Catenary Macroalgae Farming with Single-Point Mooring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current macroalgae farming methods are inefficient and limited to shallow waters due to the need for multiple anchors, making it costly and impractical to cultivate seaweeds in deep waters, which restricts the expansion of ocean-based food and energy production.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, modular structure that supports macroalgae longlines using a single-point mooring or self-propelled system with curved lines to maintain uniform tension, reducing the number of anchors required and allowing deployment in deep waters, featuring a catenary line system with rigid transverse and longitudinal members for efficient space use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple opposing anchors are used to support longlines for macroalgae farming, then the structure is stable in shallow waters, but the deployment is limited to shallow waters and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts one anchor from the traditional multiple-anchor system, using a single anchor combined with a floating structure to support the longlines. This reduces the number of anchors from multiple opposing anchors to just one, enabling deployment in deeper waters while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a floating structure as an intermediary element between the single anchor and the longlines. This floating structure distributes the load and provides stability without requiring multiple anchors, thereby extending deployment capability to deeper waters.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional multiple-anchor systems are used, then longlines are supported in shallow water, but ocean space utilization is inefficient and user conflicts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support system into a stationary single anchor and a mobile floating structure that can accommodate multiple longlines. This segmentation allows for more efficient use of ocean space by reducing the footprint required for anchoring while maintaining support for multiple cultivation lines.
3Illumination intensity
If substrates are placed at or close to the sea surface for macroalgae growth, then sunlight access is maximized, but the need for multiple anchors increases structural costs
Solution Approach 1:
The floating structure acts as a counterweight system that balances the submerged substrates with buoyant force at the surface. This allows substrates to be positioned optimally for sunlight exposure while the floating structure compensates for the weight, eliminating the need for multiple heavy anchors.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a practical and economical means of growing of kelp and other types of macroalgae in large quantities on and in the ocean. Through the use of catenary principles and innovative structural designs, efficient designs emerge that translate into lightweight and low-cost components. The novel design described allows cost-efficient macroalgae farming at scales and at depths unsuitable for present macroalgae farming techniques. The device and methods described present a means of farming these seaweeds for the purpose of providing food, chemical feed stocks, and a biomass suitable for the production of biofuels.