Is a plant able to make optimal use of all the light in the greenhouse? And what about lighting? Lighting specialists apply light utilisation efficiency for this. This is an important factor to consider when looking at how efficiently the plant converts photons into growth. Ramón de Vrie of lighting consultancy Ledgnd explains it on the basis of an example. And makes a plea for dynamic control for LED lighting.
Photosynthesis efficiency
Orchid grower Jan has purchased a Hybrid LED installation with 5% blue and 95% red LEDs with an efficiency of 3.2 micromol / Watt. As standard, it gives light to its crop 16 hours a day. The measurement data shows that the efficiency of photosynthesis decreases after 13 hours. This means that 20% of the energy consumption is less efficient. Although Jan has opted for a spectrum with a high efficiency of 3.2 micromol / Watt, this is less efficient when you consider the light utilisation efficiency of the crop.
Light utilisation efficiency
Light utilisation efficiency is an important factor to consider when looking at how efficiently the plant converts photons into growth, says Ramón. "This can depend on the crop, the colour of the LEDs, but also the climate. You learn all this by measuring what is optimal for the crop and what gives the best return on your investment. A way to optimize the use of light. Dynamic control can be realized by separately dimming the different color LEDs in a fixture."
Dynamic steering
By applying dynamic control, Ledgnd sees a direct cost increase of 15-20% per luminaire. Ramón: "The dynamic control is programmed based on the specific needs of the crop in the specific greenhouse of the grower. It is therefore essential that the grower installs the correct sensors in his or her greenhouse. And the grower can then use that information. see in MyLedgnd. "
Benefits
Dynamic control of grow light has many advantages for the crop and the wallet. Ramón lists the benefits:
Save energy and extend the life of the LED
Maximize the use of natural light with total spectral insight
Achieve more consistent crop results
Optimize and recognize patterns; for example more blue light in the morning or red to far red ratio looking at PSS: the phytochrome balance
A crop-specific light recipe gives your crop what it needs at the right time
Quickly adapt to changing weather conditions
Learn more about your own crop together with our experts
"By programming the lighting based on the data in the greenhouse, we are setting the next level of sustainable light in greenhouse horticulture. It gives optimal results with the least energy consumption for lighting. In studies we see that dynamic control of LEDs increases yields of 10% and a net energy saving of 30%. "
For more information:
Ledgnd B.V.
info@ledgnd.com
www.ledgnd.com