Fluid-Cooled LED Fixture for Lower CEA Cooling Load
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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 fixtures, which dissipate heat and increase humidity, necessitating increased cooling capacity and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-cooled LED-based lighting fixture integrated with a coolant system that captures heat generated by LED modules, reducing the cooling load and energy input by circulating a coolant through the fixture and potentially recycling waste heat via a hydronics system, eliminating the need for additional cooling or air-conditioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If LED-based lighting fixtures are used in CEA systems, then lighting efficiency and plant growth are improved, but heat dissipation increases cooling load and energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures the waste heat generated by LED lighting fixtures and redirects it to preheat incoming coolant water or heat adjacent growth spaces. This converts the harmful thermal energy that increased cooling loads into a useful resource that reduces the energy required for water heating and space heating, directly resolving the contradiction between lighting efficiency and cooling energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers waste heat from LED lighting fixtures through integrated heat exchangers and coolant circulation systems. The recovered thermal energy is utilized to preheat incoming water or heat growth environments, transforming discarded thermal energy into a valuable resource that offsets cooling requirements and reduces overall energy consumption
2Use of energy by stationary object
If conventional lighting systems are used, then cooling load increases, but integrating fluid cooling system adds system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lighting fixture and cooling system into a single integrated unit. The LED modules are directly mounted on heat sinks that serve as heat exchangers, and coolant channels are incorporated within the fixture housing. This integration eliminates the need for separate cooling equipment, reducing system complexity while maintaining effective heat removal
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting fixture performs multiple functions simultaneously: providing photosynthetically active radiation for plant growth, dissipating heat through integrated heat exchangers, and preheating incoming coolant water. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while addressing cooling energy consumption
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 energy savings that can be redirected to enhance lighting for increased plant growth, thereby improving crop yields and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first copper pipe to carry a fluid coolant to extract heat generated by at least the at least one LED light source during operation of the lighting fixture
Implementation Method 2
the first copper pipe is press-fit into the first channel of the extruded aluminum frame so as to establish a first thermal connection between the first copper pipe and the extruded aluminum frame
Implementation Method 3
at least one LED light source mechanically supported by the extruded aluminum frame
Implementation Method 4
at least one LED light source mechanically supported by the extruded aluminum frame
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.