Modular Offshore Fish Farm With Dynamic Closed Net Cages
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fish farming systems face challenges such as collapse under heavy wave conditions, environmental hazards like lice infestation and algal blooms, inefficient water exchange, high energy consumption, and high maintenance costs, particularly in deep seas and high seas.
Innovation Solution
A modular offshore fish farm with closed net cages supported by buoyant bodies that allow vertical movement, featuring a suppressing device for fish sorting and a system for maintaining optimal water exchange, along with a service barge for maintenance and waste management, utilizing buoyant elements connected through welding or bolts for stability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If closed net cages are used to protect fish from environmental hazards, then fish health is improved, but water exchange efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The net cage is designed with dynamic flexibility allowing it to deform and open under wave action. The net material and structural configuration enable the cage to adapt its shape dynamically, opening during waves to allow water exchange and closing during calm periods to protect fish, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and water exchange efficiency
2Stability of the object's composition
If buoyancy system is dimensioned to hold water above surface in closed cages, then cage stability is improved, but wave influence on buoyancy system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyancy system is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing it to move and deform with wave action. The buoyancy elements are positioned and configured to provide stability while accommodating wave-induced movements, reducing the harmful effects of waves on the overall system
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid semisubmersible structure is used to avoid wave loads, then structural stability is improved, but fish health deteriorates due to deformation in high-speed water flow
Solution Approach 1:
The net cage is constructed from flexible net material that can deform to accommodate high-speed water flow without causing harmful effects to fish. The flexible structure allows water to pass through smoothly, preventing deformation-related harm to fish while maintaining structural integrity through the net's inherent flexibility and buoyancy support
4Area of stationary object
If downstream cages are arranged close to upstream cages in boat-like fish farm, then space utilization is improved, but water exchange efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each net cage is designed with dynamic opening capability that allows it to exploit wave action for water exchange independently of its neighbors. The flexible net structure opens during wave passages to ensure adequate water exchange even when cages are closely spaced, maintaining productivity while maximizing space utilization
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 system provides a robust, adaptable, and efficient fish farming solution that maintains fish health, reduces environmental risks, and lowers operational costs by optimizing water exchange and energy use, suitable for various sea conditions.
Implementation Method 1
each closed net cage (2) being supported by a buoyant body (3) which is configured for floating in a body of water
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a modular offshore fish farm (1) comprising one or more closed net cages (2) and a service unit (S), each closed net cage being supported by a buoyant body (3) which is configured for floating in a body of water (W), wherein each closed net cage is configured for moving vertically in a body of water relative to the buoyant body, each buoyant body comprising a number of buoyant elements, where each buoyant body comprises connecting means for connecting to an adjacent buoyant body, the buoyant bodies providing a working platform between the closed net cages, where each closed net cage comprises a suppressing device (10).