System and method for adaptive lighting in aquaculture

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for irradiating a body of water containing aquatic organisms being grown. In particular, a controller for an irradiation system is disclosed. The irradiation system comprises at least one controllable radiation source for use in an aquaculture environment. The aquaculture environment comprises organisms being grown in a body of water. The irradiation system is configurable to irradiate the body of water with controllable radiation properties along at least one spatial dimension of the body of water. The controller comprises at least one communication interface and at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to obtain, via the at least one communication interface, at least one sensor value representing at least one environmental condition, to determine at least one control setting for the irradiation system based on the at least one sensor value, and to store or output, via the at least one communication interface, the at least one control setting. The at least one control setting defines at least one controllable radiation property of radiation provided by the irradiation system along the at least one spatial dimension of the body of water.

Description

[0001] 2023PF80350

[0002] 1

[0003] System and method for adaptive lighting in aquaculture

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] This disclosure relates to a system and method for controlling irradiation in an aquaculture environment, in particular to a controller for controlling a controllable radiation source for use in an aquaculture environment comprising organisms being grown in a body of water. This disclosure further relates to a computer-implemented method for irradiating a plurality of plants and to a computer program and computer-readable storage medium for performing such method.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Algae (including microalgae) are microscopic organisms found in both seawater and freshwater. Like plants, (green) algae perform photosynthesis to increase their biomass. They are unicellular species which exist individually, or in chains or groups. Depending on the species, their sizes can range from a few micrometres to a few hundred micrometres. Unlike higher plants, algae do not have roots, stems, or leaves. Algae are rich in primary and secondary metabolites, such as vitamins, proteins, carotenoids, fatty acids and amino acids. The commercial value of the algae largely depends on the presence and concentration of these metabolites, and the creation of these substances can be influenced by electromagnetic radiation, in particular visible light and neighbouring wavelength regions such as (near) infrared and ultraviolet.

[0008] The global algae products market size is valued at USD 4.7 billion in 2021 and projected to reach USD 6.4 billion by 2026, implying a CAGR of 6.3% during this forecast period. One of the major factors that contribute to this growth in market size, is the increase in the consumption of algae-based nutraceuticals, fabrication of cosmetics, and generation of food supplements. When hitting a certain number of grams per litre, the production of algae becomes more efficient compared to the farming of animals for the sake of producing protein and many other reasons. In fact, when hitting a certain number of grams per litre the price of algae exceeds the price of gold.

[0009] Moreover, in certain markets the “green” algae production method can replace environmental less friendly production methods. For instance, moving protein production 2023PF80350

[0010] 2 from animal-based to algae is disruptive in terms of environmental impact and costs. For example, algae farming is green in terms of not emitting CO2; instead, CO2 is consumed, and oxygen is produced by the algae.

[0011] Consequently, algae pilot farms are booming everywhere in the world because of environmental and economical advantages, promising results with algae and the variety of essential building blocks algae can provide in various industries.

[0012] However, especially the growth of commercially profitable algae requires a delicate optimal adjustment of light colour and light intensity depending on the circumstances in which the specific algae species are grown. Hence, light recipes may be applied to stimulate the growth and to reduce mortality of the algae crops.

[0013] The development of light recipes is complicated by the fact that there are 100+ business-wise interesting species of algae (out of a set of 30.000-1 million) which require all different circumstances for optimal growth. For example, algae are often grown in closed systems, such as tubes or flat panels. However, in such closed systems, the oxygen produced by the growing algae remains trapped in the system, leading to suffocation of the algae. Moreover, the light recipe affects the temperature of the water containing the algae, both through direct absorption of the light and by affecting the amount of photosynthesis, which is an exothermic reaction.

[0014] Hence, a balance should be reached between maximising the growth of the algae whilst keeping the mortality due to oxygen suffocation acceptable, by managing both the temperature and radiation properties.

[0015] US 2013 / 0045531 Al describes an immersible bioreactor illumination assembly with a control system that may control illumination parameters of the illumination assembly based on sensor data.

[0016] CN 117305095 A in the field of biological culture technology discloses a culture system and method comprising a control center adapted to adjust the growth environment conditions and / or the illumination conditions of plants or microorganisms based on monitored growth environment conditions and illumination conditions of the plants or microorganisms and pre-configured optimal cultivation conditions for the plants or microorganisms.

[0017] In light of the above, there is a need in the art for a system and method for improving light recipes for the growth of algae. 2023PF80350

[0018] 3

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] To that end, a controller for an irradiation system is disclosed. The irradiation system comprises at least one controllable radiation source for use in an aquaculture environment. The aquaculture environment comprises organisms being grown in a body of water. The irradiation system is configurable to irradiate the body of water with controllable radiation properties along at least one spatial dimension of the body of water. The controller comprises at least one communication interface and at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to obtain, via the at least one communication interface, at least one sensor value representing at least one environmental condition, to determine at least one control setting for the irradiation system based on the at least one sensor value, and to store or output, via the at least one communication interface, the at least one control setting. The at least one control setting defines at least one controllable radiation property of radiation provided by the irradiation system along the at least one spatial dimension of the body of water.

[0021] As used herein, the term radiation refers to electromagnetic radiation. Typically, the radiation comprises or consists of visible light, (near) infrared radiation, and / or (near) ultraviolet radiation. In that case, a radiation source may also be referred to as an emitter, emission source, or light source.

[0022] The organisms may comprise, e.g., algae, aquatic plants such as duckweed, aquatic animals such as fish or shrimps, et cetera.

[0023] In a typical aquaculture system, relevant environmental parameters may differ substantially along one or more spatial dimensions of the aquaculture system. These differing environmental parameters affect the optimal radiation recipe for the growth of the organisms. According to embodiments described herein, the radiation properties along the one or more spatial dimensions may be adjusted, based on sensor data representative of the environmental parameters.

[0024] For example, in tube-based algae growing systems, with a flow from a feeding point to a harvest point, the amount of algae and the oxygen (O2) levels tend to increase along the length of the tube, while the carbon dioxide (CO2) levels tend to decrease along the length of the tube. Thus, as an example, the at least one sensor value may represent the O2 or CO2 levels along the length of the tube (the spatial dimension of the body of water), and the processor may be configured to control the radiation along the length of the tube based on the at least one sensor value, e.g., in a way that increases photosynthesis if the O2 levels are 2023PF80350

[0025] 4 lower and / or the CO2 levels are higher than expected, and in a way that decreases photosynthesis if the O2 levels are higher and / or the CO2 levels are lower than expected.

[0026] In an embodiment, the at least one spatial dimension is a depth of the body of water and / or a length along a trajectory defined by a flow of the body of water. In such an embodiment, the at least one control setting may define a plurality of controllable radiation properties of radiation at a plurality of corresponding locations along the at least one spatial dimension.

[0027] Various aquacultural systems are in use. For example, algae are often grown in tubes, for which the length along the flow is typically the most relevant spatial dimension. Other examples include basins, for which depth is typically a relevant spatial dimension. For example, (water) temperature is typically depth-dependent. Other facilities may combine various structures, e.g., a mostly stagnant basin (where depth may be the most relevant dimension) combined with a relatively fast flowing section for gas exchange (e.g., deoxygenation), where the direction of flow may be the most relevant dimension.

[0028] In an embodiment, the at least one environmental condition comprises one or more of: a temperature of the body of water, an ambient air temperature, an ambient air humidity, a CO2 level of the body of water, an O2 level of the body of water, a flow rate of the body of water, a thickness of at least part of the body of water, a glucose level in the body of water, a pH of the body of water, an electric conductivity of the body of water, and a radiation property, e.g., radiation intensity or spectral distribution, in the body of water.

[0029] In an embodiment, the at least one sensor value representing at least one environmental condition is a sensor value representing a non-radiation related environmental condition. Thus, a value of a radiation property may be controlled based on a sensor value of a non-radiation property, where the link between the radiation property and the non-radiation property is formed by the algae (e.g., the behaviour / growth response of the algae). In such an embodiment, a control cycle may be defined wherein the controllable radiation property affects a property of the algae, the property of the algae affects the (non-radiation-related) environmental condition, and the sensor value representing the environmental condition is used to control the controllable radiation property. For example, the radiation property (e.g., light intensity or spectral power distribution) may affect the photosynthesis rate of the algae, which may affect the temperature, CO2 level, and O2 level of the body of water. One or more of these environmental conditions may be measured and the resulting sensor value may be used to control the radiation property. This allows control of a behaviour of the algae without directly measuring the (behaviour of the) algae. 2023PF80350

[0030] 5

[0031] As noted, algae and other aquatic organisms can be very sensitive to water temperature (i.e. , the temperature of the body of water). Water temperature may be affected by, e.g., absorption of radiation, heat produced by photosynthesis, evaporation, thermal exchange with the environment, and active temperature control (heating and / or cooling). Ambient air temperature may be affected by heat dissipation by the radiation sources, and may be linked to the water temperature, in particular the surface temperature (in open systems). Ambient air humidity may be linked to evaporation, and hence water temperature. CO2 is a vital source for photosynthetic organisms such as algae and plants, and may be poisonous to animals; and conversely, O2 is a vital source for animals and can be poisonous to photosynthetic organisms. Hence, their levels can be relevant to determine a growth potential of the organisms. The flow rate may affect the time the organisms are exposed to the radiation along a trajectory, and may also affect gas exchange and heat exchange between the body of water and the ambiance.

[0032] As used herein, two parameters are said to be linked if one parameter is affected by and / or affects the other parameter.

[0033] As used herein, the term “environmental condition” generally refers to a condition of the body of water and / or the ambient air in the aquaculture environment; the term “environmental condition” generally does not refer to properties of or directly related to the organisms, such as a density of the organisms, colour of the organisms, concentration of certain assimilates created by the organisms such as carotenoids and flavonoids, et cetera.

[0034] In an embodiment, the at least one sensor value comprises a plurality of sensor values representing the at least one environmental condition at a plurality of locations along the at least one spatial dimension. A larger number of sensor values may provide more spatial information and hence, more finely tuned spatial control of the radiation properties. In some cases, the spatial distribution of an environmental condition can be modelled or determined with sufficient accuracy with data from only one or a few sensors.

[0035] In an embodiment, the at least one control parameter configures a shape and / or flow rate of the body of water. Configuring the shape of the body of water may adjust, e.g., a maximum depth, a cross section normal to the flow, a flow volume, et cetera. Configuring the shape and / or flow rate of the body of water may affect the amount of organisms that are exposed to the radiation, and / or may affect the amount of time the organisms are exposed to the radiation. As the penetration of the light into or through the body of water is generally wavelength dependent, the optimal shape of the body of water may depend on the spectral distribution and light intensity of the radiation being applied to it, or vice versa. 2023PF80350

[0036] 6

[0037] In an aspect, embodiments in this disclosure relate to an aquaculture irradiation system. The aquaculture irradiation system comprises at least one controllable radiation source for use in an aquaculture environment, the aquaculture environment comprising organisms being grown in a body of water, and a controller as described herein. The aquaculture irradiation system is configurable to irradiate the body of water with controllable radiation properties along at least one spatial dimension of the body of water. The aquaculture irradiation system is configured to control, in response to receiving the at least one control setting, radiation properties of the radiation generated by the at least one controllable radiation source.

[0038] In an embodiment, the at least one controllable radiation sources is overcast over the body of water and / or submerged in the body of water.

[0039] In an embodiment, the radiation properties comprise at least one of :

[0040] - a photon flux of the radiation as generated by the irradiation system,

[0041] - a photon flux density of the radiation as received by the body of water,

[0042] - a spectral power distribution of the radiation generated by the irradiation system, and

[0043] - a timing of the irradiation.

[0044] The timing of the irradiation may refer to the photoperiod (expressed as, e.g., a number of hours per day) and / or to the schedule of the irradiation (i.e., at which hours of the day).

[0045] In such an embodiment, the controller may be configured to cause the irradiation system to generate radiation such that the radiation has the photon flux and / or photon flux density and / or the spectral power distribution and / or the timing of the irradiation as defined by a radiation recipe.

[0046] In general, the controllable radiation properties may be defined in terms of, e.g., radiant flux or Photosynthetic Photon Flux (PPF) expressed in pmol / s, irradiance or Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) expressed in pmol / (s • m2), irradiance expressed in W / m2, or any other suitable terms. Conversion between these units may depend on, e.g., spectral composition of the radiation, distance between the luminaire and the reference surface, shape of the radiation field created by the luminaire, et cetera. Radiation output may also be defined in terms of Yield Photon Flux (YPF) or Yield Photon Flux Density (YPFD), which may depend on the particulars of the organisms being irradiated, and on the environmental conditions. 2023PF80350

[0047] 7

[0048] The irradiation system may comprise one or more controllable radiation sources, and / or one or more controllable radiation filters and / or radiation concentrators (possibly in combination with a ‘fixed’ radiation source, i.e., a radiation source providing radiation with fixed radiation properties).

[0049] In an aspect, this disclosure relates to an aquaculture arrangement comprising such a system. The term “aquaculture arrangement” especially refers to an arrangement including an open or closed container for the body of water wherein or whereon the organisms may grow, an irradiation system that is configured to direct (aquaculture) radiation to the container wherein or whereon the organisms may grow (or grow), and a controller that controls the (aquaculture) radiation. The controller may be embodied as or comprise a (general) data processing system.

[0050] Growing radiation typically comprises a mixture of red and blue radiation. Red radiation may be understood as radiation having a wavelength between 600-700 nm, whereas far-red radiation may be understood as radiation having a wavelength between 700- 780 nm. Blue radiation may be understood as radiation having a wavelength between 400- 500 nm. Green radiation may be understood as radiation having a wavelength between 500- 600 nm. Radiation with a wavelength shorter than 400 nm, in particular radiation with a wavelength between 10-400 nm, may be referred to as ultraviolet radiation. Radiation with a wavelength longer than 780 nm, may be referred to as infrared radiation; in particular, radiation with a wavelength between 780-2500 nm may be referred to as near infrared radiation.

[0051] In particular, the term “aquaculture radiation” especially refers to radiation having one or more wavelengths in one or more of a first wavelength region of 625-675 nm and a second wavelength region of 400-475 nm. Additionally, green or white light may be added. The relative energies (expressed in, e.g., W / m2) that are provided in these regions may depend upon the type of organism and / or the growth phase. Hence, a recipe may define the ratio, optionally as a function of time, for one or more types of organisms. Especially, the term “aquaculture radiation” may refer to the PAR region (the photosynthetically active region from 400-700 nm, i.e., red+green+blue). The term “aquaculture radiation” may also be used for radiation that is applied to organisms in hydroponic applications. As known in the art, in the PAR region the reflection coefficient of leaves is very low (5-10% for red and blue light, 15-25% for green light). Towards the far-red and near infrared, beyond 700 nm, the reflection coefficient increases. Hence, in specific embodiments, the aquaculture radiation, may in addition to PAR radiation also include a small fraction (e.g., <25 % of the power, 2023PF80350

[0052] 8 especially about at maximum 10 % of the power) far-red, i.e., 700-780 nm and near-infrared, e.g., 780-850 nm. In general, organisms may be sensitive both to absolute intensities of certain wavelengths and to relative intensities of different wavelengths.

[0053] The term “aquaculture arrangement” may also refer to controlled bioreactors, wherein the organisms are grown under controlled conditions, and wherein the organisms substantially do not receive natural radiation (daylight). Further, such controlled bioreactors may be climatized, such as in the case of a climate cell.

[0054] The control system of such aquaculture arrangement may control one or more of water temperature, CO2 level, O2 level, water flow, nutrient supply, radiation intensity (irradiance) of the aquaculture radiation, (ambient) air conditions including one or more of air temperature, relative or absolute air humidity, air composition, air flow, etc. The radiation intensity as received by the organisms may refer to, e.g., physical quantity “irradiance” (typically expressed in W / m2) or “photon flux density” (typically expressed in pmol / (m2s)). Such aquaculture system may be configured to control one or more of these conditions at different locations in the arrangement. Hence, the irradiation with the aquaculture radiation may in embodiments be done in response to, e.g., one or more of time of the day, season of the year, (local) irradiation conditions, age of organism, condition of the organism, etc. Hence, the irradiation with the aquaculture radiation may in embodiments be done in response to organism related data, time related parameters, conditions to which the organism is subjected (such as natural radiation, temperature, relative humidity, CO2 level, O2 level, nutrient supply, etc.).

[0055] The aquaculture irradiation system is especially configured to provide aquaculture radiation to organisms. This may especially imply that the aquaculture irradiation system is configured to provide aquaculture radiation in a direction of a body of water wherein or whereon organisms may grow. Such container may be a (closed) tube or closed or open basin. Especially, the term “container” may also refer to a plurality of containers, as the organisms may be grown in multiple tubes, basins, panels, or other containers. A radiation system may irradiate one, two, or more of these containers simultaneously. Hence, the term “irradiation system” may also refer to a plurality of (individually controlled) irradiation systems.

[0056] Further, the control system is configured to control one or more of a radiation intensity and a spectral distribution of the aquaculture radiation. The term “controlling” and similar terms especially refer at least to determining the behaviour or supervising the running of an element. Hence, herein “controlling” and similar terms may, e.g., refer to imposing 2023PF80350

[0057] 9 behaviour to the element (determining the behaviour or supervising the running of an element), etc., such as e.g. measuring, displaying, actuating, opening, shifting, changing temperature, etc. Beyond that, the term “controlling” and similar terms may additionally include monitoring. Hence, the term “controlling” and similar terms may include imposing behaviour.

[0058] The phrase “one or more of a radiation intensity and a spectral distribution of the aquaculture radiation” may refer to the total spectral distribution of the aquaculture radiation, i.e. the power, especially in the visible, provided by the irradiation system. However, in specific embodiments the control system may also be configured to control the spectral distribution, e.g. reducing or increasing parts of the spectral distribution relative to other parts of the spectral distribution. Hence, in embodiments the control system may be configured to control one or more of the intensity and the spectral distribution of the aquaculture radiation, for instance in dependence of the one or more optical sensor signals.

[0059] As indicated above, the control system is configured to control one or more of a radiation intensity and a spectral distribution of aquaculture radiation in dependence of the canopy being closed in at least part of the aquaculture arrangement.

[0060] The controllable radiation sources can be, e.g., LED radiation sources, HID radiation sources, laser radiation sources, or other suitable radiation sources. The one or more controllable radiation sources may include means for controlled interaction with the organisms, e.g., through filtering and / or concentrating the generated radiation, and / or through modifying the flow rate of the body of water, and hence the interaction time with the organisms. The radiation filters may be configured to selectively block, in part or in full, radiation of one or more predetermined wavelength regions. The radiation concentrators may be configured to concentrate radiation on the organisms, e.g., using a lens or mirror. Filters and concentrators can also be combined, e.g., by wavelength conversion, reducing an intensity of radiation of a first wavelength (filtering) while increasing radiation of a second wavelength (concentrating).

[0061] The one or more radiation filters may have, for instance, controllable radiation filtering properties and / or a controllable position. Similarly, the one or more radiation concentrators may have, for instance, controllable radiation concentrating properties and / or a controllable position. The controllable position may allow the filters and / or concentrators to be selectively inserted and removed between a radiation source and the organisms.

[0062] Other examples of controllable light sources include optically transparent plates / surfaces which have locations / surfaces where light is emitted towards the algae. For 2023PF80350

[0063] 10 instance, the body of water comprising the algae may flow over a surface which is emitting light with a spectrum and intensity selected for the relevant type of alga. In case of a pixelated light source, individual pixels could be controlled to change the light intensity at a specific location of the illuminated area. Yet another example is a matrix of lasers with individually controlled lasers.

[0064] In an aspect, embodiments in this disclosure relate to a computer-implemented method for determining a control setting for an irradiation system comprising at least one controllable radiation source for use in an aquaculture environment, the aquaculture environment comprising organisms being grown in a body of water, the irradiation system being configurable to irradiate the body of water with controllable radiation properties along at least one spatial dimension of the body of water. The method comprises obtaining at least one sensor value representing at least one environmental condition, determining at least one control setting for the irradiation system based on the at least one sensor value, the at least one control setting defining at least one controllable radiation property of radiation provided by the irradiation system along the at least one dimension of the body of water, and outputting or storing the at least one control setting.

[0065] Thus, a system as described above may be controlled using this method. The method may be executed, for example, by the controller / control system / data processing system described above.

[0066] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a computer comprising a computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied therewith, and a processor, preferably a microprocessor, coupled to the computer readable storage medium, wherein responsive to executing the computer readable program code, the processor is configured to perform any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0067] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a computer program or suite of computer programs comprising at least one software code portion or a computer program product storing at least one software code portion, the software code portion, when run on a computer system, being configured for executing any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0068] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing at least one software code portion, the software code portion, when executed or processed by a computer, is configured to perform any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0069] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, a method or a computer program product. 2023PF80350

[0070] 11

[0071] Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Functions described in this disclosure may be implemented as an algorithm executed by a processor / microprocessor of a computer. Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied, e.g., stored, thereon.

[0072] Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of a computer readable storage medium may include, but are not limited to, the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fibre, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of the present invention, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store, a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0073] A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0074] Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber, cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented 2023PF80350

[0075] 12 programming language such as Java™, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user’s computer, partly on the user’s computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user’s computer and partly on a remote computer, or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user’s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

[0076] Aspects of the present invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products as claimed in embodiments of the present invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor, in particular a microprocessor or a central processing unit (CPU), of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0077] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0078] The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0079] The flowchart and diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer 2023PF80350

[0080] 13 program products as claimed in various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0081] Moreover, a computer program for carrying out the methods described herein, as well as a non-transitory computer readable storage-medium storing the computer program are provided. A computer program may, for example, be downloaded (updated) to the existing systems (e.g., to the existing control systems) or be stored upon manufacturing of these systems.

[0082] Elements and aspects discussed for or in relation with a particular embodiment may be suitably combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Embodiments of the present invention will be further illustrated with reference to the attached drawings, which schematically will show embodiments as claimed in the invention. It will be understood that the present invention is not in any way restricted to these specific embodiments.

[0083] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0084] Aspects of the invention will be explained in greater detail by reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

[0085] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an aquaculture irradiation system according to a first embodiment.;

[0086] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a first embodiment of a method for irradiating a body of water;

[0087] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for determining a radiation recipe for irradiating a body of water according to an embodiment;

[0088] FIG. 4A-4D schematically illustrate aquaculture irradiation systems according to various embodiments; and 2023PF80350

[0089] 14

[0090] FIG. 5 illustrates a data processing system according to an embodiment.

[0091] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0092] In the figures, identical reference numbers indicate identical or similar elements.

[0093] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an aquaculture irradiation system according to a first embodiment. The aquaculture arrangement 1 comprises an aquaculture irradiation system 3 that is configured to irradiate a body of water 13 in a container 11. The body of water contains aquatic organisms that are being grown, e.g., algae, duckweed, shrimp, et cetera. The irradiation system 3 comprises one or more radiation sources 5, e.g., luminaires, that are configurable to generate radiation with controllable radiation properties along at least one spatial dimension 19 of the body of water 13, and a driver 7 configured to drive the plurality of luminaires 5. The one or more luminaires 5 may comprise, e.g., a plurality of individually or group-wise controllable LEDs. The one or more luminaires 5 may be configured to provide radiation according to a radiation recipe, e.g., growth or aquaculture radiation. The one or more luminaires 5 may be adapted to generate radiation with a controllable intensity, photon flux, and / or spectral distribution. The radiation sources 5 may be provided above the body of water 13, to the side of the body of water 13, below the body of water 13, partially submerged in the body of water 13, or fully submerged in the body of water 13; a combination of these is also possible. Radiation sources 5 at different positions may have identical or different radiation properties. By providing radiation sources 5 at different positions relative to the body of water 13, radiation with different radiation properties may be provided at different positions within the body of water 13.

[0094] The irradiation system 3 may further comprise a controller 100. The controller 100 may comprise a processor 102 and a memory 104 communicatively coupled to the processor. The controller 100 may be embodied as a general data processing system as described below in more detail with reference to Fig. 5. The controller 100 comprises at least one communication interface; in the depicted example, the controller 100 comprises an input interface 6 and an output interface 8. The controller 100 may be communicatively connected to the driver 7 via the output interface 8. The controller 100 may be configured to receive, via the input interface 6, at least one sensor value representing at least one environmental condition. The sensor value may be obtained from one or more sensors 12 measuring the environmental condition at one or more positions along the at least one spatial dimension 19 of the body of water 13. Although only a single sensor is shown, the input from multiple 2023PF80350

[0095] 15 sensors may be used. Some of these multiple sensors may measure the same environmental condition at multiple positions along the at least one spatial dimension 19. Some of these multiple sensors 12 may measure different environmental conditions, at the same or different positions. In some embodiments, at least some of the one or more sensors may me embedded in the luminaires, e.g., a remote thermal sensor for outside (e.g., overcast) luminaires, or a thermocouple or thermistor for submersible luminaires. Suitable sensors for both contact and non-contact measurements are known in the art.

[0096] The controller 100 is configured to determine at least one control setting for the irradiation system 3 based on the at least one sensor value. The at least one control setting defines at least one controllable radiation property of radiation provided by the irradiation system 3 along the at least one spatial dimension 19 of the body of water 13. For example, the controller 100 may determine a radiation recipe for the one or more luminaires 5 in dependence on the at least one environmental condition, and to send a control signal to the driver 7 (and / or directly to the one or more luminaires 5) to cause the one or more luminaires 5 to generate radiation in accordance with the determined radiation recipe along the at least one dimension 19 of the body of water 13. For example, the controller 100 may select one from a plurality of predefined radiation recipes, based on the at least one sensor value. Alternatively, the controller 100 may dynamically determine or adjust the radiation recipe based on the at least one sensor value. Combinations are also possible, e.g., an approximate radiation recipe being selected based on a first sensor value, which is fine-tuned based on a second sensor value; or a (relative) spectral distribution being determined based on a first sensor value, and an overall photon flux being determined based on a second sensor value.

[0097] The sensor data and / or radiation properties may be stored in order to leam optimised radiation properties. For example, an increase in oxygen can be interpreted as meaning the algae improved in growing / consuming CO2. Thus, such oxygen increase can be an indicator of an increased volume of algae, which may be easier, faster, or more economical to measure than the volume of algae itself. Currently, the mass or volume of algae is typically measured using a time-consuming process where a sample of water with algae is evaporated, and the remaining residu (algae) is weighed. In some cases, data regarding the organisms may be added to enhance the learning capabilities; such data may include, e.g., growth rate, health, death rate, nutritious content, et cetera.

[0098] The system 1 may also comprise or be connected or connectible to a further (possibly external) data processing system (not shown), e.g. a (greenhouse) control computer. The further data processing system may be used to control, e.g., the environment, e.g., the 2023PF80350

[0099] 16 ambient temperature, ambient humidity, ambient gas mixture (e.g., ambient O2 levels and / or ambient CO2 levels), limiting natural radiation, et cetera. In some embodiments, the sensor value is obtained via such a further data processing system, rather than directly from the sensors or a measurement system. In some embodiments, the controller 100 and the further data processing system may be integrated into a dingle system.

[0100] In general, the irradiation system 3 comprises at least one radiation source 5. In a typical embodiment, the irradiation system comprises a plurality of radiation sources 5, typically controllable radiation sources, e.g., LEDs, for generating artificial radiation. Additionally or alternatively, the irradiation system may comprise one or more controllable radiation filters and / or radiation concentrators. Such filters and / or concentrators can be used, for example, to modify natural radiation (typically sunlight) and / or to control aspects of an artificially generated radiation spectrum that cannot be sufficiently controlled by the radiation sources.

[0101] The controllable radiation sources can be, e.g., LED radiation sources, HID radiation sources, laser radiation sources, or other suitable radiation sources. The one or more controllable radiation sources may include a radiation source with controlled interaction with the body of water 13, e.g., through filtering and / or concentrating the natural radiation, and / or through modifying the flow rate, and hence interaction time, with the body of water 13 and the aquatic organisms therein.

[0102] The irradiation system 3 may comprise a radiation source with a controllable intensity and / or spectral distribution of the generated radiation. For example, the radiation source may comprise a plurality of independently (or per type) controllable LEDs with different wavelengths and / or a broad-spectrum radiation source (such as a HID) with adjustable radiation filters. The one or more radiation filters may have, for instance, controllable radiation filtering properties and / or a controllable position. Similarly, the one or more radiation concentrators may have, for instance, controllable radiation concentrating properties and / or a controllable position. The controllable position may allow the filters and / or concentrators to be selectively inserted and removed between a radiation source and the body of water.

[0103] Fig. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a first embodiment of a method for irradiating a body of water for growing organisms therein. The method may be executed, for example, by a controller of an irradiation system comprising at least one controllable radiation source for use in an aquaculture environment, which irradiation system is configurable to irradiate the body of water with controllable radiation properties along at least one spatial dimension 2023PF80350

[0104] 17 of the body of water. The at least one spatial dimension can be a depth of the body of water and / or a length along a trajectory defined by a flow of the body of water. For example, the irradiation system as described above with reference to Fig. 1 or as described below with reference to Fig. 4A-4D.

[0105] A step 21 comprises obtaining or receiving at least one sensor value representing at least one environmental condition. The at least one environmental condition may be associated with the body of water, and may relate to, e.g., a property of the body of water or of its direct ambiance. Examples of environmental conditions are: a temperature of the body of water, an ambient air temperature, an ambient air humidity, a CO2 level of the body of water, an O2 level of the body of water, a flow rate of the body of water, a glucose level in the body of water, a pH of the body of water, an electric conductivity of the body of water, and a radiation density in the body of water, et cetera. Optionally, several sensor values representing the at least one environmental condition along the at least one spatial dimension of the body of water.

[0106] A step 23 comprises determining at least one control setting for the irradiation system based on the at least one sensor value, the at least one control setting defining at least one controllable radiation property of radiation provided by the irradiation system along the at least one spatial dimension of the body of water. The at least one control setting may define a plurality of controllable radiation properties of radiation at a plurality of corresponding locations along the at least one spatial dimension. Examples of (controllable) radiation properties are: a photon flux of the radiation as generated by the irradiation system, a photon flux density of the radiation as received by the body of water, a spectral power distribution of the radiation generated by the irradiation system, and a timing of the irradiation.

[0107] As was mentioned before, certain aquatic organisms, such as various species of algae, are very sensitive to temperature. At the same time, the lighting can affect the temperature of the body of water in various ways, for example, by direct absorption of the radiation, via heat dissipation of the light sources (which can be direct, especially for submerged light sources, or indirect, e.g., via heating the ambient air), and, for photosynthetic organisms, by affecting the photosynthesis rate and hence heat production by the organisms. These various effects may depend on, e.g., the spectral distribution, light intensity, concentration of organisms, and type(s) of organisms. In particular for heat production via photosynthesis, the presence of nutrients, CO2 levels, and O2 levels can also affect the heat production. 2023PF80350

[0108] 18

[0109] The determined at least one control setting is output (in a step 25) and / or stored (in a step 27).

[0110] The determined at least one control setting may be transmitted to an irradiation system configured to irradiate the body of water. In response to receiving the at least one control setting, the irradiation system may be configured to irradiate the body of water in accordance with the one or more controllable radiation properties along the at least one spatial dimension of the body of water.

[0111] Additionally or alternatively, the radiation received by the body of water may be adjusted by configuring a flow of the body of water, e.g., by changing the flow volume, flow velocity, or the cross-section of the body of water at one or more locations where the body of water is being irradiated. For example, when the volume of water per unit of time that is being irradiated is smaller, in general, less heat will be generated. A larger surface area of the body of water may affect gas exchange with the ambient air, and hence gas levels such as CO2 levels and O2 levels in the water, and so, indirectly, also the photosynthesis rate.

[0112] There may be a translation step of the control setting defining the at least one controllable radiation property into one or more control signals, for instance by either the controller or the driver of the irradiation system; for example, the determined control setting may define a (relative) number of photons per second, which may need to be translated into control voltages or currents for the respective light sources.

[0113] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for determining a radiation recipe for irradiating a body of water according to an embodiment. The method may be carried out, for example, by a processor of a controller of a aquaculture irradiation system.

[0114] The method comprises receiving one or more sensor values representative of at least one environmental condition. In the depicted example, the method comprises receiving a plurality of water temperature values 31 i-n, representative of a temperature at various depths of a basin (as depicted, e.g., in Fig. 3B) and / or at various locations along a flow trajectory (as depicted, e.g., in Fig. 3C); receiving an ambient air temperature 33, receiving an ambient absolute or relative air humidity 35, and receiving a flow or discharge of the body of water 37 (as depicted in, e.g., Fig. 3A). It is noted that these parameters may be received at different times and / or rates. If one or more of these parameters are actively controlled, e.g., the ambient air temperature or the relative humidity, a control value (representing a target value) may be received instead of a measured value. Other embodiments may use additional, fewer, or different environmental conditions. Additionally or alternatively, other relevant parameters may be received, e.g., a species of an aquatic 2023PF80350

[0115] 19 organism being grown in or on the body of water, a geometry of the aquaculture arrangement, a time of the day, a day of the year, et cetera. As used herein, the term “receiving” includes “retrieving from memory”.

[0116] The method further comprises determining 38 at least one control setting 39 for the irradiation system based on the at least one sensor value 31-37. The at least one control setting 39 defines at least one controllable radiation property of radiation provided by the irradiation system along the at least one spatial dimension of the body of water. For example, individual radiation properties may be defined for all radiation sources 5i-min Fig. 4A-4D. In some cases, radiation properties may be defined for groups of luminaires; for example, in Fig. 4A, luminaires 54-6 may share the same radiation recipe, while luminaires 51-3 have individually determined radiation recipes. Similarly, in Fig. 4B, luminaires 51-3 may share the same radiation recipe, while luminaires 54-6 have individually determined radiation recipes.

[0117] The determination 38 of the at least one control setting can comprise, e.g., looking up a setting in a look-up table, computing an analytical formula, or solving an optimisation problem.

[0118] The methods disclosed herein for determining a radiation recipe based on measured one or more environmental conditions and causing the body of water to be irradiated accordingly may be performed repeatedly, for example every hour, or every 30 minutes, or even continuously, e.g., using a closed or open loop control system.

[0119] Fig. 4C schematically illustrates a system for cultivating aquatic organisms according to an embodiment. Such an embodiment may be used, for instance, for growing algae. Most of the water containing the organisms sits in a basin 11. Part of the water is pumped up to a series of one or more plates 16 (only one being shown here), forming a cascading structure. In the basin 11, the water is relatively deep, e.g., a few decimetres, whereas the layer of water on the plates 16 is much shallower. The cascading structure may increase oxygen release and carbon dioxide uptake by the water. A first set of luminaires 51-3 provides light to the organisms on the plates 16, whereas a second set of luminaires 54-6 provides light to the organisms in the basin 11. The water in the basin may comprise a top layer of light blocking stuff, e.g., foam created by the grown algae and other, non-profitable algae (which may be unavoidable). Hence, in this example, the second set of luminaires 54-6 is partially submerged in the water, so that the light can more easily penetrate into the body of water. 2023PF80350

[0120] 20

[0121] In such a system, the increased growth for the algae is mainly generated by exposing the thin layer of water on the plates 16 to the surrounding air and light. According to embodiments described herein, the radiation properties of this light can be adapted based on environmental conditions such as the air temperature and the water temperature. To this end, in this example, the luminaires 51-3 comprise temperature sensors 121-3. Additionally or alternatively, sensor may be provided at other locations, e.g., at various depths in the basin (not shown). Such sensors may be connected in a wired or wireless manner to a controller of the irradiation system.

[0122] In some embodiments, the thickness of the layer of water and / or the speed of the layer of water on the one or more plates 16 can be adjusted (in addition to or instead of adjusting the intensity and / or spectral distribution of the radiation sources), e.g., by changing the volumetric rate of the pump and / or changing a slope of the one or more plates 16. For example, the thickness of the water layer may be adjusted based on the penetration depth of the selected light intensity and spectrum. The thickness and / or the speed of the water layer can be optimised together with the light intensity and spectrum for a specific species.

[0123] Fig. 4B schematically illustrates a system for cultivating aquatic organisms according to an embodiment.

[0124] It is known that different wavelengths propagate differently in water. As certain species of algae are very sensitive to absolute and relatively intensities in certain parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, the intensity and spectral distribution may be adjusted based on the position and environmental conditions along a spatial dimension of the body of water. Therefore, there can be significant differences in photon flux at various positions in a basin, especially in a direction perpendicular to the radiation sources; e.g. at varying depths for overcast luminaires 51-3, and at varying distances from (in this example) the left wall for vertically arranged luminaires 54-6. Moreover, due to convection, a temperature gradient may form in the basin, with typically different temperatures at different depths. Different temperatures correspond to different optimal radiation recipes. Hence, the radiation recipes for the luminaires 51-3 and / or 54-6 may be determined based on environmental conditions as determined, in this example, by sensors 12i^i.

[0125] Fig. 4C schematically illustrates a system for cultivating aquatic organisms according to an embodiment. This embodiment is suitable for organisms that are suspended in the body of water, such as algae.

[0126] Algae cultivars like Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) and Chlor ella vulgaris (Chlorella are examples of cultivars being grown for human consumption. These algae need 2023PF80350

[0127] 21 a dark period (typically a photoperiod of 18 hours with 6 hours of darkness). Optimum growth takes place at (water) temperatures between 25 and 30 °C. A large part of the commercial value of algae is determined by their nutritional content, typically defined as the presence and / or concentration of certain primary and / or secondary metabolites. Since algae have lots of similarities with plants, their nutritional content can be steered by radiation in a way similar to plants. Radiation optimal for algae biomass growth does not necessarily result in an optimal nutritional content (and may, hence, not be economically optimal).

[0128] Fig. 4C shows a growing compartment 6 of a tube-based bioreactor. An input of the growing compartment 6 may be connected to a feeding vessel (not shown) for adding algae, water and other ingredients, such as nutrients and CO2. An output of the growing compartment 6 may be connected to a harvesting system (not shown). The harvesting system is configured for harvesting the algae, e.g., using sedimentation, membrane separation, flocculation, flotation, or centrifugation. The fluid fraction that is left over after extraction of the algae may be provided to the feeding vessel to allow reuse of the fluid and of, e.g., nutrients still present in the fluid. In this example, the at least one spatial dimension may be defined as the length of the trajectory of the fluid flow through the growing compartment 6.

[0129] The system further comprises one or more sensors 121-6 for providing one or more sensor values representing at least one environmental condition. The sensors 121-6 can be, e.g., a temperature sensor, a gas sensor, a radiation sensor, et cetera. The sensors 121-6 may be part of a measurement system. The measurement system may comprise a processor to process input received from the sensors 121-6. The measurement system may comprise a communication interface to enable wired and / or wireless communication with the controller 100. In other embodiments, the sensors 121-6 may communicate with the controller directly.

[0130] In the depicted example, the growing compartment 6 is divided into five segments of two tubes each, with six sensors 121-6 configured to measure one or more environmental conditions before, after, and in between each segment. Each section can be irradiated with an individually controllable irradiation system 51-5. The radiation recipe for each irradiation system 51-5 can be determined, at least in part, based on the sensor values of (surrounding) sensors 121-6. For example, the radiation recipe for irradiation system 5i may be determined based on the sensor value(s) of sensor 12i, representing an environmental condition at the input of the segment irradiated by the irradiation system 5i, the sensor value(s) of sensor 122, representing the environmental condition at the output of the segment irradiated by the irradiation system 5i, or on a combination of sensors 12i and 122 (e.g., to 2023PF80350

[0131] 22 determine a change in the environmental condition over the segment, and / or to estimate an average value of the environmental condition over the segment).

[0132] Other types of bioreactors for growing algae are also well-known in the art. They typically comprise a plurality of interconnected containers, e.g., tubes (as shown here) or panels (sheets), through which a suspension containing the algae is transported. A bioreactor can also comprise only a single container, e.g., a single tube. The containers are typically transparent at the relevant wavelengths. For example, the containers are typically transparent to growing radiation. Growth radiation typically comprises a mixture of blue, red, and optionally far red radiation.

[0133] The system may furthermore comprise or be connected to a controller 100. The controller 100 is configured to determine, based on the one or more environmental conditions measured by the measurement system, a radiation recipe that depends on the position along the fluid flow. The controller 100 is further configured to cause the irradiation system to irradiate the algae in accordance with the determined radiation recipe. The controller 100 may also be configured to control the feeding vessel and or the harvester.

[0134] The system may further comprise various other components that are commonly part of such bioreactors, such as a pump, valves, et cetera. These are not shown in the figures. Some of these components may be controlled by the controller 100.

[0135] Fig. 4D schematically shows a system 2 for cultivating duckweed according to an embodiment. A property of duckweed is that it easily absorbs heavy metals and other contaminants in the water. Because of this, for human consumption, a controlled environment with clean water supply and uncontaminated fertilizers is required. Examples of such controlled environments are (semi-closed) environments such as greenhouses and vertical farms. A closed environment allows reuse of CO2 that is produced as a by-product by energy plants, for example. Duckweed grown under ideal circumstances has a protein content of 35- 45% of the dry weight.

[0136] Fig. 4D shows a top view of such system. Duckweed floats on a body of water 13 and moves from region 3 all the way (see the arrows) to the harvesting system 48 where the duckweed is harvested. The water in the system 2 flows in the direction of the arrows thus causing the duckweed floating on the water surface to also move in the direction of the arrows. In this example, the trajectory of the flowing water defines the at least one spatial dimension. The flow of the water may be caused by pumps (not shown). The duckweed will typically reproduce and grow as it moves from region 3 to the harvesting system 48. Each frond of duckweed can divide about 10-20 times during its lifetime. Therefore, a batch of to- 2023PF80350

[0137] 23 be harvested duckweed will consist of duckweed of different ages. Optimum growth of the duckweed occurs at (water) temperatures between 20 and 30 °C. The harvesting system 48 may be configured to harvest all duckweed that passes through harvesting system 48, or only part of it.

[0138] The system 2 for cultivating duckweed also comprises an irradiation system 5. In the depicted embodiment, the irradiation system 5 comprises a plurality of radiation sources 51-12, which may also be referred to as luminaires. These radiation sources may be configured to generate (growth) radiation that is provided to the duckweed. Advantageously, growing duckweed requires relatively low radiation intensities (100-200 pmol / (m2• s)). In some embodiments, each radiation source is (possibly individually) controllable, in that a radiant power and / or electromagnetic spectrum of each radiation source can be separately controlled, for example by receiving control signals from controller 100.

[0139] The system 2 also comprises an environmental condition measurement system configured to measure one or more environmental condition of the (body of water containing the) duckweed. The measurement system may or may not be embodied within controller 100.

[0140] Controller 100 is configured to determine an appropriate radiation recipe based on the determined one or more environmental conditions. A radiation treatment as referred to herein may be a radiation recipe that is configured to increase or control the biomass of the duckweed, improve or control the health of the duckweed, increase or control the nutritional content of the duckweed, et cetera.

[0141] After determination of the radiation recipe, the controller 100 can control the irradiation system 5, in particular the plurality of radiation sources 51-12 of irradiation system 5, to irradiate the duckweed in accordance with the determined radiation recipe.

[0142] Fig. 5 depicts a block diagram illustrating a data processing system as claimed in an embodiment.

[0143] As shown in Fig. 5, the data processing system 100 may include at least one processor 102 coupled to memory elements 104 through a system bus 106. As such, the data processing system may store program code within memory elements 104. Further, the processor 102 may execute the program code accessed from the memory elements 104 via a system bus 106. In one aspect, the data processing system may be implemented as a computer that is suitable for storing and / or executing program code. It should be appreciated, however, that the data processing system 100 may be implemented in the form of any system including a processor and a memory that is capable of performing the functions described within this specification. 2023PF80350

[0144] 24

[0145] The memory elements 104 may include one or more physical memory devices such as, for example, local memory 108 and one or more bulk storage devices 110. The local memory may refer to random access memory or other non-persistent memory device(s) generally used during actual execution of the program code. A bulk storage device may be implemented as a hard drive or other persistent data storage device. The processing system 100 may also include one or more cache memories (not shown) that provide temporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce the number of times program code must be retrieved from the bulk storage device 110 during execution.

[0146] Input / output (I / O) devices depicted as an input device 112 and an output device 114 optionally can be coupled to the data processing system. Examples of input devices may include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a touch-sensitive display, an external control system referred to herein, or the like. Examples of output devices may include, but are not limited to, a monitor or a display, speakers, the LED driver, or the like. Input and / or output devices may be coupled to the data processing system either directly or through intervening I / O controllers.

[0147] In an embodiment, the input and the output devices may be implemented as a combined input / output device (illustrated in Fig. 5 with a dashed line surrounding the input device 112 and the output device 114). An example of such a combined device is a touch sensitive display, also sometimes referred to as a “touch screen display” or simply “touch screen”. In such an embodiment, input to the device may be provided by a movement of a physical object, such as, e.g., a stylus or a finger of a user, on or near the touch screen display.

[0148] A network adapter 116 may also be coupled to the data processing system to enable it to become coupled to other systems, computer systems, remote network devices, and / or remote storage devices through intervening private or public networks. The network adapter may comprise a data receiver for receiving data that is transmitted by said systems, devices and / or networks to the data processing system 100, and a data transmitter for transmitting data from the data processing system 100 to said systems, devices and / or networks. Modems, cable modems, and Ethernet cards are examples of different types of network adapter that may be used with the data processing system 100.

[0149] As pictured in Fig. 5, the memory elements 104 may store an application 118. In various embodiments, the application 118 may be stored in the local memory 108, the one or more bulk storage devices 110, or apart from the local memory and the bulk storage devices. It should be appreciated that the data processing system 100 may further execute an 2023PF80350

[0150] 25 operating system (not shown in Fig. 5) that can facilitate execution of the application 118. The application 118, being implemented in the form of executable program code, can be executed by the data processing system 100, e.g., by the processor 102. Responsive to executing the application, the data processing system 100 may be configured to perform one or more operations or method steps described herein.

[0151] In one aspect of the present invention, the data processing system 100 may represent a control system of a LED driver as described herein.

[0152] In another aspect, the data processing system 100 may represent a client data processing system. In that case, the application 118 may represent a client application that, when executed, configures the data processing system 100 to perform the various functions described herein with reference to a “client”. Examples of a client can include, but are not limited to, a personal computer, a portable computer, a mobile phone, or the like.

[0153] In yet another aspect, the data processing system 100 may represent a server. For example, the data processing system may represent an (HTTP) server, in which case the application 118, when executed, may configure the data processing system to perform (HTTP) server operations.

[0154] Various embodiments of the invention may be implemented as a program product for use with a computer system, where the program(s) of the program product define functions of the embodiments (including the methods described herein). In one embodiment, the program(s) can be contained on a variety of non-transitory computer-readable storage media, where, as used herein, the expression “non-transitory computer readable storage media” comprises all computer-readable media, with the sole exception being a transitory, propagating signal. In another embodiment, the program(s) can be contained on a variety of transitory computer-readable storage media. Illustrative computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: (i) non-writable storage media (e.g., read-only memory devices within a computer such as CD-ROM disks readable by a CD-ROM drive, ROM chips or any type of solid-state non-volatile semiconductor memory) on which information is permanently stored; and (ii) writable storage media (e.g., flash memory, floppy disks within a diskette drive or hard-disk drive or any type of solid-state random-access semiconductor memory) on which alterable information is stored. The computer program may be run on the processor 102 described herein.

[0155] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless 2023PF80350

[0156] 26 the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0157] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the implementations in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and some practical applications of the present invention, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

2023PF8035027CLAIMS1. A controller for an irradiation system comprising at least one controllable radiation source for use in an aquaculture environment, the aquaculture environment comprising organisms being grown in a body of water, the irradiation system being configurable to irradiate the body of water with controllable radiation properties along at least one spatial dimension of the body of water, the controller comprising: at least one communication interface; and at least one processor configured to: obtain, via the at least one communication interface, at least one sensor value representing at least one environmental condition, wherein the at least one environmental condition refers to a condition of the body of water and / or ambient air in the aquaculture environment, determine at least one control setting for the irradiation system based on the at least one sensor value, the at least one control setting defining at least one controllable radiation property of radiation provided by the irradiation system along the at least one spatial dimension of the body of water, and output, via the at least one communication interface, or store the at least one control setting.

2. The controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one spatial dimension is a depth of the body of water and / or a length along a trajectory defined by a flow of the body of water, and wherein the at least one control setting defines a plurality of controllable radiation properties of radiation at a plurality of corresponding locations along the at least one spatial dimension.

3. The controller as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one environmental condition comprises one or more of: a temperature of the body of water, an ambient air temperature, an ambient air humidity, a CO2 level of the body of water, an O2 level of the body of water, a flow rate of the body of water, a thickness of at least part of the2023PF8035028 body of water, a glucose level in the body of water, a pH of the body of water, an electric conductivity of the body of water, and a radiation property in the body of water.

4. The controller as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor value comprises a plurality of sensor values representing the at least one environmental condition at a plurality of locations along the at least one spatial dimension.

5. An aquaculture irradiation system comprising at least one controllable radiation source for use in an aquaculture environment, the aquaculture environment comprising organisms being grown in a body of water, the aquaculture irradiation system being configurable to irradiate the body of water with controllable radiation properties along at least one spatial dimension of the body of water, and a controller as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aquaculture irradiation system is configured to control, in response to receiving the at least one control setting, radiation properties of the radiation generated by the at least one controllable radiation source.

6. The aquaculture irradiation system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one controllable radiation source is overcast over the body of water and / or submersed in the body of water.

7. The controller as claimed in any one of claims 1-4 or the aquaculture irradiation system as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the radiation properties comprise at least one of :- a photon flux of the radiation as generated by the irradiation system,- a photon flux density of the radiation as received by the body of water,- a spectral power distribution of the radiation generated by the irradiation system, and- a timing of the irradiation.

8. A method for determining a control setting for an irradiation system comprising at least one controllable radiation source for use in an aquaculture environment, the aquaculture environment comprising organisms being grown in a body of water, the2023PF8035029 irradiation system being configurable to irradiate the body of water with controllable radiation properties along at least one spatial dimension of the body of water, the method comprising: obtaining at least one sensor value representing at least one environmental condition, wherein the at least one environmental condition refers to a condition of the body of water and / or ambient air in the aquaculture environment, determining at least one control setting for the irradiation system based on the at least one sensor value, the at least one control setting defining at least one controllable radiation property of radiation provided by the irradiation system along the at least one dimension of the body of water, and outputting or storing the at least one control setting.

9. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor as claimed in one of claims 1-7, causes the controller as claimed in one of claims 1-8 to perform the method as claimed in claim 8.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program as claimed in claim 9.

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