CN118541026A

CN118541026A - Aquaculture system and method for arranging beds of multiple frames of the aquaculture system

Info

Publication number: CN118541026A
Application number: CN202180105004.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 白木胜
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-12-17
Filing date: 2021-12-17
Publication date: 2024-08-23
Also published as: AU2021479214A1; WO2023113692A1

Abstract

An aquatic cultivation system is provided. The aquatic cultivation system includes a hydroponic system disposed above and in fluid communication with the aquaculture system. The hydroponic system includes a plurality of frames arranged in a vertical direction and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined spacing, the plurality of frames adapted to pass light therethrough, each of the plurality of frames including a length extending longitudinally perpendicular to the vertical direction and a width extending transversely to the vertical direction and the longitudinal direction, each of the plurality of frames including a bed having a length extending longitudinally and slidably connected to each of the plurality of frames and adapted to slide along the width of each of the plurality of frames, the bed adapted to receive a crop and fluidly connect with the aquaculture system, and a platform for supporting a user and adapted to move in the vertical direction to the plurality of frames. Furthermore, a method of arranging a bed of a plurality of frames of an aquaculture system according to the above embodiments is provided.

Description

Hydroponic system and method of arranging beds of multiple frames of the hydroponic system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an hydroponic system and a method of arranging a bed of multiple frames of an hydroponic system.

Background

Traditional agricultural systems are inefficient and labor intensive. One of these factors is the "acquisition cost", i.e. the time required to reach the crop. For example, a worker may walk through a row of crops, bend down to sow, weed, or harvest the crop. Conventional hydroponic systems also have high acquisition costs. For example, a worker needs to take time to walk, search a planting passage, check crops, and the like.

In addition, land-based recirculating aquaculture facilities may be environmentally friendly. For example, land-based aquaculture releases dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus into the aqueous environment, resulting in undesirable growth of macro-and micro-algae in the receiving water. In land-based aquaculture, water quality can be controlled by high water exchange rates (costly) or water treatment and subsequent recycling, but this is costly. To offset the cost of processing, aquaculture and plant integration provides an ideal solution to reduce nutrient emission levels, increase profitability, and convert the excretions of aquatic animals (e.g., fish) into beneficial products.

The aquatic cultivation system is a food production system for simultaneously using the aquatic cultivation system to feed aquatic animals and the hydroponic cultivation system to cultivate plants. Hydroponics can provide answers to many of the questions described above. Hydroponics is a method of combining aquatic animals and crops in a circulation system to cultivate them, and is becoming popular. Basically, the excrement of the aquatic animals can be converted into fertilizer and delivered to crops, and the water of the crops can be safely returned to the aquatic animals after being purified. There are several benefits to the hydroponic system. The plant can recycle the dissolved waste nutrient, reduce the emission to the environment, prolong the service life of the water (namely remove the dissolved nutrient by plant absorption, reduce the exchange rate of the water). Minimizing the amount of water exchange reduces the operating costs of aquatic plant cultivation systems in arid climates and heated greenhouses because water or heated water is a significant expense in arid climates and heated greenhouses.

Hydroponics is at its highest level a technology, capital and knowledge intensive food production process, which is distinguished by horizontal and vertical, open and recycle definition, and the like. The characteristics of the system depend on the manner in which plant nutrient solution is supplied in hydroponic systems, such as floating polystyrene foam boards (buoyant rafts), nutrient Film Technology (NFT), or horizontally or vertically aligned media-filled growth beds, while aquatic animals are raised under standard recirculating aquaculture conditions. The hydroponic technique is considered ecologically friendly: it uses renewable resources, and has very high efficiency and almost zero waste emission.

Although there are many benefits to the hydroponic system, conventional systems are still inefficient, labor intensive, and costly to obtain.

It would therefore be advantageous to improve upon conventional systems to address the above-described problems.

Disclosure of Invention

According to various embodiments, an aquatic cultivation system is provided. The aquatic cultivation system includes a hydroponic system disposed above and in fluid communication with the aquaculture system. The hydroponic system comprises a plurality of frames arranged in a vertical direction and spaced apart from each other at a predetermined spacing such that the plurality of frames are adapted to allow light to pass through, such that each of the plurality of frames comprises a length extending in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and a width extending in a transverse direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the longitudinal direction, such that each of the plurality of frames comprises a bed having a length extending in the longitudinal direction and slidably connected to each of the plurality of frames and adapted to slide along the width of each of the plurality of frames, such that the bed is adapted to receive a crop and to be fluidly connected to the aquaculture system, and a platform for supporting a user and adapted to move in the vertical direction to the plurality of frames.

According to various embodiments, the bed may comprise a plurality of elongated supports adapted to receive the crop such that the plurality of elongated supports extend in a longitudinal direction and are spaced apart from one another.

According to various embodiments, the plurality of frames are divided into an upper frame and a lower frame below the upper frame such that the plurality of elongated supports of the upper frame are spaced farther from each other than the plurality of elongated supports of the lower frame.

According to various embodiments, each of the plurality of elongated supports may comprise a tube including a plurality of openings aligned along the tube.

According to various embodiments, the beds in the plurality of frames may be staggered so that the beds are capable of receiving direct sunlight.

According to various embodiments, each frame of the plurality of frames may include a proximal side adjacent the platform and a distal side opposite the proximal side, such that the bed may be adapted to move between the proximal and distal sides, such that the bed is configured to be positioned proximally when the crop is ready for harvesting.

According to various embodiments, the bed may comprise a width in the range of 0.6m to 1 m.

According to various embodiments, the hydroponic system may further include a light-transmissive cover attached to the bed with the cover extending across the width of the bed and along the length of the bed to form a rail adapted to enclose a crop therein.

According to various embodiments, the hydroponic system may further include a light source disposed under one or more of the plurality of frames, the light source adapted to emit light onto crops held by the bed thereunder.

According to various embodiments, the predetermined spacing between any two of the plurality of frames may be adjustable.

According to various embodiments, the platform may extend the length of a plurality of frames.

According to various embodiments, an aquatic cultivation system is provided. The hydroponic system includes a hydroponic system disposed above and in fluid communication with the aquaculture system, the hydroponic system including a plurality of frames arranged in a vertical direction and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined spacing such that the plurality of frames are adapted to allow light to pass therethrough, each of the plurality of frames including a length extending in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and a width extending in a transverse direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the longitudinal direction such that each of the plurality of frames includes a bed having a length extending in the longitudinal direction and being slidably attached to each of the plurality of frames and being adapted to slide along the width of each of the plurality of frames such that the bed is adapted to hold a crop and is fluidly connected to the aquaculture system; a platform for supporting a user and adapted to move longitudinally to a plurality of frames; a processor; a memory in communication with the processor for storing instructions executable by the processor, the processor configured to identify from the crop data that a crop on the bed of one of the plurality of frames is ready for harvesting, move the identified bed to a position adjacent the platform to harvest the crop, and stagger the beds of the remaining plurality of frames below the frame to receive optimal direct sunlight.

According to various embodiments, a method of arranging a bed of multiple frames of an aquatic cultivation system according to the above embodiments is provided. The method includes determining from crop data that a crop of a bed of one of the plurality of frames is ready for harvesting, moving the determined bed to a platform adjacent to the crop to be harvested, and staggering the beds of the remaining plurality of frames below the frame to receive optimal direct sunlight.

Drawings

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an aquatic cultivation system.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a bed.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of an embodiment of the hydroponic system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an aquaculture system.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a controller system configured to control the operation of an aquatic cultivation system.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary method of arranging beds of multiple frames.

Detailed Description

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an aquatic cultivation system 10. The aquatic cultivation system 10 includes a hydroponic system 100 disposed above the aquaculture system 12 and in fluid communication with the aquaculture system 12. The hydroponic system 100 includes a plurality of frames 110 aligned in a vertical direction 100V and spaced apart from one another by a predetermined spacing 110S. The plurality of frames 110 may allow light to pass through. Each of the plurality of frames 110 includes a length extending along a longitudinal direction 100G (see fig. 3) perpendicular to the vertical direction 100V and a width extending along a lateral direction 100T perpendicular to the vertical direction 100V and the longitudinal direction 100G. Each of the plurality of frames 110 includes a bed 120 having a length extending in the longitudinal direction 100G, slidably coupled to each of the plurality of frames 110, and adapted to slide along a width of each of the plurality of frames 110. The bed 120 is adapted to receive a crop and is in fluid connection with the aquaculture system 12. The hydroponic system 100 includes a platform 130 for supporting a user and is adapted to move in a vertical direction 100V to a plurality of frames 110. The hydroponic system 10 maximizes the number of users who can access crops simultaneously and increases the speed and convenience of accessing crops. Accordingly, the hydroponic system 10 can reduce "access costs," increase efficiency, and optimize the yield of the hydroponic system 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, the hydroponic system 100 may be disposed above the aquaculture system 12. This arrangement occupies a relatively small area and saves floor space. This is an important advantage, especially on land where space is limited. The hydroponic system 10 may include a support structure 104 for supporting a plurality of frames 110. The platform 130 may be disposed adjacent to the support structure 104 and may be raised and lowered in a vertical direction of 100V to enable a user to access each of the plurality of frames 110. As shown in FIG. 1, the hydroponic system 100 includes two support structures 104, each supporting a plurality of frames 110. The platform 130 may be positioned between the two support structures 104 such that a user may access the plurality of frames 110 on both sides of the platform 130. Further, it is understood that the hydroponic system 100 may include two or more support structures 104 and be accessible through the platform 130. For example, the hydroponic system 100 may include four support structures 104 extending along sides of the quadrilateral platform 130, each support structure 104 supporting a plurality of frames 110. The support structure 104 may be up to 15 meters, for example 5 meters, 10 meters, 13 meters. Because the hydroponic system 100 is built on top of the aquaculture system 12, the structure (i.e., the support structure 104, the plurality of frames 110, the beds 120, the pipes, etc.) should be lightweight for manual or automatic operation. The hydroponic system 100 is scalable and portable, can be used anywhere in the world, and works effectively and efficiently. The plurality of frames 110 may be made of steel, fiberglass, aluminum, and the like. The support structure 104 may be a frame that allows sunlight to pass through so that sunlight may impinge on the lower portions of the plurality of frames 110.

Each of the plurality of frames 110 includes a bed 120, the bed 120 being adapted to move along the width of the frame 110, as indicated by the broken line arrows in the lateral direction 100T. Each of the plurality of frames 110 has a proximal side 110N adjacent the platform 130 and a distal side 110F opposite the proximal side 110N such that the bed 120 is adapted to move between the proximal side 110N and the distal side 110F. When the crop is ready to harvest, the bed 120 may be configured to be positioned proximally 110N. Likewise, the bed 120 may be configured to be positioned between the distal 110F and/or the proximal 110N and the distal 110F when not ready for harvesting. After harvesting the early crop at the proximal side 110N, a cup with seedlings (not shown in FIG. 1) may be placed in the bed 120 at the proximal side 11 ON. The seedling bed 120 with seedlings can be left on the proximal side 110N and then gradually moved to the distal side 110F, and then moved back to the proximal side 110N in preparation for harvesting. Or the seedling-bearing bed 120 may be moved to the distal side 110F and then gradually moved to the proximal side 110N for harvesting. As shown in fig. 1, the seedbeds 120 in the plurality of frames 110 can be staggered so that the seedbeds 120 can receive direct sunlight. For example, as shown in fig. 1, the bed 120A on the highest frame 110A is disposed on the proximal side 110N of the frame 110A, and the bed 1202B on the frame 110B may be disposed at a position away from directly below the bed 120A. The bed 120C on the frame 110C may be located away from a position directly below the bed 120B, preferably directly below the bed 120A. As shown in fig. 1, the beds 120 on the plurality of frames 110 arranged in series may form a stepped arrangement, such as the positions of the beds 120A, 120B, 120C. When the distance between two frames 110 exceeds a predetermined size (e.g., 2 meters), or when the number of frames between two frames 110 exceeds a predetermined number of frames 110 (e.g., two frames), the bed 120 on the lower frame 110 may be located directly below another bed 120 on the upper frame 110. For example, because the distance between the upper frame 110A and the lower frame 110D that houses the bed 120D exceeds 2 frames, the bed 120D may be placed directly below the position of the bed 120A. Thus, sunlight may be irradiated to the bed 120D. Fundamentally, the beds 120 are not located directly above each other. In this way, crops on the bed 120 can receive sunlight directly from above the hydroponic system 100. The plurality of frames 110 may be divided into upper frames (e.g., frames 110A, 110B) and lower frames (e.g., frames 110E, 110F) below the upper frames. The frames 110C, 110D may be intermediate portions between the upper and lower frames. The crop of higher maturity is held by a bed 120 located above the plurality of frames 110. As mature crop leaves are larger, it is beneficial to have them contact more sunlight. The tender crop may be held by a bed 120 located at the lower portion of the plurality of frames 110. Each of the plurality of frames 110 may be adjusted upward or downward in a vertical direction of 100V to accommodate the height of crops. The predetermined spacing 110S between the two frames 110 may be about 1m. However, the predetermined spacing 110S between any two of the plurality of frames 110 may be adjusted by adjusting at least one of the two frames 110 upward and/or downward. with adjustable spacing, the hydroponic system 100 may be custom-made to accommodate crops of different heights.

The hydroponic system 100 may include a pump 12P disposed in the aquaculture system 12 for pumping water including nutrients in the aquaculture system 12 to the hydroponic system 100. The hydroponic system 100 may include a supply conduit 12S connected between the pump 12P and the bed 120 for directing water from the aquaculture system 12 to the bed 120. The hydroponic system 100 may include a plurality of water supply valves (not shown in fig. 1) disposed on the proximal end 120P of the bed 120, each water supply valve connecting one of the beds 120 to the water supply pipe 12S, each water supply valve of the plurality of water supply valves being adapted to control the supply of water to the bed 120. The hydroponic system 100 may include a drain conduit 12D connected to the bed 120 and the aquaculture system 12 for draining water from the bed 120 into the aquaculture system 12. The hydroponic system 100 may include a water conduit (not shown in fig. 1) disposed at the distal end 120D of the bed 120 and connected to the drain conduit 12D. The water pipe may be used to collect water from the bed 120 and direct it to the drain conduit 12D. By positioning the hydroponic system 100 above the aquaculture system 12, water may flow from the bed 120 to the aquaculture system 12 under the force of gravity. The energy required to operate the hydroponic system 10 is reduced without the use of any additional pumps to drain water from the bed 120 into the aquaculture. In addition, in the long term, the operation cost and the maintenance cost can be saved.

As shown in fig. 1, the hydroponic system 100 may include one or more germination tables 102 adapted to receive seeds for germination. The germination table 102 may include a plurality of trays 102T for holding seeds. Each of the plurality of trays 102T may include a light transmissive cover 102C and a light source 140 coupled to a bottom of the cover 124, the light source adapted to emit light toward the tray 120T. The plurality of trays 102T may be in fluid communication with a supply conduit 12S for receiving water and a drain conduit 12D for draining water. Each tray of the plurality of trays 102T may hold a number of seeds. The germination table 102 may be positioned below a plurality of frames 110. The germination table 102 allows sunlight to pass through. When the seeds germinate into seedlings, the seeds may be transferred to a plurality of perforated cups, each of which may contain one seed and seedling. The plurality of cups may be transferred to the plurality of frames 110 located at the lower portions of the plurality of frames 110. When the platform 130 is in the germination platform 102, a user may transfer a plurality of perforated cups (not shown in fig. 1) onto the platform 130, and when the platform 130 is resting on one of the plurality of frames 110, the user may transfer the perforated cups onto the bed 120.

Each of the plurality of frames 110 may include a drive system (not shown in fig. 1) adapted to drive the movement of the bed 120 along the width of the frames 110. The drive train may include a motor and a conveyor system coupled to the motor and the bed 120. The motor may be mounted on a frame or bed 120. When the motor is activated, the conveyor system may convey the bed 120 along the width of the frame 120. The conveying system may include a gear and chain system, a gear and rack system, and the like. Each of the plurality of frames 110 may have a width between 3 meters and 6 meters. Each of the plurality of frames 110 may have a width between 3 meters and 9 meters.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a bed 120. The bed 120 may include a proximal end 120P in fluid communication with the supply conduit 12S and a distal end 120D opposite the proximal end 120P in fluid communication with the drain conduit 12D. The bed 120 may include a plurality of elongated supports 122 adapted to receive a crop (not shown in fig. 2), such that the plurality of elongated supports 122 extend in the longitudinal direction 100G and may be spaced apart from one another. The width of the bed 120 may be within the arm length of a person. For example, the width of the bed 120 may be between 0.6 meters and 1 m. The width of the bed 120 is preferably between 0.6 meters and 0.9 meters. Thus, when the bed 120 is positioned on the proximal side 110N of the frame, a user on the platform 130 is able to harvest the crop on the side of the bed 120 furthest from the platform 130. The bed 120 may be up to 20 meters, 25 meters, 30 meters long. Each of the plurality of elongated brackets 122 may comprise a tube comprised of a plurality of openings 122P, the openings 122P being aligned along an upper portion of the tube. The diameter of the tube may be 0.1 meter or 0.15 meter. Each of the plurality of openings 122P may be configured to receive a perforated cup containing a crop. The plurality of elongated brackets 122 are adjusted to the side to move in the lateral direction 100T to change the spacing from one another to increase the spacing when more space is needed for the crop. The spacing between the plurality of elongated supports 122 at the upper portion of the plurality of frames 110 may be greater than the spacing between the plurality of elongated supports 122 at the lower portion of the plurality of frames 110 because the upper elongated supports 122 may accommodate more mature, larger crops. The plurality of elongate holders 122 may be open channels.

The hydroponic system 100 may include a light-transmissive cover 124 connected to the bed 120 such that the cover 124 extends across the width of the bed 120 and along the length of the bed 120 to form a rail adapted to enclose crops therein. The cover plate 124 may be arcuate. The cover plate 124 may be mesh-shaped.

The hydroponic system 100 may include a plurality of sensors (not shown in fig. 1) configured to sense parameters of the hydroponic system 100. The hydroponic system 100 may include a light sensor configured to sense an amount of light received by the crop. The light sensor may be mounted between the plurality of frames 110. The light sensor is preferably mounted on the bed 120. The hydroponic system 100 may include a flow sensor for sensing the flow of water through the bed 120. The flow sensor may be mounted in the bed 120. The flow sensor is preferably mounted in an elongated bracket 122.

The hydroponic system 100 may include an air temperature control system (not shown in fig. 1) configured to control the temperature of air in the hydroponic system. The air temperature control system may include a plurality of temperature sensors (not shown in fig. 1) disposed around and/or between the plurality of frames to detect an air temperature of the hydroponic system and transmit an air temperature signal; a plurality of blowers, e.g., fans, air pumps, configured to generate an air flow in the hydroponic system 100; and a mist-emitting system (not shown in fig. 1) configured to emit mist to the hydroponic system 100 to effect evaporative cooling of the hydroponic system 100. The mist-emitting system may include a water tank, a plurality of nozzles fluidly connected to the water tank and disposed throughout the hydroponic system to emit mist, and a pump for pumping water to the plurality of nozzles.

The platform 130 may include a suspended elevator driven by a motor disposed at the top of the support structure 104. The overhead hoist may support a weight of up to 500 kg. Preferably, the overhead hoist can support a weight of up to 2000 kg. The platform 130 may be configured to lift a user onto the plurality of frames 110 and the germination platform 102 to care for crops, e.g., transfer crops between frames and platform, harvest crops. The platform 130 may include safety means for preventing the platform 130 from malfunctioning and suddenly dropping. The platform 130 may be connected to one side of the support structure 104. The platform 130 allows the user to move freely thereon, and there may be multiple users on the platform 130. The width of the platform 130 may be 1m, 2m, etc. The platform 130 may extend the length of the plurality of frames 110.

The hydroponic system 100 may include a light source 140 disposed below the cover plate 124, the light source 140 adapted to emit light to crops held by the bed 120 therebelow. The light source 140 may be an LED tube extending along the longitudinal direction 100G. The light sources 140 may be bulbs arranged along the longitudinal direction 100G and spaced apart from each other. When the sunlight is insufficient, the light source 140 may be turned on to emit light to the crop.

Fig. 3 shows a side view of an embodiment of the hydroponic system 100 of fig. 1. As shown in fig. 3, the support structure 104 may be a frame that allows light to pass through to the bed 120. A plurality of frames 110 may be movably coupled to the support structure 104. The bed 120 may be tilted such that the proximal end 120P of the bed 120 is higher than the distal end 120D of the bed 120 so that water flows from the proximal end 120P to the distal end 120D. The pump 12P may be activated to pump water from the aquaculture system 12 into the bed 120 through the supply conduit 12S at the proximal end 120P of the bed 120. As the water flows from the proximal end 120P to the distal end 120D of the bed 120, nutrients are absorbed by the crop. Water may flow from the bed 120 back to the aquaculture system 12 through a drain conduit 12D at the distal end 120D of the bed 120. The length of the plurality of frames 110 may extend to the length of the support structure 104. The length of the bed 120 may extend to the length of the frame. A light source 140 may be disposed under each of the plurality of frames 110 to emit light to the crops when needed.

FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an aquaculture system 12. The aquaculture system 12 may be configured to manage water of the hydroponic system 100. The aquaculture system 12 may be fluidly connected to the hydroponic system 100. The aquaculture system 12 may include a nitrification tank 162 for nitrifying water, a containment tank 164 for containing water, and an aquaculture tank 166 for containing aquatic animals, both in fluid connection with the nitrification tank 162. The length of the nitrification tank 162 holding tank 164 and the aquaculture tank 166 may be the same.

The nitrification tank 162 may be fluidly connected to the hydroponic system 100. The nitrification tank 162 may be fluidly connected to the drainage conduit 12D and adapted to receive and contain water therein from the hydroponic system 100. The nitrifying tank 162 may include a pump 162P configured to draw water therein into a holding tank 164. The nitrifying tank 162 may include a water level sensor (not shown in fig. 1) configured to detect a water level therein and transmit a water level signal.

The aquaculture system 12 may include a plurality of parameter sensors 160S disposed in the nitrifying tank 162, the plurality of parameter sensors 160S configured to detect the level of at least one of the following parameters in the water: dissolved Oxygen (DO), hydrogen Power (PH), current (EC), and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP). The plurality of parameter sensors 160S may be configured to transmit a parameter level signal when a parameter is detected.

The aquaculture system 12 may include a dosing system 170 configured to add nutrients to the water in the nitrification tank 162. The dosing system 170 may include a plurality of dosing tanks, each containing a nutrient and a plurality of dosing pumps configured to pump the nutrient from the plurality of dosing tanks into the nitrification tank 162.

Incubator 164 can be fluidly connected to hydroponic system 100. The incubator 164 can be used to receive water from the nitrification tank 162 and transfer the water therein to the hydroponic system 100. The incubator 164 can include a pump 12P therein to draw water therein into the supply conduit 12S of the hydroponic system 100.

The aquaculture system 12 may include a temperature control system 160 configured to control the temperature of the water. The temperature control system 160 may include a thermal sensor 160H disposed in the receiving tank 164 for sensing a water temperature therein and transmitting a temperature signal, and a heating element 160E disposed in the receiving tank 164 for heating the water therein.

The aquaculture system 12 may include an oxygen supply system 180 configured to supply oxygen to the water in the holding tank 164.

The aquaculture tank 166 may include a pump 166P configured to pump water therein into the nitrification tank 162. When the water level therein drops to a threshold level, water may be pumped from the aquaculture tank 166 into the nitrification tank 162.

The nitrification tank 162 and the retention tank 164 may be one nitrification tank. Thus, the thermal sensor 160H and the heating element 160E may be disposed in a single nitrification tank, and the oxygen system 180 may provide oxygen to the single nitrification tank. The aquaculture system 12 may automatically maintain the water at the optimal parameters and temperatures required for the crop.

FIG. 4 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a controller system 150 configured to control the operation of the hydroponic system 10. The controller system 150 may be configured to control the hydroponic system 100 and/or the aquaculture system 12. The controller system 150 may include a server 150S. The server 150S may include a processor 150P and a memory 150M in communication with the processor 150P for storing instructions executable by the processor 150P. The controller system 150 may include at least one of a multimedia module 150U configured to display a user interface and receive user input, an audio module 150A configured to input/output audio signals, an input/output (I/O) interface 150N configured to provide an interface between the processor 150P and a peripheral interface module (e.g., a keyboard), and a communication module 150C configured to facilitate communication between the controller system 150 and other devices or servers. The controller system 150 may include a storage module 150D, such as a storage medium, cloud server, configured to store program modules and data. The controller system 150 may be connected to at least one of a motor, a plurality of sensors, a plurality of supply valves, an air temperature control system 160, a plurality of blowers, a mist emission system, a flow sensor, etc. The controller system 150 may be connected to at least one of the plurality of sensors 160S, the dosing system 170 170, the oxygen supply system 180, the temperature control system 160, the pump 162P, the pump 166P, and the pump 12P. The controller system 150 may include an operation module 150T configured to operate the hydroponic system 100. The operation module 150T may be configured to operate the aquaculture system 12. The operation module 150T may be stored in the memory 150M. Crop data, e.g., growth data, crop type, may be stored in the storage module 150D. The controller system 150 may be configured to communicate with a user mobile device or computer via the internet to allow a user to operate the hydroponic system 10 via the controller system 150.

The processor 150P may be configured to control the pump 12P to pump water from the aquaculture system 12 to the hydroponic system 100. The processor 150P may be configured to receive a flow signal from the flow sensor. The processor 150P may be configured to control the operation of the plurality of supply valves and pumps 12P to control the flow rate of water in the bed 120. The flow rate of water in the crop bed can be controlled accordingly, depending on the type of crop. The processor 150P may be configured to receive the light signals from the light sensors and control the motor to move the bed 120 to a determined position on the plurality of frames 110 to receive direct sunlight. The processor 150P may be configured to move the bed 120 to a configuration that receives optimal direct sunlight based on the light signals. The processor 150P may receive air temperature signals from a plurality of temperature sensors. If the air temperature is above the first temperature threshold, the processor 150P may activate a plurality of blowers to cool the hydroponic system 100. If the air temperature is above the second temperature threshold, the processor 150P may activate the mist spray system to spray mist, further evaporating the cooling air temperature.

Fig. 5 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method 1000 of arranging beds 120 of a plurality of frames 110. The processor 150P may execute the operation module 150T to operate the hydroponic system 100. The method 1000 includes determining that crops on the beds 120 of the frames 110 in the plurality of frames 110 are ready for harvest based on the crop data in block 1100, and moving the determined beds 120 to a proximate location of the platform 130 in block 1200. The processor 150P may receive crop data for crops planted on the hydroponic system 100 and determine the growth of the crop based on the crop data. Based on the crop data, the processor 150P may identify the crop to harvest. If so, the processor 150P is configured to move the identified crop bed 120 to be harvested to the proximal side 110N of the frame 110 adjacent the platform 130 for harvesting the crop. The processor 150P may control the motor of one or more frames 110 of the plurality of frames 110 located at the upper portion to be positioned at the proximal side 110N of the frame 110 so that the user can harvest the crop. The method 1000 also includes staggering the beds 120 of the remaining plurality of frames 110 below the frames 110 in block 1300 to receive optimal direct sunlight. Depending on the operational module 150T, the processor 150P may stagger the bed 120 under the frame 110 to receive the best direct sunlight. If the processor 150P receives a light signal at the bed 120 below the light threshold and fails to move the bed 120 into position, the processor 150P may activate the light source 140 to illuminate the crop. If the processor 150P receives a flow signal indicating that the flow of one or more of the beds 120 is below a threshold flow, the processor 150P may activate the pump 12P to deliver more water from the aquaculture system 12 to the bed 120. The processor 150P may close the supply valve of the farm bed 120 having a flow rate above the threshold flow rate and open the supply valve of the farm bed 120 having a flow rate below the threshold flow rate.

The processor 150P may be configured to control the operation of the aquaculture system 12. The processor 150P may be configured to receive the water level signal from the water level sensor and determine whether the water level in the nitrification tank 162 is above a threshold water level. If below the threshold level, the processor 150P may activate the pump 166P to pump water from the aquaculture tank 166 into the nitrification tank 162. Processor 150P may be configured to receive parameter level signals from a plurality of parameter sensors 160S and determine a parameter level of water in nitrification tank 162. If the parameter is below the parameter threshold level, the processor 150P may activate the dosing system 170 to dose the water in the nitrification tank 162. For example, if the PH and EC values of the water are below a parameter threshold level, the relevant nutrients may be added to the water. The processor 150P may activate the pump 162P to draw water from the nitrification tank 162 into the containment tank 164. If the DO oxygen level in the water is below the parameter threshold, processor 150P may activate oxygen supply system 180 to supply oxygen to incubator 164. Processor 150P may be configured to receive a temperature signal from thermal sensor 160H. If the temperature of the water in incubator 164 is below the temperature threshold, processor 150P may activate heating element 160E to heat the water to the threshold temperature. When the water is in a predetermined state, i.e. within the threshold parameters and temperature range. The processor 150P may activate the pump 12P to pump the water into the hydroponic system 100.

The hydroponic system 100 may include at least one of a Deep Water Culture (DWC) system and a Nutrient Film Technology (NFT) system.

The design of the hydroponic system 10 is adaptable to the natural environment and is beneficial to both aquatic animals and crops. The aquatic cultivation system 10 utilizes natural rain water to feed aquatic animals and the generated waste is converted into nutrients necessary for the growth of the crop. The design of the hydroponic system 10 allows the crop to be exposed to as much sunlight as possible compared to other systems to achieve optimal growth of the crop. For example, the aquatic plant cultivation system 10 is designed such that sunlight is irradiated only to crops in a asexual state. The results show that the seedlings do not need much sunlight for growth, and that the crops in the asexual stage will thrive under sunlight. Therefore, more space needs to be created to allow the asexual stage of crops to get as much sunlight as possible, so that more crops can be harvested.

The hydroponic system 10 is capable of quickly and efficiently harvesting crops, thereby reducing harvesting costs. The user can conveniently and quickly transfer crops between the germination table 102 and the plurality of frames 110 and between the plurality of frames 110. The aquatic plant cultivation system 10 is capable of utilizing land at a concentration of at least 28 times more agricultural products (e.g., fish and vegetables) produced than conventional land cultivation. The hydroponic system 10 provides a controlled environment that enables tight control of the input material for crops and aquaculture. In this way, the aquatic plant growing system 10 provides safety, assurance, and assurance of food supply. The hydroponic system 10 also provides an ecosystem environment, achieving zero waste discharge and carbon balance.

The skilled person will appreciate that features described in one embodiment may not be limited to this embodiment but may be combined with any of the other embodiments.

The present invention relates to an hydroponic system, generally as described herein, and with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Claims

1. An aquatic cultivation system comprising:

A hydroponic system disposed above and in fluid communication with an aquaculture system, the hydroponic system comprising:

A plurality of frames arranged in a vertical direction and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined spacing, wherein the plurality of frames are adapted to allow light to pass through, wherein each of the plurality of frames comprises a length extending in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and a width extending in a lateral direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the longitudinal direction, wherein each of the plurality of frames comprises a bed having a length extending in the longitudinal direction and being slidably attached to each of the plurality of frames and being adapted to slide along the width of each of the plurality of frames, wherein the bed is adapted to hold a crop and is fluidly connected to the aquaculture system; and

A platform for supporting a user and adapted to travel in a vertical direction to the plurality of frames.

2. The hydroponic system of claim 1, wherein the bed comprises a plurality of elongate brackets adapted to hold a crop, wherein the plurality of elongate brackets extend in the longitudinal direction and are spaced apart from one another.

3. The aquatic cultivation system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of frames are divided into an upper section of frames and a lower section of frames below the upper section, wherein the plurality of elongated brackets at the upper section are spaced farther from each other than the plurality of elongated brackets at the lower section.

4. The aquatic cultivation system of claim 2 or 3, wherein each of the plurality of elongated brackets comprises a tube comprising a plurality of openings disposed along the tube.

5. The hydroponic system of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the beds in the plurality of frames are arranged in a staggered configuration, wherein the beds are capable of receiving direct sunlight.

6. The hydroponic system of any one of claims 1-5, wherein each of the plurality of frames has a proximal side adjacent to the platform and a distal side opposite the proximal side, wherein the bed is adapted to move to and between the proximal side and the distal side, wherein the bed is configured to be positioned proximal to the crop when the crop is ready to be harvested.

7. The hydroponic system of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the bed has a width in the range of 0.6m to 1 m.

8. The hydroponic system of any one of claims 1-7, further comprising a light-transmissive cover attached to the bed, wherein the cover extends across a width of the bed and along a length of the bed to form a housing adapted to enclose the crop therein.

9. The aquatic cultivation system of claim 8, further comprising a light source disposed below one or more of the plurality of frames and adapted to emit light onto a crop held by a bed therebelow.

10. The hydroponic system of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the predetermined spacing between any two frames of the plurality of frames is adjustable.

11. The hydroponic system of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the platform extends up to a length of the plurality of frames.

12. An aquatic cultivation system comprising:

A plurality of frames arranged in a vertical direction and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined spacing, wherein the plurality of frames are adapted to allow light to pass through, wherein each of the plurality of frames comprises a length extending in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and a width extending in a lateral direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the longitudinal direction, wherein each of the plurality of frames comprises a bed having a length extending in the longitudinal direction and being slidably attached to each of the plurality of frames and being adapted to slide along the width of each of the plurality of frames, wherein the bed is adapted to hold a crop and is fluidly connected to the aquaculture system;

a platform for supporting a user and adapted to travel in a vertical direction to a plurality of frames;

The processor may be configured to perform the steps of,

A memory in communication with the processor for storing instructions executable by the processor, the processor for:

Identifying, based on the crop data, that crops on a bed of frames of the plurality of frames are ready to be harvested;

moving the identified bed into proximity of a platform for the crop to be harvested;

and staggering the beds of the remaining plurality of frames below the frame to receive optimal direct sunlight.

13. A method of arranging a bed of multiple frames of an aquatic cultivation system according to claim 12, the method comprising: