Nested Aquaculture Raceway System for Vertical Habitat Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elongated vessels for aquaculture, such as raceways, lack effective vertical and lateral space control, which hampers the health and density of marine life, and are often immovable and designed for specific species, limiting their efficiency and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A nested raceway system comprising multiple vessels with removable bulkheads and flow windows, allowing for three-dimensional space management, floating construction using chemically stable materials, and integration with airlifts and docking systems for efficient habitat separation and flow control, enabling adaptable and efficient marine life management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single large elongated vessel is used for aquaculture, then the vessel can hold and control flowable materials, but the vessel becomes immovable and is designed for only one specific species
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large vessel into multiple smaller nested vessels that can be independently configured for different species. Each nested vessel acts as an independent habitat module that can be customized while maintaining the overall system's flow control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested vessel configuration where smaller vessels are placed inside larger vessels, creating a hierarchical structure. This allows multiple species habitats to coexist in a compact arrangement while maintaining individual control over each habitat's parameters
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional raceways are used, then water flow can be maintained, but effective vertically-isolated zones for water flow are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional horizontal raceways to three-dimensional nested vessels with vertical stratification. Multiple vessels nested at different vertical levels create distinct zones for different species, maximizing space utilization and enabling vertical farming approaches in aquaculture
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional raceways are used, then water flow is maintained, but effective means of controlling lateral space for animal and plant management is not offered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lateral space by creating multiple nested vessels of different sizes and configurations. Each vessel can be independently sized and positioned to optimize lateral space allocation for specific species requirements, enabling precise control over habitat dimensions
4Adaptability or versatility
If heavy inflexible materials are used for vessel construction, then structural strength is achieved, but limited options for controlling flowage and vessel location are provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs buoyant materials and modular vessel designs that enable dynamic positioning and reconfiguration. The vessels can be moved, repositioned, and reconfigured based on operational requirements, providing flexibility in location and flowage control while maintaining structural integrity through optimized material selection
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The nested raceway system provides efficient, adaptable, and cost-effective habitat management for various marine species by creating tiered habitats, utilizing natural currents, and allowing for easy transportation and deployment, enhancing aquaculture efficiency and profitability.
Implementation Method 1
The second vessel includes a plurality of apertures. The second vessel is nested (i.e., suspended) in the first vessel
Implementation Method 2
The nested raceway system may also include an airlift, a blower, a docking system, or a single point anchoring system
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides a nested raceway system configured to be used with two or more nested vessels. More specifically, a nested raceway system includes a first vessel and a second vessel. In an embodiment, there may be more than two vessels. In another embodiment, the first vessel has a base with a head-end bulkhead, a tail-end bulkhead. The second vessel has a second base with a plurality of apertures thereon, a second head-end bulkhead, and a second tail-end bulkhead. The second vessel is nested (i.e., suspended) within the first vessel and creates at least two habitats within the first vessel. The plurality of apertures allows for small marine life, algae, or other valuable minerals to sink to the bottom to be removed or grown. In an embodiment, the first and second vessels are constructed of a floatable, durable, and flexible material.