Modular Grow Light Fixture With Interchangeable LEDs and Beam Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural lighting systems in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) are inflexible, energy-inefficient, and complex, leading to suboptimal plant growth, uneven light distribution, and high operational costs, while failing to mimic natural light patterns and requiring extensive rewiring for upgrades.
Innovation Solution
A modular lighting fixture with adjustable LED strips and a stroboscopic light source, powered by a dual power system, allowing for customizable light management, including beam angle adjustment, interchangeable LED strips, and synchronized operation with a control network for optimized plant growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed lighting setup with high-pressure sodium lamps and metal halide fixtures is used, then plant growth can be supported, but energy consumption increases and operational costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into modular fixtures that can be independently controlled and configured. Each fixture contains multiple LED modules that can be separately adjusted, allowing selective illumination of different plant zones based on their specific growth requirements, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective plant growth support.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of lighting parameters including intensity, spectrum, and duration to match plant growth stages and environmental conditions. This parameter optimization ensures energy-efficient operation by providing only the necessary light conditions required for photosynthesis and growth, eliminating wasteful over-illumination.
2Reliability
If a fixed lighting setup is used, then lighting coverage is provided, but flexibility to cater to diverse light requirements of different plant species is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic, adjustable setup where each modular fixture can independently control intensity, spectrum, and timing. This dynamic capability allows real-time adaptation to diverse plant species requirements and growth stages while maintaining comprehensive lighting coverage across the growing area.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular lighting fixtures are designed with universal applicability, capable of serving multiple plant species and growth stages through adjustable parameters. The same fixture can be reconfigured to meet the specific needs of different plants, eliminating the requirement for separate specialized lighting systems for each plant type.
3Reliability
If a fixed lighting setup is used, then lighting infrastructure is established, but ability to adjust light intensity and direction results in uneven light distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting infrastructure is segmented into multiple independently controllable modular fixtures with adjustable directional capabilities. This segmentation allows precise targeting of light to specific plant locations, ensuring uniform distribution by preventing both over-illumination and under-illumination zones through localized intensity and angle adjustment.
4Reliability
If traditional lighting components are replaced or upgraded, then system performance can be improved, but extensive rewiring and technical expertise are required
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is organized into modular fixtures with standardized interfaces that can be independently replaced or upgraded without affecting other components. This modular architecture eliminates extensive rewiring requirements, as each module is self-contained with integrated power and control connections, allowing facility managers to perform maintenance and upgrades with minimal technical expertise.
5Reliability
If high-intensity lighting is used to support plant growth, then photosynthesis is enhanced, but heat generated becomes detrimental to plant health
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes the spectral parameters of LED lighting to maximize photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) output while minimizing infrared heat emission. By adjusting the light spectrum to match plant absorption peaks and using pulsed illumination patterns, the system enhances photosynthesis efficiency while reducing thermal load on plants to prevent heat-related damage.
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 modular system provides energy-efficient, adaptable lighting that mimics natural light patterns, enhances plant growth, and reduces operational complexity, enabling precise spectrum customization and uniform light distribution across various growth stages.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable and interchangeable light-emitting diode (LED), integrated with a pulsed light source
Implementation Method 2
The LED strip can be mounted to the beam and can be in wired electrical communication with the fastener. The first power source can be in wired electrical communication with the first connector and the second connector. The first power source can power the LED strip.
Implementation Method 3
The stroboscopic light source can be disposed adjacent to the elongate body and the second power source can be in wired electrical communication with the stroboscopic light source.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular lighting fixture for controlled environment agriculture includes an elongate body with first and second connectors at opposite ends, and end plates having opposite low voltage charges. The fixture includes a beam removably coupled to the end plates via electrically conductive fasteners, with LED strips mounted to the beam and in wired electrical communication with the electrically conductive fasteners. A first power source powers the LED strips through the end plates, while a separate second power source operates a stroboscopic light source. The system enables easy LED strip interchangeability, adjustable beam angles for optimized light distribution, and dimming capabilities through a primary voltage circuit. The stroboscopic light source provides high-intensity illumination across an extensive spectrum range while operating at a reduced wattage.