Adaptive Red-Far Red LED Control for Stable Pepper Fruit Set
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Solution Overview
Problem
The fluctuating yield pattern in sweet pepper cultivation due to the flushing pattern in the weekly number of new set fruits results in large periodic fluctuations in fruit production, making it difficult to maintain a consistent yield.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a light generating device and control system that provides red and far-red light to pepper plants, adjusting the R:FR ratio based on plant load-related parameters to stabilize fruit production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional fixed-spectrum LED lighting is used for plant cultivation, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the yield fluctuates periodically due to flushing patterns in fruit set
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the red-to-far-red light ratio based on real-time plant load parameters. The lighting system transitions from a fixed spectrum to a dynamically adaptable spectrum that changes according to plant physiological state, thereby stabilizing fruit set and eliminating periodic yield fluctuations while managing complexity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral parameters of the lighting system by adjusting the R:FR ratio based on plant load conditions. When plant load is high, the system increases far-red light proportion to promote fruit set; when plant load is low, it increases red light proportion. This parameter adaptation stabilizes the flushing pattern and improves yield consistency
2Productivity
If the red to far-red light ratio is adjusted to stabilize fruit production, then yield consistency improves, but energy consumption increases due to dynamic spectrum adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors plant load parameters (such as flower bud number, fruit number, or plant biomass) and adjusts the R:FR ratio accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures energy is used efficiently by providing spectral adjustments only when and where needed to maintain optimal fruit set, rather than continuous high-energy illumination
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system applies periodic spectral adjustments synchronized with the plant's natural flushing cycle. By timing the R:FR ratio changes to coincide with critical fruit set periods identified through plant load monitoring, the system maximizes energy efficiency while achieving yield stabilization
3Productivity
If monitoring of plant load parameters is implemented to control lighting, then fruit production stability improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the plant cultivation system to self-regulate by using the plants themselves as sensors. Plant load parameters are inferred from easily measurable indicators such as the number of flower buds, fruits, or visible plant characteristics, eliminating the need for complex external monitoring equipment while maintaining effective control of the lighting spectrum
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed to serve multiple functions: it tracks plant load for lighting control, provides data for irrigation and fertilization optimization, and enables overall crop management. This multi-functionality justifies the monitoring investment by providing comprehensive system optimization beyond just lighting control
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 stabilizes plant load and fruit production over time, resulting in a more consistent yield and quality by strategically controlling the red to far-red light ratio.
Implementation Method 1
Plants use the process of photosynthesis to convert light, CO2 and H2O into carbohydrates (sugars). These sugars are used to fuel metabolic processes.
Implementation Method 2
phytochromes. Phytochrome activity steers different responses such as leaf expansion, neighbor perception, shade avoidance, stem elongation, seed germination and flowering induction
Implementation Method 3
Two important absorption peaks of chlorophyll a and b are located in the red and blue regions, especially from 625-675 nm and from 425-475 nm, respectively. Additionally, there are also other localized peaks at near-UV (300-400 nm) and in the far-red region (700-800 nm).
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a system (1000) for cultivating a pepper plant (10), wherein the system (1000) comprises a light generating device (100) and a control system (300), wherein the light generating device (100) is configured to provide device light (101) to the pepper plant (10), wherein the device light (101) comprises one or more of red light and far red light, wherein the red light comprises one or more wavelengths in the range of 600 – 700 nm, and wherein the far red light comprises one or more wavelengths in the range of 700 – 800 nm wherein the system (1000) has an operational mode wherein: the control system (300) is configured to acquire an input signal, wherein the input signal relates to a plant load-related parameter of the pepper plant (10), wherein the plant load-related parameter is selected from the group comprising a plant load, a flowering rate, a flower abortion rate, a fruit set rate, and a fruit abortion rate; the control system (300) is configured to determine a plant load based on the input signal, and wherein one or more of the following applies: (i) the control system (300) is configured to compare the plant load to a lower plant load threshold, and to select a target R:FR ratio of red light to far red light from the range of > 15 if the plant load is lower than the lower plant load threshold; and (ii) the control system (300) is configured to compare the plant load to a higher plant load threshold, and to select the target R:FR ratio from the range of < 15 if the plant load is higher than the higher plant load threshold; the control system (300) is configured to expose the pepper plant (10) to the target R:FR ratio by controlling the light generating device (100).