FR3161840A1 - Insect larva rearing facility and associated environmental conditions management process - Google Patents

Abstract

Insect Larva Rearing Facility and Associated Environmental Condition Management Method The present invention relates to an insect larva rearing facility (10) comprising: - a plurality of batches (12) of insect larvae, each batch comprising at least one insect larva rearing module, - a batch storage area (14) comprising at least one storage zone (Z1, …, Z9), preferably a plurality of storage zones (Z1, …, Z9), each intended to hold at least two batches of insect larvae. The batches are distributed within the storage area (14) such that in at least one given storage zone (Z1, …, Z9), preferably in each storage zone (Z1, …, Z9), no more than 80% of the batches (12; 112) in said zone are the same age. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Insect larva rearing facility and associated environmental conditions management process

The present invention relates to the field of industrial production of insects, in particular insects for the purpose of food production.

The present invention relates more particularly to the field of insect farming, especially of the black soldier fly. The invention relates in particular to the growth of larvae from the newly hatched young larva until the end of its growth before being slaughtered and processed into final products.

The present invention relates in particular to an insect larvae rearing installation and an associated method for managing environmental conditions.

Insects possess several characteristics that make them well-suited for use in animal feed. They have a high protein content and are also rich in other beneficial nutrients such as fats, minerals, and vitamins. Protein concentration levels in insect meal intended for animal feed range from 55% to 75%. Insects are characterized by a high feed conversion ratio and can therefore be a very valuable source of nutrition for livestock.

Furthermore, these products also have a well-balanced nutritional profile to meet human dietary needs.

These considerations have led to the development of automated mass production of food derived from insect farming, in specialized industrial sites.

These industrial sites must be optimized to allow for the large-scale industrial production of larvae. The costs of building construction, operational mechanization, and the installation of storage areas represent a very significant portion of the industrial site construction budget. To reduce these costs, it is essential to increase rearing density, reduce storage time, and maximize yields per operation.

In breeding facilities, it is common practice to operate in batches. Larvae of roughly the same age are introduced into a storage room. The larvae are fed and raised until they reach their target growth stage, then they are removed for the next stage of the process (further growth, slaughter, etc.). This type of management is practical for organizing the various operations.

However, such an arrangement can make managing rearing environment conditions more complex.

Managing environmental conditions during larval rearing is particularly important. During the rearing phase, the larvae develop in rearing modules with substrate, and it is essential to maintain suitable environmental conditions, whether in terms of temperature, humidity, or the levels of certain gases, such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide, or ammonia, to allow for optimal larval development.

Equipment is known to adapt the environmental conditions in which the larvae are located. For example, there are known air handling systems designed to remove heat, humidity and/or gases generated by the larvae during their growth or by their substrate.

However, these emissions are not constant throughout the larvae's growth. In fact, larvae generate very different levels of emissions (heat, humidity, gaseous species) depending on their age. This means that emission peaks must be addressed, requiring oversizing of the equipment to handle these peaks.

Another difficulty is directly related to the size of the storage buildings. On an industrial scale, larvae grow in very large buildings, particularly in height. Maintaining homogeneous environmental conditions at every point within the building is therefore complex.

This is also complicated by the high density of storage, which makes it difficult to renew the air in the heart of the storage spaces.

These emissions of heat, humidity, and gases have a direct impact on the sizing of air handling units (AHUs) used to condition the air introduced into storage areas: the greater these loads, the greater the supply air flow rate must be to remove them and to keep the temperature gradients within the storage space within acceptable limits. This necessitates increasing the size and/or power of the AHU equipment (fans, heat exchangers, chillers, pumps, etc.). In extreme cases, this can lead to substantial investments in equipment and also in infrastructure to accommodate it if the equipment is numerous and/or large.

One aim of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks by offering a solution adapted to the rearing of larvae which allows for controlled and homogeneous environmental conditions in large-scale buildings, while limiting the power required from the various equipment.

• une pluralité de lots de larves d’insectes, chaque lot comprenant au moins un module d’élevage de larves configuré pour recevoir des larves d’insectes lors de leur croissance et un substrat de nourrissage, les larves d’insectes de chaque lot donné présentant sensiblement un même âge définissant l’âge du lot, les larves et le substrat de nourrissage étant propres à générer des émissions d’au moins un type choisi parmi des émissions de chaleur, des émissions de vapeur d’eau et des émissions de gaz,

To this end, the invention proposes an insect larvae rearing installation comprising:

• a plurality of batches of insect larvae, each batch comprising at least one larval rearing module configured to receive insect larvae during their growth and a feeding substrate, the insect larvae in each given batch having substantially the same age defining the age of the batch, the larvae and the feeding substrate being capable of generating emissions of at least one type selected from heat emissions, water vapor emissions and gas emissions,

- a storage area intended for the storage of batches of insect larvae, the storage area comprising at least one storage zone, preferably a plurality of storage zones, each storage zone being intended to receive at least two batches of insect larvae,

the batches of insect larvae being distributed in the storage space so that in at least one given storage area, preferably in each storage area, at most 80% of the batches in said area are the same age.

By controlling the age of batches of larvae in storage areas to prevent all larvae in the same area from being the same age, the invention makes it possible to control the levels of emissions generated in said areas, thus making it possible to control the environmental conditions in which the larvae are located in a simple and effective way.

Thus, the storage areas according to the invention do not contain larvae all belonging to the same age class and the larvae in a given storage area are advantageously at various growth stages, and therefore generate emissions at various levels.

Compared to storing batches of larvae by age class, the installation according to the invention allows for better control of emissions, taking into account that these emissions vary during the larvae's growth cycle. The installation according to the invention prevents peaks in heat, humidity, and/or gaseous species in the storage areas, thus avoiding the need to oversize the various exhaust and/or air treatment equipment.

The installation according to the invention may have one or more of the following characteristics, taken independently or in any technically acceptable combination:

- The batches of insect larvae are distributed in the storage area so that in at least one, preferably each, given storage area:

* the majority of the batches of larvae found in said given storage area are in the same larval growth cycle, referred to as the majority growth cycle, said cycle having optionally been preceded by one or more other growth cycles,

* on average, said batches in the majority growth cycle have started said cycle for a period of between 25% and 75% of the total duration of said cycle, preferably between 40% and 60% of the total duration of said cycle.

- all batches of larvae found in the said given storage area are in the majority growth cycle;

- the storage space defines an average age A _M corresponding to an average of the ages of all the batches of insect larvae in said space, the average age being between 25% and 75%, preferably between 40% and 60%, of the duration of a complete growth process of the larvae;

- at least one, preferably each, larval rearing module is a multi-stage module comprising a plurality of trays arranged one above the other and intended to receive the larvae and the feeding substrate;

- the installation also includes an air handling and air distribution system comprising a plurality of air handling units designed to treat the air blown into the storage space, each air handling unit being associated with a given storage area;

- the larvae rearing modules being multi-stage modules comprising a plurality of trays arranged one above the other and intended to receive the larvae and the substrate, the aeraulic system is configured to blow air above the upper tray of the plurality of trays;

- the installation also includes means of transporting batches into the storage area and a batch storage management system capable of determining the storage area in which a given batch should be received.

The invention also relates to a method for managing the environmental conditions of an insect larvae rearing facility of the aforementioned type, comprising the following steps:

- supply of at least one batch of insect larvae, said batch comprising at least one insect larva rearing module configured to receive insect larvae during their growth and a feeding substrate, the insect larvae in a given batch of larvae being of substantially the same age defining the age of the batch, and

- storage of at least one batch in a storage area, so that after storage in said storage area, at most 80% of the batches in said area are the same age.

The process according to the invention may have one or more of the following characteristics, taken independently or in any technically acceptable combination:

- the installation further comprising means of transporting lots in the storage space and a lot storage management system capable of determining the storage area in which a given lot must be received, the storage stage includes the determination by the storage management system of the storage area associated with at least one lot, and preferably the transport of said lot into the determined storage area;

- the determination stage includes a step of evaluating the average age of a given storage area after at least one batch has been placed in said area.

The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the attached figures, in which:

FIG. 1 thereFIG. 1is a schematic top view of an insect larvae rearing facility according to the invention;

FIG. 2 thereFIG. 2is a schematic side view of a storage area of the facilityFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 thereFIG. 3represents the rate of CO2 emissions₂and NH₃by the larvae and their substrate during a given growth cycle;

FIG. 4thereFIG. 4represents the pattern of heat emissions by the larvae and their substrate during a given growth cycle;

FIG. 5 thereFIG. 5is a schematic side view of an insect larva rearing facility according to a variant of the invention.

We have schematically represented on the FIG. 1 an installation 10 for rearing insect larvae according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Installation 10 is intended for the rearing of insect larvae during their growth.

As is known, during their growth, larvae thus pass from the neonatal larval stage to the juvenile larval stage, and then to the mature larval stage.

A "neonatal larva" is typically understood to be a larva that has recently hatched up to about 3 days old. "Newly hatched" typically means hatched less than 2 hours prior.

The term "juvenile larva" refers to a larva that is approximately 4 to 10 days old.

A "mature larva" is defined as a larva that has reached its optimal growth and is ready to be used.

A complete larval growth process thus includes several larval growth cycles.

By way of non-limiting example, a complete growth process includes the following growth cycles:

- a first cycle, called the pre-growth cycle, going from the neonate larva to the juvenile larva;

- a second cycle, called the maturation cycle, going from the juvenile larva to the mature larva.

For example, in the case of black soldier flies, the first and second growth cycles each last between 5 and 8 days. The complete growth process to the mature larval stage then lasts approximately between 11 and 16 days .

Typically, in an industrial insect larvae facility, some larvae are not used for commercial purposes and are instead used to maintain the colony. For this purpose, the larvae are reared until they become pupae. The pupae will then develop into adult flies, which will lay eggs, which will hatch into newborn larvae. Thus, according to one variation, another complete growth process includes a pre-growth cycle and a pupation cycle, progressing from juvenile larva to pupa. In the case of black soldier flies, the pupation cycle typically lasts between 14 and 21 days.

This separation of the complete growth process into several growth cycles is marked, for example, by the addition of substrate or the change of container.

The age of larvae is subsequently defined as the lifespan of the larvae since hatching and is typically measured daily, i.e., over a 24-hour period. Thus, for a group of larvae, the larvae in that group are considered to be the same age if the maximum age difference between the larvae is less than 24 hours.

Installation 10 comprises a plurality of lots 12 of insect larvae and a storage space 14 intended for the storage of the lots 12 of insect larvae.

Preferably, the installation 10 also includes an air handling system 16 for air treatment and diffusion in the storage space 14.

Preferably, the installation 10 further includes means for conveying (not shown) the lots 12 into the storage space 14 and a management system 20 for the storage of the lots 12 in the storage space 14.

Batches 12 of larvae are intended to be stored in storage space 14 during larval growth.

The ambient conditions in storage area 14 are controlled to promote larval growth and ensure proper drying of the batches, thereby guaranteeing good sieving. Typically, the temperature in storage area 14 is between 20°C and 40°C. Advantageously, the humidity level is at least 50%, typically between 50% and 90%.

Each batch 12 of insect larvae includes at least one larval growth module 22 intended to receive larvae during their growth.

Each 22 growth module defines a receiving volume intended to receive the larvae and a feeding substrate.

Typically, each batch of 12 insect larvae comprises between one and five rearing modules, preferably three. For example, in the example of the FIG. 2 , each batch 12 comprises three modules 22. Preferably, each batch 12 comprises the same number of breeding modules 22.

Preferably, the larvae are deposited on the surface of the substrate, for example previously deposited in the rearing module 22 using a filling device (not shown).

The larvae injected into a given rearing module 22 are all roughly the same age, meaning they hatched around the same time, typically on the same day, ideally with less than 24 hours between them. This ensures good synchronization in the larvae's development during their growth.

The insect larvae in a given batch 12 are of roughly the same age, which defines the age of the batch 12 of insect larvae. In other words, the modules 22 are distributed with other modules 22 whose larvae are of roughly the same age in a given batch.

The feeding substrate typically contains the nutrients necessary for larval growth. The substrate is intended to be consumed by the larvae during their development. A portion of the substrate is then transformed into frass, which consists of a mixture of larval excrement and uneaten substrate residue, dried and optionally fermented.

The larvae and the feeding substrate generate emissions during larval growth. These emissions include heat, water vapor (or humidity), and gases. Hereafter, the term "emission type" will refer to either heat, humidity, or gases, with the gas(s) being selected from nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide, and ammonia.

These emissions vary in particular depending on the age of the larvae and the stage of the growth cycle in which the larvae are located.

For example, during the maturation cycle, heat production by the larvae is minimal at the beginning and end of the cycle and peaks in the middle. If we also consider the effect of water evaporation, which tends to decrease the temperature of the environment (the evaporation mechanism being endothermic), we even end up with negative heat production (cooling) at the beginning of the cycle. Thus, throughout their lives, the larvae initially require heat, then require cooling, in order to maintain a stable temperature.

Evaporation, and therefore the emission of water vapor, is greater at the beginning of the cycle, due to the substrate being more humid, then decreases with the growth of the larvae, as water is less available in the environment.

The larvae and the substrate also emit gaseous species, such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide and ammonia.

Figures 3 and 4 schematically represent the evolution of gaseous emissions, in particular of ammonia and carbon dioxide, and heat during a given maturation cycle (the cycle lasts 7 days here), according to the article “Bioconversion efficiencies, greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions during black soldier fly rearing – A mass balance approach”, A. Parodi et al., Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 271, 20 October 2020.

Carbon dioxide production is minimal at the beginning and end of the cycle, and peaks in the middle of the cycle, as seen in curve (a) of the FIG. 3 .

Ammonia production is almost zero for much of the cycle before becoming very high at the end of the cycle, as seen in curve (b) of the FIG. 3 .

Heat production is minimal at the beginning and end of the cycle and peaks in the middle of the cycle, as seen in curve (c) of the FIG. 4 .

According to a preferred embodiment, represented on the FIG. 2 , at least one, preferably each, module 22 of breeding is a multi-stage module.

The multi-level module 22 comprises a plurality of trays 26 arranged one above the other and separated by inter-tray spaces 27. The trays 26 are intended to receive the larvae and the substrate. The tray located highest in the module 22 is designated as the "top tray".

For example, each multi-level module 22 comprises between two and ten trays 26, specifically between four and six trays 26, arranged one above the other. The platforms 26 are held one above the other by means of a frame 28 to form a monolithic whole, including for example lateral uprights.

Preferably, each batch 12 is marked using an identification system (not shown) chosen from a barcode, a matrix code (commonly referred to as a QR code, for "Quick Response Code"), a near-field communication (NFC) chip, or a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip. The identification system allows for logistical traceability throughout the production and rearing process of the batches 12 and their contents.

Storage space 14 defines at least one, preferably a plurality of storage zones Z1, ..., Z9 dividing storage space 14.

Each storage area is continuous. This means that the area has no discontinuous parts, except for its outer edges. In other words, a continuous area extends uninterrupted between its outer edges.

Typically, each storage zone Z1, ..., Z9 defines a storage volume between 1000 ^m3 and 12,000 ^m3 .

A storage area can take many forms. For example, each storage area has a roughly rectangular floor area.

Each storage area is intended to be treated by a 40 air handling unit of the given air handling system, as will be described later.

Storage space 14 typically comprises between one and thirty storage areas. For example, as shown on the FIG. 1 , storage space 14 includes nine storage spaces Z1, ..., Z9.

For example, aisles separate adjacent storage areas Z1, ..., Z9. Typically, these aisles are designed to allow passage for operators, conveyors, and/or batch handling equipment, or to permit air recirculation, as will be described later. For example, air recirculation aisles, typically measuring between 500 mm and 2000 mm, separate the storage areas.

For example, installation 10 includes shelving defining several floors, with storage areas Z1, ..., Z9 extending vertically over said floors.

Each storage zone Z1, ..., Z9 is designed to receive at least one batch of 12 insect larvae. Each storage zone Z1, ..., Z9 thus defines one or more locations, each location being configured to receive a given batch of 12 larvae.

Preferably, each storage area Z1, ..., Z9 is suitable for receiving between 400 tonnes and 1000 tonnes of substrate.

The set of lots 12 in storage space 14 defines an average age _AM of space 14, corresponding to the average of the ages of the set of lots 12 in said space 14.

Advantageously, the average age _AM of the storage space 14 is between 25% and 75% of the average duration of a complete larval growth process. Preferably, the average age of the storage space 14 is substantially equal to half the average duration of a complete larval growth process. This facilitates the continuous production of larvae.

The 12 lots of insect larvae are distributed in the storage areas Z1, ..., Z9 in such a way that, for at least one given storage area Z1, ..., Z9, preferably for each storage area Z1, ..., Z9, at most 80% of the lots in said area are the same age.

In other words, in that given area, not all batches of larvae are the same age.

Preferably, the lots of insect larvae are distributed in the storage areas Z1, ..., Z9 in such a way that, for at least one given storage area Z1, ..., Z9, preferably for each storage area Z1, ..., Z9, at most 75%, more preferably at most 65%, even more preferably at most 50%, lots in said area are the same age.

Having batches of larvae of different ages in the same storage area helps to limit, or even avoid, peak emissions.

Advantageously, the lots 12 of insect larvae are distributed in the storage areas Z1, ..., Z9 in such a way that, for at least one given storage area Z1, ..., Z9, preferably for each storage area Z1, ..., Z9, the majority of the lots 12 of larvae in said given storage area Z1, ..., Z9 are in the same larval growth cycle, called the majority growth cycle, and that on average, said lots 12 in the majority growth cycle have started said cycle for a period of between 25% and 75% of the total duration of said cycle, preferably between 40% and 60% of the total duration of said cycle.

Preferably, at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, even more preferably at least 75%, even more preferably at least 85%, batches of larvae are in the majority growth cycle.

Advantageously, all 12 batches of larvae in the given storage area Z1, …, Z9 are in the same growth cycle.

Optionally, said cycle was preceded by one or more other growth cycles.

Advantageously, the lots 12 of insect larvae are distributed in the storage areas Z1, ..., Z9 such that, for at least one given storage area Z1, ..., Z9, preferably for each storage area Z1, ..., Z9, the average age A _m of the larvae in said storage area Z1, ..., Z9 satisfies the following condition:

0.25*t _uppercase + t _previous ≤ A _m ≤ 0.75*t _uppercase + t _previous ,

t, _{in uppercase,} designates the average duration of the majority growth cycle in said zone.

t_previous denoting the average duration of the growth cycle(s) preceding the major growth cycle. When t_updateand t_previousare expressed in days, A_mis also expressed in days.

The "average age" of a zone refers to the average age of the batches of insect larvae in that given storage zone. Preferably, the average age A_m of a zone is the arithmetic mean of the ages of the batches of insect larvae in said given storage zone.

Only batches of larvae in the predominant growth cycle are considered here. For example, if 80% of the batches in a given area are in a pre-growth cycle and 20% are in a maturation cycle, only the batches in the pre-growth cycle are taken into account for calculating the average age.

For example, the average age of a storage area comprising one 1-day batch, one 2-day batch and two 3-day batches is 2.25 days.

When the current growth cycle is the first growth cycle, that is, it began with the hatching of the larvae, t_previous is zero.

Advantageously, the mean age A _m of the larvae in the storage zone Z1, ..., Z9 satisfies the following condition: 0.40t _maj + t _prec ≤ A _m ≤ 0.60t _maj + t _{prec ,} .

Preferably, the lots 12 of insect larvae are distributed in the storage areas Z1, ..., Z9 so that the average age A _m of a given storage area Z1, ..., Z9, preferably of each storage area Z1, ..., Z9, is substantially equal to: A _m = 0.5 t _maj + t _prec .

Thus, storage zones Z1, ..., Z9 do not all contain larvae belonging to the same age class. The larvae in a given storage zone Z1, ..., Z9 are advantageously at different stages of their growth cycle, and therefore generate emissions at different levels.

Such a distribution makes it possible to average emissions during the growth of larvae in a given area.

Thus, in the case of heat emissions, the heat requirements of the larvae at the beginning and end of the cycle are compensated by the heat peaks generated by the larvae in the middle of the cycle.

Similarly, the ammonia spikes due to larvae at the end of the cycle are compensated by an absence of ammonia production at the beginning of the cycle.

Thus, emission levels at the scale of the given storage zone(s) Z1, ..., Z9 vary little over time and remain essentially constant. This avoids emission peaks during batch storage.

Advantageously, the lots 12 of insect larvae are distributed in the storage areas Z1, ..., Z9 as described above such that over time, the average age A _m of a given storage area Z1, ..., Z9, preferably of each storage area Z1, ..., Z9, satisfies the following condition:

0.25*t_update + t_previous≤ A_m≤ 0.75*t_update + t_previous,

preferably 0.40*t _uppercase + t _previous ≤ A _m ≤ 0.60*t _uppercase + t _previous

and very preferentially remains substantially equal to A _m = 0.5*t _maj + t _prec .

Thus, the aging of plots, which would be expected to increase the average age in an area, is offset by the replacement of old plots with young plots once the growth of the old plots is complete.

This facilitates air treatment in storage space 14 by the air handling system 16 and avoids the need for oversized equipment which would be required if the peaks were not smoothed.

The air handling system 16 includes a plurality of air handling units 40 for conditioning the air introduced into the storage areas, a network of transport ducts 41 for transporting the air from the units 40 to the storage area 14 and a network of diffusion ducts 42 to ensure the blowing of air into the areas.

The air handling system 16 for air treatment and diffusion also includes a network of return ducts (not shown) specific to the return of air in the storage space 14.

Each air handling unit 40 is associated with a given storage zone Z1, ..., Z9. By "associated" means that each air handling unit 40 is capable of treating the air intended for said given storage zone.

Each plant 40 is designed to treat air intended for a specific number of batches 12, typically corresponding to between 400 tonnes and 1000 tonnes of substrate.

For example, as shown on the FIG. 2 The transport ducts 41 are designed to bring air from the associated central unit 40 into the interior of the storage space 14. The distribution ducts 42 extend vertically and ensure the supply of air to the storage areas by means of distribution openings (not shown in the diagram). FIG. 2 ).

Extraction vents 44 are suitable for extracting air from inside the storage space 14 and conveying it, by means of return ducts, to the outside of said space 14.

Each air handling unit 40 is thus capable of renewing the air in the associated storage zone Z1, .., Z9.

Preferably, when module 22 is a multi-stage module, the associated air diffusion duct 42 is configured to allow air to be blown over the upper tray of the plurality of trays 26.

The air handling system 16 also includes a control unit (not shown) specifically designed to control the air handling units 40.

Preferably, the installation 10 also includes means for conveying 18 of the lots 12 into the storage space 14.

The means of transporting the batches 12 into the storage space 14 are configured to move said batches 12 of early growth larvae to the storage space 14, advantageously to a given storage area Z1, ..., Z9.

Preferably, the means of transporting batches 12 are also configured to evacuate said batches 12 from their storage area Z1, ..., Z9 at the end of larval growth.

The means of conveyance include, for example, at least one conveyor configured to transport one or more batches 12 to a given storage area.

The batch storage management system 20 is designed to determine the storage area Z1, ..., Z9 in which a given batch 12 should be received according to the age of said batch, so that at most 80%, preferably at most 75%, more preferably at most 65%, even more preferably at most 50%, of the batches in said area are the same age.

Preferably, the batch storage management system 20 is designed to determine the storage area Z1, ..., Z9 in which a given batch 12 should be received based on the average age that said area will have after the batch is stored there.

For example, in the case of the FIG. 1 , the batch storage management system 20 includes an electronic management device 50 to determine the storage area Z1, ..., Z9 in which a given batch 12 must be received according to the age of said batch 12.

The electronic device 50 includes a module 52 for determining the age of a batch 12 to be stored and a module 54 for evaluating the average age of the storage areas Z1, ..., Z9 of the storage space 14.

Preferably, the electronic device 50 further includes a control module 56 capable of transmitting a storage instruction to the means of transport.

Optionally, the electronic management device 50 is capable of controlling the movement of batches 12 already stored in a storage area Z1, …, Z9 in order to optimize storage.

A method for managing the environmental conditions of the livestock facility 10 according to the invention will now be described.

At least one batch of insect larvae is provided. This batch includes at least one insect larvae rearing module, which receives insect larvae during their growth, and a feeding substrate. The insect larvae in this batch are of approximately the same age, defining the age of the batch.

Then, during a storage step, at least one batch 12 is stored in a storage area Z1, ..., Z9 of storage space 14.

Preferably, the storage step includes the determination by the management system 20 of the storage of the storage area Z1, ..., Z9 associated with lot 12.

The storage area Z1, ..., Z9 associated with lot 12 is determined so that once lot 12 is stored, at most 80%, preferably at most 75%, more preferably at most 65%, even more preferably at most 50%, of the lots in said area are the same age.

The determination module 52 determines the age of a lot 12 to be stored, for example by reading the identification system of lot 12 when the latter has one.

The evaluation module 54 determines the appropriate storage area(s) to receive lot 12.

According to a preferred embodiment, the evaluation module 54 assesses the average age of the storage areas Z1, ..., Z9 of the storage space 14 and calculates the average age that a given storage area would have after the batch 12 has been placed in said area.

If the average age A _m of said storage area Z1, ..., Z9 after storage of lot 12 satisfies the following condition: 0.25*t _maj + t _prec ≤ A _m ≤ 0.75*t _maj + t _prec , preferably 0.40*t _maj + t _prec ≤ A _m ≤ 0.60*t _maj + t _prec , the evaluation module 54 selects said area for the storage of lot 12.

If the average age A _m of said storage area after the lot is less than 0.25*t _maj + t _prec or greater than 0.75*t _act + t _prec , preferably less than 0.40*t _maj + t _prec or greater than 0.60*t _maj + t _prec , said area is not selected and evaluation module 54 evaluates the average age after the lot is placed in another storage area.

According to a particular embodiment, the evaluation module 54 evaluates the average age after storage of the batch for each storage zone Z1, ..., Z9 and selects the storage zone Z1, ..., Z9 where the average age A _m after storage is closest to the value 0.5*t _maj + t _prec .

The control module 56 then transmits a storage instruction, for example to the means of transport.

Preferably, the storage stage includes the transport to the storage area Z1, ..., Z9 determined of said lot 12 by the means of transport.

The management of storage is thus carried out by considering the emissions generated in the different zones Z1, ..., Z9, in order to find the right place for the batches 12 to avoid emission peaks.

Thus, the management system 20 will avoid placing only lots of the same age in the same area.

Advantageously, the 20 management system will place young batches (at the beginning of the cycle) in locations surrounded by older batches, allowing emissions to be averaged in each storage area.

A young batch requiring heat and emitting a lot of humidity will thus be placed next to an older batch producing a lot of heat and little humidity.

By controlling the emission levels generated in the different storage areas Z1, …, Z9, the distribution of batches of larvae in several areas according to the invention allows effective control of the ambient conditions in which the larvae grow.

The installation 10 according to the invention makes it possible to avoid peaks of heat, humidity or gaseous species at the level of the storage areas and thus avoids having to oversize the various evacuation equipment, and in particular the air treatment and diffusion system 16.

According to a particular embodiment, the electronic management device 50 determines the storage area Z1, ..., Z9 in which the given batch 12 must be received following a predefined prioritization order.

According to this particular embodiment, each storage area Z1, …Z9 comprises a plurality of aisles, possibly distributed over several floors, each aisle being intended to receive at least one given batch. For example, a number is assigned to each aisle, and the batches are distributed in the aisles according to the resulting order. Thus, a first batch is stored in aisle number 1, a second batch in aisle number 2, and so on. The aisle numbers can be assigned randomly or in a structured manner (for example, by allocating every other floor and/or every other aisle).

Filling the aisles over several days allows for lots of different ages to be present within the same area.

Preferably, the order of prioritization is changed regularly to avoid a phenomenon of age matching with the time spent in the aisles.

Preferably, before a batch is placed in a specific aisle, the age of the batches in the immediately adjacent aisles is checked. If at least one of the adjacent aisles has a batch with an age close to the batch to be placed, typically less than 3 days apart, that batch is not placed in that aisle. The check is then performed with the next aisle in the order of placement, until a suitable aisle is found.

Advantageously, if no valid aisle is found, the batch is placed randomly in an empty aisle, so as to avoid blocking the system and production.

An installation 110 according to a second embodiment will now be described with reference to the FIG. 5 Only the differences with installation 10 according to the first embodiment will be described subsequently.

Installation 110 includes a storage space 114 for storing batches 112 of insect larvae and an air handling system 116 for treating and diffusing air in the storage space 114.

Each batch 112 comprises at least one rearing module 22 defining a receiving volume for the larvae and a feeding substrate. The larvae and the feeding substrate are capable of generating emissions during the larval growth cycle. These emissions include heat, water vapor (or humidity), and gas emissions, for example, nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide, or ammonia.

In the implementation of the FIG. 5 The rearing modules 122 are multi-level modules. Each multi-level module 122 comprises a plurality of trays 126 arranged one above the other and intended to receive the larvae and the substrate. The tray located at the top of the module 122 is designated as the "top tray".

In the implementation of the FIG. 5 , the storage space 114 includes at least one shelving unit 115 intended to receive the modules 122 and comprising horizontally a plurality of aisles 152 and vertically a plurality of levels 154.

For example, shelving unit 115 defines between three and ten aisles 152, each aisle 152 being suitable for receiving between two and fifteen modules 122.

Preferably, shelving unit 115 contains between one and twelve floors 154. Multi-level storage 154 reduces the floor space required.

The air handling system 116 includes a plurality of air handling units 140 for conditioning the air introduced into the storage space 114, a network of transport ducts 141 for transporting the air from the units 140 to the storage space 14 and a network of diffusion ducts 142 for ensuring the blowing of air into the zones.

The air handling system 116 for air treatment and diffusion also includes a network of return ducts specifically for air return in storage space 114.

The air handling system 116 further includes extraction vents 144 suitable for extracting air from inside the storage space 114 and conveying it to the outside of said space 114.

Each 140 air handling unit is thus capable of renewing the air in a given area, for example in an associated storage area Z1,…, Z9.

The 116 air handling system also includes a control unit (not shown) specifically designed to control the 140 air handling units.

Some aisles 152, called "blowing aisles", are left free in order to install the diffusion ducts 142.

At the end of a number of aisles 152 occupied by multi-level modules 122, called "production aisles," a new aisle 152, called the "return aisle," is left open to create a chimney so that air can rise freely without passing through the multi-level modules 122. In the ceiling, one or more extraction vents 144 are used to draw air from the storage space 114 for either exhaust or treatment.

For example, storage space 114 has the following distribution over several floors 154: blow aisle, production aisles, return aisle, production aisles, blow aisle.

For example, there are between 2 and 7 production aisles, typically 5 production aisles, between a blowing aisle and a recovery aisle.

Since the modules 122 are arranged on several floors 154, problems with vertical thermal gradients are likely to arise.

Indeed, warm, humid air, being less dense, rises. If the thermal phenomena of rising hot air dominate, a particularly strong vertical gradient of temperature and humidity appears in storage space 114, creating significant differences in duration and/or quality of growth between the floors 154.

The aerodynamic system 116 according to the second embodiment facilitates the homogeneous circulation of air in the storage space 114, taking into account the vertical rise of hot and humid air, so as to avoid such gradients.

Each diffusion duct 142 extends vertically and includes a plurality of diffusion openings 160 designed to blow the air brought by the diffusion duct 142 to the level of the modules 122.

For the sake of clarity, on the FIG. 5 The diffusion duct 142 is designed to blow air from one side only, here to the right. Alternatively (not shown), the diffusion duct 142 is designed to blow air from both sides.

Preferably, as shown on the FIG. 5 , each diffusion duct 142 includes, on each side where it is capable of blowing, a single diffusion opening 160 per stage 154, each diffusion opening 160 being capable of blowing at the level of said stage 154.

Preferably, at least one, advantageously each, diffusion opening 160 is arranged so as to blow air over the upper platforms of the modules 122 located on the floor 154 associated with said opening.

The aforementioned diffusion openings 160 are configured to blow over the upper trays 126.

Thus, air is blown between the 154 shelves of the 115 rack, and not directly between each shelf 126.

Preferably, air is blown with a flow rate of between 400 and 1200 ^m³ /h on each floor.

By blowing air between the 154 levels at such a flow rate, air circulation is induced in the modules 122 at reasonable velocity levels, typically between 0.1 and 1 m/s, and more homogeneous than with direct blowing between each tray 126 of the modules 122. This air circulation allows for the removal of emissions from the modules 122, but is not so high as to risk generating a surface crusting of the substrate that would be detrimental to larval growth. The air circulation is symbolized on the FIG. 5 by the dotted arrows.

An air jet is thus created above the modules 122 and captures the emissions rising from the larvae and the substrate to push them up to the recovery aisle 152 so that they rise up to the extraction mouth 144. The vertical thermal gradients are thus limited at the scale of each floor 154.

Advantageously, each diffusion duct 142 includes at least one additional diffusion opening 160 arranged below the lower tier 154 of the racking 115. The blowing below the first tier helps to counteract the heat losses generated by the floor, for example made of concrete, which is often much colder than the rest of the storage space 114.

Preferably, at least one, advantageously each, diffusion opening 160 includes at least one air outlet nozzle for air diffusion. For example, each diffusion opening 160 includes between one and thirty nozzles.

These nozzles allow the air diffusion to be adapted and the volume pushed by the blown air to be increased, thus creating air movements, particularly in the free spaces between the modules 122.

Alternatively, at least one diffusion opening 160 comprises a plurality of perforations provided in the diffusion duct 142.

The operation of the 116 air handling system will now be described.

Each air handling unit 140 conditions the air coming from outside the storage space 114.

The air, previously treated in the power plant 40, for example heated or cooled, dried or humidified, is then transported in the diffusion ducts 141, descends in the diffusion ducts 142 and exits through the diffusion openings 160.

Air is thus forced between floors 154 and blown over modules 122, particularly over the upper platform 126. The airflow, schematically represented on the FIG. 5 indicated by dotted arrows, allows the heat, humidity and/or gaseous emissions generated by the larvae and/or the substrate to escape.

The air passes through the production aisles 152, before arriving in a return aisle 152, in which the air rises under the effect of heat and under the effect of suction by the extraction mouth 144. The air is then evacuated in the return ducts.

As schematically represented on the two modules 122 in the upper left of the FIG. 5 , the air blown above and below a floor 154 generates air movements in the modules 122, in the opposite direction to that of the blowing, allowing to capture the maximum of emissions from the larvae or the substrate.

The 116 air system as described above is particularly suited to the multi-stage 122 modules, by ensuring air movement in the free spaces between the 122 modules and between the 126 platforms of each module.

The 116 air handling system as described above is also particularly advantageous when used in an installation in which batches of insect larvae are distributed in storage areas in accordance with the first embodiment.

However, the 116 air handling system as described above is also suitable for use in an installation not having such an arrangement.

Claims (10)

Insect larva rearing facility (10; 110) comprising:

• a plurality of lots (12; 112) of insect larvae, each lot (12; 112) comprising at least one larval rearing module (22; 122) configured to receive insect larvae during their growth and a feeding substrate, the insect larvae in each given lot (12; 112) having substantially the same age defining the age of the lot (12; 112), the larvae and the feeding substrate being capable of generating emissions of at least one type selected from heat emissions, water vapor emissions and gas emissions,

- a storage space (14; 114) intended for the storage of batches (12; 112) of insect larvae, the storage space (14; 114) comprising at least one storage zone (Z1, …, Z9), preferably a plurality of storage zones (Z1, …, Z9), each storage zone (Z1,…, Z9) being intended to receive at least two batches (12; 112) of insect larvae,
the lots (12; 112) of insect larvae being distributed in the storage space (14; 114) so that in at least one given storage area (Z1, …, Z9), preferably in each storage area (Z1, …, Z9), at most 80% of the lots (12; 112) in said area are the same age. Installation (10; 110) according to claim 1, wherein the batches (12; 112) of insect larvae are distributed in the storage space (14; 114) such that in at least one, preferably each, given storage zone (Z1, …, Z9):
- the majority of batches (12; 112) of larvae found in said storage area (Z1, …, Z9) given are in the same larval growth cycle, called the majority growth cycle, said cycle having been optionally preceded by one or more other growth cycles,
- on average, said lots (12; 112) being in the majority growth cycle have started said cycle for a period of between 25% and 75% of the total duration of said cycle, preferably between 40% and 60% of the total duration of said cycle. Installation (10; 110) according to claim 2, wherein all batches (12; 112) of larvae located in said storage zone (Z1, …, Z9) given are in the majority growth cycle. Installation (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage space (14; 114) defines an average age _AM corresponding to an average of the ages of all the batches (12; 112) of insect larvae in said space, the average age being between 25% and 75%, preferably between 40% and 60%, of the duration of a complete growth process of the larvae. Installation (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one, preferably each, larva rearing module (22; 122) is a multi-stage module (22; 122) comprising a plurality of trays (26; 126) arranged one above the other and intended to receive the larvae and the feeding substrate. Installation (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an air handling system (16; 116) for air treatment and diffusion comprising a plurality of air handling units (40; 140) for treating the air blown into the storage space (14; 114), each air handling unit (40; 140) being associated with a given storage zone (Z1,…, Z9). Installation (10; 110) according to claim 6, wherein, the larva rearing modules (22; 122) being multi-stage modules (22; 122) comprising a plurality of trays (26; 126) arranged one above the other and intended to receive the larvae and the substrate, the aeraulic system (16; 116) is configured to blow air over the upper tray of the plurality of trays. Installation (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means for conveying the lots (12; 112) into the storage space (14; 114) and a system (20) for managing the storage of the lots (12; 112) suitable for determining the storage area (Z1,…, Z9) in which a given lot (12; 112) is to be received. Method for managing the environmental conditions of an insect larvae rearing facility (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps:

• Supply of at least one batch (12; 112) of insect larvae, said batch (12; 112) comprising at least one insect larvae rearing module (22; 122) configured to receive insect larvae during their growth and a feeding substrate, the insect larvae in a given batch (12; 112) of larvae having substantially the same age defining the age of the batch, and

- Storage of at least one batch (12; 112) in a storage area (Z1,…, Z9), so that after storage in said storage area (Z1, …, Z9), at most 80% of the batches (12; 112) in said area are the same age. A method according to claim 9, the installation (10; 110) being according to claim 8, wherein the storage step includes the determination by the storage management system of the storage area (Z1,…, Z9) associated with at least one batch (12; 112), and preferably the routing of said batch (12; 112) into the determined storage area (Z1,…, Z9).