Horticultural LED Fixture Control for Uniform Spectral Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED-based horticultural lighting systems fail to produce adequate light uniformity and spectral tuning for indoor horticulture, with light intensity decreasing with increasing emission angle, and lack control systems for optimal light distribution, spectral tuning, and power efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method of operating a lighting fixture that detects the number of LED strings and adjusts voltage and current signals to maintain a predetermined power magnitude, using a dense array of lenses to optically vary light distribution and achieve uniform illuminance across a large surface area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional LED-based horticultural lighting systems are used, then energy consumption is reduced compared to traditional lighting, but light uniformity across the illumination area deteriorates with increasing emission angle
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system divides the illumination area into multiple zones with different light intensity requirements. Multiple LED modules with different spectral compositions are segmented and positioned to target specific zones, allowing each module to optimize its output for its designated area rather than attempting uniform illumination across the entire space.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the illumination area receive light with locally optimized spectral composition and intensity. The system employs LED modules with specific wavelength profiles (e.g., blue-rich for vegetative growth, red-rich for flowering) positioned to deliver appropriate light quality to specific plant growth zones, rather than using a single uniform light source.
2Device complexity
If a single LED module with fixed spectrum is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different horticultural growth stages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple LED modules with different spectral characteristics are merged into a single integrated lighting system. Each module maintains its distinct spectral profile (e.g., cool white, warm white, red, blue) but works together under unified control to provide spectrally tunable illumination that adapts to different horticultural requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system transitions from static, fixed-spectrum illumination to dynamic, adjustable spectral output. Individual LED modules can be independently controlled to adjust their intensity and spectral composition based on real-time horticultural needs, growth stage requirements, and environmental conditions.
3Illumination intensity
If LED modules are positioned to maximize centerbeam intensity, then peak illumination is improved, but light distribution uniformity across the target area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system deliberately employs asymmetric LED module positioning and orientation. Rather than symmetrically positioning all modules to maximize center illumination, modules are strategically placed at different angles and distances to distribute light more evenly across the target area, accepting some reduction in peak intensity to achieve better overall uniformity.
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 provides uniform or increasing illuminance across a projected area, simulating natural light conditions and enhancing light uniformity and spectral variability, while reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A light emitting diode (LED) having a spectral power distribution with a first peak wavelength within a blue region and a second peak wavelength within a red region
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for a horticultural light fixture that determines a number of LED strings contained within a lighting fixture. Voltage and current signals are applied to each detected LED string from a power supply. The magnitudes of the voltage and current signals are adjusted to maintain a power magnitude generated by the power supply to a predetermined threshold.