Aquaculture system and aquaculture method

Abstract

This aquaculture system 100 comprises: an aquaculture tank 1 that separates water from the outside and stores the water, and is for culturing aquatic organisms; a supply line 2 that supplies water to the aquaculture tank 1; and a treatment device 4 that treats the water in the supply line 2. The supply line 2 includes a circulation line 21 for drawing water from the aquaculture tank 1 and returning the water to the aquaculture tank 1, and a water intake line 25 for taking water from a water source and supplying the water to the aquaculture tank 1. The treatment device 4 includes a first temperature adjustment device 41 that adjusts the temperature of the water in the supply line 2.

Description

Aquaculture System and Aquaculture Method

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to an aquaculture system and an aquaculture method.

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for culturing aquatic organisms by storing water in a fish cage have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an aquaculture system that circulates water in the fish cage and treats the circulated water. This aquaculture system performs treatment to remove ammonia from the circulated water.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-21429

[0004] For example, some aquaculture systems combine circulation of water within the fish cage with supply of water from a water source to the fish cage. Water in the fish cage is reused by circulating the water in the fish cage. In addition, water from the water source is also supplied to the fish cage. Water from the water source is not affected by the activities of aquatic organisms in the fish cage. Adding water from the water source to the fish cage dilutes contaminants in the water inside the fish cage that are caused by the activities of aquatic organisms. However, the condition of water from the water source is different from that of the water inside the fish cage. This point can be a problem associated with adding water from the water source to the fish cage. Therefore, in aquaculture that combines circulation of water within the fish cage and supply of water from a water source to the fish cage, there is room for improvement for the growth of aquatic organisms.

[0005] The technology disclosed herein has been made in view of the foregoing point, and an object thereof is to further improve aquaculture that combines circulation of water within a fish cage and supply of water from a water source to the fish cage.

[0006] The aquaculture system disclosed herein comprises: a fish cage for isolating and storing water from the outside and culturing aquatic organisms; a supply line that supplies water to the fish cage; and a treatment device that treats water in the supply line, wherein the supply line includes a circulation line that takes out water from the fish cage and returns the water to the fish cage, and an intake line that takes in water from a water source and supplies the water to the fish cage, and the treatment device includes a temperature adjustment device that adjusts the temperature of water in the supply line.

[0007] The aquaculture method disclosed herein includes supplying water to a fish farm for cultivating aquatic organisms via a supply line, draining water from the fish farm, and treating the water in the supply line, wherein the supply line includes a circulation line that takes water from the fish farm and returns it to the fish farm, and a water intake line that takes water from a water source and supplies it to the fish farm, and in treating the water, the temperature of the water in the supply line is adjusted.

[0008] According to the aforementioned aquaculture system, aquaculture can be further improved by combining the circulation of water within the fish pens with the supply of water from the water source to the fish pens.

[0009] According to the aforementioned aquaculture method, aquaculture can be further improved by combining the circulation of water within the fish farm with the supply of water from the water source to the fish farm.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the aquaculture system. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the approximate hardware configuration of the control device.

[0011] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the aquaculture system 100.

[0012] The aquaculture system 100 comprises a fishpond 1 for cultivating aquatic organisms, a supply line 2 for supplying water to the fishpond 1, and a treatment device 4 for treating the water in the supply line 2. The fishpond 1 stores water separated from the outside. The supply line 2 includes a circulation line 21 that takes water from the fishpond 1 and returns it to the fishpond 1, and a water intake line 25 that takes water from a water source and supplies it to the fishpond 1. Water from the water source is supplied to the fishpond 1 via the water intake line 25. A portion of the water in the fishpond 1 is circulated by the circulation line 21. In other words, the aquaculture system 100 is an aquaculture system that combines a flow-through system and a circulation system, and is a so-called semi-closed aquaculture system. In the following description, upstream and downstream refer to upstream and downstream in the direction of water flow.

[0013] The processing device 4 includes a temperature control device 41 that adjusts the temperature of the water in the supply line 2. The water whose temperature has been adjusted by the temperature control device 41 is supplied to the fish tank 1. For example, the temperature of the water in the supply line 2 is adjusted by the temperature control device 41 to a temperature range suitable for growing aquatic organisms in the fish tank 1. Hereinafter, the temperature control device 41 will also be referred to as the "first temperature control device 41".

[0014] The fish tank 1 stores water, separating it from the outside. The fish tank 1 houses aquatic organisms to be cultivated in the water. Here, "separating water from the outside" means that the partitioning members of the fish tank 1 prevent the water inside the fish tank 1 from passing to the outside. The fish tank 1 may have a drain 13 for discharging water. A portion of the water in the fish tank 1 is discharged to the outside through the drain 13, etc. In other words, the fish tank 1 restricts the movement of water between its inside and outside. For example, the partitioning members of the fish tank 1 may be an impermeable sheet or plate. For example, the partitioning members of the fish tank 1 may be resin or glass, etc.

[0015] The fish tank 1 has, for example, a cylindrical peripheral wall 11 and a bottom wall 12 connected to the lower end of the peripheral wall 11. That is, the upper end of the peripheral wall 11 is open. The lower end of the peripheral wall 11 is closed by the bottom wall 12. The cross-section of the peripheral wall 11 may be approximately circular or approximately polygonal. The bottom wall 12 may be shaped like a mortar with a depression in one place.

[0016] The fish tank 1 is located, for example, in water, on water, or on land. When the fish tank 1 is located in water or on water, the water inside the fish tank 1 is separated from the water outside the fish tank 1. In the example shown in Figure 1, the fish tank 1 is located in water. The upper end of the peripheral wall 11 is positioned higher than the water surface. This makes it difficult for water from outside the fish tank 1 to enter the fish tank 1 through the opening at the upper end of the peripheral wall 11. The body of water in which the fish tank 1 is located is, for example, the sea.

[0017] The water in fishpond 1 is seawater, brackish water, or freshwater. The type of water in fishpond 1 is determined according to the aquatic organisms being cultivated. In the example in Figure 1, fishpond 1 stores seawater.

[0018] For example, aquatic organisms that are farmed include fish, crustaceans, shellfish, or cephalopods. For example, fish include salmon, tuna, yellowtail, amberjack, sea bream, flounder, trout, catfish, or eel. For example, crustaceans include shrimp or crab. For example, shellfish include oysters or scallops. For example, cephalopods include octopus or squid. However, aquatic organisms are not limited to these.

[0019] The drain outlet 13 is located, for example, in the bottom wall 12 of the fish tank 1. The inside of the fish tank 1 is in communication with the outside of the fish tank 1 via the drain outlet 13. The water in the fish tank 1 is discharged to the outside through the drain outlet 13. When the fish tank 1 is placed in water, the water from the drain outlet 13 is discharged into the body of water in which the fish tank 1 is placed. For example, the drain outlet 13 is always open. The water in the fish tank 1 is discharged from the drain outlet 13 as it is. The drain outlet 13 may also be provided with a valve to adjust the degree to which it is opened.

[0020] A temperature sensor 85 for detecting the water temperature in the fish tank 1 may be placed in the fish tank 1.

[0021] The supply line 2 may further include a confluence line 29 where the circulation line 21 and the intake line 25 merge. That is, at least the upstream portions of the circulation line 21 and the intake line 25 are separate from each other, and at least the downstream portions of the circulation line 21 and the intake line 25 merge to form the confluence line 29. The confluence line 29 can be considered as either the circulation line 21 or the intake line 25.

[0022] The upstream end of the circulation line 21 is submerged in the water of the fish tank 1. The upstream end of the intake line 25 is submerged in the water of the water source. The water from the supply line 2 flows out into the fish tank 1 from the downstream end of the confluence line 29.

[0023] The circulation line 21 includes a circulation pump 22. The circulation pump 22 is located in a part of the circulation line 21 that is separate from the intake line 25. In other words, the circulation pump 22 is located in a part of the circulation line 21 other than the confluence line 29. The circulation pump 22 takes water from the fish tank 1 into the circulation line 21. The circulation pump 22 adjusts the amount of water flowing through the circulation line 21, i.e., the circulation rate.

[0024] The water intake line 25 includes a water intake pump 26. In this example, the water intake pump 26 is a separate pump from the circulation pump 22. The water intake pump 26 is located in a part of the water intake line 25 that is independent of the circulation line 21. In other words, the water intake pump 26 is located in a part of the water intake line 25 other than the confluence line 29. The water intake pump 26 takes water from the water source into the water intake line 25. The water intake pump 26 adjusts the amount of water flowing through the water intake line 25, i.e., the amount of water taken in.

[0025] For example, the water source is a water source of the same type as the water in fish farm 1, from among seawater, brackish water, and freshwater. In Figure 1, the water in fish farm 1 is seawater, and the water source is the sea. The intake line 25 draws up seawater from the sea and supplies it to fish farm 1. The water source may be the same body of water in which fish farm 1 is located.

[0026] The first temperature control device 41 adjusts the temperature of the water in the supply line 2. The first temperature control device 41 may be a heat exchanger. The first temperature control device 41 adjusts the temperature of the water in the supply line 2 by causing heat exchange between the heat from the heat source and the water in the supply line 2.

[0027] The first temperature control device 41 may have both heating and cooling functions for the water in the supply line 2. For example, both a heating source and a cooling source are connected to the first temperature control device 41 in a switchable manner. The heating source may be waste heat from a facility or equipment. For example, the heating source may be waste heat from equipment such as a prime mover, or exhaust steam from steam-using equipment. For example, the cooling source may be LNG or LH ２ The cooling is from a vaporization system. For example, the heating and cooling sources may be refrigeration cycles. The refrigeration cycle may be powered by electricity derived from renewable energy.

[0028] The processing device 4 may further include an oxygen supply device 44 that supplies oxygen to the water in the supply line 2. The oxygen supply device 44 supplies oxygen to the water flowing through the supply line 2. The oxygen supply device 44 includes, for example, an oxygen source. The oxygen source may be a liquefied oxygen cylinder or a liquefied oxygen storage tank. The oxygen supply device 44 supplies oxygen from the oxygen source to the water flowing through the supply line 2. The oxygen supply device 44 raises the oxygen concentration of the water in the supply line 2 to a concentration higher than the target oxygen concentration of the fish tank 1. By mixing the water in the supply line 2 with the water in the fish tank 1, the oxygen concentration of the water in the fish tank 1 is adjusted to the target oxygen concentration.

[0029] The oxygen supply device 44 may be of the dissolution type. The dissolution type oxygen supply device 44 may produce water with a high dissolved oxygen concentration by dissolving oxygen in water within the device. For example, the dissolution type oxygen supply device 44 may produce water with a high dissolved oxygen concentration by supplying high-pressure oxygen into the device and passing atomized water through the high-pressure oxygen space within the device. The oxygen supply device 44 may also be of the aeration type. For example, the aeration type oxygen supply device 44 dissolves oxygen in water by passing air or oxygen bubbles through the water. The oxygen supply device 44 may include both a dissolution type oxygen supply device and an aeration type oxygen supply device.

[0030] The processing device 4 may further include at least one of a filtration device 42 for removing impurities from water and a sterilization device 43 for sterilizing water. For example, the processing device 4 may include all of the filtration device 42, the sterilization device 43, and the oxygen supply device 44.

[0031] The filtration device 42 filters the water flowing through the supply line 2. For example, the filtration device 42 has a drum filter. The filtration device 42 removes impurities from the water by passing it through the drum filter.

[0032] The sterilization device 43 sterilizes the water flowing through the supply line 2. For example, the sterilization device 43 sterilizes the water by irradiating it with ultraviolet light.

[0033] The treatment device 4 is located in the supply line 2. For example, the treatment device 4 is located in the confluence line 29 and treats the water in the confluence line 29. If the treatment device 4 includes a first temperature control device 41, a filtration device 42, a sterilization device 43, and an oxygen supply device 44, the first temperature control device 41, the filtration device 42, the sterilization device 43, and the oxygen supply device 44 may all be located in the confluence line 29. In this case, the first temperature control device 41 is common to both the circulation line 21 and the intake line 25. The temperature of the water flowing through the circulation line 21 and the water flowing through the intake line 25 is controlled by the common first temperature control device 41. The filtration device 42, the sterilization device 43, and the oxygen supply device 44 are also common to both the circulation line 21 and the intake line 25. The filtration device 42 purifies the water in the confluence line 29. The sterilization device 43 sterilizes the water in the confluence line 29. The oxygen supply device 44 supplies oxygen to the water in the confluence line 29.

[0034] The first temperature control device 41 may regulate the temperature of the water in the supply line 2 upstream of the oxygen supply device 44. For example, the supply line 2 may have the first temperature control device 41, filtration device 42, sterilization device 43, and oxygen supply device 44 arranged in this order from upstream to downstream. In the example in Figure 1, the first temperature control device 41 is located at the upstream end of the confluence line 29. The circulation line 21 and the intake line 25 may be connected to the first temperature control device 41. The water from the circulation line 21 and the water from the intake line 25 are mixed in the first temperature control device 41.

[0035] The filtration device 42 filters the water in the confluence line 29.

[0036] In the supply line 2, a buffer tank 45 for storing water purified by the filtration device 42 may be located downstream of the filtration device 42. In Figure 1, the buffer tank 45 is located between the filtration device 42 and the sterilization device 43 in the confluence line 29. The water purified by the filtration device 42 is stored in the buffer tank 45 before being sterilized by the sterilization device 43.

[0037] The water stored in the buffer tank 45 is pumped to the sterilization device 43 by the transfer pump 46. The buffer tank 45 may be open to the atmosphere. For example, the transfer pump 46 has a discharge head sufficient to deliver the water from the buffer tank 45 to the fish tank 1 through the sterilization device 43 and the oxygen supply device 44.

[0038] The sterilization device 43 sterilizes the water from which impurities have been removed by the filtration device 42. The oxygen supply device 44 supplies oxygen to the water sterilized by the sterilization device 43. In other words, the sterilization device 43 sterilizes the water before the dissolved oxygen concentration is increased by the oxygen supply device 44. This reduces the ozone generated by ultraviolet irradiation.

[0039] The aquaculture system 100 may further include a recovery device 5 for recovering carbon dioxide contained in at least one of the water in the fishpond 1 and the water source. For example, the recovery device 5 is a DOC (Direct Ocean Capture) system. A DOC recovers dissolved carbon dioxide and carbonate ions from seawater by an electrochemical method. Specifically, a DOC system produces acidic seawater by electrodialysis, mixes the acidic seawater with ordinary seawater to release carbon dioxide, and recovers the carbon dioxide using a gas separation membrane.

[0040] The recovery device 5 may recover carbon dioxide contained in the water of at least one of the circulation line 21 and the intake line 25. The recovery device 5 is located in the confluence line 29 and recovers carbon dioxide from the water in the confluence line 29. In other words, the recovery device 5 recovers carbon dioxide contained in the water of both the circulation line 21 and the intake line 25. For example, the recovery device 5 may be located downstream of the first temperature control device 41. The recovery device 5 recovers carbon dioxide from water whose temperature has been controlled by the first temperature control device 41. The recovery device 5 may be located upstream of the filtration device 42.

[0041] The carbon dioxide recovered by the recovery device 5 can be utilized for various purposes. For example, the recovered carbon dioxide is supplied to an algae cultivation facility 52. In the cultivation facility 52, algae are grown using carbon dioxide. In a processing facility 53, feed for aquatic organisms in the fish cage 1 is produced from the algae grown in the cultivation facility 52. The produced feed is supplied to the aquatic organisms in the fish cage 1.

[0042] The aquaculture system 100 may further include a lighting 15 that illuminates the fish cage 1. When the lighting 15 illuminates the interior of the fish cage 1, the growth of the aquatic organisms is promoted. In addition, this makes it easier to observe the ecological activities of the aquatic organisms in the fish cage 1.

[0043] The aquaculture system 100 may further include a control device 8. The control device 8 controls the processing device 4. For example, the control device 8 controls the first temperature adjustment device 41. A detection result from a temperature sensor 85 may be input to the control device 8. For example, the control device 8 controls the first temperature adjustment device 41 such that the temperature of the water in the fish cage 1 falls within a target temperature range. The control device 8 may also control the recovery device 5.

[0044] The control device 8 may control at least one of a filtration device 42, a sterilization device 43, and an oxygen supply device 44. The control device 8 may adjust at least one of a circulation pump 22, an intake pump 26, and a conveyance pump 46. For example, the control device 8 adjusts the amount of water taken through an intake line 25 by adjusting the intake pump 26. For example, the control device 8 maintains the outputs of the circulation pump 22 and the conveyance pump 46 constant.

[0045] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of the control device 8. The control device 8 includes a processor 81, a storage 82, and a memory 83.

[0046] The processor 81 controls the entire control device 8. The processor 81 performs various types of arithmetic processing. For example, each processor 81 is formed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 81 may also be formed of an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), a system LSI, or the like.

[0047] The memory 82 stores programs executed by the processor 81 and various types of data. For example, the memory 82 is formed of a non-volatile memory, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like.

[0048] The memory 83 temporarily stores data and the like. For example, the memory 83 is formed of a volatile memory.

[0049] The processor 81 of the control device 8 implements various functions by reading a control program from the storage 82 into the memory 83 and developing the program.

[0050] The processor 81 controls the first temperature adjustment device 41 based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 85. For example, the processor 81 adjusts the amount of heat exchange in the first temperature adjustment device 41 such that the temperature of water in the fish preserve 1 detected by the temperature sensor 85 falls within the target temperature range.

[0051] For example, the target temperature range is a temperature range suitable for breeding aquatic organisms in the fish preserve 1. The target temperature range is set depending on the target aquatic organism. For example, when the temperature of water from a water source is higher than the target temperature range, the first temperature adjustment device 41 lowers the temperature of water in the supply line 2. Alternatively, when the temperature of water from the water source is lower than the target temperature range, the first temperature adjustment device 41 raises the temperature of water in the supply line 2. Whether the first temperature adjustment device 41 cools or heats the water in the supply line 2 depends on the target aquatic organism, the environment of the water source, the external environment of the fish preserve 1, and other factors.

[0052] The basic operation of the aquaculture system 100 configured in this way will now be explained.

[0053] In the aquaculture system 100, aquatic organisms are cultivated in cage 1. The water in cage 1 becomes polluted by the activities of the aquatic organisms. For example, the carbon dioxide concentration in the water of cage 1 increases and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreases due to the respiration of the aquatic organisms. The ammonia concentration in the water of cage 1 increases due to the excretion of the aquatic organisms.

[0054] A portion of the water in fish tank 1 is taken out by the circulation line 21, treated by the treatment device 4, and then returned to fish tank 1. The water in the circulation line 21 is filtered by the filtration device 42 and stored in the buffer tank 45. The water stored in the buffer tank 45 is sent to the sterilization device 43 by the transport pump 46 and sterilized by the sterilization device 43. The sterilized water is sent to the oxygen supply device 44, and oxygen is supplied by the oxygen supply device 44. The water with an increased dissolved oxygen concentration is supplied to fish tank 1. In this way, a portion of the water in fish tank 1 is circulated, and impurities are filtered and sterilized during circulation, while the dissolved oxygen concentration of the water is increased. This removes impurities and bacteria generated by the activity of aquatic organisms, and replenishes the dissolved oxygen in the water of fish tank 1 that has decreased due to the activity of aquatic organisms. The oxygen concentration of the water in fish tank 1 is maintained at a relatively high concentration, at least higher than the oxygen concentration of water in nature.

[0055] In parallel with this, in the aquaculture system 100, water is supplied from the water source to the fish cage 1 via the water intake line 25. A portion of the water in the fish cage 1 is discharged through the drain outlet 13. As a result, a portion of the water in the fish cage 1 is replaced with water from the water source.

[0056] The water supplied to the fish tank 1 via the water intake line 25 is treated by the treatment device 4 before being supplied to the fish tank 1. The water from the water intake line 25 is filtered by the filtration device 42 and stored in the buffer tank 45. The water stored in the buffer tank 45 is sent to the sterilization device 43 by the transfer pump 46 and sterilized by the sterilization device 43. The sterilized water is sent to the oxygen supply device 44 and oxygen is supplied by the oxygen supply device 44. The water with an increased dissolved oxygen concentration is supplied to the fish tank 1. In this way, when water from the water source is newly taken into the fish tank 1, impurities and bacteria contained in the water from the water source are removed, and the dissolved oxygen concentration of the water is increased.

[0057] The water supplied to the fish tank 1 via the supply line 2 is temperature-controlled by the first temperature control device 41. The temperature-controlled water supplied to the fish tank 1 is also temperature-controlled, thereby maintaining a stable water temperature in the fish tank 1.

[0058] For example, the water temperature in both the circulation line 21 and the intake line 25 is controlled by the first temperature control device 41. The first temperature control device 41 controls the water temperature in the supply line 2 upstream of the filtration device 42.

[0059] For example, if the temperature of the water source is higher than the target temperature range for the water in fish tank 1, the water in supply line 2 will be relatively high because it includes the water from the intake line 25. Furthermore, if the temperature of the water source is high, the temperature of the external environment to fish tank 1 may also be relatively high. In that case, the temperature of the water in circulation line 21 may rise as it flows through the circulation line 21. This can also cause the temperature of the water in supply line 2 to be relatively high. The first temperature control device 41 cools the water in supply line 2. Even if the water source is relatively high, or if the temperature of the water flowing through circulation line 21 rises, cooled water at a relatively low temperature is supplied to fish tank 1. As a result, the temperature of the water in fish tank 1 is maintained within the target temperature range.

[0060] For example, if the temperature of the water source is lower than the target temperature range for the water in fish tank 1, the water in supply line 2 will be relatively low because it includes the water from the intake line 25. Furthermore, if the temperature of the water source is low, the temperature of the external environment to fish tank 1 may also be relatively low. In that case, the temperature of the water in circulation line 21 may decrease as it flows through the circulation line 21. This can also result in a relatively low temperature for the water in supply line 2. The first temperature control device 41 heats the water in supply line 2. Even if the water source is relatively cold, or if the temperature of the water flowing through circulation line 21 decreases, the heated water is supplied to fish tank 1 at a relatively high temperature. As a result, the temperature of the water in fish tank 1 is maintained within the target temperature range.

[0061] The target temperature range for the water in tank 1 can be set in various ways. For example, the target temperature range can be set to a temperature range suitable for the growth of the target aquatic organism. This allows the water temperature in tank 1 to be managed to a temperature range appropriate for the growth of aquatic organisms, thereby improving the efficiency of aquatic organism growth.

[0062] In addition, the recovery device 5 recovers carbon dioxide contained in at least one of the water in the fish tank 1 and the water source. The recovered carbon dioxide is utilized for various purposes. For example, the carbon dioxide is used to cultivate algae in the cultivation facility 52. ​​Furthermore, in the processing facility 53, feed for the aquatic organisms in the fish tank 1 is produced from the cultivated algae. The produced feed is given to the aquatic organisms in the fish tank 1. As a result, the recovered carbon dioxide is utilized to cultivate the aquatic organisms in the fish tank 1.

[0063] As described above, the aquaculture system 100 is an aquaculture system that combines a flow-through system and a recirculating system. In other words, the water supplied to the fishpond 1 via the supply line 2 is the water from the fishpond 1 that is circulated via the recirculation line 21 and the water from the water source that is taken in via the intake line 25. Therefore, a portion of the water in the fishpond 1 is replaced with water from the water source. Since the water flowing through the recirculation line 21 is the water from the fishpond 1, the treatment load is small even if treatment is applied. In other words, by circulating and reusing the water in the fishpond 1, the overall water treatment load for the fishpond 1 can be reduced. In addition, by taking in a portion of the water from the water source into the fishpond 1, the pollution in the water of the fishpond 1 can be diluted. In this way, the aquaculture system 100 can reduce the water treatment load and dilute the pollution in the water by reusing the water in the fishpond 1 and taking in water from the water source.

[0064] However, the water from the water source is in different conditions than the water in fish tank 1, and the temperature of the water in the intake line 25 may be far from the target temperature range for the water in fish tank 1. Therefore, the first temperature control device 41 adjusts the temperature of the water supplied to fish tank 1. By adjusting the temperature of the water in the supply line 2, the temperature of the water in fish tank 1 is adjusted as a result. This allows for proper control of the water temperature in fish tank 1, even when some of the water in fish tank 1 is replaced with water from the water source.

[0065] As a result, the aquaculture system 100 can reduce the burden of water treatment and dilute water pollution by circulating water in the fishpond 1 and taking in water from the water source, while also being able to control the water temperature of the water in the supply line 2.

[0066] For example, the first temperature control device 41 adjusts the temperature of the water in the confluence line 29 where the circulation line 21 and the intake line 25 merge. The water in the confluence line 29 contains the water from the intake line 25. Therefore, the first temperature control device 41 can adjust the temperature of the water containing at least the water from the intake line 25. The temperature of the water in the intake line 25 may have a relatively large difference from the temperature of the water in the fish tank 1. By adjusting the temperature of the water in the intake line 25, the temperature of the water in the supply line 2 can be effectively adjusted. Furthermore, since both the water from the circulation line 21 and the water from the intake line 25 are ultimately supplied to the fish tank 1, adjusting the temperature of the water in the confluence line 29 makes it easier to manage the temperature of the water supplied to the fish tank 1.

[0067] Since the first temperature control device 41 has both heating and cooling functions, it can raise or lower the temperature of the water in the supply line 2. As a result, the temperature of the water in the fish tank 1 can be appropriately controlled.

[0068] The first temperature control device 41 adjusts the temperature of the water in the supply line 2 upstream of the oxygen supply device 44. For example, if the first temperature control device 41 lowers the temperature of the water in the supply line 2, oxygen is supplied by the oxygen supply device 44 after the water temperature has decreased, allowing more oxygen to dissolve in the water. Alternatively, if the first temperature control device 41 raises the temperature of the water in the supply line 2, the amount of oxygen released from the water by heating the water after oxygen supply can be reduced. In other words, heating the water after oxygen supply can release a lot of oxygen from it. By heating the water before oxygen supply, the amount of oxygen released from the water can be reduced. This makes it easier to manage the amount of oxygen dissolved in the water.

[0069] In addition, carbon dioxide can be utilized by recovering it from at least one of the water in the fish tank 1 and the water source using the recovery device 5. For example, by utilizing the carbon dioxide for algae cultivation, food for aquatic organisms can ultimately be produced.

[0070] Furthermore, by recovering carbon dioxide from the water in the supply line 2, the recovery device 5 can reduce the carbon dioxide concentration in the water supplied to the fish tank 1. As a result, the efficiency of cultivating aquatic organisms can be improved. Since the supply line 2 includes the circulation line 21, the recovery of carbon dioxide from the water in the supply line 2 by the recovery device 5 effectively means that carbon dioxide is being absorbed from the water in the fish tank 1. Furthermore, since the supply line 2 includes the water intake line 25, the recovery of carbon dioxide from the water in the supply line 2 by the recovery device 5 effectively means that carbon dioxide is being absorbed from the water source.

[0071] The recovery device 5 preferably recovers carbon dioxide contained in the water of the circulation line 21. In the example shown in Figure 1, the recovery device 5 recovers at least the carbon dioxide contained in the water of the circulation line 21 by recovering carbon dioxide from the water of the confluence line 29. Since the water of the circulation line 21 is the water of the fish tank 1, it contains a relatively large amount of carbon dioxide due to the activity of aquatic organisms. By recovering carbon dioxide from the water of the circulation line 21, more carbon dioxide can be recovered.

[0072] Furthermore, by combining the cooling of the water in the supply line 2 by the first temperature control device 41 with the recovery of carbon dioxide from the water in the fish tank 1 by the recovery device 5, the carbon dioxide recovery efficiency can be improved. For example, if the target temperature range of the water in the fish tank 1 is low, the first temperature control device 41 cools the water in the supply line 2. This keeps the water in the fish tank 1 at a relatively low temperature. When the water temperature in the fish tank 1 is low, the solubility of carbon dioxide increases. In other words, by adjusting the temperature of the water in the fish tank 1 to a low temperature using the first temperature control device 41, it is possible to promote the growth of aquatic organisms and improve the carbon dioxide recovery efficiency of the recovery device 5 at the same time.

[0073] In this case, the target temperature range is set to a temperature range suitable for carbon dioxide recovery by the recovery device 5. The target temperature range may also be set to a temperature range suitable for the growth of the target aquatic organism and suitable for carbon dioxide recovery by the recovery device 5. Specifically, from the viewpoint of carbon dioxide recovery, a low target temperature range is preferable. Therefore, the target temperature range may be set to a relatively low temperature range among the temperature ranges suitable for the growth of the target aquatic organism.

[0074] 《Other Embodiments》 As described above, the embodiments described herein have been presented as examples of the technology disclosed herein. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted as appropriate. It is also possible to combine the components described in the embodiments above to create new embodiments. Furthermore, the components described in the attached drawings and detailed description may include not only components essential for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem, in order to illustrate the technology. Therefore, the mere presence of such non-essential components in the attached drawings and detailed description should not be immediately assumed to mean that those non-essential components are essential.

[0075] For example, the configuration of the aquaculture system 100 is merely an example. For instance, at least one of the circulation pump 22, intake pump 26, transport pump 46, first temperature control device 41, filtration device 42, sterilization device 43, oxygen supply device 44, and recovery device 5 may be manually controlled, i.e., operated. The output or capacity of at least one of the circulation pump 22, intake pump 26, transport pump 46, first temperature control device 41, filtration device 42, sterilization device 43, oxygen supply device 44, and recovery device 5 may remain constant and unchanged. For example, the temperature control capacity of the first temperature control device 41, for example, the amount of heat exchange between the water in the supply line 2 and the heat source, may be constant. If the water temperature of the water source and the external environment of the fish farm 1 do not fluctuate significantly, the water temperature in the fish farm 1 can be adjusted to the target temperature range even if the temperature control capacity of the first temperature control device 41 is constant. The first temperature control device 41 may have only one of the functions of heating or cooling the water in the supply line 2. Depending on the water temperature of the water source, the external environment of the fish farm 1, and the target organisms, the water temperature of the water source may always be either higher or lower than the target temperature range of the fish farm 1. In such cases, the first temperature control device 41 may have only one of the functions of heating or cooling the water in the supply line 2. For example, the capacity of the recovery device 5 may be constant. For example, the water discharge rates of the circulation pump 22, the intake pump 26, and the transport pump 46 may be constant. For example, the aquaculture system 100 may not be equipped with a control device 8.

[0076] The aquaculture system 100 may include a device for removing ammonia from water, or a device for removing carbon dioxide from water.

[0077] The temperature sensor 85 may detect the temperature of water other than the water in the fish tank 1. For example, the temperature sensor 85 may detect the temperature of water downstream of the first temperature control device 41 in the supply line 2. In other words, the temperature sensor 85 may detect the temperature of water in the supply line 2 after its temperature has been controlled by the first temperature control device 41. For example, the temperature sensor 85 may detect the temperature of water downstream of the oxygen supply device 44 in the confluence line 29.

[0078] If the first temperature control device 41 is not controlled by the control device 8, the temperature sensor 85 may be omitted.

[0079] The configuration of the fish tank 1 is merely an example. For instance, the drain outlet 13 can be located in any part of the fish tank 1. The drain outlet 13 may be located on the peripheral wall 11 of the fish tank 1. A drain line may also be connected to the drain outlet 13. In that case, the water in the fish tank 1 is discharged to the drain line via the drain outlet 13.

[0080] The configuration of supply line 2 is merely an example. For instance, the circulation line 21 and the intake line 25 do not need to be merged. The circulation line 21 and the intake line 25 may each supply water to the fish tank 1 individually.

[0081] Instead of the dedicated circulation pump 22 for the circulation line 21 and the dedicated intake pump 26 for the intake line 25, a common pump for both the circulation line 21 and the intake line 25 may be installed. For example, the common pump 24 is installed in the confluence line 29. When the common pump is operating, water from the fish tank 1 is taken in via the circulation line 21, and water from the water source is taken in via the intake line 25.

[0082] The configuration of the processing device 4 is merely an example. The processing device 4 does not necessarily include any of the filtration device 42, sterilization device 43, and oxygen supply device 44. The processing device 4 may also include other devices that treat water besides the filtration device 42, sterilization device 43, and oxygen supply device 44. The buffer tank 45 may be omitted. In that case, the transport pump 46 pumps water from the filtration device 42.

[0083] The order of the first temperature control device 41, the filtration device 42, the sterilization device 43, and the oxygen supply device 44 in the supply line 2 is not limited to this order. For example, the filtration device 42 may be placed downstream of the sterilization device 43. The first temperature control device 41 can be placed anywhere in the supply line 2. For example, the first temperature control device 41 may be placed between the filtration device 42 and the sterilization device 43, or between the sterilization device 43 and the oxygen supply device 44.

[0084] The treatment device 4 may treat the water in the circulation line 21 and the water in the intake line 25 separately. For example, at least one of the first temperature control device 41, the filtration device 42, the sterilization device 43, and the oxygen supply device 44 may be provided separately in the circulation line 21 and the intake line 25.

[0085] Alternatively, at least one of the first temperature control device 41, the filtration device 42, the sterilization device 43, and the oxygen supply device 44 may be located on only one of the circulation line 21 and the water intake line 25, and not on the other. For example, the first temperature control device 41 may be located only on the water intake line 25 and not on the circulation line 21. Since the water in the circulation line 21 is the water in the fish tank 1, the temperature of the water in the circulation line 21 is within or close to the target temperature range of the fish tank 1. Therefore, the need to adjust the temperature is greater for the water intake line 25.

[0086] The recovery device 5 may include a DAC (Direct Air Capture) for recovering carbon dioxide from the air. The recovery device 5 may recover carbon dioxide from both water and air.

[0087] The carbon dioxide recovered by the recovery device 5 is not limited to the cultivation of algae. For example, the recovered carbon dioxide may be used to cultivate plants other than algae. The recovered carbon dioxide may also be used to produce chemicals or fuels.

[0088] The functions of the elements disclosed herein may be implemented using one or more circuits or processing circuits, including general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and / or conventional circuits. The functions of the elements disclosed herein may be implemented using one or more circuits or processing circuits, including combinations of general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, integrated circuits, ASICs, FPGAs, and conventional circuits. One or more circuits or processing circuits may be programmed using one or more programs stored together or individually in one or more memories, or may be otherwise configured to perform the disclosed functions. A processor is considered a processing circuit or circuit because it includes transistors and other circuits. A processor may be a programmed processor that executes programs stored in memory. In this disclosure, a circuit, unit, or means is hardware that performs the enumerated functions individually or in combination with each other, or hardware programmed to perform the enumerated functions individually or in combination with each other. The hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein that is programmed or configured to perform the listed functions.

[0089] A computer program, including computer instructions, is stored in memory. The computer instructions provide logic and routines that enable hardware to execute the methods disclosed herein. The hardware includes, for example, processing circuits or circuits. The computer program may be implemented in known formats on computer-readable storage media, computer program products, memory devices, recording media such as CD-ROMs or DVDs, and / or in the memory of FPGAs or ASICs.

[0090] [Embodiment] The above embodiment is a specific example of the following embodiment.

[0091] (Aspect 1) The aquaculture system 100 comprises a fishpond 1 for separating and storing water from the outside and cultivating aquatic organisms, a supply line 2 for supplying water to the fishpond 1, and a treatment device 4 for treating the water in the supply line 2. The supply line 2 includes a circulation line 21 for taking water out of the fishpond 1 and returning it to the fishpond 1, and a water intake line 25 for taking water from a water source and supplying it to the fishpond 1. The treatment device 4 includes a first temperature control device 41 for adjusting the temperature of the water in the supply line 2.

[0092] In this configuration, a portion of the water in the fishpond 1 is circulated, and water from a water source is also taken in. At this time, the temperature of the water supplied to the fishpond 1 is regulated by the first temperature control device 41. The water from the water source is water from a different environment than that in the fishpond 1. However, by regulating the water temperature with the first temperature control device 41, the water in the fishpond 1 is managed to be at an appropriate temperature. As a result, the water in the fishpond 1 is reused, fresh water from the water source is taken in the fishpond 1, and the temperature of the water in the fishpond 1 is appropriately controlled. Consequently, aquaculture can be further improved by combining the circulation of water within the fishpond and the supply of water from the water source to the fishpond.

[0093] (Aspect 2) In the aquaculture system 100 described in Aspect 1, the first temperature control device 41 adjusts the temperature of the water in the confluence line 29 where the circulation line 21 and the water intake line 25 merge, or in the water intake line 25.

[0094] In this configuration, the temperature of the water mixed with the water in the circulation line 21 from the water intake line 25, or the temperature of the water in the water intake line 25, is controlled by the first temperature control device 41. In other words, at least the temperature of the water in the water intake line 25 is controlled. The water in the circulation line 21 is originally the water from the fish tank 1, whereas the water in the water intake line 25 is water from a different environment than the fish tank 1. Therefore, controlling the temperature of the water in the water intake line 25 is effective in controlling the temperature of the water in the fish tank 1.

[0095] (Aspect 3) In the aquaculture system 100 described in Aspect 1 or Aspect 2, the first temperature control device 41 has both the function of heating and cooling the water in the supply line 2.

[0096] With this configuration, the first temperature control device 41 can both raise and lower the water temperature in the supply line 2. As a result, the first temperature control device 41 can adjust the water temperature in the fish tank 1 over a wide range depending on the target aquatic organism. In other words, it can broaden the range of applicable aquatic organisms.

[0097] (Aspect 4) In the aquaculture system 100 described in any one of aspects 1 to 3, the processing device 4 further includes an oxygen supply device 44 that supplies oxygen to the water in the supply line 2, and the first temperature control device 41 adjusts the temperature of the water in the supply line 2 upstream of the oxygen supply device 44.

[0098] This configuration allows for an appropriate supply of oxygen to the water in supply line 2. Specifically, when the first temperature control device 41 cools the water in supply line 2, oxygen is supplied to the cooled water by the oxygen supply device 44. The lower the water temperature, the greater the amount of oxygen that can dissolve. Therefore, more oxygen can be dissolved in the water. On the other hand, when the first temperature control device 41 heats the water in supply line 2, oxygen is supplied to the heated water by the oxygen supply device 44. When water that has been supplied with oxygen is heated, there is a possibility that the oxygen dissolved in the water will be released. In that case, it is difficult to control the solubility of oxygen in the water. By supplying oxygen to the heated water, it becomes easier to control the solubility of oxygen in the water.

[0099] (Aspect 5) The aquaculture system 100 according to any one of aspects 1 to 4 further comprises a recovery device 5 for recovering carbon dioxide contained in at least one of the water in the fishpond 1 and the water source.

[0100] This configuration allows for the recovery and utilization of carbon dioxide in the aquaculture system 100. For example, the recovered carbon dioxide can be used for the cultivation of algae.

[0101] (Aspect 6) In the aquaculture system 100 described in any one of aspects 1 to 5, the recovery device 5 recovers carbon dioxide contained in the water of at least one of the circulation line 21 and the water intake line 25.

[0102] This configuration allows for a reduction in the carbon dioxide concentration of the water supplied to the fish tank 1. As a result, the growth of aquatic organisms in the fish tank 1 can be promoted.

[0103] (Aspect 7) In the aquaculture system 100 described in any one of aspects 1 to 6, the first temperature control device 41 cools the water in the supply line 2, and the recovery device 5 recovers carbon dioxide contained in the water of the fish tank 1.

[0104] In this configuration, the water in fish tank 1 is kept at a relatively low temperature. As a result, carbon dioxide generated by the activity of aquatic organisms dissolves more easily in the water of fish tank 1. The recovery device 5 improves the efficiency of carbon dioxide recovery by recovering carbon dioxide from the water of fish tank 1 in this manner.

[0105] (Aspect 8) The aquaculture method includes supplying water to a fishpond 1 for cultivating aquatic organisms via a supply line 2, discharging water from the fishpond 1, and treating the water in the supply line 2, wherein the supply line 2 includes a circulation line 21 that takes water from the fishpond 1 and returns it to the fishpond 1, and a water intake line 25 that takes water from a water source and supplies it to the fishpond 1, and in treating the water, the temperature of the water in the supply line 2 is adjusted.

[0106] In this configuration, a portion of the water in fishpond 1 is circulated, and water from a water source is also taken in. At this time, the temperature of the water supplied to fishpond 1 is regulated. The water from the water source is from a different environment than that of fishpond 1. However, by regulating the temperature of the water supplied to fishpond 1, the water in fishpond 1 is kept at an appropriate temperature. As a result, the water in fishpond 1 is reused, fresh water from the water source is taken in, and the temperature of the water in fishpond 1 is appropriately controlled. Consequently, aquaculture can be further improved by combining the circulation of water within fishpond 1 with the supply of water from the water source to fishpond 1.

[0107] (Aspect 9) The aquaculture method described in Aspect 8 further includes recovering carbon dioxide contained in at least one of the water in the fishpond 1 and the water source.

[0108] This configuration allows for the recovery and utilization of carbon dioxide during aquaculture in fish farm 1.

[0109] (Aspect 10) The aquaculture method described in Aspect 8 or Aspect 9 further includes cultivating algae with recovered carbon dioxide and producing feed for aquatic organisms in a fish farm from the cultivated algae.

[0110] In this configuration, carbon dioxide recovered during aquaculture is used to cultivate algae, and food for aquatic organisms is produced from the algae. As a result, the recovered carbon dioxide can be utilized for the cultivation of aquatic organisms.

[0111] 100 Aquaculture System 1 Fish Cage 13 Drain Outlet 2 Supply Line 21 Circulation Line 25 Water Intake Line 4 Treatment Equipment 41 First Temperature Control Device (Temperature Control Device) 44 Oxygen Supply Device 5 Recovery Device

Claims

1. An aquaculture system comprising: a fish tank for separating and storing water from the outside and cultivating aquatic organisms; a supply line for supplying water to the fish tank; and a treatment device for treating the water in the supply line, wherein the supply line includes a circulation line for taking water out of the fish tank and returning it to the fish tank, and a water intake line for taking water from a water source and supplying it to the fish tank, and the treatment device includes a temperature control device for adjusting the temperature of the water in the supply line.

2. An aquaculture system according to claim 1, wherein the temperature control device controls the temperature of the water in the confluence line where the circulation line and the water intake line merge, or the water intake line.

3. An aquaculture system according to claim 1, wherein the temperature control device has both the function of heating and cooling the water in the supply line.

4. An aquaculture system according to claim 1, wherein the processing device further includes an oxygen supply device that supplies oxygen to the water in the supply line, and the temperature control device adjusts the temperature of the water in the supply line upstream of the oxygen supply device.

5. An aquaculture system according to claim 1, further comprising a recovery device for recovering carbon dioxide contained in at least one of the water in the fishpond and the water source.

6. An aquaculture system according to claim 5, wherein the recovery device recovers carbon dioxide contained in the water of at least one of the circulation line and the water intake line.

7. An aquaculture system according to claim 5, wherein the temperature control device cools the water in the supply line, and the recovery device recovers carbon dioxide contained in the water of the fish farm.

8. An aquaculture method comprising supplying water to a fish farm for cultivating aquatic organisms via a supply line, discharging water from the fish farm, and treating the water in the supply line, wherein the supply line includes a circulation line that takes water from the fish farm and returns it to the fish farm, and a water intake line that takes water from a water source and supplies it to the fish farm, and in treating the water, the temperature of the water in the supply line is adjusted.

9. The aquaculture method according to claim 8, further comprising recovering carbon dioxide contained in at least one of the water in the fishpond and the water source.

10. An aquaculture method according to claim 9, further comprising cultivating algae with recovered carbon dioxide and producing feed for aquatic organisms in a fish farm from the cultivated algae.

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