Horticultural Lighting Controller Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horticultural lighting systems lack flexibility and efficiency in adapting to different plant types and growth stages, as well as advancements in understanding plant lighting needs, due to fixed lighting recipes and reliance on hard-coded settings.
Innovation Solution
A controller for horticultural lighting systems that receives and adapts lighting parameters in real-time, including desired wavelengths, intensity, and timing, and adjusts LED array settings based on environmental conditions and junction temperature, allowing for flexible and efficient lighting configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed lighting recipes and hard-coded settings are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different plant types and growth stages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic lighting control by allowing the controller to receive and process lighting parameters in real-time through communication interfaces, enabling the system to adapt lighting conditions dynamically based on plant needs, growth stages, and environmental conditions rather than relying on fixed hard-coded settings
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes by allowing modification of lighting parameters (wavelengths, intensities, durations) through software and communication protocols, permitting flexible adjustment of lighting recipes to match different plant requirements without hardware changes
2Adaptability or versatility
If real-time parameter adjustment is implemented, then adaptability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a processing unit for receiving communication signals and a control unit for managing LED arrays, while also incorporating environmental sensing capabilities, thereby achieving real-time adaptability through a single integrated device rather than multiple separate systems
3Manufacturing precision
If environmental sensing and temperature monitoring are added, then lighting precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by incorporating environmental sensors that continuously monitor conditions such as temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels, and automatically adjust lighting parameters based on sensor readings to maintain optimal growing conditions and improve lighting precision
4Measurement precision
If junction temperature monitoring is implemented, then LED control accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by using the LED driver circuitry itself to measure junction temperature through forward voltage measurements at operating current, eliminating the need for separate temperature sensors and reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision
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
Enables adaptable and efficient plant growth by dynamically adjusting lighting conditions to meet the specific needs of various plant types and growth stages, improving growth outcomes and reducing energy waste.
Implementation Method 1
an LED array comprising a plurality of LEDs arranged in a predetermined configuration
Implementation Method 2
measuring a forward voltage of a subset of the LEDs in the LED array; determining a junction temperature of the subset of LEDs in the LED array from the measured forward voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A controller (202) for a horticultural lighting system comprising: a receiver (220) configured to receive a set of lighting parameters; and one or more output terminals configured to provide lighting control signalling to an LED array (210), wherein the lighting control signalling is configured to set one or more operating parameters of the LED array (210) in accordance with the received set of lighting parameters.