Innovation in the world of LED technology is advancing at such a rapid pace that a newly installed lighting system often remains among the most efficient solutions on the market for only a relatively short period of time. As a result, growers are not always able to fully capitalize on their investment. With this in mind, the team at Gavita International has developed the new LYRA product platform.
LYRA is a modular platform that enables the modernization of LED modules and electronics while retaining the original fixture. Honoring also, the strong service past of Gavita/Agrolux, when growers would send their HPS fixtures for service/upgrades during spring-summer. The platform will be introduced at HortiContact, where a prototype will be showcased at the company's stand.
© Arlette Sijmonsma | HortiDaily.com
More efficient
"We see that LED innovation will continue to evolve at an incredible speed. The technology is still becoming more efficient, light spectra are changing, and performance continues to improve. However, it is neither feasible nor sustainable for growers to modernize their entire lighting installation at the same pace," explains CEO Marc Salvany. "Fortunately, that is not necessary, as the fixtures themselves have a much longer lifespan. At the same time, we want to guarantee growers access to the most efficient lighting available."
With LYRA, Gavita International addresses this challenge while introducing sustainability and circularity at the core of the product. The modular product platform is based on seven configurations, using the fixture as the foundation while allowing the electrical components and LED modules to be replaced. "The patented design is built modulairly, enabling growers to upgrade only the electrical components and LED modules rather than replacing the entire system," clarifies CFO Ad van der Vorst. "This aligns with the pace at which LED technology evolves growers can modernize their lighting whenever they choose, while retaining the fixture, which has a significantly longer service life."
According to the developers, the fixture has been designed to withstand multiple renovation cycles. "With the introduction of LYRA, the focus shifts from individual fixtures to a platform strategy," Marc explains. "For instance, instead of facing three separate replacement moments over a fifteen-year period, growers can implement multiple technological upgrades within the same fixture. This allows us to guarantee that growers can continue to light as efficiently as possible, now and in the future."
"Continuously optimizing lighting efficiency contributes to more sustainable cultivation, improved energy management, and ultimately to the grower's return on investment," adds Ad. "It also creates a different financial and circular model compared to the complete replacement of fixtures." The used modules can furthermore be recycled.
LYRA aligns with Gavita International's strategy of being a long-term partner for growers. The company has therefore developed more future-proof solutions. At Fruit Logistica, it introduced the Agrolux Operating System, designed for lighting control and asset management from the grower's perspective.
The software connects to both powerline and wireless communication. It either functions as a link between fixtures and the climate computer or can operate as a standalone solution. In addition, it is backwards compatible with multiple generations of Agrolux fixtures and is also compatible with all brands using the horticulture lighting protocol.
"The software is designed to manage multiple generations of lighting within a single environment," says Marc. "Growers do not need to implement an entirely new system each time to gain access to new functionalities. Here as well, we aim to help growers continue using what works while doing so in the most modern and sustainable way possible."
For more information:
Gavita International
[email protected]
www.agrolux.com
