Enclosed Cultivation Light Control Using Fluorescence Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack a concrete approach for controlling artificial lighting in enclosed cultivation spaces to optimize plant growth efficiency, particularly in terms of cost and performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling light intensity in enclosed cultivation spaces using fluorescence gain detection, adjusting the light intensity setpoint based on changes in fluorescence emitted by plants, ensuring the light intensity corresponds to a maximum chlorophyll fluorescence gain (ChlF-gain) to balance production rate and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high power artificial lighting system is used to stimulate plant growth, then plant growth stimulation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses fluorescence detection to measure plant response to light in real-time, creating a feedback loop that adjusts lighting intensity and spectrum to optimize growth while minimizing energy consumption. The fluorescence signal provides direct feedback on photosynthetic efficiency, allowing dynamic optimization of energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes lighting parameters including intensity, spectrum, and duration based on plant physiological state and growth stage. By adjusting these parameters according to real-time fluorescence measurements, the system achieves optimal growth stimulation with reduced energy consumption compared to fixed high-power lighting.
2Temperature
If LED based illumination system is used, then heat generation is reduced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED illumination system serves multiple functions: providing grow light, enabling fluorescence excitation, and acting as a controllable light source for various spectral configurations. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, reducing overall complexity despite the advanced control capabilities needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control of LED intensity and spectrum to adapt to changing plant needs and environmental conditions. This dynamic capability allows the same hardware to optimize performance across different growth stages and conditions, reducing the need for multiple fixed systems.
3Measurement precision
If fluorescence detection is used to assess plant growth status, then growth monitoring precision is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Fluorescence emission serves as an intermediary signal that indirectly reports plant physiological state and growth status. Rather than directly measuring complex biological parameters, the system uses fluorescence as a measurable proxy that correlates with photosynthetic efficiency and plant health, simplifying the measurement approach while maintaining precision.
4Productivity
If light intensity is increased to improve production rate, then productivity increases, but cultivation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescence-based feedback system monitors plant photosynthetic efficiency in real-time and adjusts lighting intensity accordingly. When plants reach optimal saturation points, the system reduces intensity, preventing energy waste from excessive lighting. This feedback control ensures lighting is applied at the right intensity to maximize productivity per unit of energy consumed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies lighting at partial intensity levels rather than always using maximum power. By matching lighting intensity to actual plant needs as indicated by fluorescence measurements, the system avoids excessive action that would waste energy while still achieving high productivity through optimized, targeted illumination.
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 approach enhances cultivation efficiency by maintaining optimal light levels that maximize chlorophyll fluorescence gain, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a change in fluorescence resulting from this modulation
Implementation Method 2
an artificial light source for emitting artificial light
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a light intensity in an enclosed cultivation space, the enclosed cultivation space having a light regulating system including an artificial light source for emitting artificial light, the method comprising, detecting a first fluorescence gain and a second fluorescence gain at different light intensity operating points. If the fluorescence gain is greater when the light intensity is greater, then the light intensity setpoint can be increased. Similarly, if the gain is greater when the intensity is lower, then the setpoint can be reduced.The invention is based on the understanding that it is beneficial for plant growth to provide light at a level which corresponds to a maximum ChlF-gain. The light level which corresponds to a maximum ChlF-gain provides a good trade-off between production rate and production efficiency.