JP7700513B2 - Algae growth device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an algae cultivation device.

Algae cultivation devices for cultivating algae such as nori, wakame, and kombu on land have been known for some time. The algae cultivation device in Patent Document 1 below includes a gas dissolving unit capable of generating a solution in which carbon dioxide is dissolved in a liquid, an algae tank capable of containing the solution and the algae contained in the solution, and a light emitter capable of emitting light toward the inside of the algae tank in which the solution and the algae are contained.

The marine plant cultivation system of Patent Document 2 below includes a pumping flow path that pumps up saltwater from at least one of the water sources of seabed groundwater and deep ocean water, a gas mixing unit that mixes saltwater with gas containing carbon dioxide to produce mixed saltwater, a growth tank that stores the mixed saltwater and can house algae, and a light irradiation unit that irradiates light into the growth tank.

The growth tank in Patent Document 2 below has multiple growth chambers connected in order of increasing volume from the upstream side to the downstream side. Between adjacent growth chambers there are communication ports that can be opened and closed to allow liquid to pass through, and marine organisms grown in the upstream growth chamber are introduced to the adjacent downstream growth chamber for growth according to the growth stage of the marine organisms.

JP 2020-174607 A JP 2019-50782 A

However, when cultivating algae in a single cultivation tank as in Patent Document 1, the cultivation environment becomes uniform, making it difficult to cultivate the algae according to their level of growth. In addition, as the algae grow, there is a concern that the amount of light required for photosynthesis will be insufficient due to the algae becoming overcrowded in the cultivation tank. This poses major challenges in advancing industrialization.

In addition, when cultivating algae in multiple cultivation tanks as in Patent Document 2, it is possible to avoid overcrowding due to algae cultivation, but there is a problem in determining the degree of algae cultivation, which is key to the timing of transferring the cultivation tanks. Conventionally, the degree of algae cultivation is determined by removing the algae and measuring the wet weight of the algae including the cultivation water, but this adds an additional process and is inefficient.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide an algae cultivation device that can automatically transfer algae from the cultivation tank according to the degree of algae cultivation.

An algae cultivation device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cultivation tank for cultivating algae, an algae transfer device for transferring the algae from the cultivation tank, a photographing device for photographing the algae in the cultivation tank, and a control device for operating the algae transfer device based on the photographing results of the photographing device.

In addition, in an algae cultivation device according to one aspect of the present invention, the control device may determine the degree of cultivation of the algae based on the size of the algae photographed by the photographing device.

In addition, in an algae cultivation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, a second cultivation tank having a larger volume than the cultivation tank is provided, and the control device may operate the algae transfer device to transfer the algae from the cultivation tank to the second cultivation tank when the degree of cultivation of the algae exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

In addition, in an algae cultivation device according to one aspect of the present invention, the control device may determine whether the algae is diseased or not based on the color of the algae photographed by the photographing device.

In addition, in an algae cultivation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, a waste tank is provided for disposing of the algae, and the control device may operate the algae transfer device to transfer the algae from the cultivation tank to the waste tank when the color development range of a predetermined color of the algae exceeds a predetermined threshold.

In addition, in an algae cultivation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cultivation tank may contain cultivation water for cultivating the algae, and may be equipped with a measuring device for measuring the state quantities of the cultivation water.

In addition, in an algae cultivation device according to one aspect of the present invention, the measurement device may include at least one of a pH detector, a carbon dioxide dissolution detector, and a liquid analyzer.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an algae cultivation device that can automatically transfer algae from a cultivation tank according to the degree of algae cultivation.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an algae cultivation device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an ultraviolet sterilization tank according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the process of transferring algae from a first cultivation tank to a second cultivation tank in the algae cultivation apparatus according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the process of transferring algae from a first cultivation tank to an ultraviolet sterilization tank in an algae cultivation apparatus according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an algae sterilization process in the algae cultivation apparatus according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an algae sterilization process in the algae cultivation apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an algae cultivation apparatus according to a second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an algae sterilization process in an algae cultivation apparatus according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an algae cultivation device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is an external view of an algae cultivation apparatus according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is an external view of a cultivation tank according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is an external view of a drying device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is an external view of a drying processing device according to a third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing the process of transferring algae from the cultivation tank of an algae cultivation apparatus according to a third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing the process of transferring algae in the drying device of the algae cultivation apparatus according to the third embodiment.

Below, an algae cultivation device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Below, an overview of the embodiment of the present invention will be first described, and then the details of the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

〔overview〕
In algae cultivation devices that cultivate algae on land, it is important to understand the degree of algae growth, eliminate diatoms and other organisms that inhibit algae growth, and manage the environment necessary for algae growth, specifically, water quality (nutrients, dissolved carbon dioxide), water temperature, and light intensity.

The algae cultivation device shown in Patent Document 1 is composed of a carbon dioxide ( _CO2 ) gas dissolver, an algae cultivation tank, lighting, a circulation pump, a supply unit for components necessary for cultivation such as nutrients, etc. There is also a pipe that sends water from the gas dissolver to the cultivation tank, and the cultivation water is adjusted in the gas dissolver and supply unit, and sent to and circulated in the algae cultivation tank to cultivate the seaweed that is the subject of cultivation.

The marine plant cultivation system shown in Patent Document 2 has separate cultivation chambers according to the cultivation stage of the algae. In this cultivation system, cultivation water is supplied to each cultivation chamber through individual pipes, and the water is moved to a larger cultivation chamber according to the cultivation stage of the algae. With this configuration, since the cultivation water is independent for each cultivation chamber, the composition of the cultivation water can be changed depending on the cultivation stage, making it possible to efficiently supply the cultivation components to the algae.

Conventional algae cultivation devices can be broadly divided into a method of cultivating algae in a single cultivation tank as in Patent Document 1, and a method of changing the cultivation tank according to the degree of algae cultivation as in Patent Document 2.
When growing seaweed in a single tank, the environment is uniform, making it difficult to grow seaweed according to its conditions. In addition, as the seaweed grows, there is a concern that the LED lighting required for photosynthesis will be insufficient due to the algae becoming too crowded in the tank. This poses major challenges to industrialization.
In addition, while changing the cultivation tank according to the degree of algae growth can avoid overcrowding due to the above-mentioned algae growth, there is a problem in grasping the degree of growth, which is the key to determining the timing of moving the cultivation chamber. The conventional method of measuring the degree of growth is to first remove the algae and measure the wet weight when the algae contains seawater, but this increases the number of steps and is inefficient.

In an embodiment of the present invention, an algae cultivation apparatus uses a camera to capture images of the algae in a cultivation tank, and the degree of algae cultivation is easily understood based on the image data captured by the camera. This eliminates the conventional process of measuring the wet weight of the algae, and also makes it possible to transfer the algae according to their degree of cultivation, stabilizing the arrival of light necessary for the algae's photosynthesis, and as a result, making it possible to cultivate the algae with high efficiency.
In addition, by analyzing the image data captured by the camera, it is possible to identify diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as white rot and red rot, which are diseases of seaweed, making it possible to reduce loss costs by detecting diseases early.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an algae cultivation apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1 , the algae cultivation apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of cultivation tanks 10, an ultraviolet sterilization tank 20, a waste tank 30, an algae transfer device 40, a photography device 50, and a control device 60.

The cultivation tank 10 contains algae and cultivation water in which the algae are cultivated. The algae are, for example, nori seaweed, wakame seaweed, kombu, etc. The cultivation water is, for example, salt water containing nutrients and carbon dioxide dissolved in it. The cultivation tank 10 is equipped with a water flow generator including a pump that creates a flow in the cultivation water in the tank, and a light irradiation device including an LED (light emitting diode) that irradiates the tank with light for the algae to photosynthesize.

The algae cultivation device 1 is equipped with a first cultivation tank 11, a second cultivation tank 12, and a third cultivation tank 13 as the cultivation tanks 10. The second cultivation tank 12 has a larger volume than the first cultivation tank 11. Also, the third cultivation tank 13 has a larger volume than the second cultivation tank 12. For example, the second cultivation tank 12 may have twice the volume of the first cultivation tank 11. Also, for example, the third cultivation tank 13 may have four times the volume of the first cultivation tank 11 (twice the volume of the second cultivation tank 12). Note that, although the algae cultivation device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with three cultivation tanks 10, the number of stages is arbitrary, and it may be equipped with two stages or four or more stages of cultivation tanks 10.

The algae transfer device 40 includes a first conveying line 41 that conveys algae from the first cultivation tank 11 to the second cultivation tank 12. The first conveying line 41 is a piping section that connects the first cultivation tank 11 and the second cultivation tank 12, and is provided with an opening/closing valve 41a. The algae transfer device 40 also includes a second conveying line 42 that conveys algae from the second cultivation tank 12 to the third cultivation tank 13. The second conveying line 42 is a piping section that connects the second cultivation tank 12 and the third cultivation tank 13, and is provided with an opening/closing valve 42a.

The algae transfer device 40 also includes a third conveying line 43 that conveys the algae from the first cultivation tank 11 to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20. The third conveying line 43 is a piping section that connects the first cultivation tank 11 and the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20, and is provided with an opening/closing valve 43a and a pump 43b. The algae transfer device 40 also includes a fourth conveying line 44 that conveys (returns) the algae from the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 to the first cultivation tank 11. The fourth conveying line 44 is a piping section that connects the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 and the first cultivation tank 11, and is provided with an opening/closing valve 44a.

The algae transfer device 40 also includes a fifth conveying line 45 that conveys algae from the second cultivation tank 12 to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20. The fifth conveying line 45 is a piping section that connects the second cultivation tank 12 and the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20, and is provided with an opening/closing valve 45a and a pump 45b. The algae transfer device 40 also includes a sixth conveying line 46 that conveys (returns) algae from the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 to the second cultivation tank 12. The sixth conveying line 46 is a piping section that connects the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 and the second cultivation tank 12, and is provided with an opening/closing valve 46a.

The algae transfer device 40 also includes a seventh conveying line 47 that conveys algae from the third cultivation tank 13 to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20. The seventh conveying line 47 is a piping section that connects the third cultivation tank 13 and the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20, and is provided with an opening/closing valve 47a and a pump 47b. The algae transfer device 40 also includes an eighth conveying line 48 that conveys (returns) algae from the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 to the third cultivation tank 13. The eighth conveying line 48 is a piping section that connects the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 and the third cultivation tank 13, and is provided with an opening/closing valve 48a.

The algae transfer device 40 also includes a ninth transfer line 49 that transfers the algae from the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 to the waste tank 30. The ninth transfer line 49 is a piping section that connects the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 and the waste tank 30, and the piping section is provided with an opening/closing valve 49a.
The above-mentioned opening and closing valves 41a to 49a are motor-operated valves, solenoid valves, or the like, and are adapted to operate under the control of a control device 60 together with the pumps 43b, 45b, and 48b.

In this embodiment, the second cultivation tank 12 is provided at a lower position than the first cultivation tank 11, the third cultivation tank 13 is provided at a lower position than the second cultivation tank 12, the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 is provided at a higher position than the first cultivation tank 11, the second cultivation tank 12, and the third cultivation tank 13, and the waste tank 30 is provided at a lower position than the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20. In this case, the pumps 43b, 45b, and 48b only need to be operated when pumping the algae and cultivation water from the first cultivation tank 11, the second cultivation tank 12, and the third cultivation tank 13 to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20, and the transfer between the other tanks can be performed by simply opening the opening and closing valves 41a to 49a using the head difference. In addition, if each tank is provided at the same height, a pump may be provided on each conveying line 41 to 49.

Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram of the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 according to the first embodiment. Note that Fig. 2 shows the connection relationship between the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 and the first cultivation tank 11, but the connection relationship between the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 and the second cultivation tank 12 and the connection relationship between the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 and the third cultivation tank 13 are also configured similarly.
As shown in FIG. 2 , the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 includes a mesh member 21 , an ultraviolet light source 22 , a cultivation water transfer device 23 , a lower water level gauge 24 , an upper water level gauge 25 , and a moving device 26 .

The ultraviolet sterilization tank 20, net member 21, ultraviolet light source 22, cultivation water transfer device 23, lower water level gauge 24, upper water level gauge 25, and moving device 26 constitute the ultraviolet sterilization device 2 that dries out the algae from the cultivation water and irradiates them with ultraviolet rays. The ultraviolet sterilization device 2 simulates the natural process of seawater ebb and flow and the drying out process caused by ultraviolet rays from sunlight, and prevents the growth of the algae from being inhibited by the attachment of diatoms by irradiating them with ultraviolet rays.

The interior of the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 is divided into an upper space and a lower space by the mesh member 21. The above-mentioned third conveying line 43, fourth conveying line 44, and ninth conveying line 49 are connected to the upper space of the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20. The mesh member 21 has mesh that is smaller than the average size of the algae larvae, and captures the algae received from the third conveying line 43 with the mesh and separates the cultivation water (indicated by the symbol 3 in Figure 2) from the algae.

The ultraviolet light source 22 irradiates ultraviolet light onto the algae supported by the mesh member 21. The ultraviolet light source 22 is equipped with an ultraviolet light-emitting diode capable of irradiating ultraviolet light equivalent to UV-B (ultraviolet B rays) with a wavelength of, for example, 280 to 320 nm. The ultraviolet light source 22, for example, irradiates ultraviolet light onto the algae supported by the mesh member 21 for a certain period of time, thereby inactivating diatoms and the like attached to the algae.

The moving device 26 includes a guide and an actuator for moving the net member 21 up and down, and adjusts the amount of ultraviolet light hitting the algae by moving the net member 21 closer to or farther away from the ultraviolet light source 22.
The cultivation water transfer device 23 includes a water removal line 23a, a water removal valve 23b, a buffer tank 23c, a water return line 23d, a water return valve 23e, a pump 23f, a water sampling line 23g, a water sampling valve 23h, and a cultivation water drainage section 23i.

The water removal line 23a is a piping section that connects the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 and the buffer tank 23c, and is provided with a water removal valve 23b (on/off valve). The buffer tank 23c stores the cultivation water transferred from the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 via the water removal line 23a. The water return line 23d is a piping section that connects the buffer tank 23c and the downstream side of the on/off valve 43a of the third conveying line 43, and is provided with a water return valve 23e (on/off valve) and a pump 23f.

The water sampling line 23g is a piping section that connects the water removal valve 23b of the water removal line 23a and the buffer tank 23c to the cultivation water draining section 23i, and the piping section is provided with a water sampling valve 23h (opening and closing valve). The cultivation water draining section 23i is provided so that a user can extract a part of the cultivation water outside the device to check the condition of the cultivation water.
The water removal valve 23b, the water return valve 23e, and the water collection valve 23h described above are motorized valves, solenoid valves, or the like, and are configured to operate under the control of the control device 60 together with the pump 23f.

The lower water level gauge 24 detects whether the water level of the cultivation water in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 is lower than the mesh member 21. This lower water level gauge 24 is disposed in the lower space of the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20, above the connection position of the water removal line 23a.
The upper water level gauge 25 detects whether the water level of the cultivation water in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 is higher than the mesh member 21. This upper water level gauge 25 is disposed in the upper space of the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20, above the connection position of the fourth conveying line 44.
The above-mentioned lower water level gauge 24 and upper water level gauge 25 are connected to the control device 60.

The cultivation water transfer device 23 configured as described above operates under the control of the control device 60. For example, when algae and cultivation water are received from the third conveying line 43 into the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 and the cultivation water is separated from the algae by the mesh member 21, the cultivation water transfer device 23 opens the water removal valve 23b of the water removal line 23a and lowers the water level of the cultivation water in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 below the mesh member 21.

After ultraviolet irradiation, the cultivation water transfer device 23 opens the water return valve 23e on the water return line 23d and operates the pump 23f to return the cultivation water stored in the buffer tank 23c to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20, raising the water level in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 above the mesh member 21. This allows the algae to be transferred (returned) from the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 to the first cultivation tank 11 via the fourth conveying line 44.

Returning to Fig. 1, each of the multiple cultivation tanks 10 is provided with a photographing device 50. The photographing device 50 is fixed at a fixed point in each cultivation tank 10 and photographs the algae. Each of the multiple cultivation tanks 10 is also provided with a measuring device 51 that measures the state quantity of the cultivation water. The measuring device 51 includes at least one of a pH detector, a carbon dioxide dissolution detector, and a liquid analyzer. The measuring device 51 may also include a water thermometer, a flow meter, a luminometer, or other sensors.
The above-mentioned photographing devices 50 and measuring devices 51 are connected to a control device 60 .

The control device 60 includes a data processing unit 61 that processes various data input from the photographing device 50, the measuring device 51, the lower water level gauge 24, the upper water level gauge 25, etc., and a device control unit 62 that controls the operation of the various devices provided in the cultivation tank 10 and the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 and the algae transfer device 40. The control device 60 includes a calculation unit such as a CPU (not shown), a storage unit such as a RAM, ROM, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc., and an input/output interface for exchanging data with each of the components, which are connected by a bus (not shown). In addition to each of the components described above, the input/output interface is also connected to a display device such as a display (not shown), and an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard (not shown).

The memory unit stores a program that the calculation unit reads and executes, and the control device 60 determines the degree of algae growth and whether the algae is diseased, as described below, and transfers the algae based on these determinations, and then sterilizes the algae in accordance with the program. Specifically, the control device 60 determines the degree of algae growth and whether the algae is diseased based on the results of photography by the photography device 50, and also sterilizes the algae at predetermined intervals.

Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating the process of transferring algae from the first cultivation tank 11 to the second cultivation tank 12 in the algae cultivation apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that while Figure 3 shows the flow of transferring algae from the first cultivation tank 11 to the second cultivation tank 12, the flow of transferring algae from the second cultivation tank 12 to the third cultivation tank 13 is similar.
3, first, the control device 60 starts counting the time ts (step S1). The time ts is the residence time of the algae in the first cultivation tank 11.

Next, the control device 60 determines whether the time ts has reached a predetermined time (Check time) (step S2). The predetermined time is a periodic time during which the control device 60 determines the degree of algae growth and whether the algae are diseased. The periodic time may be set to a fixed time, such as one hour, but may also be changed as appropriate according to the growth rate of the algae.

When the time ts reaches the predetermined time (step S2 is "YES"), the control device 60 operates the photographing device 50 to obtain image data of the algae and performs image processing on the image data (step S3). The control device 60 obtains, for example, 10 pieces of image data captured 10 times by the photographing device 50 at one-frame intervals.

Next, the control device 60 judges whether the algae have a disease based on the image data (step S4). Specifically, the control device 60 judges whether the algae have a disease by calculating the range of color (white, red, etc.) caused by the algae disease. For example, the control device 60 quantifies the area for each color in the image data and calculates the distribution. Then, a threshold value is set to determine whether each disease has occurred, and the control device 60 judges that the algae have a disease when the area of a specific color determined to be diseased exceeds the threshold value.

If it is determined that the algae has become diseased (if step S4 is "Yes"), the control device 60 suspends the cultivation of the algae. If the coloring range of the predetermined color of the algae exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control device 60 operates the algae transfer device 40 to transfer the algae from the first cultivation tank 11 (in this embodiment, via the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20) to the disposal tank 30. The diseased algae is then disposed of in the disposal tank 30.

If it is determined that the algae is not diseased (step S4 is "No"), the control device 60 determines whether the size of the algae at time ts (Size(ts)) is larger than a predetermined size (Check size) based on the image data (step S5). The predetermined size is the maximum size of the algae determined for each cultivation tank 10.

The control device 60, for example, binarizes the image data acquired by the image capture device 50 and calculates the surface area of the parts that have the color of the algae. Then, a threshold is set based on the correlation between the surface area and weight of the algae acquired in advance, and the control device 60 calculates the surface area of the parts that have the color of the algae in each image data, and when the average value exceeds the threshold, it determines that the algae has exceeded the maximum size determined for each cultivation tank 10.

If it is determined that the algae has not exceeded the maximum size determined for each cultivation tank 10 (if step S5 is "NO"), the process returns to step S1, and the control device 60 restarts counting the time ts. On the other hand, if it is determined that the algae has exceeded the maximum size determined for each cultivation tank 10 (if step S5 is "YES"), the control device 60 opens the opening/closing valve 41a of the first transport line 41 (step S6).
This completes the transfer of algae from the first cultivation tank 11 to the second cultivation tank 12.

Figure 4 is a flow chart explaining the process of transferring algae from the first cultivation tank 11 to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 in the algae cultivation apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that while Figure 4 shows the flow of transferring algae from the first cultivation tank 11 to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20, the flow of transferring algae from the second cultivation tank 12 to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 and the flow of transferring algae from the third cultivation tank 13 to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 are similar.
4, first, the control device 60 starts counting the time tuv (step S11). The time tuv is the residence time of the algae in the first cultivation tank 11.

Next, the control device 60 determines whether the time ts has reached a predetermined time (Uv time) (step S12). The predetermined time is the cycle time for sterilizing the algae. Note that the cycle time may be set to a fixed time, such as 12 hours and 25 minutes, to match the natural low tide cycle, but may also be changed as appropriate to match the growth rate of the algae.

When the time tuv reaches the predetermined time (step S12: YES), the controller 60 opens the on-off valve 43a of the third transfer line 43 (step S13), and operates the pump 43b of the third transfer line 43 (step S14).
This completes the transfer of algae from the first cultivation tank 11 to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20.

Figures 5 and 6 are flow charts illustrating the algae sterilization process in the algae cultivation apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that the circled reference number 1 in Figures 4 and 5 indicates the connection between the two flows.
Once the transfer of algae from the first cultivation tank 11 to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 is completed, the control device 60 closes the opening/closing valve 43a of the third transport line 43 (step S21) and stops the pump 43b of the third transport line 43 (step S22), as shown in Figure 5.

Next, the control device 60 opens the water removal valve 23b of the water removal line 23a connected to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 (step S23) and operates the pump 23f (step S24). If the user needs to collect the growth water to check the condition of the growth water (if step S25 is "YES"), the control device 60 opens the water collection valve 23h of the water collection line 23g (step S26). After opening the water collection valve 23h of the water collection line 23g and extracting a portion of the growth water at the growth water extraction section 23i, the control device 60 closes the water collection valve 23h of the water collection line 23g (step S27).

Next, the control device 60 checks whether the water level of the growth water in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 is lower than the mesh member 21 using the lower water level gauge 24 (step S28). If the water level of the growth water in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 is lower than the mesh member 21 (if step S28 is "YES"), the control device 60 stops the pump 23f (step S29) and closes the water removal valve 23b of the water removal line 23a (step S30).

Next, the control device 60 operates the moving device 26 to adjust the height of the net member 21 supporting the algae (step S31). Then, the control device 60 causes the ultraviolet light source 22 to irradiate ultraviolet light toward the algae (step S32). Next, the control device 60 checks whether the ultraviolet light irradiation time has reached the preset irradiation time (step S33). If the ultraviolet light irradiation time has reached the preset irradiation time (if step S33 is "YES"), the control device 60 stops the ultraviolet light irradiation from the ultraviolet light source 22 (step S34).

When the ultraviolet light source 22 stops emitting ultraviolet light, the control device 60 returns the height of the mesh member 21 supporting the algae to its initial position, as shown in FIG. 6 (step S41). Next, the control device 60 opens the water return valve 23e of the water return line 23d (step S42) and operates the pump 23f (step S43). Then, the control device 60 checks using the upper water level gauge 25 whether the water level of the cultivation water in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 is higher than the mesh member 21 (step S44).

When the water level in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 rises above the mesh member 21 (step S44 is "YES"), the control device 60 stops the pump 23f (step S45) and closes the water return valve 23e of the water return line 23d (step S46).Then, the control device 60 opens the opening/closing valve 44a of the fourth conveying line 44 (step S47).
This completes the return of the algae from the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 to the first cultivation tank 11.

As described above, the algae cultivation device 1 according to this embodiment includes a cultivation tank 10 for cultivating algae, an algae transfer device 40 for transferring the algae from the cultivation tank 10, a photographing device 50 for photographing the algae in the cultivation tank 10, and a control device 60 for operating the algae transfer device 40 based on the photographing results of the photographing device 50. With this configuration, algae can be automatically transferred from the cultivation tank 10 according to the degree of algae cultivation.

In addition, in the algae cultivation device 1 according to this embodiment, the control device 60 determines the degree of algae cultivation based on the size of the algae photographed by the photographing device 50. With this configuration, the degree of algae cultivation can be easily determined from the size of the algae photographed by the photographing device 50, eliminating the process of measuring the wet weight of the algae as in the conventional method, and also, by determining the degree of algae cultivation, it becomes possible to set a cultivation environment suitable for cultivation, thereby enabling rapid algae cultivation.

The algae cultivation device 1 according to this embodiment is also provided with a second cultivation tank 12 (second cultivation tank) having a larger volume than the first cultivation tank 11, and when the degree of algae cultivation exceeds a predetermined threshold (Check size), the control device 60 operates the algae transfer device 40 to transfer the algae from the first cultivation tank 11 to the second cultivation tank 12. With this configuration, by transferring the algae to the cultivation tank 10 with a larger volume according to the degree of algae cultivation so as to keep the density of the algae in each cultivation tank 10 constant, the arrival of light necessary for the photosynthesis of the algae can be stabilized, and the algae can be cultivated with high efficiency.

In addition, in the algae cultivation device 1 according to this embodiment, the control device 60 determines whether the algae are diseased or not based on the color of the algae photographed by the photographing device 50. With this configuration, it is also possible to identify diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as white rot and red rot, which are diseases of seaweed.

The algae cultivation device 1 according to this embodiment is also equipped with a waste tank 30 for disposing of the algae, and when the color development range of a predetermined color of the algae exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control device 60 operates the algae transfer device 40 to transfer the algae from the cultivation tank 10 to the waste tank 30. With this configuration, diseased algae can be quickly disposed of, thereby reducing loss costs due to the outbreak of disease.

In addition, in the algae cultivation device 1 according to this embodiment, the cultivation tank 10 contains cultivation water in which the algae are cultivated, and is equipped with a measuring device 51 (pH detector, carbon dioxide dissolution detector, liquid analyzer, etc.) that measures the state quantities of the cultivation water. With this configuration, a recipe is created for the optimum cultivation environment (pH, carbon dioxide solubility, amount of nutrients, etc.) for each type of algae, and the cultivation environment is managed and controlled according to the cultivation level of the algae, allowing the algae to be cultivated with high efficiency. Furthermore, the above recipe creation makes it possible to ensure a stable supply of algae, and by correlating it with nutritional value and palatability, it is possible to increase the product value and contribute to the branding of algae production.

The algae cultivation device 1 according to this embodiment includes a cultivation tank 10 in which algae are cultivated in cultivation water, and an ultraviolet sterilization device 2 that dries out the algae from the cultivation water and irradiates them with ultraviolet light. With this configuration, diatoms that attach to the algae, consume carbon dioxide added to the cultivation water, repeat photosynthesis, and grow faster than the algae being cultivated, blocking the light absorption of the algae being cultivated, can be removed by irradiating them with ultraviolet light. Note that a backup imaging device 50 for imaging the algae may also be provided in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 of the ultraviolet sterilization device 2.

In addition, in the algae cultivation device 1 according to this embodiment, the ultraviolet sterilization device 2 includes an ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 that receives the algae and cultivation water from the cultivation tank 10, a mesh member 21 that is provided inside the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 and separates the cultivation water from the algae, and an ultraviolet light source 22 that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto the algae supported by the mesh member 21. With this configuration, it is possible to simulate the natural process of the ebb and flow of seawater and the drying out process caused by the ultraviolet rays of sunlight, and diatoms attached to the algae can be efficiently removed.

In addition, in the algae cultivation device 1 according to this embodiment, the ultraviolet sterilization device 2 is equipped with a cultivation water transfer device 23 that lowers the water level of the cultivation water in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 below the mesh member 21. With this configuration, the cultivation water can be transferred (dewatered) from the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20, so the water level can be lowered without installing a large-volume ultraviolet sterilization tank 20, and the mesh member 21 can dry out the algae from the cultivation water.

In addition, in the algae cultivation device 1 according to this embodiment, the cultivation water transfer device 23 returns the cultivation water after irradiation with ultraviolet rays, and raises the water level of the cultivation water in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 above the mesh member 21. With this configuration, by returning the cultivation water to the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20, the algae supported on the mesh member 21 can be floated by the cultivation liquid, making it possible to transfer the algae.

In addition, in the algae cultivation device 1 according to this embodiment, the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 is equipped with a lower water level gauge 24 that detects when the water level of the cultivation water is lower than the mesh member 21. With this configuration, the water level of the cultivation water in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 can be reliably lowered below the mesh member 21.

In addition, in the algae cultivation device 1 according to this embodiment, the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 is equipped with an upper water level gauge 25 that detects when the water level of the cultivation water is higher than the mesh member 21. With this configuration, the water level of the cultivation water in the ultraviolet sterilization tank 20 can be reliably raised above the mesh member 21.

In addition, in the algae cultivation device 1 according to this embodiment, the ultraviolet sterilization device 2 is equipped with a moving device 26 that moves the mesh member 21 closer to or farther from the ultraviolet light source 22. With this configuration, the amount of ultraviolet light hitting the algae can be adjusted by moving the mesh member 21 closer to or farther from the ultraviolet light source 22.

In addition, in the algae cultivation device 1 according to this embodiment, the ultraviolet sterilization device 2 is equipped with an ultraviolet light-emitting diode that irradiates ultraviolet light. With this configuration, ultraviolet light can be irradiated onto the algae with low power consumption.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same or equivalent components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be simplified or omitted.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of an algae cultivation apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment.
The algae cultivation apparatus 1 of the second embodiment is not provided with the batch-type ultraviolet sterilization device 2 described in the first embodiment, but with a continuous ultraviolet sterilization device 2 that irradiates ultraviolet rays during the process of transferring the algae from the first cultivation tank 11 to the second cultivation tank 12. Although not shown, a similar continuous ultraviolet sterilization device 2 is also provided during the process of transferring the algae from the second cultivation tank 12 to the third cultivation tank 13, so that the algae are irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

The ultraviolet sterilization device 2 shown in FIG. 7 is provided midway along the first conveying line 41A that transfers algae from the first cultivation tank 11 to the second cultivation tank 12. An opening/closing valve 41b is provided on the first conveying line 41A upstream of the ultraviolet sterilization device 2. In addition, an opening/closing valve 41c is provided on the first conveying line 41A downstream of the ultraviolet sterilization device 2.

The ultraviolet sterilization device 2 comprises a drying device 70 that dries out the algae from the cultivation water and transports it, and an ultraviolet light source 22 that irradiates ultraviolet light onto the algae being transported by the drying device 70. The drying device 70 comprises a drying preparation tank 71, a conveyor device 72, a transport control device 73, a water receiving tank 74, and a drying completion tank 75. The aforementioned imaging device 50 that photographs the algae may also be provided as a backup on the conveyor device 72.

The drying preparation tank 71 is connected to the first transport line 41A on the upstream side, and places the algae received from the first transport line 41A on the conveyor device 72 at a specified width. The conveyor device 72 transports the algae placed thereon from the drying preparation tank 71. The conveyor device 72 has slits and holes (not shown) on its transport surface, allowing the cultivation water and the cultivation water adhering to the algae to fall off the transport surface, allowing the algae to be dried out.

The transport control device 73 operates the conveyor device 72 under the control of the control device 60. The water receiving tank 74 is disposed below the conveyor device 72 and receives the cultivation water that falls from the transport surface of the conveyor device 72. The drying completion tank 75 is disposed downstream of the conveyor device 72 and receives the algae from the conveyor device 72 and the cultivation water from the water receiving tank 74. The drying completion tank 75 is connected to the first transport line 41A on the downstream side and transfers the algae and cultivation water that have been subjected to ultraviolet sterilization treatment to the next cultivation tank 10.

The ultraviolet light source 22 is installed on the transport path of the conveyor device 72. A blower device 76 is installed upstream of the ultraviolet light source 22 on the transport path. The blower device 76 operates under the control of the control device 60, and by blowing air to the algae upstream of the ultraviolet light source 22, it promotes the drainage of the cultivation water from the transport surface of the conveyor device 72.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the algae sterilization process in the algae cultivation apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment.
At the timing of transferring the algae from the first cultivation tank 11 to the second cultivation tank 12 described in the first embodiment, the control device 60 opens the opening/closing valve 41b of the first conveying line 41A, and receives the algae from the first cultivation tank 11 into the drying preparation tank 71 (step S61).

Next, the control device 60 operates the air blower 76 (step S62) and the ultraviolet light source 22 (step S63). The control device 60 then starts the transport control device 73 and operates the conveyor device 72 (step S64). The algae is dried out of the cultivation water by being loaded onto the conveyor device 72 from the drying preparation tank 71, and is exposed to air and ultraviolet light during transport by the conveyor device 72, after which it is placed into the drying completion tank 75.

Next, the control device 60 checks whether all the algae has entered the drying completion tank 75 (step S65). Whether all the algae has entered the drying completion tank 75 may be checked by time or by a camera (not shown). When all the algae has entered the drying completion tank 75 (step S65 is "YES"), the control device 60 opens the opening/closing valve 41c of the first conveying line 41A downstream of the drying completion tank 75 (step S66). As a result, the algae is transferred from the drying completion tank 75 to the second cultivation tank 12.

According to the second embodiment described above, the ultraviolet sterilization device 2 includes a drying device 70 that dries out the algae from the cultivation water and transports it, and an ultraviolet light source 22 that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto the algae being transported by the drying device 70, so that ultraviolet sterilization can be performed efficiently during the process of transferring the algae from the first cultivation tank 11 to the second cultivation tank 12.

The ultraviolet sterilization device 2 of the second embodiment also includes a blower device 76 that blows air onto the algae upstream of the ultraviolet light source 22 on the transport path of the drying device 70. With this configuration, blowing air onto the algae promotes drying out of the algae, thereby increasing the efficiency of the ultraviolet sterilization process.

The drying device 70 also includes a conveyor device 72 that carries and transports the algae, and a water receiving tank 74 that is arranged below the conveyor device 72. With this configuration, the cultivation water is allowed to drip from the transport surface of the conveyor device 72, and the dripped cultivation water can be received in the water receiving tank 74 and reused.

The ultraviolet sterilization device 2 of the second embodiment described above may be installed in parallel with the ultraviolet sterilization device 2 of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, so that ultraviolet sterilization processing can be selected by either device. In addition, the ultraviolet sterilization device 2 of the second embodiment may be installed midway along the first conveying line 41 and the second conveying line 42 shown in Figure 1.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same or equivalent components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be simplified or omitted.

Fig. 9 is a block diagram of an algae cultivation apparatus 1 according to a third embodiment. Fig. 10 is an external view of the algae cultivation apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment. In Fig. 9, reference numeral 3 denotes cultivation water, and reference numeral 4 denotes algae (the same applies to Fig. 11 and subsequent figures described later).
In the algae cultivation apparatus 1 of the third embodiment, the volumes of the first cultivation tank 11, the second cultivation tank 12, and the third cultivation tank 13 are gradually increased in accordance with the degree of algae cultivation by increasing the number of cultivation tanks 10. Specifically, the first cultivation tank 11 has one cultivation tank 10, the second cultivation tank 12 has two cultivation tanks 10, and the third cultivation tank 13 has four cultivation tanks 10.

Downstream of each cultivation tank 10, there is provided a drying device 70 (continuous ultraviolet sterilization device 2) that dehydrates and dries the algae as described in the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, a seed algae selection tank 80 is connected to the third cultivation tank 13. The seed algae selection tank 80 is a tank for selecting the next algae species to be cultivated from the algae in the final stage of cultivation in the third cultivation tank 13. The seed algae selection tank 80 is connected to the first cultivation tank 11 via a seed algae supply line 81.

Drying device 90, which dries algae in the final stage of cultivation, is provided downstream of drying device 70, which dehydrates and dries algae downstream of third cultivation tank 13. In addition, the water treatment section (the above-mentioned water receiving tank 74) of drying device 70, which dehydrates and dries algae downstream of third cultivation tank 13, joins downstream and is connected to a large water treatment tank 100.

The water treatment tank 100 purifies the cultivation water used for cultivating algae to maintain the water quality, and generates cultivation water by dissolving nutrients and carbon dioxide. This reduces the amount of seawater or artificial seawater procured as cultivation water, thereby reducing transportation costs and increasing the flexibility of the installation location of the algae cultivation device 1. It also reduces the burden on the ocean, rivers, etc. caused by discharging cultivation water.

The water treatment tank 100 is connected to each of the cultivation tanks 10, i.e., the first cultivation tank 11, the second cultivation tank 12, and the third cultivation tank 13, via a cultivation water supply line 101. The cultivation water supply line 101 is provided with a pump 101A that lifts the cultivation water.
Next, the configurations of the cultivation tank 10, the drying device 70, and the drying processing device 90 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 11 is an external view of the cultivation tank 10 according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 11, the cultivation tank 10 includes a cultivation container 14 and a light irradiation device 15. The cultivation container 14 has a rectangular box shape in a plan view with an open top. The above-mentioned cultivation water supply line 101 is disposed above the cultivation container 14, and cultivation water is supplied from a plurality of nozzles 101a provided on the cultivation water supply line 101. The nozzle 101a is provided with a flow rate control valve 101b, which allows the input amount (flow rate) of the cultivation water to be adjusted. The flow of the cultivation water can be changed by changing the shape of the water channel in the cultivation container 14, so the water channel may be formed so as to form a turbulent flow or laminar flow in the necessary portion.

The light irradiation device 15 is positioned further up the cultivation water supply line 101, and irradiates the interior of the cultivation container 14 with light necessary for the photosynthesis of the algae. Inside the cultivation container 14, multiple fixed plates 14a are provided that form flow paths for the algae and cultivation water. The multiple fixed plates 14a are arranged alternately, forming a meandering flow path within the cultivation container 14. By making the flow path meandering in this way, the residence time of the algae in the cultivation container 14 can be increased.

In addition, inside the cultivation container 14, multiple movable plates 14b capable of blocking the flow path are provided. The movable plates 14b are slidably attached to the rear side of some of the fixed plates 14a. In this embodiment, three movable plates 14b are provided so that the flow path can be blocked at three locations. Vent holes 14c for removing algae from the sides are provided in three areas upstream of the three movable plates 14b inside the cultivation container 14. The vent holes 14c are provided so that they can be opened and closed by an opening and closing device (not shown), and are connected to a waste tank (not shown).

Although not shown in FIG. 9, it is preferable to provide a photographing device 50 for photographing the algae in each of the three areas upstream of the three movable plates 14b of the cultivation container 14. The photographing device 50 may be installed above the cultivation container 14, or may be fixed to a fixed plate 14a or the like and installed inside the cultivation container 14. Also, a transparent window may be provided in at least a part of the cultivation container 14, and the inside of the cultivation container 14 may be photographed through the window.

FIG. 12 is an external view of a drying device 70 according to the third embodiment.
12, the drying apparatus 70 includes a drying preparation tank 71, a conveyor device 72, a water receiving tank 74, and a drying completion tank 75. The drying preparation tank 71 has an inlet 71a for receiving algae and cultivation water, and an outlet 71b for discharging the algae and cultivation water. The drying preparation tank 71 may include a mixer that crushes the algae received from the inlet 71a, uniforms the size, and discharges the crushed algae from the outlet 71b.

The conveyor device 72 is equipped with a mesh belt 72a that separates the cultivation water from the algae discharged from the discharge port 71b of the drying preparation tank 71, and a number of transfer rollers 72b that transfer the mesh belt 72a. At least one of the multiple transfer rollers 72b may be a vacuum roller that sucks up the cultivation water. At the downstream end of the conveyor device 72, a pressure roller 77 is provided that evenly presses the dried algae.

The drying device 70 of the third embodiment is provided with a photographing device 50 that photographs the algae being transported by the conveyor device 72. The other configurations are the same as those of the drying device 70 of the second embodiment described above.

FIG. 13 is an external view of a drying processing device 90 according to the third embodiment.
13, the drying processing device 90 includes a conveyor device 91, a dryer 92, and a roll cutter 93. The conveyor device 91 includes a plurality of delivery rollers 91a and a mesh belt 91b that is delivered by the plurality of delivery rollers 91a.

The dryer 92 blows hot air onto the algae placed on the mesh belt 91b to dry the algae. The roll cutter 93 cuts the algae dried by the dryer 92 into sheets. The sheets of algae are stacked and transferred to the next processing step.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the process of transferring algae from the cultivation tank 10 of the algae cultivation apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 14, first, the control device 60 adjusts the amount of culture water input to the culture tank 10 and determines the flow rate in the culture tank 10 (step S71).

Next, the control device 60 operates the photographing device 50 to obtain image data of the algae (step S72). The number of photographs n taken by the photographing device 50 in step S72 may be externally settable. The threshold value V1 for determining the degree of growth of the algae may also be externally settable. The threshold value V1 is a threshold value that serves as a criterion for determining the degree of growth in the area (first area) upstream of the first movable plate 14b inside the growth container 14, and is a value based on the value Vmes calculated for the volume of the algae from the image data.

Next, the control device 60 determines whether the algae in the first area is diseased based on the image data acquired by the photography device 50 in the first area (step S73). If it is determined that the algae is diseased (step S73 is "yes"), the control device 60 closes the flow path with the first movable plate 14b to isolate the first area of the cultivation container 14 (step S74). Next, the control device 60 opens the vent hole 14c in the first area and transfers the algae from the vent hole 14c to a waste tank (not shown). The diseased algae is then disposed of in the waste tank.

If it is determined that the algae in the first area is not diseased (step S73 is "no"), the control device 60 determines whether the growth rate Vtn1 of the algae in the first area is greater than the threshold value V1 based on the image data acquired by the photography device 50 in the first area (step S75).

If it is determined that the growth level Vtn1 of the algae in the first area does not exceed the threshold value V1 (if step S75 is "YES"), the control device 60 closes the flow path with the first movable plate 14b to isolate the first area of the growth container 14 (step S76). Next, the control device 60 sets a residence time Ts1 for the algae in the first area (step S76) and causes the algae to remain (grow) in the first area for the residence time Ts1 (step S78). After the residence time Ts1 has elapsed, the process returns to step S73, and the control device 60 again determines whether the algae in the first area is diseased and the growth level.

When it is determined that the growth level Vtn1 of the algae in the first area exceeds the threshold value V1 (step S75 is "NO"), the control device 60 opens the first movable plate 14b if it is closed (step S79). This completes the transfer of the algae from the first area to the second area of the cultivation container 14. The second area is the area inside the cultivation container 14 that is downstream of the first movable plate 14b and upstream of the second movable plate 14b.

The control device 60 also repeats steps S72 to S79 in the second area (step S80). This completes the transfer of the algae from the second area to the third area of the cultivation container 14. The third area is the area downstream of the second movable plate 14b and upstream of the third movable plate 14b inside the cultivation container 14. The control device 60 also repeats steps S72 to S79 in the third area (step S81).
As a result of the above, the algae are transferred from the cultivation tank 10 to the drying device 70 (ultraviolet sterilization device 2).

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the transfer of algae in the drying device 70 of the algae cultivation apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment.
15, first, the control device 60 operates the blower device 76 (step S91), and operates the ultraviolet light source 22 (step S92).Then, the control device 60 starts the transport control device 73, and operates the conveyor device 72 (step S93).

Next, the control device 60 operates the photographing device 50 installed on the conveyor device 72 to obtain image data of the algae, and performs image processing on the image data (step S94). For example, the control device 60 obtains 10 pieces of image data captured 10 times by the photographing device 50 at one-frame intervals.

Next, the control device 60 determines whether the algae are diseased based on the image data (step S95). If disease is found in the algae during this transportation stage (step S95 is "yes"), the control device 60 stops the conveyor device 72 to interrupt the transportation and cultivation of the algae.

If it is determined that the algae are not diseased during the transportation stage (step S95 is "no"), the control device 60 checks whether all the algae have entered the drying completion tank 75 based on the weight on the conveyor device 72 (step S96). The weight of the algae can be measured, for example, by a load cell (not shown) provided on the delivery roller 72b of the conveyor device 72.

When all the algae have entered the drying completion tank 75 (if step S96 is "YES"), the control device 60 causes the transport control device 73 to stop the conveyor device 72 (step S97). Next, the control device 60 stops the ultraviolet light source 22 (step S98) and also stops the air blower 76 (step S99).
In this manner, by repeating the above-described flow shown in Figures 14 and 15, the cultivation tank 10 can be changed according to the degree of algae cultivation, thereby enabling algae to be cultivated efficiently.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The shapes and combinations of the components shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Reference Signs List 1 Algae cultivation device 2 Ultraviolet sterilization device 10 Cultivation tank 11 First cultivation tank 12 Second cultivation tank (second cultivation tank)
13 Third cultivation tank (second cultivation tank)
20 Ultraviolet sterilization tank 21 Net member 22 Ultraviolet light source 23 Cultivation water transfer device 24 Lower water level gauge 25 Upper water level gauge 26 Movement device 30 Disposal tank 40 Algae transfer device 50 Photography device 51 Measurement device 60 Control device 70 Drying device 72 Conveyor device 74 Water receiving tank 76 Air blower device

Claims (5)

A cultivation tank for cultivating algae;
An algae transfer device that transfers the algae from the cultivation tank;
a photographing device for photographing the algae in the cultivation tank;
a second growth tank having a volume larger than that of the growth tank;
A control device that operates the algae transfer device based on the photographing result of the photographing device,
The control device determines the degree of growth of the algae based on the size of the algae photographed by the photographing device , and when the degree of growth of the algae exceeds a predetermined threshold defined by the correlation between the surface area and weight of the algae , operates the algae transfer device to transfer the algae from the cultivation tank to the second cultivation tank. 2. The algae cultivation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control device determines whether the algae is diseased or not based on the color of the algae photographed by the photographing device. A waste tank for disposing of the algae is provided,
The algae cultivation device described in claim 2, characterized in that the control device operates the algae transfer device and transfers the algae from the cultivation tank to the waste tank when the color range of the specified color of the algae exceeds a specified threshold . The cultivation tank includes cultivation water for cultivating the algae,
An algae cultivation apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that it is equipped with a measuring device for measuring the state quantities of the cultivation water. 5. An algae cultivation apparatus as claimed in claim 4 , characterized in that the measurement device comprises at least one of a pH detector, a carbon dioxide dissolution detector and a liquid analyzer.

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