Stroboscopic Plant Lighting System for Growth Rate and Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sodium-vapor lamps used in greenhouses for plant growth are expensive to operate and manufacture, and impractical for outdoor use, while existing artificial lighting systems for promoting plant growth are not cost-effective or efficient.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing stroboscopic lamps that produce high-intensity flashes of light in the 450-950 nanometer wavelength range, cycled through alternating on-periods and off-periods, is used to promote plant growth and maturation, with a controller managing the lighting to optimize exposure based on plant species.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sodium-vapor lamps are used for plant lighting, then plant growth is promoted, but operating costs and manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using stroboscopic lamps that flash light in periodic cycles rather than continuous illumination. The controller activates the stroboscopic lamps at specific intervals (e.g., 2 minutes on, 20 minutes off) to provide sufficient light exposure for plant growth while dramatically reducing overall electricity consumption compared to continuous sodium-vapor lamp operation.
2Productivity
If sodium-vapor lamps are used for plant lighting, then plant growth is promoted, but manufacturing and purchase costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive stroboscopic lamps that can be easily manufactured and replaced compared to costly sodium-vapor lamps. These stroboscopic lamps provide sufficient periodic illumination to promote plant growth without requiring the expensive infrastructure and maintenance associated with sodium-vapor lighting systems, making them economically viable for both greenhouse and outdoor applications.
3Productivity
If sodium-vapor lamps are used for plant lighting, then plant growth is promoted, but the system becomes impractical for outdoor use
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic flashing action of stroboscopic lamps creates a compact, energy-efficient lighting system that can be easily deployed in outdoor settings. The intermittent operation reduces heat output and power consumption, allowing these lamps to be positioned closer to plants and installed in various outdoor configurations without the infrastructure requirements of sodium-vapor systems.
4Productivity
If continuous lighting is used to promote plant growth, then growth rate increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through controlled cycling of stroboscopic lamps, providing intense light flashes at specific intervals rather than continuous illumination. This approach delivers sufficient photonic energy to drive photosynthesis and promote plant growth while minimizing total energy consumption by keeping the lights off for significant portions of the day.
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 approach significantly increases the rate of plant maturation and growth, reducing costs compared to sodium-vapor lamps and allowing for use in both greenhouse and outdoor settings, as demonstrated by improved flowering times and fruit yields.
Implementation Method 1
stroboscopic lamps produce periodic flashes of light having a high intensity (e.g., up to 175,000 peak candle power or greater)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for encouraging maturation and growth of a plant includes a provision of at least one stroboscopic lamp disposed adjacent the plant. The stroboscopic lamp is cycled through at least one on-period and at least one off-period for a predetermined cycling time. The plant is exposed to strobed high-intensity light during the at least one on-period, and not exposed to strobed high-intensity light during the at least one off-period. A maturation rate and the growth of the plant are thereby encouraged. A related system includes the at least one stroboscopic lamp and a controller for controlling the stroboscopic lamp according to the method, for encouraging maturation and growth of the plant.