Tomato and cucumber trials at the World Horti Center in the Netherlands, conducted by HortiTech, have shown that the use of LED grow lights provides significant gas savings. Due to the use of the lamps, the temperature in the greenhouse rises by about 2 to 3 degrees, which means that gas savings can rise to about 35%.
Tomato trial
In the World Horti Center (WHC) in Naaldwijk, two 76.8 m2 departments were used for testing tomato crops under Climalux CLX V1000 lighting. The existing heating network of the greenhouse was used to heat the cultivation. A pipe rail network on the ground with ten pipes of 45 mm in diameter and a growth pipe network with four growth pipes 40 centimeters above the cultivation mat. Section 2 was primarily heated with the growth tube, and Section 3 was primarily heated with the pipe rail. The energy savings achieved in this way are mainly due to fewer meters of heating pipes in the growth pipe network. According to the HortiTech researcher, the vertical airflow caused by the grow lamp's fan also has a strengthening effect on the root system, making it possible to grow even without heating. However, this aspect has not been investigated.
Cucumber trial
During a period of 26 weeks, the response of the cucumber crop to the Climalux CLX V1000 lighting was examined. The heating network of the greenhouse, consisting of two networks, was used to heat the cultivation: the lower net (pipe rail) and the upper net (growth pipe). Initially, only the lower net was used, then only the upper net. The heating input was always low because mold never formed due to the vertical airflow. This airflow also ensures that the moisture content in the greenhouse is better regulated, allowing the screen to be closed more often, with only a small gap to drain moisture. A significant energy saving.
Vertical airflow
The CLX V1000 grow light is composed of a dimmable lighting unit and a vertical ventilation system. Due to the internal vertical airflows in combination with the adjustable light intensity, a stable climate is created around each plant, drastically limiting the demand for extra heat and ventilation from outside.
Unit heat
The light energy produced by the lamp is fully utilized by the vertical ventilation system. The airflow passes through the crop from above and is mixed with the cold air below, creating a constant heat flow.
Light intensity
The dimmability of the lamps also saves considerable energy. The day and night transitions can be controlled very precisely, which not only creates a stable environment for the plant but also requires less energy.
The grow light
When developing the CLX V1000 grow light, Climalux took energy saving as a starting point, both on gas and electricity. Not only from an environmental point of view but also to save costs and increase efficiency.
The CLX V1000 grow light is composed of a dimmable lighting unit and a vertical ventilation system, which distributes heat and moisture evenly in a greenhouse. The unit creates a microclimate around each plant, caused by the adjustable vertical air movement in combination with the adjustable light intensity. By correctly linking the lamps together in a total system, they together form a cluster of climate cells that contributes to climate equality throughout the greenhouse and guarantees significant cost savings.
For more information:
Climalux
Zekkenstraat 31,
3151 XP Hoek van Holland, The Netherlands
climalux.nu