Vertical Growing Lighting Layout for Uniform Canopy Heat Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertical growing systems face issues with weight, portability, ease of cultivation, ventilation, overheating, humidity control, lighting access, light distribution, and irrigation efficiency, particularly in hydroponic farming.
Innovation Solution
A vertically arranged growing system with overhead support structures that integrate lighting, cooling, and irrigation systems, allowing for a wide and uniform canopy with close proximity to plants, and includes a reclaim irrigation system to reduce water consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If lighting apparatus is placed in close proximity to plants, then light distribution and efficiency are improved, but heat transfer to plants increases causing overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting apparatus is divided into multiple LED modules arranged in a grid pattern, with each module independently positioned and angled to provide uniform light distribution while dispersing heat across multiple discrete sources rather than a single concentrated source
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting apparatus is nested within the overhead support structure, with LED modules housed in aluminum extrusions that provide both structural support and thermal management, allowing the lighting system to be integrated close to plants without excessive heat exposure
2Productivity
If overhead support structure is used to eliminate external supports, then space utilization is improved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead support structure uses thin-walled aluminum extrusions that provide sufficient structural strength while minimizing weight, allowing the system to support itself without bulky external frameworks
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: structural support for the entire system, mounting framework for lighting apparatus, and integration point for irrigation and ventilation components, eliminating the need for separate external support structures
3Productivity
If lighting apparatus creates wide canopy coverage, then crop yield is improved, but lighting apparatus size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting apparatus uses multiple identical LED modules arranged in a grid pattern, where each module is a simple, standardized component that can be easily replicated and replaced, achieving wide canopy coverage through modular repetition rather than complex single-unit design
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting modules are arranged in a two-dimensional grid pattern and angled to provide three-dimensional light distribution across the canopy, achieving wide coverage through spatial arrangement rather than increasing individual module complexity
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
Enhances crop yield by optimizing space utilization, reducing heat transfer, and improving water efficiency while maintaining plant health and growth efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source coupled to each of the at least two mounting surfaces
Implementation Method 2
The lighting apparatus may include features that facilitate airflow and/or heat dissipation
Data Source
AI summary
The present teachings may include a lighting apparatus for a vertical growing system, e.g., a system suitable for high crop yield using hydroponic growing techniques including plant supports having a vertical arrangement. For example, a lighting apparatus as described herein may be arranged vertically and located adjacent to the plant supports. A lighting apparatus may include at least two mounting surfaces arranged in a substantially vertical orientation, where light sources—e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs)—are coupled to each mounting surface. The mounting surfaces may create a wide and uniform canopy, thus allowing cultivation of a relatively large number of plants in a growing space. In this manner, lights may be located in relatively close proximity to plants while mitigating over-heating. Further, electrical drivers may be located remotely from the lighting supports, and/or the lighting supports may be structurally configured to pass heat from heat-producing elements, e.g., through interstitial spaces thereof.