A light-emitting diode grow light apparatus for promoting growth of crops, and associated system

Abstract

A light-emitting diode (LED) grow light apparatus for promoting growth of crops, comprising an LED light panel, comprising a plurality of LEDs disposed at a front surface of the LED light panel, a heat sink assembly, comprising a heat sink body disposed at a back surface of the LED light panel and air flow generation means configured to generate an air flow that passes across the heat sink body to dissipate away heat generated by the plurality of light-emitting diodes LEDs from the heat sink body by convection. The apparatus further comprises air flow deflection means for deflecting a flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body, flowing in a flow direction, comprising deflection adjusting means for adjusting a direction of the deflection of the flow of heated air to be deflected by the air flow deflection means.

Description

[0001] A light-emitting diode grow light apparatus for promoting growth of crops, and associated system

[0002] The present invention relates to a light-emitting diode (LED) grow light apparatus for promoting growth of crops. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system for promoting growth of crops.

[0003] Lighting and climate control are critical components of modem agriculture, allowing for the year-round cultivation of crops and optimal growth conditions. High-intensity lighting and climate control systems can be energy-intensive. Finding energy-efficient solutions and managing operating costs is a common challenge. Greenhouses often use a combination of artificial lighting sources, including high-pressure sodium (HPS), metal halide (MH), fluorescent, and more recently, LED lights. LED lights are increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency and precise spectrum control. They can be customized to emit specific wavelengths of light, matching the precise spectrum needs of various crops during different growth stages. Furthermore, they are highly energy-efficient compared to HPS and MH lights.

[0004] Although LEDs are energy-efficient, the overall energy consumption of lighting and climate control systems with multiple fixtures, such as those used in greenhouses, can still be substantial. Optimizing energy use and minimizing operating costs remain challenges.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to optimize energy use and minimize operating costs of lighting and climate control systems with multiple fixtures, such as those used in greenhouses.

[0006] The present invention provides thereto, according to a first aspect thereof, a light-emitting diode (LED) grow light apparatus for promoting growth of crops, comprising an LED light panel, comprising a plurality of LEDs disposed at a front surface of the LED light panel, a heat sink assembly, comprising a heat sink body disposed at a back surface of the LED light panel and air flow generation means configured to generate an air flow that passes across the heat sink body to dissipate away heat generated by the plurality of light-emitting diodes LEDs from the heat sink body by convection. The apparatus further comprises air flow deflection means for deflecting a flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body, flowing in a flow direction, comprising deflection adjusting means for adjusting a direction of the deflection of the flow of heated air to be deflected by the air flow deflection means.

[0007] The apparatus thereby allows dynamic use of heated air from the process of the cooling of the LEDs to improve growth efficiency. The air may be directed either directly down to the crops, which may be plants or grass, or into a heating exchange system, or directly out of the environment entirely to negate the impact of the heat on the ecosystem with the result of improving plant growth and improving total system efficiency. In a preferred embodiment of the LED grow light apparatus according to the present invention, the deflection adjusting means are configured to rotate the air deflection means about an axis extending through and parallel to the flow direction of the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the air flow deflection means are configured to deflect the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body at a fixed non-zero deflection angle with respect to the flow direction of the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the air flow deflection means comprise a rotatable plate-like deflection member arranged in the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body, wherein the deflection adjusting means are configured to rotate the deflection member about an axis perpendicular to a flow direction of the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body to adjust an angle of the deflection member with respect to the flow direction.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the air flow deflection means are configured to deflect the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body towards the front surface of the panel.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the air flow deflection means are configured to deflect the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body from a first direction parallel to the direction of extension of the back surface to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the LED grow light apparatus further comprises a housing configured to arrange the LED light panel therein and to form a chamber at the back side of the LED light panel for passing air generated by the air flow generation means therethrough to pass air through the heat sink body. The chamber comprises an air inlet upstream of the heat sink body which is in fluid communication with the air flow generation means and an air outlet downstream of the heat sink body which is in fluid communication with the air flow deflection means.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the LED grow light apparatus further comprises a conduit arranged between the heat sink body and the air flow deflection means and / or a conduit arranged downstream of the air flow deflection means to supply the non-deflected heated air exiting the heat sink body to the air flow deflection means remote from the heatsink and / or to supply the heated air deflected by the air deflection means remote from the air flow deflection means.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the air flow deflection means comprise the conduit, the conduit being configured for deflecting the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the conduit comprises at least one of a duct, a pipe and a tube.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the LED grow light apparatus further comprises a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature near the back surface of the LED light panel, a controller in communication with the temperature sensor, the controller being configured to monitor the measured temperature, to activate the air flow generation means when the measured temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, and to deactivate the air flow generation means when the measured temperature falls below the predetermined threshold. In a preferred embodiment, the heat sink body comprises a plurality of fins extending outwardly from, preferably perpendicularly to, the back surface of the LED light panel.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the heat sink body further comprises a heat-conductive plate in thermal contact with the back surface of the LED light panel, and wherein the fins of the plurality of fins are thermally connected to the heat-conductive plate.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the air flow generation means comprise at least one fan disposed proximate to the heat sink body.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the LED grow light further comprises a convection control system comprising a speed control mechanism for adjusting a speed of the air flow generation means based on the measured temperature.

[0020] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a system for promoting growth of crops, comprising a light-emitting diode (LED) grow light apparatus for promoting growth of crops according to any one of the preceding claims, a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature which is indicative for a temperature of a climate near the crops to be grown, and a controller in communication with the temperature sensor, the controller being configured to monitor the measured temperature, and to control the deflection adjusting means in dependence of the measured temperature value to adjust the direction of deflection of the flow of heated air to be deflected by the air flow deflection means in dependence of the measured temperature value.

[0021] The system thereby allows dynamic use of heated air from the process of the cooling of the LEDs to improve growth efficiency. The air may be directed either directly down to the crops, which may be plants or grass, or into a heating exchange system, or directly out of the environment entirely to negate the impact of the heat on the ecosystem with the result of improving plant growth and improving total system efficiency.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the system according to the present invention, the controller is configured to control the deflection adjusting means such that the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body is deflected towards the crops by the air flow deflection means when the measured temperature is below a certain predetermined threshold, and deflected away from the crops by the air flow deflection means when the measured temperature exceeds the predetermined threshold.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the system further comprises a heat exchanger having an air inlet arranged to be in fluid communication with an air outlet of the air flow deflection means when the deflection adjusting means are in a heat provision position, in which the air flow deflection means deflect the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body towards the air inlet of the heat exchanger, and not to be in fluid communication with the air outlet of the air flow deflection means when the deflection adjusting means are in a heat draining position, in which the air flow deflection means deflect the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body away from the air inlet of the heat exchanger, wherein the controller is configured to control the deflection adjusting means such that the deflection adjusting means are moved to the heat provision position when the measured temperature is below a certain predetermined threshold, and to the heat draining position when the measured temperature exceeds the predetermined threshold.

[0024] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understand the nature and character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, wherein: figures 1, 3, 5, and 7 show a cross-sectional side views of different preferred embodiments of an LED grow light apparatus according to the present invention, wherein in each embodiment an outlet of air flow deflection means of the apparatus is directed downwards; and figures 2, 4, 6, and 8 show the LED grow light apparatus of figures 1, 3, 5, and 7, respectively, wherein the outlet of the air flow deflection means is directed upwards.

[0025] The figures show different embodiments of an LED grow light apparatus 1 for promoting growth of crops 2, such as plants or grass (e.g. turf grass or rye grass). The LED grow light apparatus 1 comprises a housing 3 which is open at the bottom 3a to allow light from multiple LEDs 5 arranged on an LED panel 4 to illuminate the crops 2. LEDs 5 do not radiate much heat in the direction of the crops 2. Instead, heat is generated at the back 4a of the LED panel 4, i.e., the upwardly facing surface of the LED panel 4. To improve the efficiency of the LED panel 4, an active cooling system is provided comprising a heat sink 6 consisting of one or more cooling fins 7, and a fan 8 for creating an air flow that passes across the cooling fins 7 of the heat sink 6 to dissipate away heat generated by the multiple LEDs 5 from the heat sink 6 by convection. Air enters the housing 3 at the back 4a of the LED panel 4 through an air inlet opening 9 and exits the housing 3 through one or more air outlet openings 10. The air outlet opening(s) 10 is (are) provided in an air flow deflection member 11, which is designed to deflect the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink 6 either in the direction of the crops 2 or away from the crops. The air flow deflection member 11 comprises deflection adjusting means (not shown) to adjust the direction of deflection of the flow of heated air to be deflected by the air flow deflection member 11.

[0026] Specifically, the air flow deflection member 11 may be configured to be rotatable about an axis 12 extending through and parallel to the flow direction of the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink 6. Reference is made to e.g. figures 1 to 4. Alternatively, the air flow deflection member 11 may comprise one or more rotatable platelike deflection blades 13 arranged in the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink 6. The deflection adjusting member (not shown) is then configured to rotate the plate-like deflection blades 13 about an axis 14 perpendicular to a flow direction of the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink 6 to adjust an angle of the deflection blades 13 with respect to the flow direction. Reference is made to figures 5 and 6 in this regard.

[0027] The rotatable air flow deflection member 11 as shown in figures 1 and 2 can also be combined with the plate-like deflection blades 13 as shown in figures 5 and 6. This allows to adjust the direction of the flow of heated air in more different directions and more precisely.

[0028] The LED grow light apparatus 1 thereby allows dynamic use of heated air from the process of the cooling of the LEDs 5 to improve the efficiency with which the crops 2 are grown. The air may be directed either directly down to the crops 2, or into a heating exchange system (not shown), or directly out of the environment entirely to negate the impact of the heat of the LEDs 5 on the ecosystem with the result of improving growth of the crops 2 and improving total system efficiency.

[0029] The drawings are illustrative of selected aspects of the present disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of methods, products, and systems embraced by the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Since modifications combinations, sub -combinations and variations of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

Claims1. A light-emiting diode (LED) grow light apparatus for promoting growth of crops, comprising: an LED light panel, comprising a plurality of LEDs disposed at a front surface of the LED light panel; a heat sink assembly, comprising a heat sink body disposed at a back surface of the LED light panel and air flow generation means configured to generate an air flow that passes across the heat sink body to dissipate away heat generated by the plurality of light-emiting diodes LEDs from the heat sink body by convection; and air flow deflection means for deflecting a flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body, flowing in a flow direction, comprising deflection adjusting means for adjusting a direction of deflection of the flow of heated air to be deflected by the air flow deflection means.

2. The LED grow light apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the deflection adjusting means are configured to rotate the air deflection means about an axis extending through and parallel to the flow direction of the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body.

3. The LED grow light apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air flow deflection means are configured to deflect the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body at a fixed non-zero deflection angle with respect to the flow direction of the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body.

4. The LED grow light apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air flow deflection means comprise a rotatable plate-like deflection member arranged in the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body, wherein the deflection adjusting means are configured to rotate the deflection member about an axis perpendicular to a flow direction of the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body to adjust an angle of the deflection member with respect to the flow direction.

5. The LED grow light apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the air flow deflection means are configured to deflect the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body towards the front surface of the panel.

6. The LED grow light apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the air flow deflection means are configured to deflect the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink bodyfrom a first direction parallel to the direction of extension of the back surface to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

7. The LED grow light apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a housing configured to arrange the LED light panel therein and to form a chamber at the back side of the LED light panel for passing air generated by the air flow generation means therethrough to pass air through the heat sink body, the chamber comprising an air inlet upstream of the heat sink body which is in fluid communication with the air flow generation means and an air outlet downstream of the heat sink body which is in fluid communication with the air flow deflection means.

8. The LED grow light apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a conduit arranged between the heat sink body and the air flow deflection means and / or a conduit arranged downstream of the air flow deflection means to supply the nondeflected heated air exiting the heat sink body to the air flow deflection means remote from the heatsink and / or to supply the heated air deflected by the air deflection means remote from the air flow deflection means.

9. The LED grow light apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the air flow deflection means comprise the conduit, the conduit being configured for deflecting the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body.

10. The LED grow light apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, the conduit comprising at least one of a duct, a pipe and a tube.

11. The LED grow light apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature near the back surface of the LED light panel, a controller in communication with the temperature sensor, the controller being configured to monitor the measured temperature, to activate the air flow generation means when the measured temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, and to deactivate the air flow generation means when the measured temperature falls below the predetermined threshold.

12. The LED grow light apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat sink body comprises a plurality of fins extending outwardly from, preferably perpendicularly to, the back surface of the LED light panel.

13. The LED grow light apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the heat sink body further comprises a heat-conductive plate in thermal contact with the back surface of the LED light panel, and wherein the fins of the plurality of fins are thermally connected to the heat- conductive plate.

14. The LED grow light apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air flow generation means comprise at least one fan disposed proximate to the heat sink body.

15. The LED grow light apparatus according to any of claims 7 to 10, further comprising a convection control system comprising a speed control mechanism for adjusting a speed of the air flow generation means based on the measured temperature.

16. A system for promoting growth of crops, comprising: a light-emitting diode (LED) grow light apparatus for promoting growth of crops according to any one of the preceding claims; a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature which is indicative for a temperature of a climate near the crops to be grown; and a controller in communication with the temperature sensor, the controller being configured to monitor the measured temperature, and to control the deflection adjusting means in dependence of the measured temperature value to adjust the direction of deflection of the flow of heated air to be deflected by the air flow deflection means in dependence of the measured temperature value.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the controller is configured to control the deflection adjusting means such that the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body is deflected towards the crops by the air flow deflection means when the measured temperature is below a certain predetermined threshold, and deflected away from the crops by the air flow deflection means when the measured temperature exceeds the predetermined threshold.

18. The system according to claim 16, further comprising a heat exchanger having an air inlet arranged to be in fluid communication with an air outlet of the air flow deflection means when the deflection adjusting means are in a heat provision position, in which the air flow deflection means deflect the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body towards the air inlet of the heat exchanger, and not to be in fluid communication with the air outlet of the air flow deflection means when the deflection adjusting means are in a heat draining position, in which the air flow deflection means deflect the flow of heated air exiting the heat sink body away from the air inlet of the heat exchanger, wherein the controller is configured to controlthe deflection adjusting means such that the deflection adjusting means are moved to the heat provision position when the measured temperature is below a certain predetermined threshold, and to the heat draining position when the measured temperature exceeds the predetermined threshold.

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