Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
  • A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
  • A01K1/0047—Air-conditioning, e.g. ventilation, of animal housings
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
  • A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
  • A01K1/0047—Air-conditioning, e.g. ventilation, of animal housings
  • A01K1/0058—Construction of air inlets or outlets in roofs
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
  • A01K67/00—Rearing or breeding animals, not otherwise provided for; New or modified breeds of animals
  • A01K67/033—Rearing or breeding invertebrates; New breeds of invertebrates

Definitions

• the present invention relates to the field of insect farming.
• insects targeted by the invention are for example the beetles, the diptera, the lepidoptera, the isoptera, the orthoptera, the hymenoptera, the blattoptera, the hemiptera, the heteroptera, the ephemeroptera and the mecoptera, preferably the beetles Diptera, orthoptera, lepidoptera.
• insects is used to designate any stage of development from the egg or egg library to the adult insect, and the invention relates more particularly to the breeding of insects from the larval stage to the adult insect.
• chitin and / or chitosan are biocompatible, biodegradable and non-toxic materials.
• Document FR3034622 presents a workshop adapted to the breeding of insects on an industrial scale.
• the farm uses farming containers (typically bins) which are stacked, in one or more columns, to form elementary farming units.
• the elementary breeding units are stored, and, when a breeding operation must be carried out, the containers are brought to a station suitable for carrying out the operation, grouped into elementary breeding units or unbundled individually.
• Insects thus live in an area in which they grow and develop between rearing operations. It is therefore important in this area to maintain environmental conditions favorable to their health, well-being and rapid growth.
• environmental conditions reference is made in particular to the air temperature, the hygrometry, and the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) present in the air.
• Document CN107372375 generally indicates the importance of controlling temperature, humidity and CO2 levels in a silkworm farm. This document describes a breeding room with a temperature, humidity in the air, and CO2 sensor.
• the optimum temperature range for insect growth is generally quite limited.
• the mealworm for example, although it is active between 15 ° C and 40 ° C and can survive at a slightly lower or slightly higher temperature, the growth rate of this species is maximum at a temperature around 25 q C.
• a fairly precise temperature must be maintained.
• the invention proposes an insect breeding workshop comprising a climatic zone whose environmental conditions, in particular as regards temperature, are controlled by an air conditioning system suitable for large-scale farming.
• the invention relates to an insect breeding workshop comprising a climatic zone which comprises a set of shelves for the storage of insects in breeding containers and an air conditioning zone comprising a packaging system for air configured to put air at a first temperature.
• the workshop comprises a first set of conduits configured to transport air at the first temperature from the air conditioning zone to the climatic zone and to deliver said air at the first temperature in said climatic zone.
• the air conditioning system is further configured to heat air to a second temperature in conjunction with warming air to the first temperature.
• the workshop also includes a second set of conduits configured to transport air at the second temperature from the conditioning zone to the climatic zone and to deliver said air at the second temperature in said climatic zone. Air at the first temperature and air at the second temperature mix in said climatic zone.
• a supply of air at two different temperatures in the workshop allows efficient and rapid regulation of its ambient temperature.
• the supply of air according to two different regimes allows an optimization of the energy requirement to cool the breeding workshop.
• the air extraction device comprises a third set of conduits configured for the return of air, from the climatic zone, into the air conditioning zone.
• the extraction of air from the climatic zone considered can be carried out in part via the third set of conduits, which allows the recycling of part of the air from the workshop, and its cooling in the zone of air conditioning for its return to the workshop (via the first set of ducts and / or the second set of ducts).
• the part of the air which is not extracted by the third set of conduits can be extracted by suitable air extractors, towards the atmosphere outside the workshop. Extraction to the outside of the workshop allows air renewal and is advantageous when the outside air is at a temperature below the target temperature in the climatic zone (which allows cooling of the climatic zone without requiring energy consumption to obtain fresh air, so that we can speak of "free" cooling, or "freecooling" according to the English expression.)
• the first set of conduits may comprise a plurality of air diffusion ducts at the first temperature, each formed of a longitudinal duct comprising air ejection nozzles distributed along said air diffusion duct at the first temperature
• the second set of conduits may comprise a plurality of air diffusion ducts at the second temperature, each formed of a duct comprising air ejection nozzles distributed along said diffusion duct air at the second temperature.
• the shelving in the climatic zone can be organized on either side of parallel aisles and one aisle in two is then a handling aisle configured for the circulation of livestock containers in the climatic zone as well as for the entry of rearing containers in the climatic zone and their exit from the climatic zone, and one aisle out of two is an aeration aisle which comprises a succession, according to a predefined sequence, of air distribution ducts at the first temperature and ducts of air diffusion at the second temperature, said air diffusion ducts at the first temperature and at the second temperature extending substantially vertically between the shelves.
• the air aisles may further include air extraction ducts of the air extraction device, said air extraction ducts extending substantially vertically between the shelves.
• the air diffusion and extraction ducts can be arranged in each aeration aisle according to the following single sequence or repeated several times: air extraction duct, air diffusion duct at the first temperature, diffusion duct air at second temperature, air diffusion sheath at first temperature, air diffusion sheath at second temperature, air diffusion sheath at first temperature, air extraction sheath.
• the air diffusion ducts are arranged in each aeration aisle according to the following single sequence or repeated several times: air diffusion duct at the first temperature, air diffusion duct at the second temperature, diffusion duct air at the first temperature, air diffusion duct at the second temperature.
• the workshop may also include air intake vents of the air extraction device, located at one end of said aisles.
• the insect breeding workshop may also include air extractors adapted to extract air from the climatic zone towards the outside of the workshop.
• the air extractors can be in the upper part of the climatic zone, on towers which are attached to a wall of the workshop.
• the first temperature air distribution ducts and the second temperature air distribution ducts can be arranged above the shelves.
• the shelving can then be organized into one or more strata each comprising, in the same horizontal plane, several parallel shelves, in which an air diffusion duct at the first temperature and an air diffusion duct at the second temperature are disposed above each shelf, and an air extraction duct of the air extraction device is disposed under each shelf.
• strata each comprising, in the same horizontal plane, several parallel shelves, in which an air diffusion duct at the first temperature and an air diffusion duct at the second temperature are disposed above each shelf, and an air extraction duct of the air extraction device is disposed under each shelf.
• two successive strata can be separated by a thermal insulating floor.
• the shelving of the climatic zone can be organized, in one or more strata, on both sides of parallel aisles configured for the circulation of the breeding containers in the climatic zone as well as for the entry of the breeding containers in the climatic zone and their exit from the climatic zone and in which above each racking extend an air diffusion duct at the first temperature and an air diffusion duct at the second temperature, and above each aisle extends an air diffusion duct at the first temperature.
• the shelving units can be organized into shelving groups, each shelving group being formed by an aisle and shelving units located directly on either side of this aisle, and each shelving group can be separated from the adjacent shelving groups by thermally insulating walls.
• the shelving in the climatic zone can be organized on either side of parallel aisles and one aisle in two is then a handling aisle configured for the circulation of livestock containers in the climatic zone as well as for the entry of breeding containers in the climatic zone and their exit from the climatic zone, and one aisle out of two is an aeration aisle above which extends an air diffusion duct at the first temperature including the ejection nozzles are oriented towards a workshop floor.
• the air ejection nozzles of the air diffusion ducts at the second temperature T2 can be oriented towards an air diffusion duct at the first temperature.
• free spaces can be advantageously configured between the air diffusion ducts and the shelves to allow the temperature homogenization of the air.
• Walls can be provided opposite the air ejection nozzles of the air diffusion ducts, so as to favor the mixing of the air introduced into the climatic zone respectively at the first temperature and at the second temperature.
• the air conditioning system may also allow the humidity of the air at the first temperature and / or the air at the second temperature to be adjusted.
• the climatic zone may also include at least one water fogger.
• the first temperature may be higher than the second temperature, the air conditioning system being configured to produce two to four times more air at the first temperature than air at the second temperature.
• the first set of ducts and the air extraction device can generate most of the air flow in the climate zone, and the second set of ducts allows temperature correction.
• the first set of conduits and the second set of conduits may each include branches provided with control valves making it possible to modulate the air flow in each of said branches.
• the first set of conduits and the second set of conduits may comprise at least one separate branch per climatic zone.
• the invention relates to a method of air conditioning in a climatic zone of an insect breeding workshop, the method comprising the introduction of air at a first temperature into the climatic zone jointly introducing air at a second temperature into the climatic zone and extracting from said climatic zone an amount of air similar to the amount of air introduced, and regulating the amount of air respectively entered at the first temperature and at the second temperature according to the difference between a set temperature and a measured temperature one or more points in the climatic zone.
• the first temperature may be higher than the second temperature
• the first temperature and the second temperature may both be lower than the set temperature.
• FIG. 1 shows in a schematic view in three dimensions an example of general organization of an insect breeding workshop according to an embodiment of the invention
• FIG. 2 shows, in a schematic view in three dimensions, a set of breeding containers that can be used in an insect farming
• FIG. 3 represents, according to a block diagram, a first example of a general configuration of a climatic zone of an insect breeding workshop in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
• Figure 4 shows, in a schematic plan, a climatic zone according to the configuration of Figure 3; according to a first embodiment
• FIG. 5 shows, in a schematic view in three dimensions, a climatic zone according to the configuration of Figures 3 and 4;
• Figure 6 shows, in a schematic plan, a climatic zone according to the configuration of Figure 3; according to a second embodiment
• FIG. 7 represents, according to a schematic plan, a variant of the climatic zone of FIG. 6;
• FIG. 8 represents, in a schematic view in three dimensions, an example of the general organization of an insect breeding workshop in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
• FIG. 9 represents, in a two-dimensional view, an example of configuration of the first set and of the second set of conduits in a climatic zone of an insect breeding workshop according to the invention.
• FIG. 10 represents, in a schematic view in three dimensions, a second example of a general configuration of a climatic zone of an insect breeding workshop in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
• Figure 1 1 shows a schematic view of the configuration of Figure 10 along a two-dimensional plane
• Figure 12 shows, in a partial three-dimensional view, a variant of the configuration of Figures 10 and 1 1;
• FIG. 13 shows the variant of Figure 12 along a two-dimensional plane
• FIG. 14 represents, according to a two-dimensional plan, a third example of the general configuration of a climatic zone of an insect breeding workshop according to an embodiment of the invention
• FIG. 15 represents, in a schematic view in three dimensions, the climatic zone of FIG. 14.
• Figure 1 shows an insect rearing workshop, shown here as a schematic three-dimensional view.
• insects can in particular be envisaged as an organized whole allowing the laying of eggs by adult insects for the production of larvae, certain larvae being raised until the adult stage for the laying of new eggs, the adults being renewed regularly (for example following their death) by young adults ensuring new laying and so on.
• the final product of production can be eggs, and / or larvae, and / or nymphs, and / or adult insects.
• the workshop shown as an example has a first climatic zone
• Z1 organized for the storage of insects during their growth.
• the insects grow under environmental conditions (defined by environmental parameters including temperature, humidity %) controlled, directed, and optimized.
• the concept of insect breeding includes the growth of adult insects to a desired stage, but can also include all the phases preceding the obtaining of an adult insect (or imago), from the laying eggs (or ootheca) through their hatching, the larval stage, the possible stage of pupa, pupa (all intermediate stages), etc.
• the workshop represented includes a second climatic zone Z2, which is dedicated to the reproduction and the laying of insects.
• the breeding and laying area could alternatively be provided in a part or silo of the first climatic zone Z1.
• the workshop serving as an example for the present invention comprises two climatic zones Z1, Z2, the workshop which is the subject of the invention can obviously comprise a single climatic zone, or more than two climatic zones.
• the workshop shown here also includes a third zone Z3, organized for carrying out one or more sequences or breeding operations.
• the management of the breeding involves the implementation of a succession of sequences or breeding operations.
• a sequence or "operating sequence” includes one or more several successive predefined operations, and is carried out between two growth phases (except when it is a question of sending the insects to another process).
• Breeding operations correspond to operations to be carried out for the maintenance of life, good growth and / or optimization of the breeding conditions for insects.
• the third zone Z3 comprises in particular one or more work stations P1, P2 specialized in carrying out one or more breeding operations.
• Insects eggs, larvae, nymphs, or adults
• containers which can be grouped in sets called elementary breeding units.
• the containers are stored in the first climatic zone Z1, for example in pallet racks.
• each elementary breeding unit can be carried by a pallet, as shown in Figure 2.
• the farming containers 1, 2 can be stackable boxes or bins.
• stackable bins or boxes is meant in particular bins or boxes which are superimposed one above the other, in a slightly recessed manner, which gives a certain stability to the column of boxes thus formed.
• the containers 1, 2 are palletized, that is to say grouped in elementary units UE on a handling pallet 3.
• Pallet 3 may in particular, but not exclusively, be a pallet of conventional size, that is to say typically a pallet of the "Europe pallet” type, or a half-pallet of this type.
• an elementary EU unit of breeding can typically group together from eight to one hundred containers, and include one, two, three, four stacks of containers, or even more.
• the height of a complete elementary breeding unit can for example be between 160 and 230 cm, and typically of the order of 200 cm.
• each elementary unit can be stored in a part of the first climatic zone Z1 called a silo, which presents optimized environmental conditions for the stage of development (or maturity) of the insects of the elementary unit considered. .
• the silos are isolated from each other by suitable partitioning.
• This silo partitioning can use air spaces, or any other partitioning means, in particular physical partitions, making it possible to separate two zones in order to be able to guarantee two atmospheric conditions (temperature, hygrometry, ...) and a sanitary confinement between the silos.
• the first climatic zone Z1 can comprise several distinct silos.
• the silos thus formed can be dedicated to different stages of maturity of the insects, or to several farming methods, in accordance with embodiments of the invention and carried out in parallel in a farm.
• breeding can have several cycles with which different breeding conditions can be associated, that is to say different optimal environmental parameters.
• breeding can include:
• the insects are stored in the first climatic zone Z1 during the production cycle.
• the reproduction cycle is carried out in a first silo S1 of the second climatic zone Z2.
• the incubation cycle is carried out in a second silo S2 in the second climatic zone Z2.
• climatic zone will be used both for a climatic zone proper and for a silo of a climatic zone, insofar as a silo can be considered as a distinct zone in which environmental conditions particular must be established and maintained.
• the insect breeding workshop also includes an air conditioning zone Z4.
• the air conditioning zone makes it possible in particular to bring to the desired temperature a large quantity of air intended for the climatic zone Z1, Z2. Warming up generally concerns air cooling. Indeed, the rearing of millions of insects produces a large amount of heat, so that maintaining the climatic zone at the desired target temperature essentially consists of renewing the air present in the workshop by adding air. fresh.
• Air cooling can be obtained in the air conditioning zone Z4 by an air conditioning system which can include various air cooling devices. Among these devices, the air conditioning system can include, for example, one or more air-cooling towers.
• the air conditioning system can include one or more cold groups, for example one or more centrifugal type cold groups.
• the air conditioning zone Z4 has the particularity of being able to generate two air flows simultaneously at different temperatures.
• the air cooling can be obtained or completed by admitting air from the outside into the workshop.
• air extractors exhaust air from the climate zone to the outside, which is compensated by the admission of (fresh) air from outside into the climate zone.
• the thermal regulation of the climatic zones, or of the silos of the climatic zones is carried out by delivering there two air flows at different temperatures.
• the air conditioning system can generate a first flow of air at a first temperature T1 and a second air flow at a second temperature T2.
• the first temperature T1 can be around 14 ° C.
• the second temperature T2 can be of the order of 8 ° C.
• temperature regulation can implement two air flows at temperatures below the set temperature.
• the air flow at the first temperature can make it possible to partially lower the temperature in the climatic zone Z1, Z2, and to renew most of the air in the climatic zone.
• the air flow at the first temperature can make it possible to mobilize in the climatic zone Z1, Z2 a large amount of air and, if necessary, give it a swirling movement (commonly called by its English name "swirl”) in order to favor the mixing and mixing of air in said climatic zone.
• Air at the second temperature can quickly regulate the temperature to reach the target temperature.
• the air at the second temperature can for example allow a significant supply of cold in the climatic zone, which will be mixed quickly and homogeneously with the air flow at the first temperature.
• the insect breeding workshop includes at least two sets of ducts.
• a first set of conduits C1 makes it possible to transport the air at the first temperature T1 from the air conditioning zone Z4 to each climatic zone Z1, Z2.
• a second set of conduits C2 makes it possible to transport the air at the second temperature T2 to each climatic zone Z1, Z2.
• a third set of conduits C3 allows air return from the climatic zones Z1, Z2 to the air conditioning zone Z4.
• the return of air to the air conditioning zone Z4 allows in particular the recovery in the air workshop at a temperature close to the target or set temperature, in order to generate in a controlled manner the air flows at the first temperature T1 and second temperature T2.
• the advantage in terms of power to be used for cooling the air is also important when the ambient temperature (outside the workshop) is higher than the temperature of the air returning to the air conditioning zone Z4 by the third set of conduits C3.
• all or part of the air extracted from the climatic zone Z1, Z2 can be extracted using conventional extractors, for example located at the roof of the workshop (where the warmest air can s 'accumulate).
• a first configuration is described in particular with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9.
• a second configuration is described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14.
• the first set of conduits and the second set of conduits comprise ducts for diffusing air into the climatic zone or zones.
• a diffusion sheath is a duct, straight or curved, comprising nozzles allowing the ejection of gas (typically air) from the inside of the sheath towards the outside.
• the nozzles can in particular have an orientation perpendicular to the direction of extension of the diffusion sheath. We speak of a radial direction of diffusion when the sheath has a circular section, which is generally the case.
• the nozzles can consist of simple calibrated orifices, formed in the wall of the diffusion sheath.
• a diffusion duct distributes the air introduced into the climatic zone Z1, Z2.
• the first configuration and the second climatic zone configuration have different arrangements of the air diffusion ducts, making it possible to obtain a sufficiently homogeneous temperature in the climatic zone, and satisfactory renewal of the air.
• the first general configuration shown in Figure 3, is based on a vertical distribution of the air distribution ducts in the climatic zone.
• Figures 3 to 9 show more particularly the first climatic zone Z1 of a workshop according to Figure 1, organized according to this first general configuration.
• the ventilation system used thus comprises, according to this first configuration, air transport conduits 4 in the upper part (for example running under the ceiling) of the climatic zone Z1.
• the air transport conduits 4 belong respectively to the first set of conduits C1, to the second set of conduits C2, or to the third set of conduits C3.
• Air distribution ducts 5 extend vertically in the climatic zone Z1. Each air diffusion duct 5 belongs either to the first set of duct C1 or to the second set of duct C2, and thus allows the introduction of air into the workshop either at the first temperature T 1 or at the second temperature T2.
• air extraction ducts 6, linked to the third set of conduits C3, can be provided.
• the air extraction ducts 6 then advantageously have a vertical arrangement similar to that of the air diffusion ducts 5, in this first configuration of the climatic zone.
• This configuration of the ventilation system is particularly suited to a climatic zone which comprises parallel shelving 7 intended to receive containers of insects (for example grouped in palletized sets like that of FIG. 2).
• the parallel shelves 7 form between them parallel aisles 8.
• two types of aisles 8 can be distinguished, according to their functional assignment.
• Certain aisles, called aeration aisles 9 comprise the diffusion ducts 5, and where appropriate the air extraction ducts 6.
• the air transport ducts 4 advantageously extend above these aisles assigned to the ventilation system.
• the diffusion ducts 5 thus supply air conditioning to the shelves 7 adjacent to the aisle in which they are arranged.
• Certain aisles called handling aisles 10 are intended for the movement of livestock containers in the climatic zone, as well as for their entry into the climatic zone and their exit from the climatic zone (for example for carrying out breeding in the third zone Z3 of the workshop).
• air extraction can be carried out at the ends of the aisles, or at one of the ends of the aisles in order to define a directed air flow in the aisles, by conventional extractors and / or by air extraction means linked to the third set of conduits C3.
• air extraction can be carried out on any side of the workshop, depending on the desired orientation of the air flow. This arrangement can also be implemented in addition to air extraction ducts.
• the movements of the containers, individually or in the form of an EU breeding unit, can be carried out by various systems.
• a stacker crane 1 1 can be provided, which can move along - or between - the shelving of the handling aisles 10.
• the stacker crane 1 1 is for example configured to move the elementary units EU of breeding to or from an interface with the third zone Z3.
• This interface can include a belt conveyor.
• Other handling systems or more generally transport systems can be envisaged for the recovery of the farming containers from the shelves (or the installation of the farming containers from the shelves 7) and their movement.
• Robots, automata, or autonomous transport vehicles can be used, possibly with suitable elevators making it possible to move said robots, automata, or autonomous vehicles between the vertical levels of the shelves 7.
• the handling aisles 10 are thus provided with devices comprising a fixed structure for the transport of the elementary units UE (stacker crane, elevator) or left essentially free of any obstacle to facilitate the movement of autonomous means (robots, automata, or autonomous vehicles).
• UE stacker crane, elevator
• autonomous means robots, automata, or autonomous vehicles
• FIG. 4 illustrates, according to a plan seen from above, a climatic zone conforming to the general configuration of FIG. 3.
• air diffusion ducts at the first temperature 51 are arranged alternately with ducts air diffusion at the second temperature 52.
• the purpose of this alternation is to ensure good temperature uniformity in the climatic zone.
• the alternation of the air diffusion ducts may consist of the following sequence: an air diffusion duct at the first temperature 51, followed by an air diffusion duct at the second temperature 52, followed by a air diffusion duct at the first temperature 51, etc.
• other alternation sequences can be envisaged, in order to ensure optimal homogeneity in air temperature.
• air extraction ducts 6 can be arranged between the air diffusion ducts, preferably in a regular sequence.
• the distribution between the air distribution ducts and the air extraction ducts contributes to the establishment of a flow allowing temperature uniformity and air renewal in the workshop. This flow is optionally optimized by a partial partitioning between the air diffusion ducts, an example of which is described below with reference to FIG. 5.
• each air aisle 9 an air extraction duct 6, followed by an air diffusion duct at the first temperature 51, followed by a air diffusion duct at the second temperature 52, followed by an air diffusion duct at the first temperature 51, followed by an air diffusion duct at the second temperature 52, followed by a heating duct air diffusion at the first temperature 51, followed by an air extraction duct 6, if necessary followed by a new identical sequence (therefore starting with a new air extraction duct 6), etc. .
• arrows from the diffusion ducts 51, 52 illustrate the main direction of introduction of air from said diffusion ducts.
• arrows pointing towards the extraction ducts 6 illustrate the direction in which the air is sucked into said air extraction ducts 6.
• the air diffusion ducts at the first temperature 51 tend to blow the air towards the shelves 7, in order to ensure good renewal of the air in the breeding containers.
• the air diffusion ducts at the second temperature 52 tend to blow the air at the second temperature in the direction of the air aisle 9, in the direction of the air distribution ducts at the first temperature 51, so that the air at the second temperature mixes with air at the first temperature before a relatively homogeneous air flow reaches the breeding containers.
• Figure 4 is a two-dimensional plan. However, identical flows are provided over the entire height of the climatic zone, or, at the very least, in several vertical levels of the climatic zone, so as to ensure a substantially identical and acceptable temperature over the entire height of the climatic zone. .
• FIG. 5 illustrates this aspect.
• FIG. 5 represents a schematic view in three dimensions of a shelving unit 7 and the diffusion and extraction ducts adjacent to this shelving unit 7.
• Three planes P1, P2, P3 of air flow are represented, by way of illustration of the establishment of air flow both in the lower part of the climatic zone, typically close to the ground (at the level of the first plane P1) , only in an intermediate part of the climatic zone (at the level of the P2 plan) and only in the upper part of the climatic zone, typically close to a ceiling (at the level of the P3 plan).
• FIG. 5 also illustrates the possibility of installing partitions 11 making it possible to deflect the air flows in order to guide said air flows in the climatic zone and to improve the temperature uniformity of the air reaching the shelves. 7 and breeding containers.
• partitions 1 1 can be arranged opposite the outlet nozzles of the air diffusion ducts 5.
• this makes it possible in particular to avoid entry into the shelves of a direct air flow from said air diffusion ducts at the first temperature 51.
• Such a direct air flow could on the one hand have too high a speed, and, on the other hand, be unfavorable to the good mixing of the air at the first temperature T 1 with the air at the second temperature T2.
• partitions 1 1 can be provided between the air diffusion ducts 5 and the extraction ducts 6, in order to limit the share of air introduced into the climatic zone which would not participate in the renewal of the air in the farming containers on the shelves 7.
• FIG. 6 illustrates, according to a plan seen from above, a climatic zone conforming to the general configuration of FIG. 3, according to a second exemplary embodiment.
• air diffusion ducts at the first temperature 51 are arranged alternately with air diffusion ducts at the second temperature 52.
• each air aisle 9 an air diffusion duct at the first temperature 51 is followed by an air diffusion duct at the second temperature 52, followed by an air diffusion duct at the first temperature 51, followed by an air diffusion duct at the second temperature 52, et cetera.
• air extraction is carried out on one or more sides of the workshop.
• air intake vents 62 are formed on a first face of the climatic zone, advantageously located near or in the direction of the air conditioning zone Z4.
• the air intake vents 62 are advantageously located at one end of the aisles (in particular air aisles 9) of the workshop.
• the air intake vents supply the third set of ducts C3, allowing air return from the climatic zone to the air conditioning zone.
• the air from the third set of conduits is thus again brought to temperature, namely in whole or in part at the first temperature T1 or at the second temperature T2.
• Air extractors 63 are located on one or more sides of the climate zone.
• the air extractors 63 are advantageously located in the upper part of the climatic zone, where the warmest air tends to be localized.
• the air extractors 63 make it possible to extract hot air present in the workshop towards the outside, so that the air thus extracted is replaced by air coming from the outside. Air renewal can thus be carried out by introducing air from the first and second set of ducts, or naturally via openings in the climate zone.
• Figure 7 shows, in a view similar to that of Figure 6, a variant of the embodiment of Figure 6 for optimizing the uniformity of the air temperature in the climatic zone.
• each air aisle 9 is identical to that of the configuration of Figure 6: an air diffusion duct at the first temperature 51 is followed by a duct air diffusion at the second temperature 52, followed by an air diffusion sheath at the first temperature 51, followed by an air diffusion sheath at the second temperature 52, and so on. Nevertheless, the air diffusion ducts, respectively at the first temperature and at the second temperature, are staggered between two consecutive air aisles.
• each air diffusion duct at the first temperature 51 is surrounded by air diffusion ducts at the second temperature 52, and each diffusion duct d air at the second temperature 52 is surrounded by air diffusion ducts at the first temperature 51, except of course the ducts located in the aisles at the edge of the climatic zone.
• a different offset could be applied between the ducts of two successive air aisles (for example a shift of half the longitudinal distance between two diffusion ducts).
• the air extractors being located in the upper part of the workshop, it can be installed at the top of towers to strengthen the structure of the workshop.
• the air extractors 63 can be installed at the top of towers 64 attached to a wall of the workshop, so that not only the air extractors 63 do not constitute a load to be supported for the structure of the workshop , but the towers which support them can reinforce said structure of the workshop.
• Such a configuration is shown in Figure 8.
• the air distribution ducts are supplied by sets of ducts extending under the ceiling of the climate zone.
• the air recovery ducts are linked to the third set of ducts which also extends in the upper part of the workshop.
• FIG. 9 represents an example of an alternative configuration according to a two-dimensional plan of the climatic zone.
• the shelving is arranged just as in the configuration described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8.
• the parallel shelving 7 forms between them parallel aisles 8, comprising air aisles 9 and handling aisles 10 (typically one out of two aisles is air-fed and one out of two is handling).
• a suitable stacker crane or any other means of handling can be provided in each handling aisle 10.
• one of the two sets of ducts allowing the introduction of air into the climatic zone in this case the second set of ducts C2 supplying the air diffusion ducts to the second temperature 52, extends in the lower part of the climatic zone.
• the first set of conduit C1 supplying the air diffusion ducts at the first temperature 51 extends in the upper part of the climatic zone.
• the opposite configuration to that presented in FIG. 9 is possible, that is to say with the first set of conduits supplying the air diffusion ducts at the first temperature extending in the lower part and the second set of conduits supplying the air diffusion ducts at the second temperature extending in the upper part.
• the first set of conduits, the second set of conduits, and optionally the third set of conduits (for air extraction) can extend in the lower part of the climatic zone.
• the duct assembly may include or consist of a plenum or air manifold.
• the air ejection nozzles of each sheath are advantageously adapted (in number, in distribution, in shape, in section), so that the flow of air ejected is substantially homogeneous over the entire height of the shelves 7 of the climatic zone.
• the air flow reaching and passing through the culture containers has a low speed, so that this air flow is not likely to lift the culture material present in the containers.
• the air diffusion is advantageously distributed over the entire height over which are containers for breeding insects.
• air diffusion is carried out up to approximately 50 cm under the lowest container (typically the box).
• the lowest breeding container can be located at a certain height from the workshop floor, for example about 1.5 meters from the ground, which can accommodate a number of technical systems (stacker crane mechanisms, duct assemblies as described above, etc.) and also allows easy cleaning of the workshop, for example using cleaning robots.
• the second general configuration is based on a horizontal distribution of air distribution ducts in the climatic zone.
• the air diffusion ducts are arranged above the shelves 7.
• FIGS. 10 to 15 show more particularly the first climatic zone Z1 of a workshop conforming to FIG. 1, organized according to this second general configuration.
• Figure 10 shows a first variant of this second configuration, in a three-dimensional view, while Figure 1 1 shows the variant of Figure 10 according to a two-dimensional plane.
• the shelves 7 are organized in one or more strata superimposed vertically and each comprising, in the same horizontal plane, several rays 71, 72,73 parallel.
• Figures 10 and 1 1 represent a climatic zone comprising three strata, namely a lower stratum S1, an intermediate stratum S2, and an upper stratum S3.
• an air diffusion sheath at the first temperature 51 and an air diffusion sheath at the second temperature 52 are arranged above each radius 71 , 72.73.
• An air extraction duct 6 is arranged under each spoke. This configuration guarantees a flow of air through the shelves in order to renew the air around the elementary units (or containing unit farms) contained in said shelves.
• the strata can be separated from each other by a thermal insulating floor. .
• the air at the first temperature being less cold than the air at the second temperature, it may be expected to diffuse a greater quantity of air at the second temperature (in proportion to the air at the first temperature) more the stratum considered is high.
• said climatic zone may advantageously include parallel aisles configured for the circulation of breeding containers in the climatic zone as well as for the entry of breeding containers in the climatic zone and their exit from the climatic zone.
• These movements of the breeding containers can be carried out by means of various devices among which a stacker crane, a conveyor belt, a robot, an automaton, or an autonomous vehicle.
• the air extraction can be carried out at the ends of the aisles, by conventional extractors and / or by air extraction means linked to the third set of conduits C3.
• An air extraction at one end of the aisles also allows the creation of a regular and oriented air flow in the climatic zone, according to the orientation of the aisles.
• air extraction can be carried out on any side of the climate zone, depending on the desired orientation of the air flow.
• the climatic zone is organized into shelving groups. Each group of racks consists of an aisle, and racks located on either side of the aisle, that is to say the racks which are directly adjacent to it.
• Figures 12 and 13 thus each represent a single group of shelves.
• a stratum of a climatic zone organized according to the second configuration generally comprises a plurality of groups of adjacent shelves.
• said adjacent shelving groups can be separated by a thermally insulating wall.
• each shelf 7 in a group of shelves, above each shelf 7 extend an air diffusion duct at the first temperature 51 and an air diffusion duct at the second temperature 52, and at -above each aisle 8 extends an air diffusion sheath at the first temperature 51.
• the shelves of the stratum represented are two-storey, that is to say, they are suitable for storing elementary units UE on two levels.
• the air distribution ducts at the second temperature 52 are advantageously located above the air distribution ducts at the first temperature 51.
• This configuration makes it possible to arrange the air distribution ducts at the second temperature 52 (the second temperature T2 being cooler than the first temperature T1) as far away from the shelves 7 and from the breeding containers, which avoids a supply of too cold air into the breeding containers (the air at the second temperature T2 will necessarily be mixed with less cold air, typically at the first temperature T 1, before arriving near the breeding containers).
• Partitions 1 1 can be arranged between the air diffusion ducts so as to deflect the air flows leaving the diffusion ducts to guide the air flow in the climatic zone and improve the temperature uniformity of the air reaching the shelves 7 and the rearing containers they contain.
• a partition 1 1 can be arranged opposite the nozzles of each of the air diffusion sheaths, so that the air flow from each sheath impacts the partition respectively positioned opposite said sheath.
• arrows starting from the diffusion ducts 51, 52 illustrate the main direction of introduction of air from said diffusion ducts.
• the air distribution ducts at the first temperature 51 and the air distribution ducts at the second temperature 52 located directly above the shelves 7 blow substantially horizontally, towards the center of the aisle 8 separating the shelves, so as not to create a direct air flow between said sheaths and the shelves.
• the air diffusion sheath at the first temperature 51 located above the aisle 8 blows downwards, towards a partition 11 which favors the mixing of the air coming from the different air diffusion sheaths, and avoids the creation of a direct flow towards the base of the aisle 8, the areas located at the top (upper level of the shelves 7) being the most difficult to cool, the hot air tending to accumulate there.
• Figure 14 shows in a two-dimensional plan a third example of the general configuration of a climatic zone of an insect breeding workshop.
• the shelves are arranged just as in the configuration described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9.
• the parallel shelves 7 form between them parallel aisles 8, comprising air aisles 9 and handling aisles 10 (typically one out of two aisles is air-fed and one out of two is handling).
• a stacker crane 1 1 or any other means of handling can be provided in each handling aisle.
• An air diffusion duct at the first temperature 51 extends above each air aisle 9.
• the air ejection nozzles of each air diffusion duct at the first temperature 51 are oriented towards the ground of the climatic zone and the corresponding aisle 9.
• the air diffusion ducts at the first temperature 51 provide most of the air supply in the climatic zone and the flow air in it.
• Second temperature air distribution ducts 52 extend between the first temperature air distribution ducts 51.
• one or two second temperature air distribution ducts 52 may be provided between two successive air diffusion ducts at the first temperature 51.
• the second temperature air distribution ducts 52 have diffusion nozzles oriented towards the one or more adjacent air distribution ducts.
• the air at the second temperature T2 is thus mixed with the air at the first temperature T1 before reaching the shelves 7, and is entrained by the majority flow of air coming from the air diffusion ducts at the first temperature 51.
• FIG. 15 represents, in a schematic view in three dimensions, the climatic zone of FIG. 14.
• the extraction of air is carried out at the ends of aisles 8, by air extractors.
• the extractors are advantageously positioned in the upper part of the handling aisles 10.
• such an extraction organizes a general flow of air in the zone ventilation which crosses the shelves 7, at all levels of said shelves 7. This allows a renewal of the air in all the shelves and a good homogeneity of the air (in temperature, humidity and CO2 content) throughout the climatic zone .
• FIG. 15 also has the particularity (optional in this configuration and also applicable to all the configurations of the invention, in particular the detailed configurations described above, and as shown in FIG. 7) that the packaging area of air is directly adjacent to the climate zone.
• the air conditioning zone Z4 is here organized above the climatic zone.
• the climatic zone Z4 includes in particular several air treatment plants 61. Each air handling unit 61 makes it possible to supply air at the first temperature T1 or at the second temperature T2.
• the insect breeding workshop may also include several air conditioning zones, which may for example each include one or more air handling units 61.
• air conditioning zones which may for example each include one or more air handling units 61.
• free spaces are provided between the air diffusion ducts and the shelves to allow the temperature homogenization of the air.
• These spaces are located either in the air aisles 9 of the first general configuration illustrated in Figures 3 to 9, or above the shelves in the second general configuration illustrated in Figures 10 to 13, or above and between the shelves as in the third general configuration illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15.
• the walls 1 1 arranged opposite the air ejection nozzles of the air diffusion ducts respectively at the first temperature and at the second temperature also favor the mixing of the air introduced into the climatic zone respectively at the first temperature and at the second temperature.
• the temperature in the climatic zone can be controlled by regulating the amount of air introduced respectively at the first temperature and at the second temperature according to the difference between a set temperature and a temperature measured at one or more points of the climatic zone. If different set temperatures are desired (for example if the climatic zone is divided into several silos, or if several temperature sensors indicate that a significant difference in temperature exists between different points in the climatic zone) the quantities and proportions of air at the first temperature and at the second temperature can be regulated, by regulating valves, in different branches of the first set of conduits and in different branches of the second set of conduits.
• an insect breeding workshop represented in FIG.
• the first set of conduits C1 has a first branch B1 for the introduction of air into the first climatic zone Z1, and a second branch B2 for the introduction of air into the second climatic zone Z2.
• Control valves V1, V2 allow the distribution of the air introduced into the first climatic zone Z1 and into the second climatic zone Z2 respectively.
• each set of ducts can have several branches in which the air flow can be adjusted independently.
• the humidity level constitutes, as indicated above, another environmental parameter whose control and monitoring are important to promote the growth of insects and limit the risks of development of certain diseases.
• the air conditioning system present in the air conditioning zone Z4 is advantageously adapted to regulate the humidity of the air at the first temperature and / or the humidity of the air at the second temperature. If only one of the humidity levels of the air at the first temperature and of the air at the second temperature is adjustable, it can be adapted according to the humidity in the air at the other temperature, and as a function of the ratio between the air introduced at the first temperature and the air introduced at the second temperature.
• each climatic zone can include additional air humidification devices (for example misters) making it possible to correct the humidity level, in order to reach a target humidity level.
• the level of carbon dioxide also constitutes an environmental parameter whose control is important. Maintaining a level of carbon dioxide at an acceptable level (below a predefined limit) is obtained by sufficient air renewal. To this end, a minimum air change rate can be set. Air renewal is ensured by the introduction and concomitant extraction of sufficient air. Depending on the level of carbon dioxide in the climate zone, it may therefore be necessary to introduce less cold air into the climate zone, but in greater quantity. For example, the quantity of air introduced at the second temperature T2 (a priori colder than the air at the first temperature T 1) can be limited while the quantity of air introduced at the first temperature is increased.
• the invention thus developed allows effective regulation of environmental parameters in an insect breeding workshop, in particular in the context of industrial scale breeding.
• This regulation in particular of the temperature, is obtained by the introduction of air at two different temperatures in the same climatic zone.
• air flows can have different majority roles.
• the air introduced at a first temperature can participate in cooling the air in the climatic zone, but also, in cooperation with air extraction means, in generating most of the air flow in the climatic zone.
• the flow generated has a function of air renewal in the climatic zone and a function air homogenization, whether in temperature, humidity, or carbon dioxide rate.
• the air introduced at a second temperature generally lower than the first temperature, allows a rapid correction of the temperature in the climatic zone.
• the air flow introduced into the climatic zone at the first temperature can typically (and depending on the cooling requirements) be two to four times greater than the air flow introduced into the climatic zone at the second temperature.
• Efficient control of environmental parameters in large climatic zones makes it possible to envisage insect farming on an industrial scale, with a maximized yield. and good living and growing conditions for livestock insects.

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• 2018
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