Fluid-cooled LED-based lighting methods and apparatus for controlled environment agriculture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) systems face high energy costs due to the cooling load generated by artificial lighting systems, particularly LED-based systems, which dissipate heat into the environment, increasing the need for air-conditioning and reducing energy availability for plant growth.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-cooled LED-based lighting fixture that integrates a fluid cooling system to capture heat generated by LED modules, reducing the cooling load and energy consumption by using a coolant circuit to remove heat and potentially recycle waste heat through a hydronics system, eliminating the need for additional cooling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LED-based lighting systems are used in CEA, then energy efficiency is improved compared to conventional lighting, but heat is still dissipated into the environment increasing cooling load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures the waste heat generated by LED modules using coolant circuits and converts this harmful thermal energy into a useful resource for heating greenhouses or pre-heating incoming air, thereby reducing the overall cooling load and energy consumption of the CEA system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces coolant circuits as intermediary components between the LED modules and the environment, allowing heat to be extracted and transported through fluid media before being utilized or discharged, thus decoupling the heat generation from direct environmental impact
2Temperature
If cooling systems are added to remove heat from lighting, then temperature control is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lighting system with the thermal management system by integrating coolant circuits directly into the lighting fixture structure, allowing simultaneous provision of light and heat extraction functions through a single integrated system rather than separate cooling equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the lighting system to self-manage its thermal output by capturing and utilizing its own waste heat for heating applications or pre-heating incoming air, reducing the need for separate heating or cooling systems
3Loss of energy
If waste heat is recycled through hydronics system, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the coolant circuit system to serve multiple functions: cooling LED modules, heating greenhouses, pre-heating incoming air, and potentially driving power generation, thereby justifying the added complexity through significant energy savings and reduced need for separate systems
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
Significantly reduces energy consumption by minimizing the cooling load, allowing for increased energy allocation to artificial lighting for enhanced plant growth and potentially eliminating the need for air-conditioning, thereby lowering operational costs and increasing crop yields.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid coolant to capture heat generated by one or more LED modules in the lighting fixture
Implementation Method 2
flows fluid coolant through the lighting fixture to capture heat generated by one or more LED modules
Implementation Method 3
one or more LED modules are disposed on the frame to emit photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) for growing plants
Implementation Method 4
emit photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) for growing plants
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid-cooled LED-based lighting fixture for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) to improve energy efficiency, recycle waste heat, and support the operation of environmental sensors in a controlled agricultural environment. In one example, a lighting fixture frame mechanically supports and houses respective components of the lighting fixture and includes a light spine to mechanically couple the lighting fixture to a support structure. One or more coolant pipes formed from copper and coupled to the lighting fixture frame conduct a fluid coolant through the lighting fixture to remove heat. The lighting fixture comprises one or more LED modules to emit light, and a multiple electrical power and communication ports to facilitate interconnection of the lighting fixture in a variety of controlled agricultural environments.