Low Voltage AC Bus Bar Lighting for Plant Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LED lighting systems for commercial and domestic applications face inefficiencies due to high voltage AC requirements, leading to increased costs and complexity, particularly in large-scale installations, where voltage drop issues and heat management are significant, making them less suitable for close proximity to growing organisms like plants.
Innovation Solution
A controllable power and lighting system using low voltage AC distributed via bus bars, with local rectification and automatic control, allowing for flexible LED array placement and independent control of wavelength, intensity, and photoperiod, while minimizing heat retention and voltage drop, using aluminium tubular bus bars and power line technology for efficient power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high voltage AC is used to power LED lighting systems, then the power delivery capability is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase, particularly in large-scale installations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution system into multiple low-voltage AC zones powered by distributed transformers, rather than using a single high-voltage system. This allows LED arrays to be powered locally at low voltage (e.g., 24V AC) while maintaining overall system power capacity through multiple transformation points throughout the growing facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces transformers as intermediary devices that convert high-voltage AC to low-voltage AC at specific locations within the growing facility. These transformers act as mediators between the main power supply and the LED lighting systems, enabling safe low-voltage operation while maintaining connection to the high-voltage grid infrastructure.
2Productivity
If LED arrays are placed in close proximity to growing organisms, then the lighting efficiency is improved, but heat retention and safety issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameter from high voltage to low voltage AC operation, which fundamentally alters the thermal characteristics of the system. Low-voltage operation reduces resistive heating in wiring and allows for more efficient heat management in LED arrays, enabling safe placement close to plants while maintaining high lighting efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harmful effect of heat generation into a beneficial by utilizing low-voltage AC power distribution, which inherently reduces heat generation in the power delivery system. The controlled low-voltage environment allows heat to be managed more effectively, and the proximity of LED arrays to plants becomes advantageous for efficient light delivery rather than a safety risk.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If low voltage AC is used to power LED lighting systems, then safety and heat management are improved, but the power delivery capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the facility into multiple low-voltage AC zones, each served by its own transformer. This segmentation allows the system to deliver high total power through multiple parallel low-voltage circuits, overcoming the limitation of individual low-voltage lines while maintaining safety benefits throughout the entire facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal low-voltage AC power infrastructure that can serve multiple functions: safe LED lighting operation, power distribution to control systems, and scalability for future expansions. This multi-functional low-voltage system replaces the need for separate high-voltage and low-voltage systems, delivering adequate power for all lighting needs while maintaining safety.
4Reliability
If distributed transformers are used to provide low voltage AC, then the voltage drop is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing transformers at specific locations where LED lighting zones are established, rather than using a centralized high-voltage system. Each transformer serves its local zone with optimized voltage levels, ensuring stable power delivery to LED arrays while keeping the overall system architecture relatively simple through modular deployment.
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
This system provides efficient, cost-effective, and flexible LED lighting that can be safely used in close proximity to growing organisms, reducing energy consumption and operational costs, while maintaining high lighting efficiency and safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
low voltage AC power is distributed by bus bars
Implementation Method 2
the low voltage AC supplied to each LED light, or group of LED lights is converted to low voltage DC at an AC/DC rectifier
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided herein controllable power and lighting arrangement suitable for use in commercial and/or domestic applications. There is particularly provided a method for the arrangement and automatic control of light emitting diode (LED) lights, and optionally non-LED based devices, powered by low voltage AC power distributed on bus bars. In addition there is provided a power and lighting arrangement which is especially suitable for use in a uniform and safe manner in close proximity to living organisms, particularly organisms capable of growth, such as plants, in a domestic or commercial growth system.