y), the system controller sends a signal for heating the rearing chamber by the GR-CH arrangement.

[0058] Preferably, the lighting control method controls the lighting in breeding insects selected from the order Coleoptera and / or Diptera, preferably Hermetia illucens. the locust, particularly Locusta migratoria and / or Schistocerca gregaria.

[0059] Preferably, the lighting control method controls the lighting while breeding Hermetia illucens with a set day / night cycle, wherein during the day cycle, the set value of light SP has an intensity of light of no less than 5000-lx, measured at a distance of 50 cm from the light source, with irradiance within a spectral range of 350-1000 nm at a level of 35-50 W / m2, wherein no less than 95% of irradiance falls within a range of 350-700 nm, and wherein irradiance within a spectral range of 370-410 nm amounts to 25-80% of irradiance within a range of 350-700 nm, and amounts to no less than 10 W / m2; the set temperature ST falls within a range of 27-29°C±5%, and preferably the day / night cycle is 16 / 24 : 8 / 24 hours day / night.

[0060] The invention also relates to the use of the lighting control system for insect breeding according to the invention for controlling the lighting with natural and artificial light in accordance with the set breeding conditions in insect breeding in a rearing chamber with a skylight admitting solar radiation.

[0061] In a preferable use of the lighting control system, by controlling the operation of the heating and cooling arrangement (GR-CH), it also controls the temperature in the rearing chamber in accordance with the set breeding conditions.

[0062] The invention also relates to the use of the lighting control system for insect breeding according to the invention in controlling the lighting and temperature in breeding insects selected from the order Coleoptera and / or Diptera, preferably Hermetia illucens, the locust, preferably Locusta migratoria and / or Schistocerca gregaria.

[0063] In a preferable use, the lighting control system is used for controlling the lighting while breeding Hermetia illucens with a set day / night cycle, wherein during the day cycle, the set value of light SP has an intensity of light of no less than 5000-lx, measured at a distance of 50 cm from the light source, with irradiance within a spectral range of 350-1000 nm at a level of 35-50 W / m2, wherein no less than 95% of irradiance falls within a range of 350-700 nm, and wherein irradiance within a spectral range of 370-410 nm amounts to 25-80% of irradiance within a range of 350-700 nm, and amounts to no less than 10 W / m2; the set temperature ST falls within a range of 27-29°C±5%, and preferably the day / night cycle is 16 / 24 : 8 / 24 hours day / night.

[0064] The invention also relates to the use of the lighting control system for insect breeding according to the invention in controlling the lighting for increasing the activity of insects, particularly in order to increase the copulative activity of insects, preferably for stimulating the reproduction of insects among the adult forms during their breeding.

[0065] In a preferable use, the lighting control system is used in breeding insects from the order Coleoptera and / or Diptera, preferably Hermetia illucens, the locust, preferably Locusta migratoria and / or Schistocerca gregaria.

[0066] The set value of light in the rearing chamber within a specified range of solar irradiation (e.g. UV and VIS) is to be understood as the target value of the intensity and spectrum within the specified range of solar irradiation (e.g. UV and VIS) in accordance with the lighting programme as part of the set breeding conditions. The actual value of light in the rearing chamber is to be understood as the value of the intensity and spectrum of light within a specified range of solar irradiation (e.g. UV and VIS) read by the sensor within the specified range of solar irradiation (e.g. UV and VIS).

[0067] The set temperature value in the rearing chamber is to be understood as the target temperature value in accordance with the temperature programme as part of the set breeding conditions.

[0068] The actual temperature value in the rearing chamber is to be understood as the temperature read by the temperature sensor in the rearing chamber.

[0069] Therefore, the essence of the solution is an automated lighting control system for insect breeding, comprising at least one source of artificial light, at least one source of natural light, which comprises devices allowing for automatic regulation of the parameters of artificial light as well as the extent and range of the use of natural light within the ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS) and infrared (IR) range. The system has light intensity sensor / s for measuring the intensity of light, as well as a light spectrum sensor and a temperature sensor. The intensity and spectrum sensors within the given range can be integrated in a single device, hereinafter called a UV sensor, a VIS sensor or UV and VIS light sensor / s. Preferably, it is a photoelectric retro-reflective sensor. Selective screens covering the skylight for selective passing of UV, VIS and IR light into the rearing chamber are a part of the lighting control system.

[0070] The lighting control system for insect breeding works as follows: the VIS and UV light sensor / s convey information to the controller. The controller compares it to the set values (a lighting programme as part of the set breeding conditions) and opens / closes a specified screen completely or partially to obtain a set value in the VIS and / or UV light with respect to reaching the set intensity for a specific length of given radiation, so as to reflect the set lighting programme. If the set value within one of the intervals, e.g. VIS light, is achieved, and the amount of light in another interval is not sufficient to obtain the set value, then the UV light is supplemented with lamps controlled on the basis of the calculations of the controller. The intensities of UV and VIS light as well as their mutual proportions are particularly important for activating the reproduction of Hermetia illucens and the locust. Therefore, the light is supplemented within the given spectrum (within the wavelength range) in order to achieve a proper range of intensity within this missing spectrum. An opposite case, i.e. when the amount of UV light has reached the desired value, works similarly. In this case, the UV screen on the skylight still does not open, the VIS screen is open, and visible light is supplemented with lamps controlled on the basis of the calculations of the controller to achieve a proper range of intensity within the specified length range of VIS light. Alternatively, instead of providing additional light from lamps within the range of visible light, screens limiting the passing of UV light are applied. The advantage of the lighting control system for insect breeding according to the invention is the ability to use it without any harm in terms of inventiveness to other particular solutions, primarily those which discuss complementary solutions adapted to conduct the breeding of insects. In particular, such complementary and recognised as well as already successfully working solutions include the Applicant’s previous solution described in the patent PL228682B1, which relates to the construction of a modular lamp system for breeding and stimulating the reproduction of insects, which also describes a lighting programme useful for insect breeding.

[0071] The lighting control system for insect breeding can be used to regulate the lighting in various lighting programmes depending on the set breeding conditions for achieving optimised lighting for a specific group of insects, for their breeding or the stimulation of reproduction.

[0072] SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0073] The invention is presented in examples and in the drawing, in which

[0074] Fig. 1 presents schematically a rearing chamber with a rearing tent and a lighting control system. The double arrow shows schematically the direction of movement of the selective screens, in the respective directions: O - uncovering the screen (for uncovering, opening the area of the skylight), P - covering the screen (for covering, obstructing the area of the skylight);

[0075] Fig. 2 presents a flowchart of the operating algorithm for controlling the lighting within the range of the visible band VIS and the UV band for control breeds. Y - Yes, N - No;

[0076] Fig. 3 presents a flowchart of the operating algorithm for controlling the lighting and the selective screens within the range of the visible band VIS and the UV band for breedings controlled by the lighting control system for insect breeding according to the invention. Y - Yes, N - No;

[0077] Fig. 4 presents the algorithm controlling the lighting and the selective screens in terms of adjusting the IR radiation entering the rearing chamber for breedings controlled by the lighting control system for insect breeding according to the invention, combined with the system interacting with a heating and cooling arrangement. Y - Yes, N - No.

[0078] EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION

[0079] The following examples are included only in order to illustrate the invention and explain its individual aspects, and not for its any limitation, and they should not be associated with its whole scope which is defined in the appended claims.

[0080] EXAMPLES

[0081] Example 1. An example of a lighting system combining the use of natural and artificial light. 1.1. Basic assumptions for the construction of the lighting control system for insect breeding

[0082] The lighting control system for insect breeding is intended in particular for controlling the lighting and temperature conditions for increasing the reproduction of insects from the order Coleoptera and / or Diptera, particularly Hermetia illucens and the locust. The reproduction of insects takes place in rearing (breeding) chambers 1 - usually, they are buildings or separated parts thereof, in which there are disposed rearing rooms 4 adjusted to a given species. In a particular case, the rearing chamber 1 constitutes a rearing room 4. The reproduction of Hermetia illucens uses tents or cages, e.g. made of a mesh preventing the flies from escaping them.

[0083] Lamps 6 are disposed above the rearing room 4, e.g. the rearing tent, preferably at least one lamp 6 above each tent. Skylights 2, preferably hinged, are installed in the roof of the rearing chamber. The skylights 2 are to be understood as any mounted element admitting light radiation inside the rearing chamber, e.g. a roof skylight, a flat, sloped or domed skylight, an arched or tubular skylight, a window, a glass pane, a glazing unit, a hatch or flaps. The lamps 6 used ensured the emission of light within the UV and VIS range in a controlled manner; to this end, the lamps 6 used provided both UV and VIS light, or lamps 6 providing UV light and providing VIS light were combined with each other. The lamps 6 used ensured independent adjustment of the lighting emitting specific intervals of UV and VIS light. In order to provide comparable lighting conditions, comparative tests were conducted in a hall divided by partition walls into a plurality of rearing chambers 1 of the same cubage and the same area and number of skylights.

[0084] The activation / deactivation of the lamps and the control of the intensity of light within a specified range of UV and VIS light were controlled by a system controller 5 via a lamp light adjustment arrangement.

[0085] The lighting control system for insect breeding also controls the operation of the drive elements 13 of the selective screens: the selective UV screen 10, the selective VIS screen 11 and the selective IR screen 12, covering / uncovering the area of the skylight 2.

[0086] The selective screen is intended to limit, considerably limit or completely limit (cut off) the passing of light with a given wave range through the skylight. Preferably, the screen limits the passing of light through the skylight; preferably, it limits passing within a range from 50%, from 70%, from 80%, from 90% to 100%, within the given range of wavelength, i.e. UV, VIS and IR.

[0087] Moreover, it is apparent for a person skilled in the art that, in order to achieve partial limitation of the passing, it is possible to cover P only a part or the entirety of the area of the skylight with the screen. The selective UV screen limits the passing of UV light generally within the ultraviolet range (UV: approximately 5-380±5% nm); the selective VIS light screen limits the passing of light generally within the range of visible light (VIS: approximately 380-790±5% nm); the selective IR screen limits the passing of light generally within the range of infrared light (IR: approximately 790- 3000±5% nm). The selective VIS light screen can be made as a screen which limits the passing of UV and VIS light (approximately 5-790±5% nm).

[0088] Due to the lighting requirements of the insects Hermetia illucens and the locust, the amount of UV light and its proportions with respect to daylight have primary significance for achieving an increase in their reproductive activity. Therefore, situations in which it would be necessary to cut off only the VIS light generally do not take place when breeding these insects in practice. Hence, in practice, a screen limiting the passing of both the UV light and the VIS light can be used as the selective screen for the VIS light.

[0089] Selective screens can have a form of a blind, a curtain, a pleat, a suspended drape, preferably a blind slideable by means of a drive element 13 in the form of a motor, preferably a stepper motor.

[0090] Selective screens for selectively limiting the passing of light within a given range of UV, VIS or IR light are made of materials which ensure limiting the passing of light within this range; they usually consist of a screen made of a film made of commercially available plastics; for example, it can be the Anti UV Clear Premium window film for limiting UV, the Black Out 99 window film for limiting VIS, or the Invisible FILM (Spectra) for IR.

[0091] In or above at least one rearing room 4, preferably in or above each rearing room 4, e.g. rearing tent, a UV light sensor 7 and a VIS light sensor 8, or a sensor being both a UV and VIS light sensor (7, 8) are disposed as part of the lighting control system for insect breeding. Within the meaning of the invention, the light sensor means a device which measures both the range of light as well as the intensity within the indicated range. Preferably, the UV and VIS light sensor / s (7, 8) are disposed near the rearing tents 4, below the lamps 6 and below the skylights 2, most preferably within the rearing tents 4 in the central part thereof, optionally in their upper part or just above the rearing tents.

[0092] In addition, the lighting control system adjusts the intensity of the infrared radiation IR entering the rearing chamber via the skylight by analysing the temperature in the chamber. The IR radiation generally does not affect the reproductive activity of insects, but it does affect the temperature in the rearing chamber, which also affects the welfare of the insects, and thus ultimately their reproductive activity. In order to assess whether to uncover O the IR selective screen 12 or cover P the IR selective screen 12 for uncovering or covering the skylight for regulating the amount of IR radiation entering the chamber in order to maintain the set temperature, the lighting control system for insect breeding operates on the basis of readings from an air temperature sensor 9 disposed in the rearing chamber 1, preferably near the rearing tent 4.

[0093] If the air temperature is too low compared to the setting, then the selective IR light screen 12 is uncovered O, uncovering the skylight 2, admitting IR radiation into the rearing chamber 1, which will result in heating the rearing chamber and the rearing rooms 4 present therein. On the other hand, if the measured temperature is too high compared to the setting, then the selective IR screen 12 covers P the skylight 2 (completely or partially).

[0094] In addition, in order to scatter the lighting of the rearing chamber 1 over a larger area and evenly, light diffusers 15 can be installed below the skylights 2 or in the skylights 2 or below the selective screens.

[0095] The selective screens are mounted so as to limit or prevent the passing of light inside the rearing chamber 1. Usually, they are mounted below the skylights 2 at the side of the ceiling of the rearing chamber 1, but they can be mounted differently, e.g. above the skylights 2 at the side of the roof, and the most preferably, they are mounted in the space between the glass panes of the skylight.

[0096] 1.2. The construction and operating patern of the lighting control system for insect breeding - the tests on Hermetia illucens

[0097] 1.2.1. Without interaction with the heating and cooling arrangement

[0098] Tests of the lighting control system for insect breeding were performed in rearing chambers 1 of the fly Hermetia illucens. In the chamber, there were 16 rearing tents 4 with a volume of 1 m3each, with lamps 6 disposed above them; in this example - one lamp 6 above each rearing tent 4. Hinged skylights 2 were installed in roof of the rearing chamber 1, in this example they were distributed evenly over the entire roof.

[0099] The skylights 2 were provided with three selective screens. A selective UV screen 10, generally cutting off the light within the ultraviolet range (UV), which was made of the Anti UV Clear Premium UV window film, a selective VIS screen 11, generally cutting off the light within the visible range (VIS) and partially the light within the UV range, which was made of the Black Out 99 window film, and a selective IR screen, 12 generally cutting off the light within the infrared range (IR), made of the Invisible film (ALL FROM THE Spectra company), all made in the form of horizontal blinds with a drive element 13 in the form of stepper motors. In each rearing tent 4 there was a pair of light sensors: a VIS light sensor 8 and a UV light sensor 7. In this example the following sensors were used: VIS light PLC4139 and UV light PLC3139 from the Optysec company. The arrangement was also provided with a temperature sensor 9, model TTM100C, from the Turck company, disposed right near the rearing tent 4, more or less at half of its height.

[0100] The lighting control system for insect breeding consisted of two arrangements: (i) a light adjustment arrangement - adjusting the light within the VIS and UV range, the operation of the UV and VIS lamps / lamp and the selective UV and VIS screens, as well as (ii) a temperature adjustment arrangement - adjusting the temperature and the IR screen, which is presented schematically in Fig. 1.

[0101] Such an arrangement continuously compares the set intensity of UV and VIS light within a specified wave range in a given lighting programme to the actual UV and VIS intensity within the specified wave range in the given lighting programme, measured below the selective screens and below the lamp 6, preferably within the range of the rearing tent 4.

[0102] If the measured intensity of UV and / or VIS light is higher than the setting within the given range, then the specified selectively operating UV and / or VIS screens cover the skylight 3 until reaching the set intensity of light within the given UV and / or VIS range.

[0103] If the measured intensity of light is lower than the setting within the given UV and / or VIS range, then the selective screens selectively uncover the skylight / s for UV and / or VIS. If, in spite of the skylight having been completely uncovered by the selective screen within the given light intensity range, the intensity of light is too low within the given wavelength range, then the missing light within the given wavelength range is supplemented by means of the lamp 6 within the given range of UV and / or VIS light to reach the set value compliant with the given lighting programme.

[0104] The value of light within the given range of UV and / or VIS light generated by the lamp / s 6 is corrected in an ongoing manner by the UV light 7 and VIS light sensors 8 disposed below the lamp / s 6, for example within the rearing tent 4. Among Hermetia illucens, copulation takes place in flight, so it is preferable to dispose the UV and / or VIS light sensor / s in the upper part of the rearing tent 4. Due to this, the system has the current data about the amount of light actually entering the rearing tent 4. The entire control takes place in accordance with the algorithm presented in Fig. 3, and proceeds similarly for UV and VIS light, and it depends on the set lighting programme.

[0105] The lamp / s 6 are regulated by means of a light adjustment arrangement which, directly or by means of a regulator, activates / deactivates the lamps and adjusts the intensity of the generated light within the set VIS and / or UV range compliant with the given lighting programme. Due to the nature of regulation, there are no delays or inertias in the arrangement, because when tracking regulators are used to regulate the activation / deactivation of the lamp / s 6, this ensures that the changes in the regulated value keep up with the changes in the set value. In the case of, e.g. too low intensity of the light, the lamp 6 increases its power at a constant rate until reaching the set value of light within the set VIS and / or UV range.

[0106] In addition, the lighting control system adjusts the intensity of infrared radiation entering the rearing chamber 1 via the skylight / s 2 by analysing the air temperature in the chamber. In order to assess whether to uncover O (uncover, expose) or cover P (cover, obstruct) the skylight / s 2 by the selective screen for IR light 12, in order to regulate the amount of IR radiation entering the chamber for maintaining the set temperature compliant with the set breeding conditions, the temperature adjustment arrangement operates on the basis of an air temperature sensor 9 disposed in the rearing chamber 1, preferably near the rearing tent 4. There can be several of such temperature sensors 9; more preferably, the temperature sensor is disposed near or in each rearing tent 4. If the air temperature is too low compared to the setting, then the selective IR light screen 12 is uncovered O, uncovering the skylight, admitting IR light into the rearing chamber 1, which will result in heating the rearing chamber. On the other hand, if the measured temperature is too high compared to the setting, then the selective IR screen 12 covers P the skylight (covering it completely or partially).

[0107] 1.2.2. With interaction with the heating and cooling arrangement

[0108] In a preferable example of the tested lighting control system for insect breeding, regulation of the temperature in the rearing chamber 1 by regulating the intensity of IR radiation entering the chamber is combined with the heating and cooling arrangement 14 of the rearing chamber 1, and it sends signals to the heating and cooling arrangement 14 for heating or cooling the rearing chamber. The heating and cooling arrangement 14 can include or be constituted by ventilation, heat recovery or heating and cooling arrangements of any type, e.g. gas, underfloor, electric, heat pump, air conditioning and other known to a person skilled in the art of heating and cooling systems.

[0109] When the temperature reading is higher than assumed, the lighting control system ensures the cooling of the rearing chamber 1 via the temperature adjustment arrangement and the heating and cooling arrangement (the GR-CH arrangement) cooperating therewith; for example, it lowers the extent of air heat recovery, that is, it lowers the recovery of heat emitted by the ventilation, and / or it activates or increases the extent of cooling (e.g. air conditioning or a heat pump). When the temperature is too low, the lighting control system ensures an increase in the temperature in the rearing chamber 1 via the temperature adjustment arrangement, e.g. it increases the extent of air heat recovery, that is, it increases the recovery of heat emitted by the ventilation, or it activates or increases the heating of the chamber (e.g. a heat pump, underfloor heating, convection heating, etc.). A flowchart of the algorithm controlling the selective IR screen 12 and the heating and cooling arrangement 14 by the lighting control system according to the invention is presented in Fig- 4.

[0110] In the case of control experiments, temperature regulation proceeds by the temperature adjustment arrangement interacting with the heating and cooling arrangement 14 in a traditional manner, i.e. on the basis of readings from the temperature sensor 9, in a manner unrelated to the light control system within the IR range.

[0111] 1.3. A lighting control system for insect breeding - the tests on Hermetia illucens

[0112] In a specific example of the lighting control system for insect breeding, in order to assess the impact of its operation on the activity and reproduction of the fly Hermetia illucens, a test breeding was conducted in a rearing chamber 1 with sixteen tents with a volume of 1 m3, each populated with 2.5 thousand flies, and with hinged skylights 2 in the roof 3 of the chamber, as described in Example 1.2, with interaction with the heating and cooling arrangement 14, as described in Example 1.2.2, The control breedings were conducted in an identical rearing chamber 1 (with the same size and cubage), with an identical number of rearing tents 4 and populated by the same number of flies, but without the skylights 2 (without sunlight).

[0113] The skylights 2 were provided with three screens. A selective UV screen 10, cutting off the light within the ultraviolet range (UV within a range of 5-380 nm±5%), a selective VIS screen, 11 cutting off the light within the VIS and partially the UV range (VIS 5-790 nm ±5%), and a selective IR screen 12, cutting off the light within the infrared range (IR 790-3000 nm ±5%).

[0114] The same set breeding conditions were used for both breedings: the temperature and humidity with the same UV and VIS lighting programme.

[0115] In the control breeding, the rearing chamber 1 did not have skylights, and thus the light adjustment arrangement only regulated the operation of the lamps 6a - the entire light originated from artificial lighting by the lamps (Fig. 2).

[0116] In the case of control experiments, temperature regulation proceeds by the temperature adjustment arrangement interacting with the heating and cooling arrangement 14 in a traditional manner, i.e. on the basis of readings from the temperature sensor 9, in a manner unrelated to the light control system according to the invention. Both in the test breeding and the control breeding, lighting was installed above each rearing tent

[0117] 4, using a lamp 6 of the GL-UHB type (produced by Golon), which is made of a system of LEDs with a combined power of 200 W, and it was powered by alternating voltage of 230 V with a frequency of 50 Hz. The diodes in the lamp 6 were controlled by two Meanwell HGL-120H- C500B light controllers, enabling the adjustment of the flashing of diode groups emitting specific light intervals within the VIS and UV range (the light controllers controlled the activation, deactivation, the range and the intensity of the light generated by the diodes). The maximum intensity of light achievable from one such lamp was 50 W / m2, measured at a distance of 50 cm from the light source.

[0118] In each tent, in accordance with the diagram of Fig 1, both in the test breeding and the control breeding, there was a pair of light sensors: a VIS light sensor 8 (PLC4139 from the Optysec company) and a UV sensor 7 (PLC3139 from the Optysec company). The test system was also provided with a temperature sensor 9 (TTM100C from the Turck company) for measuring the temperature in the rearing chamber 1; in this example, such a temperature sensor 9 was disposed in each rearing tent 4, in its central part.

[0119] The light and temperature adjustment arrangements included in the tested lighting control system for insect breeding were controlled by a system controller 5 (PLC from the Siemens company — S7-1214 (6ES7214-1AG40-0XB0)) provided with analogue input / output modules. The signals / readings from the UV and VIS light sensors 7, 8 and the temperature sensor 9 are conveyed by a 4-20 mA signal to the system controller 5 (PLC) to analogue inputs. In the lighting control system for insect breeding, in order to control the light within the VIS and UV range by the light adjustment arrangement via the system controller 5, calculations are made in accordance with the algorithm presented in Fig. 3 and, in accordance with their result, the operation of the lamp / s 6 and the selective UV and VIS screens is regulated by outputting signals to the lamps and the drive elements 13 of the selective UV and VIS screens. In order to control the temperature in the rearing chamber 1, the tested lighting control system for insect breeding makes calculations in accordance with the algorithm of Fig. 4 by the temperature adjustment arrangement via the system controller

[0120] 5, and regulates the operation of the selective IR screens 12 by outputting signals to the drive elements 13 of the selective IR screens 12, and signals to the heating and cooling arrangement 14.

[0121] In the case of the tested system, control of the lamps 6 proceeded by means of a power source in the form of electric power supplies, which have an auxiliary input of 0-10 V, which enables easy control of the lamp current. The 0-10 V signals are output by the PLC system controller 5 via the light controllers to activate / deactivate the lamp diodes within the given range with the given intensity, on the basis of the presented algorithms (Fig. 3). The control of the selective UV and VIS screens in the form of blinds, i.e. the covering and uncovering of the skylights, proceeded by means of stepper motors 13 controlled from binary outputs from the PLC system controller 5.

[0122] In the system controller 5, the measurement values from UV light and VIS light sensors 7, 8 preferably pass through a programmable low-pass filter; therefore, the lighting control system for insect breeding is stable and does not react to temporary changes in the cloud cover or weather improvements.

[0123] Control of all the parameters, i.e. the air temperature and humidity as well as the lighting programme, by the tested lighting control system for insect breeding takes place in accordance with the set parameters of the breeding cycle. This includes setting the parameters of the light within the UV and VIS range, the temperature and humidity. All these parameters are set as a whole, with separate values for all the elements. This type of control enables smooth transition between various values of parameters in terms of the range of UV and VIS light, temperature and humidity. The operator is able to set the values of the parameters of UV and VIS light, the temperature and humidity, e.g. to 1 minute. In intervals in which there are no defined values, there are linear transitions between the values preset for the previous and the following interval. It is also possible to set up stepped transitions when various values have been defined without leaving free time between the defined time intervals.

[0124] In the control breeding, the light adjustment arrangements were controlled by the same PLC controller from the Siemens company - S7-1214 (6ES7214-1AG40-0XB0), provided with analogue input / output modules. The signals / readings from the UV and VIS light sensors are conveyed by a 4-20 mA signal to the PLC controller to analogue inputs. In order to control the light within the VIS and UV range, the controller made calculations in accordance with the algorithm as presented in Fig. 2 and, in accordance with their result, it regulated the operation of the UV and VIS lamps by outputting signals to the UV and VIS lamps.

[0125] 1.4. A lighting control system for insect breeding - skylights with diffusers

[0126] In addition, in the test breeding of the insects Hermetia illucens with the lighting control system for insect breeding with the participation of daylight, with interaction with the heating and cooling arrangement 14 conducted as in Example 1.3, light diffusers 15 were suspended below the skylights 2, causing light scattering over a larger area and even lighting of all the rearing tents 4 in the rearing chamber 1. The light diffusers 15 prevent a situation in which, when the skylights 2 were to be covered only partially, the light would enter via a narrow gap and illuminate only part of the rearing chamber 1, since the diffuser 15 would scatter it over the entire room. When using the diffusers 15, more stable and more uniform readings were observed on UV light and VIS light sensors 7, 8 for all the rearing tents 4. Higher activity of the flies has been observed, translating into higher copulative activity of the flies, a higher mass of the produced eggs, and reduced consumption of electricity and gas for the test breeding compared to the control breeding.

[0127] / .5. A lighting control system for insect breeding - with screens between the glass panes

[0128] Insects originating from the tropical zone require high air humidity to provide them with optimal environmental conditions, including for reproduction. The standard humidity used in the rearing chambers 1 is 75-90%, preferably 80%, but it often reaches 90% or more. This often causes condensation of water vapour on the surfaces, contributing to their accelerated deterioration. Therefore, in another example, the skylights 2 were constructed with at least two glass panes, with a gap between the glass panes, in which selective UV, VIS and IR screens 10, 11, 12 were mounted and controlled by the lighting control system. The breeding and control of the lighting and the screens proceeded as in Example 1.3.

[0129] The selective UV, VIS and IR screens disposed in the gap between the glass panes by means of the drive elements 13 which were stepper motors were automatically uncovered or covered in accordance with a set lighting programme, in a set day / night cycle. The advantage of the lighting control system for insect breeding constructed in this manner was the protection of the selective screens against dirt and deterioration caused by environmental factors: (i) originating from the outside, for example, the wind, the rain and contaminations when the selective screens are disposed outside the skylight, i.e. when mounted at the side of the roof; (ii) originating from inside the breeding chamber, for example, humidity, the remains of feed and dust when the screens are disposed inside the rearing chamber 1, which resulted in extending the lifespan of the selective screens and their functionality, as reflected by lower costs of equipment and those related to the repairs of the screens and the drive elements 13.

[0130] The short-term pilot control and test breedings conducted for three weeks in the late spring period, in three 7-day cycles, in all cases of test breedings conducted in the rearing chamber 1 with skylights 2 and with selective screens with the lighting control system according to the invention proved reduced consumption of electricity, reduced consumption of heating gas, reduced wear of the lamps and reduced wear of the selective screens, and most importantly higher activity of the flies, higher eagerness to copulate, and a higher amount of eggs laid by Hermetia illucens compared to the control.

[0131] Example 2, Long-term comparative tests in breeding Hermetia illucens using a lighting control system combining the utilisation of natural and artificial light In order to check the operation of the lighting control system in the average annual period, and the impact of daylight in various seasons of the year, the breedings of Hermetia illucens were conducted in a temperate climate (Poland) with the lighting control system for insect breeding according to the invention.

[0132] In each tested chamber, there were 16 rearing tents 4 with a volume of 3 m3. each. Each rearing tent 4 in the test and control breeding was populated with 8 thousand pupae of the fly Hermetia illucens. The breedings were conducted concurrently for 52 weeks, with a single one-week cycle performed each month in each tested arrangement for the entire year. The flies emerged from the pupae on the first day after populating the chamber, and for the next 7 days, eggs were collected each day into inserts, which eggs were subsequently separated and weighed.

[0133] All the breedings were conducted with the same set breeding conditions, with the same set lighting programme, unless differences are indicated. The test and control breeds in the following variants of Example 2.1 and 2.2 were maintained as in Example 1.3, unless differences are indicated.

[0134] In the following test examples, the lighting control system controlled UV and VIS lamps and the covering of windows with selective UV, VIS and IR screens, selectively admitting a specified range / amount of light, and it interacted with the heating and cooling arrangement 14. Both in the test and the control breedings, the following lighting programme was executed: during the day cycle, the set values of light SP in the day phase of the programme had the following values: the intensity of light measured at a distance of 50 cm from the light source was no less than 5000-lx, with irradiance within a spectral range of 350-1000 nm at a level of 35-50 W / m2, wherein no less than 95% of irradiance fell within a range of 350-700 nm, and wherein irradiance within a spectral range of 370-410 nm amounted to 25-80% of irradiance within a range of 350-700 nm, and amounted to no less than 10 W / m2.

[0135] Such a lighting programme can be used to support the reproduction and / or the related activity of insects naturally not abundant in the temperate climate zone, in particular Hermetia illucens and the locust, particularly Locusta migratoria and / or Schistocerca gregaria.

[0136] The breedings were conducted in a temperature of 27-29°C±5%, with air humidity of 80%±5% (adjusted with a hygrometer and a temperature sensor 9, respectively, ensuring the stability of these conditions).

[0137] When a temperature of 29°C was exceeded in the chamber, the skylights 2 were covered by the selective IR screen 12, cutting off or limiting the passing of light within the infrared range, thus reducing the heating of the space of the rearing chamber 1, preventing the overheating of the insects. 2.1. Tests on Hermetia illucens — regulation of light and heating by the lighting control system for insect breeding

[0138] During long-term test breeding of the insects Hermetia illucens with the lighting control system for insect breeding with the participation of daylight, with skylights, the regulation of light by selective screens and the regulation of lamp / s while interacting with a heating and cooling arrangement, and the control breeding, the consumption of utilities and the wear of the lamps were compared in both types of breedings (Tab. 1) along with the vital activity of the insects and the productive efficiency of the insects (Tab. 2).

[0139] Tab. 1. Comparison of the average annual consumption of gas and electricity, and the wear of lamps in both breedings.

[0140] Tab. 2. Comparison of the average annual mass of eggs produced on an annual average basis in one cycle.

[0141] The use of additional light provided via the skylights 2 when adjusting the light by the lighting control system for insect breeding in accordance with the assumed lighting programme with interaction with the heating and cooling arrangement 14 provided considerable economic benefits, i.e. an almost 22% reduction was observed in the consumption of electrical energy, the lifespan of the lamps 6 used to light the rearing chambers 1 was extended by approximately 25%, and the consumption of fuel gas used to heat the rearing chambers 1 was reduced by approximately 10%. The produced results were caused by the reduced frequency and / or the reduced intensity of using the lamps 6, which translated into extending their lifespan and reducing the consumption of electricity. Moreover, the skylights 2 allowed for heating the rearing chamber 1 with sunlight, which translated into reduced consumption of gas for heating the air in the rearing chamber. The addition of natural light caused an increased activity of insects, which contributed to their reproductive activity and translated into an increase in the mass of eggs, and thus the productive efficiency of the insects was higher.

[0142] 2.2. The operation of the lighting control system for insect breeding - the tests on Hermetia illucens with an established day / night cycle

[0143] In order to evenly illuminate the rearing chamber 1, light diffusers 15 were additionally installed in the test breeding below the skylights 2. A lighting programme with a lighting cycle of illumination for 16 hours [day] and an 8-hour dimming cycle [night] ( 16 / 24:8 / 24 h day / night cycle) was maintained in the chambers of the test and control breedings.

[0144] In order to maintain a constant daily cycle and maintain stable temperature conditions, with an extensively long daily cycle of more than 16 hours per day, the selective UV and VIS screens 10, 11 in the test breeding were covered completely to achieve a night effect. In accordance with the set breeding and lighting programme, optimised intensity of light was maintained on sunny days during 16-hour illumination within the indicated ranges - by means of the respective selective UV and VIS screens and lamps 6, and in cases when it was exceeded, the skylights 2 were covered with UV and / or VIS screens, partially or completely. The lighting control system for insect breeding operated in accordance with the algorithm as in Example 1.4., taking into account the assumed day / night cycle.

[0145] In cases when the lighting programme assumed night, while in reality it was day outside, the lamps in the test breeding were turned off, and the UV and VIS lights were cut off completely by covering the entire area of the skylights with the selective UV and VIS screens. In cases when the set temperature was exceeded, the access of IR light was cut off by the selective IR screen 12, which was particularly preferable in the summer period, when too much infrared radiation passed through the skylights 2, heating the rearing chamber 1. The use of the lighting control system for insect breeding according to the invention resulted in observed production of eggs which was higher by an average of 9% compared to the control breeding (Tab. 3). ab. 3, Comparison of the mass of eggs produced on an average annual basis in one cycle.

[0146] The use of the lighting control system for insect breeding according to the invention utilising daylight with scattering by diffusers, regulating the spectrum and intensity of UV and VIS light, and the temperature by the amount of IR light, with interaction with a heating and cooling arrangement, along with maintaining the set day / night cycle, enables further improved adjustment of the set breeding conditions, which translates into further increases in the number of eggs laid compared to the control. The addition of daylight contributes to an increase in the production efficiency of the insects in each tested arrangement.

[0147] The lighting control system for insect breeding according to the invention allows for complete adjustment of the lighting and temperature conditions to the set breeding conditions, and thus to the requirements of a given insect species, providing optimised conditions for reproduction, both in terms of the light, but also providing thermal and vital homoeostasis.

[0148] LIST OF REFERENCES:

[0149] 1 Rearing chamber

[0150] 2 Skylight, e.g. a hinged skylight, a roof window

[0151] 3 Rearing chamber roof

[0152] 4 Rearing room, e.g. rearing tent

[0153] 5 Controller

[0154] 6 UV and VIS lamp / s (enabling the control of lighting within the UV and VIS range, preferably LED lamp / s)

[0155] 7 UV light sensor

[0156] 8 VIS light sensor

[0157] 9 Temperature sensor

[0158] 10 Selective UV screen

[0159] 11 Selective VIS screen

[0160] 12 Selective IR screen

[0161] 13 The drive element of the selective screen, e.g. a servomotor, a motor, preferably a stepper motor

[0162] 14 Heating and cooling arrangement (GR-CH) 15 Light diffuser O Uncovering the selective screen

[0163] P Covering the selective screen

Claims

CLAIMS1. A lighting control system for insect breeding, for controlling the light in a rearing chamber with a skylight admitting solar radiation, characterised in that it comprises- a lamp (6) providing the emission of light within the range of ultraviolet UV light and visible VIS light with independent adjustment of the emission of the spectrum and the intensity within the range of UV and VIS light; wherein the lamp (6) is disposed below the skylight (2), above or in the upper part of the rearing room (4);- a UV light sensor (7) and a VIS light sensor (8), preferably as a single UV and VIS light sensor, disposed below the lamp (6) to read the spectrum and intensity of the light within the range of UV and VIS light;- a temperature sensor (9) disposed in the rearing chamber (1) to measure the air temperature in the rearing chamber (1);- a selective UV screen (10) for regulating the passing of UV light into the rearing chamber (1) through the skylight (2);- a selective VIS screen (11) for regulating the passing of VIS light into the rearing chamber (1) through the skylight (2);- a selective IR screen (12) for regulating the passing of infrared light IR into the rearing chamber (1) through the skylight (2); wherein each selective UV (10), VIS (11) and IR (12) screen is provided with an independent drive element (13), independently uncovering O or covering P a specific selective screen;- a system controller (5)(i) operationally connected via a light adjustment arrangement to the UV light sensor (7), the VIS light sensor (8), the lamp (6), the selective UV screen (10) and the selective VIS screen (11) via their drive element (13), respectively, to receive readings from the UV light sensor (7) and the VIS light sensor (8), to send signals for controlling the operation of the lamp (6), and to send signals for uncovering O / covering P the selective UV screen (10) and / or the selective VIS screen (11) by the respective drive element (13), in order to achieve the set spectrum and intensity of the light within the UV and VIS range in the rearing chamber (1), as part of the set insect breeding conditions;(ii) operationally connected via a temperature adjustment arrangement to the temperature sensor (9) and the selective IR screen (12) via its drive element (13), to receive readings from the temperature sensor (9),to send signals for uncovering O / covering P the selective IR screen (12) by the drive element (13) in order to achieve the set temperature in the rearing chamber (1), as part of the set insect breeding conditions.

2. The lighting control system according to claim 1, characterised in that the system controller (5) is further operationally connected via the temperature adjustment arrangement to the heating and cooling arrangement (GR-CH) of the rearing chamber (1) to send signals to the heating and cooling arrangement (GR-CH) in order to heat / cool the rearing chamber (1) for achieving the set temperature as part of the set insect breeding conditions.

3. The lighting control system according to claims 1-2, characterised in that the heating and cooling arrangement is selected from a ventilation, heat recovery, underfloor heating / cooling, gas heating, electric heating, heat pump and air conditioning arrangement, and combinations thereof.

4. The lighting control system according to claims 1-3, characterised in that the lamp (6) is a LED lamp.

5. The lighting control system according to claims 1-4, characterised in that, in order to scatter the light, a light diffuser (15) is disposed below the skylight, more preferably below the screens.

6. The lighting control system according to claims 1-5, characterised in that the skylight (2) is constructed with a gap between the glass panes.

7. The lighting control system according to claims 1-6, characterised in that the selective UV screen (10), the selective VIS screen (11) and the selective IR screen (12) are disposed in the gap between the glass panes of the skylight.

8. The lighting control system according to claims 1-7, characterised in that a regulator sending signals for controlling the operation of the lamp (6) from the system controller (5) is disposed between the lamp (6) and the system controller (5), the preferable regulator is a tracking regulator.

9. The lighting control system according to claims 1-8, characterised in that the skylight (2) is disposed in the roof (3) of the rearing chamber (3).

10. The lighting control system according to claims 1-9, characterised in that the skylight (2) is a roof skylight, a flat skylight, a sloped skylight, a domed skylight, an arched skylight, a tubular skylight, a window, a glass pane, a glazing unit, a hatch, a flap.

11. The lighting control system according to claims 1-10, characterised in that the UV and VIS light sensor / s (7, 8) are disposed near the part of the rearing room (4) facing the lamp, more preferably within the rearing room (4).

12. The lighting control system according to claims 1-11, characterised in that the temperature sensor (9) is disposed within the rearing room (4).

13. The lighting control system according to claims 1-12, characterised in that the lighting control system is configured to breed insects selected from the order Coleoptera and / or Diptera, preferably Hermetia illucens, the locust, particularly Locusta migratoria and / or Schistocerca gregaria.

14. The lighting control system according to claims 1-13, characterised in that the drive element (13) is a stepper motor.

16. The lighting control system according to claims 1-14, characterised in that the values of measurements from the UV light (7), and VIS light (8) sensors in the system controller (5) pass through a programmable low-pass filter.

16. The lighting control system according to claims 1-15, characterised in that it is configured to breed Hermetia illucens with a day / night cycle, wherein during the day cycle, the set value of light SP has an intensity of light of no less than 5000-lx, measured at a distance of 50 cm from the light source, with irradiance within a spectral range of 350-1000 nm at a level of 35-50 W / m2, wherein no less than 95% of irradiance falls within a range of 350-700 nm, and wherein irradiance within a spectral range of 370-410 nm amounts to 25-80% of irradiance within a range of 350-700 nm, and amounts to no less than 10 W / m2; the set temperature ranges from 27 to 29°C±5%, and preferably, the day / night cycle is 16 / 24 : 8 / 24 hours day / night.

17. The lighting control system according to claims 1-16, characterised in that the rearing room (4) has the form of a rearing tent, a cage, preferably made of a mesh preventing the insects from escaping.

18. The lighting control system according to claims 1-17, characterised in that- the selective UV screen (10) limits the passing of the light within a UV range of 5-380±5%; preferably, it limits its passing by at least 50%;- the selective VIS screen (11) limits the passing of the light within a range of 380-790±5% nm; preferably, it limits the passing of the UV and VIS light within a range of 5-790±5% nm; preferably, it limits its passing by at least 50%;- the selective IR screen (12) limits the passing of the light within a range of 790-3000±5% nm; preferably, it limits its passing by at least 50%.

19. A lighting control method for insect breeding in a rearing chamber with a skylight, characterised in that the lighting is controlled by the lighting control system as defined in claims 1-18, wherein in the lighting control method(i) the spectrum and intensity of the light within the UV and VIS range in the rearing chamber (1) are adjusted by the system controller (5) operationally connected via the light adjustment arrangement to the UV light sensor (7), the VIS light sensor (8), the lamp (6), the selective UV screen (10) and the selective VIS screen (11), via their drive elements (13) respectively, in order to achieve the set value of light SP within the range of the spectrum and intensity of the light within the UV and VIS range as part of the set insect breeding conditions, wherein the system controller (5) receives the reading of the actual value of light PV from the UV light sensor (7) and from the VIS light sensor (8), and compares it to the set value of light SP within the range of UV and / or VIS light, and(1.1) controls the operation of the lamp, wherein(1.1.1) when the actual value of light PV within the UV and / or VIS range is higher than the set value of light SP within the UV and / or VIS range, the system controller verifies whether the power of the lamp within the set spectral range of light is higher than 0; if Yes (Y), the system controller sends a signal for deactivating the lamp or reducing the power of the lamp within this spectral range of UV and / or VIS light;(1.1.2) when the actual value of light PV within the UV and / or VIS range is lower than the set value of light SP within the UV and / or VIS range, the system controller verifies whether the selective UV screen (10) and / or the selective VIS screen (11) is completely uncovered; if Yes (Y), the system controller sends a signal for activating the lamp or increasing the power of the lamp within this spectral range of UV and / or VIS light;(1.1) controls the uncovering O / covering P of the selective UV screen (10) and / or the selective VIS screen (11) by the respective drive element (13), wherein(1.2.1) when the actual value of light PV within the UV and / or VIS range is higher than the set value of light SP within the UV and / or VIS range, the system controller verifies whether the power of the lamp within the set spectral range of light is higher than zero; if it is Not (N) higher than zero, the system controller sends a signal for covering P the skylight by the selective UV screen (10) and / or the selective VIS screen (11), respectively;(1.2.2) when the actual value of light PV within the UV and / or VIS range is lower than the set value of light SP within the UV and / or VIS range, the system controller verifies whether the selective UV screen (10) and / or the selective VIS screen (11) is completelyuncovered; if No (N), the system controller sends a signal for uncovering O the skylight by the selective UV screen (10) and / or the selective VIS screen (11), respectively;(ii) by the system controller (5) operationally connected via the temperature adjustment arrangement to the temperature sensor (9), by the selective IR screen (12) via its drive element (13) it adjusts the temperature in the rearing chamber (1) for achieving the set temperature ST as part of the set insect breeding conditions, wherein the system controller (5) receives the actual temperature reading TV from the temperature sensor (9) and compares it to the set temperature value, and(11.1) controls the uncovering O / covering P of the selective IR screen (12) by the drive element (13), wherein(11.1.1) when the actual temperature value TV is higher than the set temperature value ST, the system controller verifies whether the selective IR screen (12) is uncovered; if Yes (Y), the system controller sends a signal for covering P the skylight by the selective IR screen (12),(11.1.2) when the actual temperature value TV is lower than the set temperature value ST, the system controller verifies whether the selective IR screen (12) is uncovered; if No (N), the system controller sends a signal for uncovering O the skylight by the selective IR screen (12).

20. The lighting control method according to claim 19, characterised in that the temperature in the rearing chamber (1) is further controlled by the system controller (5) operationally connected via the temperature adjustment arrangement to the heating and cooling arrangement (GR-CH) of the rearing chamber (1) to send signals to the heating and cooling arrangement (GR-CH) in order to heat / cool the rearing chamber (1) for achieving the set temperature ST as part of the set insect breeding conditions, wherein(iii) the system controller (5) controls(111.1) the heating / cooling of the rearing chamber (1) by the heating and cooling arrangement (GR-CH), wherein(111.1.1) when the actual temperature value TV is higher than the set temperature value ST, the system controller verifies whether the selective IR screen (12) is uncovered; if No (N), the system controller sends a signal for cooling the rearing chamber (1) by the GR-CH arrangement;(111.2.2) when the actual temperature value TV is lower than the set temperature value ST, the system controller verifies whether the selective IR screen (12) is completelyuncovered; if Yes (Y), the system controller sends a signal for heating the rearing chamber (1) by the GR-CH arrangement.

21. The lighting control method according to claims 19-20, characterised in that it controls the lighting in breeding insects selected from the order Coleoptera and / or Diptera, preferably Hermetia illucens, the locust, particularly Locusta migratoria and / or Schistocerca gregaria.

22. The lighting control method according to claims 19-21, characterised in that it controls the lighting while breeding Hermetia illucens with a set day / night cycle, wherein during the day cycle, the set value of light SP has an intensity of light of no less than 5000-lx, measured at a distance of 50 cm from the light source, with irradiance within a spectral range of 350-1000 nm at a level of 35-50 W / m2, wherein no less than 95% of irradiance falls within a range of 350-700 nm, and wherein irradiance within a spectral range of 370-410 nm amounts to 25-80% of irradiance within a range of 350-700 nm, and amounts to no less than 10 W / m2; the set temperature ST ranges from 27 to 29°C±5%, and preferably, the day / night cycle is 16 / 24 : 8 / 24 hours day / night.

23. Use of the lighting control system for insect breeding as claimed in claims 1-18, to control the lighting with natural and artificial light in accordance with the set breeding conditions in insect breeding in a rearing chamber (1) with a skylight admitting solar radiation.

24. The use of the lighting control system according to claim 23, characterised in that by controlling the operation of the heating and cooling arrangement (GR-CH), the lighting control system also controls the temperature in the rearing chamber (1) in accordance with the set breeding conditions.

25. Use of the lighting control system for insect breeding as claimed in claims 1-18, to control the lighting and temperature in breeding insects selected from the order Coleoptera and / or Diptera, preferably Hermetia illucens, the locust, preferably Locusta migratoria and / or Schistocerca gregaria.

26. The use according to claim 25, characterised in that the lighting control system is used to control the lighting while breeding Hermetia illucens with a set day / night cycle, wherein during the day cycle, the set value of light SP has an intensity of light of no less than 5000-lx, measured at a distance of 50 cm from the light source, with irradiance within a spectral range of 350-1000 nm at a level of 35-50 W / m2, wherein no less than 95% of irradiance falls within a range of 350-700 nm, and wherein irradiance within a spectral range of 370-410 nm amounts to 25-80% of irradiance within a range of 350-700 nm, and amounts to no less than 10 W / m2;the set temperature ST ranges from 27 to 29°C±5%, and preferably, the day / night cycle is 16 / 24 : 8 / 24 hours day / night.

27. Use of the lighting control system for insect breeding as claimed in claims 1-18, to control the lighting to increase the activity of insects, particularly in order to increase the copulative activity of insects, preferably to stimulate the reproduction of insects among the adult forms during their breeding.

28. The use according to claim 24, characterised in that the lighting control system is used in breeding insects from the order Coleoptera and / or Diptera, preferably Hermetia illucens, the locust, preferably Locusta migratoria and / or Schistocerca gregaria.

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