DESC:RELATED PATENT APPLICATION(S):

This application claims priority to and benefits from Indian provisional patent application No. 202311056368 filed on August 23, 2023; the disclosure of which is incorporated here by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to the technical field of biotechnology and Entomology. Particularly, the present invention relates to an automated system and method for breeding and rearing of Hermetia Illucens (Black Soldier Fly) in optimal growth conditions of artificial environment using low-cost techniques for mass valorization of organic substrates.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
There are two major problems that we are facing currently, firstly, a growing human population continues to contribute to the increased food demand. Secondly, the volume of the organic waste produced will threaten human health and the quality of the environment. Recently, there is an increasing number of efforts placed into farming insect biomass to produce alternative feed ingredients. Black Soldier Fly larvae (Hermetia Illucens) have proven to convert organic waste into high-quality nutrients for pet foods, fish, and poultry feeds, as well as residue fertilizer for soil amendment.

Also, as the global demand for sustainable protein sources continues to rise, more and more agricultural producers are looking towards Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming as an option. Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming offers a valuable source of sustainable protein with minimal environmental impact. Additionally, since Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) can be raised in large numbers in small spaces with minimal resources, they offer cost savings over traditional sources of animal feed like soybeans or corn.
The insect farming is a new industry. In particular, Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) production requires specific infrastructure and technology, such as insect rearing facilities, feed preparation and storage, and waste management systems. Only a few players such as Buhler and Better Insects are commercially available to provide
viable solutions. Both these players are from international players and offer turnkey solutions that are very expensive to set up and run. Otherwise, most of the small-medium industries are using traditional and open systems to grow insects that are not environment controlled and can’t use vertical stacking mechanisms.

US Patent No. US11638410 discloses a method and system for controlling the air climate of an insect rearing climate housing. The insect rearing climate housing comprises clusters of one or more stacks of crates with immature phases of insects. The aeration system comprises an air control unit with a database. The aeration system further comprises aeration devices connected to the air control unit adjacent to each stack of crates. The aeration devices comprise a plurality of exit openings. These exit openings are in the form of nozzles or slits which lead to turbulent streams or laminar streams respectively. The volumetric rate of airstreams over the immature phases of insects may be an oscillating airstream and the exit openings are preferably rotatable, such as rotatable nozzles or slits.

US Patent No. US11570972 discloses a process for rearing insects. It relates to a method for breeding insects, comprising growth phases during which the insects are stored in a controlled environment. The method comprises a sequence, referred to as synchronization sequence, during which a batch of insects is sorted and divided into a plurality of size or maturity categories in separate containers, then said containers are grouped together to form basic breeding units comprising a predefined number of containers.

Further, PCT Publication No. WO2012115959 discloses a system and methods for rearing insect larvae. A system for rearing larvae includes a plurality of culture trays arranged in at least one stack of trays, each stack comprising multiple levels of trays, each tray comprising an open-topped basin adapted to receive larvae and larval food, a feed delivery system adapted to automatically deliver larval feed to individually selected culture trays, and a water delivery system adapted to automatically deliver water to the culture trays. It also discloses that warm, moist air from within the building can be vented to the atmosphere and the heat that it contains can be transferred by the heat exchangers into the dry air that is brought into the building.

However, the said prior arts do not disclose an automated system for providing optimal growth conditions to Hermetia Illucens (Black Soldier Fly) in an artificial environment which makes use of natural and low-cost techniques such as cement sheets and bubble wraps for insulation and natural air passages to allow cross-air ventilation and makes use of naturally favorable environmental conditions and reduce electricity running costs. Also, the system of prior art does not maintain an optimal airflow required for the rearing of the insects by using the combination of aerated and natural air circulation methods such as using fan and evaporation pad system instead of air-conditioners to maintain airflow thereby lowering the operations and setup costs.

Limitations of known prior arts:
- Existing technologies are completely manual so have low productivity rates and have high human intervention and are not climate controlled.
- Use of air-conditioners to maintain optimal climate conditions in the insect chamber make it expensive to setup and run.
- Use of ducts and nozzles over the individual trays does not maintain the optimal airflow required for the rearing of the insects.
- Rearing of insects is not commercially and operationally feasible and efficient.
- A stable environment is not maintained to reduce the operation time and increase productivity.
- Use of traditional and open systems to grow insects which are not environmentally controlled and can’t use vertical stacking mechanisms.
- Use of expensive pufpanels to prevent external disturbances.

Therefore, there is a need for a system which makes use of natural and low-cost techniques and makes use of naturally favorable environment conditions for the optimal growth of insects specifically Black Soldier Flies, especially an automated system to maintain a stable environment thereby improving production and growth of the insects for commercial rearing/insect farming.

The present invention provides an automated system and method for promoting efficient breeding and rearing of insects using Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) system, and network of sensors using the HVAC controlled system, that constantly monitors and controls the necessary environmental parameters inside the climate cube and send signals to PLC system and network of sensors thereby automates the climate control, larval feeding, monitoring and maintenance of larval growth process as per larval growth database calculations.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
The primary object of the present invention is to provide an automated climate control system and method for promoting efficient breeding and rearing of insects, specifically Hermetia Illucens in an artificial environment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automated climate control system and method for providing optimal growth conditions for Hermetia Illucens in an artificial environment using low-cost techniques for mass valorization of organic substrates.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automated climate control system and method using PLC system and network of sensors which automates the climate control, larval feeding, monitoring and maintenance of larval growth process as per larval growth database calculations.

Another object of the present invention is to provide the system and method having HVAC system which is controlled by network of sensors that constantly monitors and controls the necessary environmental parameters inside the climate cube and send signals to a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) system, by using a combination of aerated and natural air circulation methods that reduces human intervention, maintains an optimal environment, and saves operation costs.

Another object of the present invention is to provide the system and method for breeding and rearing of insects that are commercially and operationally feasible and efficient, that has been achieved by vertical framing of insects i.e., multiple stacked crates are vertically arranged densely to increase the yield.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method which reduces the operations time by maintaining a stable environment, hence increasing productivity and survivability of the insects, and thus contributing towards increasing yield.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method comprising the automated environment thereby reducing manpower costs and enhancing the growth rate of the insects.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method comprising the usage of natural and low-cost techniques instead of expensive pufpanels to prevent external disturbances and thus reduces electricity running costs and material costs.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method of inside the climate cubes to maintain optimal air flow between the crates having four sides’ cut-outs to ensure that the feed substrate is able to dry out quickly.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method with automation of wet feedstock having a blend of vegetable and fruit substrates into the vertically arranged crates, placing Hermetia Illucens larvae inside crates, HVAC system with temperature, humidity, evaporative cooling system and air quality, ensuring ensure proper air circulation, gas exchange such as ammonia and methane and removal of stale air using fans and/or actively treating emissions of ammonia and methane released during the digestive activities of larvae, providing optimal growth conditions for Hermetia Illucens in an artificial environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
Accordingly, the invention discloses the novel automated system and method for providing optimal growth conditions for breeding and rearing of Hermetia Illucens (Black Soldier Fly) in an artificial environment using low-cost techniques for mass valorization of organic substrates.

In one aspect present invention discloses an automated climate control system and method for promoting efficient breeding and rearing of insects, characterized in that:
i) a climate cube (100), designed to maintain temperature stability and energy consumption; and each climate cube (100) is equipped with vertical arrangement of multiple stacked crates for storing the insect larvae, having four sides cut-outs for air ventilation;
ii) a HVAC system tailored to climate cube (100) comprising of humidifiers (114), dehumidifiers, heaters (110), axial fans (106), exhaust fans (108), and cooling pads (112) along with pipe (116), to control environmental parameters;
iii) a network of sensors comprising of temperature sensors, humidity sensors, ammonia sensors, and light sensors; and
iv) supporting structure (102), for placing and supporting assembly of various equipment’s inside a climate cube (100);
wherein, the HVAC system is controlled by network of sensors that constantly monitors and controls the necessary environmental parameters inside the climate cube and send signals to a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) system, thereby PLC system and network of sensors automates the climate control, larval feeding, monitoring and maintenance of larval growth process as per larval growth database calculations

In another aspect present invention provides a system and method comprising the climate cubes (100) are utilized to grow insect larvae, specifically Hermetia Illucens larvae (black soldier fly), where each climate cube is equipped with vertical arrangement of multiple stacked crates for storing the insect larvae, and these larvae are fed with wet feedstock’s comprising a blend of vegetable and fruit substrates, by maintaining the controlled environmental parameters of temperature of about 28 to 320C, humidity of about 60 to 70%, light and low levels of ammonia and methane inside the cubes for optimal growth as per the lifecycle of said larvae.

In another aspect present invention provides a system and method comprising of climate cube (100) that is equipped with vertical arrangement of stacked crates that are densely packed to enhance yield, where each crate is having four sides’ cut-outs for uniform air ventilation and distribution of efficient gas exchange throughout the climate cube (100).

In another aspect present invention provides a HVAC system that control environmental parameters comprising of:
i) humidifiers (114), with connecting pipes (116) for maintaining humidity levels;
ii) dehumidifiers are for reducing excess moisture inside the climate cube (100);
iii) heaters (110), strategically placed inside the climate cube (100) for uniform temperature maintenance;
iv) axial fans (106a, 106b), to constantly cool down the air entering from outside; and
v) exhaust fans (108a, 108b), to flush out the stale air; and
vi) cooling pads (112) along with pipe (116) is an evaporative cooling system to maintain cool down the airflow.

In another aspect present invention provides fans and pads in HVAC system, are supported for re-circulation of air that constantly allow moist and cold air from the environment by creating negative air pressure inside climate cube (100) to prevent the formation of micro-climates, and the air re-circulation system inside cube (100) ensures the exchange of air is at least six times in an hour, so that fresh air dilutes the emissions of ammonia and methane providing fresh air to for larval growth.

The said heaters (110) of HVAC system inside a cube (100), leverage heat by measuring the heat generated by larvae during their growth thereby maintaining or controlling the heat generated by larvae does not exceed 300C in cold weathers and utilizing moist air during hot weathers and displacing the excess heat and emissions.

Yet in another aspect present invention provides network of sensors comprising of temperature sensors, humidity sensors, ammonia sensors, and light sensors constantly monitor and maintain the necessary parameters inside the cube and send signals to PLC system that logically controls HVAC system as per the growth calculations of database based on the digestive activities of larvae in its life cycle.

In further aspect present invention provides a method for breeding and rearing insect larvae specially Hermetia Illucens larvae (black soldier fly), comprising of:
i) automation of wet feedstock having a blend of vegetable and fruit substrates into the vertically arranged crates;
ii) placing Hermetia Illucens larvae inside crates;
iii) HVAC system maintaining optimal environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, evaporative cooling system and air quality within the climate cube (100);
iv) axial fans (106) and exhaust fans (108) ensure proper air circulation and gas exchange by removal of stale air, and actively treating emissions of ammonia and methane released during the digestive activities of larvae; and
v) creating an artificial environmental parameters that are monitored and controlled by network of sensors and PLC system.

Preferably, climate cube (100) is enclosed by enclosed by a roof (104) and an insulated walls designed to maintain temperature stability and reduce energy consumption, and the cube additionally comprise a manually operable windows to enable cross-ventilation using optimal external environmental conditions as per the weather.

In another aspect, present invention provides an automated environmental parameters are adjusted by PLC system that works in conjunction with adaptive responses of larvae lifecycle according to environmental changes and larval needs, thereby enhancing larval growth rates, food conversion ratios, and overall yield quality of Hermetia Illucens larvae (black soldier fly).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
Figure 1: Illustrates an exterior view of climate-controlled growth chamber called climate cube (100).
Figure 2: Illustrates an interior view of climate cube (100) including all essential equipment.
Figure 3: Illustrates the perspective view of a heater (110).
Figure 4: Illustrates the schematic illustration of climate cube (100) depicting positions of essential equipment.
Figure 5: Illustrates the broad view of the attachment of a humidifier (114) with a pipe (116).
Figure 6: Illustrates the front view of three humidifiers (114) along with the cooling pad (112) in a climate cube (100).
Figure 7: Illustrates the perspective view of an axial fan (106) and an exhaust fan (108).
Figure 8: Illustrates the schematic illustration of a climate cube (100) depicting the positions of axial fans (106a, 106b) and exhaust fans (108a, 108b).
Figure 9: Illustrates the computer aided design (CAD) model depicting how the climate cube (100) look from the outside.
Figure 10: Illustrates the computer aided design (CAD) model depicting how the climate cube (100) look from both inside and outside.
Figure 11: Illustrates the close-up view of the fans.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
The main embodiment of the invention relates to an automated system and method for providing optimal growth conditions to Hermetia Illucens (Black Soldier Fly) in an artificial environment.
Accordingly, the present invention discloses an automated climate control system and method for promoting efficient breeding and rearing of insects, characterized in that:
i) a climate cube (100), designed to maintain temperature stability and energy consumption; and each climate cube (100) is equipped with vertical arrangement of multiple stacked crates for storing the insect larvae, having four sides cut-outs for air ventilation;
ii) a HVAC system tailored to climate cube (100) comprising of humidifiers (114), dehumidifiers, heaters (110), axial fans (106), exhaust fans (108), and cooling pads (112) along with pipe (116), to control environmental parameters;
iii) a network of sensors comprising of temperature sensors, humidity sensors, ammonia sensors, and light sensors; and
iv) supporting structure (102), for placing and supporting assembly of various equipment’s inside a climate cube (100);
wherein, the HVAC system is controlled by network of sensors that constantly monitors and controls the necessary environmental parameters inside the climate cube and send signals to a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) system, thereby PLC system and network of sensors automates the climate control, larval feeding, monitoring and maintenance of larval growth process as per larval growth database calculations.

The present invention discloses the climate cubes (100) are utilized to grow insect larvae, specifically Hermetia Illucens larvae (black soldier fly), where each climate cube is equipped with vertical arrangement of multiple stacked crates for storing the insect larvae, and these larvae are fed with wet feedstock’s comprising a blend of vegetable and fruit substrates, by maintaining the controlled environmental parameters of temperature of about 28 to 320C, humidity of about 60 to 70%, light and low levels of ammonia and methane inside the cubes for optimal growth as per the lifecycle of said larvae.

In one more aspect invention discloses the climate cube (100) is equipped with vertical arrangement of stacked crates that are densely packed to enhance yield, where each crate is having four sides’ cut-outs for uniform air ventilation and distribution of efficient gas exchange throughout the climate cube (100).

In one more aspect invention discloses HVAC system that control environmental parameters comprising of:
a. humidifiers (114), with connecting pipes (116) for maintaining humidity levels;
b. dehumidifiers are for reducing excess moisture inside the climate cube (100);
c. heaters (110), strategically placed inside the climate cube (100) for uniform temperature maintenance;
d. axial fans (106a, 106b), to constantly cool down the air entering from outside; and
e. exhaust fans (108a, 108b), to flush out the stale air; and
f. cooling pads (112) along with pipe (116) is an evaporative cooling system to maintain cool down the airflow.

In another aspect invention discloses the fans and pads in HVAC system, are supported for re-circulation of air that constantly allow moist and cold air from the environment by creating negative air pressure inside climate cube (100) to prevent the formation of micro-climates, and the air re-circulation system inside cube (100) ensures the exchange of air is at least six times in an hour, so that fresh air dilutes the emissions of ammonia and methane providing fresh air to for larval growth and the heaters (110) of HVAC system inside a cube (100), leverage heat by measuring the heat generated by larvae during their growth thereby maintaining or controlling the heat generated by larvae does not exceed 300C in cold weathers and utilizing moist air during hot weathers and displacing the excess heat and emissions.

In another aspect invention discloses the network of sensors comprising of temperature sensors, humidity sensors, ammonia sensors, and light sensors constantly monitor and maintain the necessary parameters inside the cube and send signals to PLC system that logically controls HVAC system as per the growth calculations of database based on the digestive activities of larvae in its life cycle.

Another embodiment of the invention a method for breeding and rearing insect larvae, the Hermetia Illucens larvae (black soldier fly), comprising of:
i) automation of wet feedstock having a blend of vegetable and fruit substrates into the vertically arranged crates;
ii) placing Hermetia Illucens larvae inside crates;
iii) HVAC system maintaining optimal environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, evaporative cooling system and air quality within the climate cube (100);
iv) axial fans (106) and exhaust fans (108) ensure proper air circulation and gas exchange by removal of stale air, and actively treating emissions of ammonia and methane released during the digestive activities of larvae; and
v) optimal environmental parameters are monitored and controlled by network of sensors and PLC system.
In another aspect invention discloses the climate cube (100) is enclosed by enclosed by a roof (104) and an insulated walls designed to maintain temperature stability and reduce energy consumption, and the cube additionally comprise a manually operable windows to enable cross-ventilation using optimal external environmental conditions as per the weather.
In another aspect invention discloses the environmental parameters are auto adjusted by PLC system that works in conjunction with adaptive responses of larvae lifecycle according to environmental changes and larval needs, thereby enhancing larval growth rates, food conversion ratios, and overall yield quality of Hermetia Illucens larvae (black soldier fly).
The insect farming is a new industry. In particular, Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) production requires specific infrastructure and technology, such as insect rearing facilities, feed preparation and storage, and waste management systems. Only a few players such as Buhler and Better Insects are commercially available to provide viable solutions. Both these players are from international players and offer turnkey solutions that are very expensive to set up and run. Otherwise, most of the small-medium industries are using traditional and open systems to grow insects that are not environment controlled and can’t use vertical stacking mechanisms.
Accordingly, the present invention provides system and method for providing optimal growth conditions to Hermetia Illucens in an artificial environment using low-cost techniques for mass valorization of organic substrates. Particularly, the system of the present invention comprises a specifically designed climate-controlled growth chamber called climate cube that are used to grow insects, specifically black soldier fly, in an artificial environment on feedstocks comprising of a blend of vegetable, spent grain, and fruit substrates.
In one aspect of the present invention, the invention provides a system for providing optimal growth conditions to Hermetia Illucens (Black Soldier Fly). The system of the present invention comprises a specifically designed climate-controlled growth chamber called climate cube that is used to grow insects, specifically black soldier fly, in an artificial environment for mass valorization of organic substrate. The substrate is made from different vegetal sources and is pretreated into a unique form which is easily consumed, highly digestible for insects and results in better nutrition. A climate cube is designed in such a way that including the assembly of various equipment, run it as a system. The entire system is optimized to run in a way that maximizes insect’s growth, reduces the operations time, and removes exhaust gases through carefully balancing air-flow rate, humidity, temperature, and moisture in growth media. The exhaust gases containing ammonia and methane, generated due to insect’s digestive activity, are also actively treated using a customized bio-filter system before being released into the environment. Further, crates act as the growth media for the larvae. The crates also have cut-outs on all four sides to allow fresh air to easily pass through them. Thereby providing optimal growing conditions for all the insects in all the crates.
Figures 1 to 11 disclose and illustrate the structure of a climate cube (100) along with various equipment and features.
Figure 1 shows the exterior view of a climate cube (100) along with axial fans (106a, 106b) and exhaust fans (108a, 108b). The structure of a climate cube (100) enclosed with a roof (104) and insulated walls. The climate cube (100) further comprises the supporting structure (102) to support the essential equipment such as heaters, humidifiers, fans etc. inside a climate cube (100). The climate cube (100) controls fresh air, temperature, humidity, and light as per the insect’s lifecycle and the external environment. The parameters such as temperature, humidity, level of carbon dioxide, level of oxygen etc. are constantly getting affected inside the climate cube (100) due to the digestive activity of the insects, and hence monitored and maintained using a network of sensors and a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
The system of the present invention comprises a specially designed chamber fit with the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system consisting of humidifiers, dehumidifiers, various fans, exhausts, heaters, bio-filters, ducting, and insulation, all of which are getting controlled by a network of sensors that constantly monitor the necessary parameters inside the chamber. The sensors can be one or more of: a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, ammonia sensor, and light sensor. For each type of sensor that is chosen, at least one sensor to be present in the system. More sensors of the same type can be used for an increased accuracy of measurement. Such a sensor or sensors are connected via at least a data communication line to a programmable logic controller (PLC) system. The programmable logic controller (PLC) system is fed with an insect specific database to control the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system as per the insect requirement. Such sensor or sensors send signals to a programmable logic controller (PLC) system that logically controls all the equipment as per the calculations and the database for insect growth.
The system of the present invention is also designed to make insect rearing commercially and operationally feasible and efficient. Therefore, the growing media i.e., crates are specifically selected such that they have cut-outs on all four sides to allow fresh air to efficiently pass through them, thereby providing optimal growing conditions to all the insects in all the crates. Moreover, the crates are placed in a specific orientation such that they don’t block airflow and support air to reach all the parts of the cube uniformly. The cube is also designed in a way to support vertical farming of insects, i.e., crates could be stacked vertically to a height of 40 feet for more to increase the yield/sq. ft.
The system maintains a stable environment thereby reducing the operations time and insects can grow faster. In just 10 days, they can achieve the required sizes, this way the farmer can save 35% time in running a batch, increasing productivity. It also increases the survivability of the insect and thus contributes towards increasing yield.
The system for creating optimal conditions in an enclosed chamber called climate cube (100) for rearing insect larvae consists of the following:
1) Supporting structure (102) for placing and supporting various equipment inside a climate cube (100),
2) Roof (104),
3) Axial fans (106a, 106b),
4) Exhaust fans (108a, 108b),
5) Heaters (110),
6) Cooling pad (112),
7) Humidifiers (114) along with pipe (116).
Figure 2 shows an interior view of a climate cube (100) including all essential equipment. The essential equipment used in the climate cube (100) for the optimal growth of an insect specifically a Black Soldier Fly, includes axial fans (106a, 106b), exhaust fans (108a, 108b), multiple heaters (110), humidifiers (114) with connecting pipe (116) and cooling pad (112). The climate cube (100) is also enclosed with insulated walls and comprises supporting structures (102) to place and support all the essential equipment inside a climate cube (100). Although the figure only shows the limited number of equipment, it should be understood that preferably and advantageously many of equipment will be present in a climate cube (100).
The exhaust fans (108a, 108b) in a climate cube (100) are used to flush the stale air outside the climate cube (100). Exhaust fans (108a, 108b) on the top of the climate cube (100) is strategically placed to remove any warm air, carbon dioxide gas (CO2), and methane (CH4) gas that get generated during the process. Axial fans (106a, 106b) in the climate cube (100) are used for air circulation and to cool down the air entering from outside. Air is recirculated and constantly moves around the climate cube (100) to prevent the formation of micro-climates with the help of fans; hence airflow is maintained. Also, a negative air pressure is created inside the climate cube (100) using large axial fans (106a, 106b). This negative air pressure forces fresh and moist air to enter through pads from one side and exit through axial fans (106a, 106b) and exhaust fans (108a, 108b) from the other side. Axial fans (106a, 106b) suck humid air from the cooling pad (112) located on the opposite end of the climate cube (100).
Further, multiple heaters (110) are placed across the climate cube (100) to uniformly maintain the temperature across the climate cube (100). Insulated walls of a climate cube (100) maintains optimal conditions longer while lowering energy cost. Humidifiers (114) along with the pipe (116) are used for the maintenance of humidity inside the climate cube (100). These humidifiers (114) with their outlets uniformly distribute humidity across the climate cube (100) through a network of ducts. Also, windows with hinges (not shown) in a climate cube (100) could be opened manually to carry out cross ventilation and set optimal environment conditions in a climate cube (100).
Figure 3 shows the perspective view of a heater (110) with dimensions. The heater (110) is of a 6x2.5 kilowatt (KW). Multiple heaters (110) are placed across the climate cube (100) to uniformly maintain the temperature across the climate cube (100) as shown in the Figure 2.
Figure 4 shows the schematic illustration of a climate cube (100) depicting position of essential equipment including multiple heaters (110), axial fans (106a, 106b), exhaust fans (108a, 108b), and humidifiers (114) with pipe (116). As can be seen from Figure 4, the position of multiple heaters is shown in which vertical distance in the row of heaters (110) is 3500 mm and the horizontal distance between the two rows is 4500 mm. Axial fans (106a, 106b) for air circulation, exhaust fans (108a, 108b) for air discharge, multiple heaters (110) for heating, humidifiers (114) with pipe (116) are placed at optimal locations to create a uniform environment for maintaining the correct humidity in a climate cube (100) wherein all the parameters are first calculated. The placement of heaters, fans, ducts, and crates allows the air to mix uniformly and allows air to pass through multiple crates arranged in rows and columns.
Figure 5 shows the broad view of the attachment of a humidifier (114) with a pipe (116). The humidifier (114) is attached to a pipe (116) that spreads the moisture with the diameter varying from 3 inches to 1 inch towards the other end with 13335 mm of total pipe length.
Figure 6 shows the front view of three humidifiers (114) along with the pipe (116) and the cooling pad (112) in a climate cube (100). The three humidifiers (114) of the dimensions (750*750*850mm) along with the cooling pad (112) of the dimensions (11800*1500*100m) have been used. The humidifiers (114) are at a height of 1989 mm and separated by 3000 mm. The lower edge of the cooling pad (112) is at a height of 500 mm.
Figure 7 shows the perspective view of an axial fan (106) and an exhaust fan (108). As can be seen from Figure 7, a drawing of an 18-inches exhaust fan and 36-inches axial fan is shown. These fans are specially selected to maintain appropriate airflow inside the cube, considering its size, insect activity, and outside conditions.
Figure 8 shows the schematic illustration of a climate cube (100) including axial fans (106a, 106b) and exhaust fans (108a, 108b). The placement of axial fans (106a, 106b) and exhaust fans (108a, 108b) in a climate cube (100) is shown in Figure 8. The axial fans (106a, 106b) and exhaust fans (108a, 108b) are designed, placed, and operated in a way to ensure that insects can breathe, exhaust gases are constantly extracted, and wet food substrate is properly dried between day 1 and day 10, so that the material (frass and larvae) are easy to separate by the 10th day of rearing process.
Figure 9 shows the computer aided design (CAD) model depicting how the climate cube (100) look from the outside. Figure 10 shows the computer aided design (CAD) model depicting how the climate cube (100) look from both inside and outside. Figure 11 shows the close-up view of the fans.
The detailed computer aided design (CAD) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling provides a blueprint to ascertain the correct metrics for optimal growth of the insect, correct placement of equipment, correct orientation and placement of trays, and correct selection of equipment.
In another aspect of the present invention, the invention provides a method for providing optimal growth conditions to Hermetia Illucens (Black Soldier Fly). It comprises the following steps: a) designing a climate cube (100) for the rearing of the insects, b) placing the essential equipment at a proper place for the optimal growth of the insects inside a climate cube (100) or chamber, c) maintaining and controlling of necessary parameters by a network of sensors, d) sending signals to a programmable logic controller (PLC) system to control the rearing environment.
The present invention provides an automated system for providing optimal growth conditions to Hermetia Illucens (Black Soldier Fly) in an artificial environment. The system makes use of natural and low-cost techniques such as tin sheets, cement sheets and bubble insulations for structure design instead of expensive pufpanels to prevent external disturbances and save material costs and electricity costs (operations). Also, the system maintains an optimal airflow required for the rearing of the insects by using the combination of aerated and natural air circulation methods such as using fan and evaporation pad system instead of air-conditioners to maintain airflow thereby to lower the operations and setup costs. The system of the present invention is automatically driven by an intelligent network of sensors and programmable logic controller (PLC) system that reduces human intervention, maintains an optimal environment, and saves operations cost.
In another aspects of the present invention, the invention provides a design of climate cubes including the assembly of various equipment to make it run as a system. Database of insect-specific environmental parameters that promote growth and enhance production yields. The entire system is optimized to run in a way that maximizes insect’s growth, reduces the operations time, and removes exhaust gases through carefully balancing air-flow rate, humidity, temperature, and moisture in growth media.
The system is where the environment inside the cube or chamber is conditioned to be in the desirable range for insect’s growth.
The system accordingly is where the placement of ducts, heaters, fans, and crates allows the air to mix uniformly and allows air to pass through multiple crates arranged in rows and columns.
After running hundreds of trial on growing the Hermetia Illucens on the standard feedstock available, we have developed the following equations that govern how heat is generated across the lifecycle of the insects from day-1 of insertion on the feedstock to day 11 of harvesting.

S.no Description Equation Remarks
1 Heat production from each crate y = 20*(0.0131x + 0.0859)w y is heat production in w
x is number of days; x should run from 1 to 11
2 Total heat production from each batch y = 4000*(0.0131x + 0.0859)w y is heat production in w
x is number of days; x should run from 1 to 11
3 Total Heat Production in the chamber under continuous production cycles y = -0.0091x6 + 0.5939x5 - 14.518x4 + 160.62x3 - 798.28x2 + 2366.4x - 1189 y is heat production in w
x is number of days; x should run from 1 to 20

R2 represents the coefficient of determination
R² = 0.9979
An R2 value of 0.9979 means that approximately 99.79% of the variability in heat production can be explained by the number of days in the model given by the polynomial equation for total heat production in the chamber under continuous production cycles. This high value indicates an excellent fit of the model to the observed data.
The technology and system has been developed to ensure that heat generated from the insects doesn’t let the chamber’s temperature reach beyond 30 degree Celsius at any point. Moreover, the same heat is leveraged during the colder months to minimize external heat requirement to warm the environment.
In another aspects of the present invention, the following parameters need to be maintained to provide the optimal growing conditions to insects in an artificial environment:
a. Temperature: 28 to 32 degree Celsius
b. Humidity: 60 to 70%
c. Low ammonia and low methane
To maintain these parameters when billions of insects at different life stages are actively feeding on the feedstock within an enclosed environment becomes challenging, and so the system should be smart to constantly use sensor driven data to optimize for these parameters.
To maintain temperature a fan and pad system supported by recirculation fans constantly bring moist and cold air from the environment through negative air pressure.
To maintain humidity humidifiers supplement the air with additional humidity during the dry months.
Ammonia and methane are controlled by ensuring that the air is exchanged at least 6 times in an hour so that fresh air dilutes the emissions and provides fresh air to the insects to grow.
The size of the cube or chamber is modular so the components can be added/subtracted as per the growing capacity. The demo unit on which all the experimentation were conducted has the following specifications:
1. Substrate handling capacity : 2 tons per day
2. Area: 2200 sqft
3. Number of crates: 2500
4. Cooling pad: 45 feet
5. Fans: 30000 CFM
6. Heaters: 6 x 2.5 KW
7. Humidifiers: 3 x 10 liters/hour
8. UV-C bulbs for disinfection
9. PLC system to automatically operate all the equipment

Applications and/or Advantages:
1. More affordable to setup and operate.
2. Improving yields: 40% less mortality, 130% better food conversion ratio, and 300% more output per sq./ft.
3. Improving quality: Up to 35% better quality – larger size and higher protein and fat content.
4. Increasing scalability and decentralisation: Black Soldier Fly (BSF) requires specific environmental conditions to grow. By using climate cubes, the best conditions are provided to grow the insects anywhere and anytime.
5. Faster: Achieve maturity in 10-12 days instead of the normal 14–16 days period, making the process ~ 30% faster.
6. Stabilising supply chain: Black Soldier Fly (BSF) can be grown all year round with same consistency and nutritional quality.
7. Low-cost material is used, hence saves material cost and electricity cost (operation).
8. Actively eliminating and treating emissions from insects’ digestive activity inside the climate cube to improve insect’s growth, as well as reduce the odor generated during insect farming/rearing.

,CLAIMS:
1. An automated climate control system and method for promoting efficient breeding and rearing of insects, characterized in that:
i) a climate cube (100), designed to maintain temperature stability and energy consumption; and each climate cube (100) is equipped with vertical arrangement of multiple stacked crates for storing the insect larvae, having four sides cut-outs for air ventilation;
ii) a HVAC system tailored to climate cube (100) comprising of humidifiers (114), dehumidifiers, heaters (110), axial fans (106), exhaust fans (108), and cooling pads (112) along with pipe (116), to control environmental parameters;
iii) a network of sensors comprising of temperature sensors, humidity sensors, ammonia sensors, and light sensors; and
iv) supporting structure (102), for placing and supporting assembly of various equipment’s inside a climate cube (100);
wherein, the HVAC system is controlled by network of sensors that constantly monitors and controls the necessary environmental parameters inside the climate cube and send signals to a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) system, thereby PLC system and network of sensors automates the climate control, larval feeding, monitoring and maintenance of larval growth process as per larval growth database calculations

2. The system and method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the climate cubes (100) are utilized to grow insect larvae, specifically Hermetia Illucens larvae (black soldier fly), where each climate cube is equipped with vertical arrangement of multiple stacked crates for storing the insect larvae, and these larvae are fed with wet feedstock’s comprising a blend of vegetable and fruit substrates, by maintaining the controlled environmental parameters of temperature of about 28 to 320C, humidity of about 60 to 70%, light and low levels of ammonia and methane inside the cubes for optimal growth as per the lifecycle of said larvae.

3. The system and method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the climate cube (100) is equipped with vertical arrangement of stacked crates that are densely packed to enhance yield, where each crate is having four sides’ cut-outs for uniform air ventilation and distribution of efficient gas exchange throughout the climate cube (100).

4. The system and method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the HVAC system that control environmental parameters comprising of:
i) humidifiers (114), with connecting pipes (116) for maintaining humidity levels;
ii) dehumidifiers are for reducing excess moisture inside the climate cube (100);
iii) heaters (110), strategically placed inside the climate cube (100) for uniform temperature maintenance;
iv) axial fans (106a, 106b), to constantly cool down the air entering from outside; and
v) exhaust fans (108a, 108b), to flush out the stale air; and
vi) cooling pads (112) along with pipe (116) is an evaporative cooling system to maintain cool down the airflow.

5. The system and method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fans and pads in HVAC system, are supported for re-circulation of air that constantly allow moist and cold air from the environment by creating negative air pressure inside climate cube (100) to prevent the formation of micro-climates, and the air re-circulation system inside cube (100) ensures the exchange of air is at least six times in an hour, so that fresh air dilutes the emissions of ammonia and methane providing fresh air to for larval growth.

6. The system and method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heaters (110) of HVAC system inside a cube (100), leverage heat by measuring the heat generated by larvae during their growth thereby maintaining or controlling the heat generated by larvae does not exceed 300C in cold weathers and utilizing moist air during hot weathers and displacing the excess heat and emissions.

7. The system and method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the network of sensors comprising of temperature sensors, humidity sensors, ammonia sensors, and light sensors constantly monitor and maintain the necessary parameters inside the cube and send signals to PLC system that logically controls HVAC system as per the growth calculations of database based on the digestive activities of larvae in its life cycle.

8. A method for breeding and rearing insect larvae specially Hermetia Illucens larvae (black soldier fly), comprising of:
i) automation of wet feedstock having a blend of vegetable and fruit substrates into the vertically arranged crates;
ii) placing Hermetia Illucens larvae inside crates;
iii) HVAC system maintaining optimal environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, evaporative cooling system and air quality within the climate cube (100);
iv) axial fans (106) and exhaust fans (108) ensure proper air circulation and gas exchange by removal of stale air, and actively treating emissions of ammonia and methane released during the digestive activities of larvae; and
v) creating an artificial environmental parameters that are monitored and controlled by network of sensors and PLC system.

9. The system and method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the climate cube (100) is enclosed by enclosed by a roof (104) and an insulated walls designed to maintain temperature stability and reduce energy consumption, and the cube additionally comprise a manually operable windows to enable cross-ventilation using optimal external environmental conditions as per the weather.

10. The system and method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the environmental parameters are auto adjusted by PLC system that works in conjunction with adaptive responses of larvae lifecycle according to environmental changes and larval needs, thereby enhancing larval growth rates, food conversion ratios, and overall yield quality of Hermetia Illucens larvae (black soldier fly).