Adaptive Horticultural Lighting with Dynamic LED Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED-based horticultural lighting systems fail to provide adequate light uniformity and spectral adaptability for indoor horticulture, with light intensity decreasing as the emission angle increases relative to the optical axis, leading to uneven illuminance and inefficiencies in light distribution.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive horticultural lighting system utilizing a dense array of LEDs with associated lenses that modify light intensity distribution, coupled with a controller and sensor system to compare ambient light conditions to a light recipe, adjusting the light output to ensure uniformity and spectral adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional LED-based horticultural lighting systems are used, then energy efficiency is improved, but light uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the emission characteristics of different LED modules within the array. Specifically, LEDs at different positions (center vs. perimeter) have different emission angles and intensities tailored to their location, creating uniform overall illumination while maintaining energy efficiency. The controller independently adjusts each module's output based on its specific spatial characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics through the controller that independently adjusts the emission intensity of each LED module in real-time. This dynamic control allows the system to compensate for positional variations and maintain uniform light distribution across the growth surface while operating at optimized energy levels.
2Device complexity
If conventional LED-based horticultural lighting systems are used, then device simplicity is improved, but spectral adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into multiple independently controllable LED modules, each capable of emitting different spectral compositions. This segmentation allows the system to provide spectral adaptability for different plant growth stages while maintaining relatively simple individual module designs that can be mass-produced.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing LED modules that can emit multiple wavelengths (e.g., blue, red, and white LEDs in the same module). This multi-functionality allows a single standardized module design to serve multiple spectral requirements across different horticultural applications, maintaining device simplicity while achieving spectral adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional LED-based horticultural lighting systems are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but light distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses light distribution uniformity through local quality by configuring LEDs with different emission angles at different positions within the array. Center LEDs use narrower emission angles while perimeter LEDs use wider angles, creating uniform illumination patterns without complicating the overall modular manufacturing process.
4Loss of energy
If conventional LED-based horticultural lighting systems are used, then power efficiency is improved, but spectral tuning capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves both power efficiency and spectral tuning capability through dynamic control of independently addressable LED modules. The controller adjusts the intensity and spectral composition of each module in real-time based on plant needs and ambient conditions, optimizing energy usage while providing spectral adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through sensors that monitor ambient light conditions and plant responses, with the controller adjusting LED spectral output and intensity accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables spectral tuning to match optimal photosynthesis requirements while maintaining power efficiency by avoiding unnecessary light emission.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves uniform and increasing illuminance across a large surface area, regardless of the angle of incidence, improving light distribution and energy efficiency by dynamically adjusting light output based on measured ambient conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Light emitting diodes (LEDs) have been utilized since about the 1960s
Implementation Method 2
a dense array of LEDs with associated lenses that modify light intensity distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for a horticultural light system for use in a greenhouse where aspects of ambient light in the greenhouse are measured and compared against a prescribed light recipe. A light controller commands a light fixture contained within the greenhouse to augment the ambient light in response to the comparison. Photosynthetic photon flux, light intensity, color temperature and color spectrum among other aspects of light generated by the light fixture are altered by the controller to fill in deficiencies of the ambient light as compared to the prescribed light recipe.