Horticulture Lighting Device with Sm2+ Phosphor for Red Far-Red Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional greenhouse lighting systems, such as incandescent and high-intensity discharge lamps, are inefficient, have short lifespans, and produce unwanted heat, while typical LEDs lack efficiency in emitting both red and far-red wavelengths crucial for plant growth.
Innovation Solution
A horticulture lighting device incorporating an LED light source radiationally coupled with a red/far-red emitting phosphor, activated with ions like Sm2+, which absorbs radiation and emits light in the 600-800 nm range, enhancing plant growth by providing a broad spectrum of red and far-red light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting systems (incandescent, HID lamps) are used, then high light output is achieved, but weight is excessive and heat radiation is unwanted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the lighting system by using LED technology with specific wavelength emissions (450-490nm blue/violet range) that do not produce significant heat radiation, unlike conventional incandescent or HID systems. This parameter change in the light source technology enables high illumination intensity without the associated heat problems.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting systems are used, then high light output is achieved, but system lifespan is short
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs LED technology which fundamentally changes the operational parameters compared to conventional lighting systems. LEDs have significantly longer operational lifespans while maintaining high light output, directly resolving the contradiction between illumination intensity and system lifespan.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting systems are used, then high light output is achieved, but energy efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes LED technology with specific wavelength emissions that are highly efficient in converting electrical energy to light energy. The blue/violet LED range (450-490nm) combined with phosphor down-conversion creates a system with superior energy efficiency compared to conventional lighting systems while maintaining high illumination output.
4Device complexity
If standard LEDs are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but red and far-red wavelength emission efficiency is insufficient for plant growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces phosphor materials as intermediary elements that convert the blue/violet LED light (450-490nm) into red and far-red wavelengths (600-800nm) essential for plant growth. This intermediary phosphor conversion mechanism enables standard LED devices to provide the specific wavelength spectrum needed for enhanced plant productivity without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral parameters of the LED output by using phosphors with specific emission characteristics. By selecting phosphors that emit in the 600-800nm range, the system transforms the initial blue/violet LED emission into the red/far-red spectrum that plants require for optimal growth, thereby improving productivity while keeping the device relatively simple.
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 solution provides high quantum efficiency and maintains effectiveness at elevated temperatures, promoting plant growth by stimulating key photoreceptors with a balanced red to far-red wavelength ratio, improving efficiency and reducing heat production.
Implementation Method 1
a red/far-red emitting phosphor radiationally coupled to the LED light source, wherein the red/far-red emitting phosphor comprises a host material activated with an activator ion
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device is presented. The lighting device includes an LED light source; and a red/far-red emitting phosphor radiationally coupled to the LED light source, wherein the red/far-red emitting phosphor comprises a host material activated with an activator ion, and wherein the activator ion comprises at least one of Sm2+ and Mn2+. Numerous other aspects are provided.