MODULAR AGRICULTURE SYSTEM

Abstract

A modular agriculture system for use underwater. The system comprises a plurality of node elements (101) each including an agricultural unit and a plurality of connection elements (201) for inter-connecting at least some of said nodes to form a mesh-like structure with nodes at the mesh junctions. A significant portion of said connection elements (201) are of low cross section such that when in use and placed underwater they present a low resistance to the action of waves and currents. A plurality of tensioning elements are connected to the mesh-like structure to place the connection elements (201) in tension.

Claims

1. A modular agriculture system for use underwater, the system comprising: a plurality of node elements (101) each including an agricultural unit: a plurality of connection elements (201) for inter-connecting at least some of said nodes (101) to form a mesh-like structure with nodes (101) at the mesh junctions, said connection elements having a profile such that when in use and placed underwater they present a low resistance to the action of waves and currents; a plurality of tensioning elements (310) for connection to the mesh-like structure to place the connection elements in tension; and at least two anchor elements (301) for securing the mesh-like structure to the sea bottom.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the connection elements have a low cross-section.

3. A system according to any preceding claim 1 wherein the or each agricultural unit (101) may be one of either a planter for seaweed and/or other underwater plants, or a feeder for fish and/or other underwater animals.

4. A system according to any preceding claim wherein at least some of the connection elements (201) are flexible.

5. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the node elements (101) includes a coupling arrangement for a connection element which allows a connection element to move therethrough and thereby move relative to the node element.

6. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein at least part of the connection elements (201) are biodegradable.

7. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the node elements (101) includes a substrate to facilitate rooting of plants or seaweeds positioned on them.

8. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the geometry of the inter-connected mesh-like structure comprising connection lines (201) and tensioning elements (301) is selected so that the tension applied via the tensioning element will distribute evenly through at least part of the mesh-like structure.

9. A system according to any of the preceding claim, wherein a or the anchor element (301) comprises a bottom fixture such as an anchor, or a surface penetrating component, a suction system, or a weight, or a combination of these.

10. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein a tensioning element comprises tension generating devices like coils, elastomers, pneumatic or hydraulic or electromechanical actuators or ropes or cables pulled by floaters or by weights, possibly with the use of pulleys or other means to deviate the direction of the tension thus generated.

11. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein a node element (101) contains means to distribute light or nutrients in its immediate vicinity.

12. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein a node element contains means to keep away or control predators or pests, like cages, sound emitters (possibly of very high or very low frequency), electromagnetic emitters (possibly of low frequency or of very high frequency, or of light) or substance emitters.

13. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein a node element contains fixtures like anchors or surface penetrating components or weights, or a combination of the above, to further reduce relative motion with respect to the ground.

14. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein a node element contains means to monitor the surrounding environment, means to mitigate the accumulation of sediments, to produce heat, to produce cold, to vary the percentage of some gases diluted in the surrounding water or any combination of the above.

15. A system according to any preceding claim, further including at least one service node element for inclusion in the mesh-like structure and containing means to provide useful services to the cultivation.

16. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein a node element or a service node element includes means for connection to power cables, to data cables or to pipes.

17. A system according to any preceding claim, further including a power hub, a data hub, a storage device or a combination of the above, for connection to a node element or service node element and/or to a connecting elements.

18. A system according to any preceding claim, further including one or more devices to convert into usable energy the mechanical energy from waves, the mechanical energy from currents, the light, the thermal energy from an underground reservoir, the salinity gradient, the thermal gradient or other sources of renewable energy.

19. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the mesh-like structure of nodes and connecting elements is prepared in a way which allows for it to be deployed by an unmanned underwater vehicle.

20. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the mesh of nodes and connecting elements is prepared in a way which allows for it to be assembled underwater by a mechanical system prior to deployment

21. A method of deploying the system of any of claims 1 to 20 comprising the steps of: i) providing at least two stores of tensioning lines at separated locations; ii) connecting the tensioning lines from each of those stores to a controllably moveable vessel; iii) withdrawing said tensioning lines from their respective stores by moving the respective vessels away from the respective stores of tensioning lines; and iv) attaching connection elements to and between said tensioning lines as they are withdrawn from the respective stores of tensioning lines.

22. A method according to claim 20 wherein the stores of tensioning lines are located on shore.

23. A method according to claim 21 or claim 22 wherein the stores of tensioning lines are each a roll of tensioning line.

24. A method according to any of claims 21 to 23 comprising the further steps of: v) disengaging the tensioning lines from their respective stores once the mesh-like structure is complete; and vi) towing a completed mesh-like structure away from the locations of the stores of tensioning line.

25. A method according to claim 24 wherein the ends of the tensioning lines disengaged from the stores are themselves connected to further controllably moveable vessels and the tensioning lines are kept in tension.

26. A method according to any of claims 21 to 25 wherein the controllably movable vessels may be remotely operated or manned, surface, aerial or underwater vessels or drones.

Description

PREFERRED OR ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components. Embodiments of the invention will be described by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the attached figures in which:

[0028] FIG. 1a is a schematic view of a sea (lake, pond) bottom portion with Embodiment 1 in place over it;

[0029] FIG. 1b is a schematic view of a variation of Embodiment 1, where the geometry of the mesh is not rectangular

[0030] FIG. 2a is a schematic view of a node of Embodiment 1, with part of the connection elements converging on it.

[0031] FIGS. 2b, 2c, 2d are schematic views of variations of one of the nodes of Embodiment 1, with part of the connection elements converging on them.

[0032] FIG. 3a shows a way to fold the mesh of Embodiment 1 and of Embodiment 2 on a tube, in preparation for deployment

[0033] FIG. 4a is a schematic view of a portion of sea (lake, pond) bottom with Embodiment 2 in place over it.

[0034] FIG. 5a-b-c contain a schematic view (side and from top) of some possible deployment procedures.

[0035] We describe in the following some embodiments of the present invention, which exemplify the main features in away which makes it possible for someone skilled in the sector to build it. The embodiments are necessarily specific on several points and make quantitative choices on dimensions and components of the system, without implying that these choices are essential to explicate the innovations ofthe invention. They are merely a necessity to describe a real instance of the device.

[0036] FIG. 1a is a general overview of Embodiment 1 comprising a plurality of nodes hosting plants or seaweed (101), their connecting elements (201) and external tensioning elements in the form of a circumferential line (320) tensioned by four elastic lines (310) connecting it to stable fixtures on the sea bottom (301). The external line 320 can have a curvilinear shape (as seen from above) to better transmit tension to the connection elements 201. In FIG. 1b we describe one of the possible alternative geometries for the cultivation system, where the nodes 201 (not drawn in the picture) are placed at the intersection of three lines. The actual dimensions of a complete system can vary from very small (node distance 15 cm or less, tensioning lines length 2 m or less) to very large (node distance 0.5 m or more, tensioning lines length 1 Km or more). The connecting and tensioning lines may be lines or cables of a material of sufficient strength (e.g. ropes or steel cables). Such lines have a low cross-section and therefore present a low barrier to water impacting or incident on them.

[0037] The nodes of this embodiment are made of biodegradable material and steel (FIG. 2a). Each one of them is a wooden disk (101) with a central hole where the plant is inserted, and crossed in perpendicular directions by the connection elements (201) which are biodegradable ropes. In a standard configuration, the diameter of the disk might be 5 cm, with the central hole 2 cm of diameter. The ropes cross continuously through the node 101, to better preserve tension, and the node 101 is stabilized entirely by the presence of tension in the elements 201.

[0038] In a variation of this embodiment described in FIG. 2b, each node 101 is composed of an L-shaped steel plate, to which is welded a small tube (on the inside of the L and with its vertical axis orthogonal to both the convergent ropes at that given node) and to the outside of each one of the two legs of the L are connected two semicircular structures, which contain the connection elements 201 (which are two ropes in this case) in a pass-through configuration. It is also possible to use a configuration where the two semicircular structures have an opening (one on the top part and the other one on the bottom one) so that the rope can be inserted inside and then will remain in place due to its tension. To remove the rope from the housing it is necessary to bend the whole system in a way which should be almost impossible to be caused by the wave or current action. The same movement is however easy to be put in place by an operator who wants to connect the device to the node between two intersections ropes or who wants to remove the device from its position. The plant is inserted inside the tube, either before final deployment of the system on the sea floor or after that. A node 101 like this has the advantage of being very low profile against the water while providing improved stabilization against rotation induced by waves or currents.

[0039] The connection elements are made of biodegradable ropes based on vegetable fibers. This allows the connection elements to self-dissolve over time, once the plants have rooted and there is no more need for their stabilization. If the nodes are also made of biodegradable material like wood or non-stainless steel, they too will dissolve over time leaving the plants or seaweed completely free.

[0040] The tensioning and stabilization elements 320 are located circumferentially outside of the area interested by the nodes, and are put in tension by a flexible element 310 (like a coil or a piece of flexible rope) connecting them to a soil penetrating anchoring system attached to biodegradable ropes 301 (FIGS. 1a and 1b).

[0041] To install the system, the network formed by intersecting ropes is laid on the ground on land, and the nodes are connected at each intersection of two transversal ropes. The system so composed is then rolled around a lightweight tube (401) to make it easily transportable (FIG. 3a). The nodes and the mesh are disposed on the tube in a way which allows several layers of mesh to superimpose on itself.

[0042] Divers or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) bring the tube 401 with the rolled mesh of ropes and nodes on the site destined for the installation, and then unfold it by unrolling the tube. After this or prior to this the tensioning and stabilization elements are put in place, the mesh is connected to them via external tensioning devices (like a tackle) and then a biodegradable rope is fastened in position to keep the system tensioned, and the external tensioning devices are removed and taken away.

[0043] In a variation of this embodiment, each node includes a detachable apparatus (501) capable of generating light when ambient light decreases below a certain level (FIG. 2c-2d). Each one of these detachable devices is connected via an electrical cable which runs along connection elements to a central hub which powers all of them. This central hub may contain energy storage components and systems to generate electricity locally from waves or from a tidal stream where present.

[0044] The added light accelerates growth of the plants and reduces the risk of them being washed away by particularly energetic storms or by erosion of the substrate on which they are rooting.

[0045] In another variation of this embodiment, electricity is collected by a small solar panel (801) attached to the node itself with no need for a central hub or electrical connectivity along some of the connection elements. (FIG. 2c-2d).

[0046] Other variations include soil stabilization fixtures directly connected to the nodes (701, FIG. 2c-2d) or plant protection structures (601, FIG. 2c-2d).

[0047] It is also possible to have some or all of the connection elements 201 not pass-through but terminated on the node 101 (FIG. 2d).

[0048] In a second embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 4a), the mesh of nodes 101 and connection elements 201 are as in the preceding FIG. 1a (or any of its variants) but the tension in the tensioning and stabilization elements on the tensioning lines 320 is induced by floaters 310, which put in tension lines going through pulleys attached to fixtures 301 on the sea floor.

[0049] This solution has the advantage of a simpler installation, as the length of the ropes connecting the tensioning lines to the sea bottom fixtures is self-regulated by the movement on the pulley, whereas in the case of the use of springs or elastomers the system needs to be put in tension by the operators.

[0050] A disadvantage with respect to the solution with springs or elastomers is that the floaters 310 will be affected by waves or currents. This impact is however going to be very small compared to what would be the impact of an extended support structure like those used in the prior art, as the tension which needs to be applied is comparatively small. It is also possible to use tackle arrangements to multiply the force exerted by the floaters, thus allowing for their displacement to be reduced. The expression tackle arrangements is used to describe pulleys, combinations of pulleys and the like which can be used to multiply or reduce forces applied and/or needed to be provided.

[0051] A third embodiment of the present invention has the same types of mesh of nodes and connection elements as the previous ones, but at least some of the stabilization and tensioning elements utilize the force generated by weights suspended from the ends of cables which run over a first pulley or similar arrangement from the mesh-like structure on the sea floor up to a second pulley or similar located above the mesh-like structure to generate the tension to be transmitted to the mesh itself.

[0052] In a basic instance of this embodiment, there are pipes connected stably to the sea floor with pulleys suspended by said pipes above the sea (lake, pond) bottom and pulleys at their base. The pulleys are used to deviate a rope connected to the tensioning lines positioned circumferentially around the mesh, and a weight is suspended to the opposite end of said rope. Gravity pulls down the weight, putting the rope in tension and this tension is transmitted to the tensioning lines.

[0053] In a variation of this embodiment, a tackle arrangement increases the force exerted by the weight. In still another variation, the tackle arrangement decreases the run of the weight.

[0054] All three of the above embodiments can be deployed in an efficient way, either from a floating vessel or from shore. In an exemplary method for deployments from shore described in FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b), two lateral tensioning lines 320 are laid between shore and two vessels (or Remotely Operated Vehicles) 901, which keep them in tension in the direction for deployment. On land, the two lines pass through two traction winches 910 which unroll them while the mesh gets assembled and connected in the space between them and close to the ideal line joining the two traction winches. As the mesh is assembled and connected to the tensioning lines, the winches release part of the lines themselves and the vessels move outwards.

[0055] This method results in a tensioned mesh which is deployed at sea (lake, pond) incrementally until it is all over the water. At this point it can be lowered directly on the sea floor or two additional vessels can take the terminations of the tensioning lines and move at sea together with the other two, to place the tensioned mesh at the desired location (FIG. 5c). Using this approach or any of a number of possible variations of it, it is possible to deploy an entire cultivation system at sea in just a few hours, even if the system has very large extension.

[0056] If the system is deployed in bands not too large, a mechanized system can also recover it at time of harvest (or of demobilization for any other reason) by pulling it from the sea floor. In this case roots of the plants might be a limiting factor, at least for some types of cultivation, and means to sever them beforehand (or contextually) might be needed. Alternatively, harvesting might be done leaving the cultivation in place, and the cultivation system might be recovered only after the roots have decomposed and are a smaller obstacle to removal. In still another variation, the system might be completely biodegradable and not present anymore at time of the new plantation.

[0057] The use of such deployment techniques can result in the deployment of a complete cultivation system, possibly of diameter of several hundred meters of more, in a time which is much shorter than that required with traditional methods. Especially for deployment in open sea, the speed can be essential to be able to operate within narrow weather windows. The reduction in time and in the use of personnel moreover determines a drastic reduction in cost for the installation.

[0058] While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.