Horticultural Lighting Module with Discrete Growth and Steering Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horticultural lighting systems are either cost-effective but lack controllability or are highly flexible but economically unaffordable for growers, as they require complex systems to manage different light spectra and intensities for growth and steering processes in plants.
Innovation Solution
A horticultural lighting apparatus with a lighting module that operates in discrete modes, combining growth and steering illumination, using LEDs that emit light in predetermined combinations and intensities, controlled by a module that can switch between modes based on user input, sensor data, or schedules to optimize plant growth and biological processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed spectrum lighting system is used, then cost is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but adaptability and versatility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system transitions from a fixed spectrum to a dynamically adjustable spectrum using LED modules with controllable color temperatures (e.g., 3000K, 6504K, 10000K) and intensities. The controller enables real-time modification of spectral composition to match different plant growth stages and requirements, resolving the contradiction between cost-effectiveness and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters including color temperature, light intensity, and spectral distribution to optimize plant growth. By adjusting these parameters independently for different LED modules, the system achieves versatility in controlling various biological processes (photosynthesis, photomorphogenesis, flowering) while maintaining cost-effectiveness through targeted spectral delivery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex controllable lighting system is used, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into multiple independent LED modules, each capable of emitting specific color temperatures and spectra. This modular architecture allows the controller to activate only the necessary modules for each lighting scenario, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability for different plant growth requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed as a universal management system that can regulate multiple LED modules with different spectral characteristics through a single interface. This multi-functional controller simplifies the system by consolidating control capabilities rather than requiring separate control circuits for each LED type, thereby reducing complexity while preserving versatility.
3Productivity
If high intensity continuous lighting is applied, then productivity is improved, but use of energy is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic lighting cycles with varying intensities and spectral compositions matched to plant circadian rhythms and growth stages. By alternating between high-intensity growth-promoting spectra and lower-intensity maintenance modes, the system maintains high productivity while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-intensity lighting.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system applies localized spectral quality optimization by directing specific color temperatures and intensities to different plant zones based on their immediate needs. This targeted approach ensures maximum photosynthetic efficiency and growth promotion where needed while minimizing energy consumption in areas requiring less intensive lighting, thereby improving productivity per unit of energy consumed.
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 solution provides a cost-effective and simple way to control horticultural lighting, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining flexibility, allowing for dedicated effects on plants in each mode, thereby enhancing crop yield and plant health.
Implementation Method 1
A horticultural lighting apparatus with a lighting module that operates in discrete modes, combining growth and steering illumination, using LEDs that emit light in predetermined combinations and intensities
Implementation Method 2
Plants use the process of photosynthesis to convert light, CO2 and H2O into carbohydrates (sugars)
Implementation Method 3
Photomorphogenesis refers to a change in form in response to the quality and/or quantity of radiation
Implementation Method 4
Photoperiodism refers to the ability that plants have to sense and measure the periodicity of radiation (e.g. to induce flowering)
Data Source
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AI summary
A horticultural lighting apparatus for illuminating a plant comprises a lighting module with multiple lighting elements. The lighting module is restricted to operating in a plurality of discrete modes which emit light with different discrete spectral compositions, by emitting light from the lighting elements in different predetermined combinations. These modes comprise a growth mode configured with a spectrum that promotes growth of the plant, and at least one steering mode configured with a spectrum that steers another biological process of the plant, wherein at least one of the lighting elements is arranged to emit in both the growth and steering modes. The apparatus further comprises a controller arranged to switch the lighting module between the plurality of discrete modes.