Sea Cage Oxygen Control With Integrated Probe Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling dissolved oxygen in water for fish cultivation, particularly in sea cages, are inefficient and unsafe, relying on manual measurements with handheld probes and lacking precise control, especially during sea lice treatment.
Innovation Solution
A submerged device with an adjustable oxygen injection system and integrated oxygen probe transmits real-time measurements wirelessly to a handheld device, allowing for automated control of oxygen flow to maintain a pre-defined reference value, ensuring safe operation and precise oxygenation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual oxygen measurements with handheld probes are used, then oxygen concentration can be monitored, but safety is compromised and control precision is insufficient during sea lice treatment
Solution Approach 1:
An automated oxygen dosing device acts as an intermediary between the operator and the fish, enabling remote monitoring and control. The device includes an integrated oxygen probe, pump, and control unit that automatically adjusts oxygen injection based on real-time measurements, eliminating the need for operators to manually enter the cage during treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The oxygen dosing device performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment through its integrated sensor and control system. The device automatically measures oxygen concentration, processes the signal, and adjusts the oxygen injection rate without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby ensuring both safety and measurement precision.
2Quantity of substance
If oxygen is dosed through diffuser hoses on the cage bottom, then oxygen can be supplied to fish, but control precision and response time are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a feedback control loop where the oxygen probe continuously measures dissolved oxygen concentration in real-time, the control unit processes this signal, and the pump automatically adjusts the oxygen injection rate accordingly. This closed-loop system ensures precise oxygen dosage control and rapid response to changing oxygen levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical diffuser hose system with an active electronic control system. The integrated pump, sensor, and control unit substitute for manual operation and simple diffusion, enabling dynamic adjustment of oxygen supply based on real-time water conditions and fish needs.
3Measurement precision
If workers perform manual oxygen measurements on-site, then oxygen levels can be assessed, but labor costs increase and operational safety decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated device serves as an intermediary that performs all oxygen measurement and dosing functions remotely. Operators can monitor oxygen levels and control dosing from a safe location using the wireless communication system, eliminating the need for workers to physically enter the cage during hazardous sea lice treatment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device autonomously performs oxygen measurement, signal processing, and dosing adjustment without requiring manual labor for these tasks. The integrated system self-regulates oxygen injection based on real-time sensor data, reducing both labor requirements and safety risks for operators.
4Ease of operation
If oxygen injection flow rate is fixed, then equipment operation is simple, but adaptability to changing oxygen demand is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen injection system transitions from a fixed flow rate to a dynamic, variable flow rate controlled by the pump. The control unit continuously adjusts the oxygen injection rate based on real-time feedback from the oxygen probe, allowing the system to adapt to changing oxygen demands while maintaining simple operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the oxygen injection parameter (flow rate) based on measured oxygen concentration levels. The control unit modifies injection parameters in response to sensor feedback, enabling the equipment to adapt to varying oxygen demands without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures.
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
This method reduces oxygen costs, labor, and enhances safety by allowing remote monitoring, providing precise and automated oxygen control, and enabling reliable documentation of oxygen saturation levels.
Implementation Method 1
a current concentration of oxygen dissolved in the sucked main water stream is measured with an oxygen probe that is integrated into the housing of the device
Implementation Method 2
a pump that is in fluid communication with the at least one water inlet for sucking water from a surrounding of the housing, wherein the pump is configured to generate a main water stream
Implementation Method 3
oxygen is injected by the device with an adjustable flow rate into a main water stream sucked by the device into a housing of the device
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a concentration of dissolved oxygen in a volume (V) of water (W), wherein a device (1) for dissolving oxygen in water (W) is submerged in said volume (V) of water, wherein oxygen is injected by the device (1) with an adjustable flow rate into a main water stream (W') sucked into a housing (100) of the device (1), and wherein the oxygen enriched main water stream (W') is discharged by the device (1) out of the housing (100) of the device (1) into said volume (V) of water (W), and wherein a current concentration of oxygen dissolved in the sucked main water stream (W') is measured with an oxygen probe (6) that is integrated into the housing (100) of the device (1), wherein said current concentration of dissolved oxygen is transmitted in a wireless fashion to a hand-held device (9) of an operator, and wherein the flow rate of the injected oxygen is controlled such that the measured current concentration of dissolved oxygen approaches a pre-defined reference value.