Lighting for root growth
AssigneeSuntracker Technologies Ltd.
InventorsIan Edward Ashdown, Wallace Jay Scott
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A biological lighting system to provide temporally- and spatially-modulated photon flux output and spectral power distributions to plants on a circadian and circannual basis, or circadian and life cycle basis, to maximize effective and efficient growth in a horticultural setting. The photon flux or irradiance output and the spectral power distribution are modulated to match circadian and circannual rhythms, with individual or multiple luminaires controlled through one or more controllers. Different lighting spectra can be employed depending on the direction of illumination. The photon flux or irradiance output and the spectral power distribution may be set as best suited for any particular plant species, and the system is also useful for raising animals.
Claims20
A method for directing growth of a plant's roots comprising:
- providing a growth medium in which the roots grow;
- connecting a controller to a luminaire that has an adjustable spectral power distribution (SPD) and an adjustable photon flux output;
- providing electrical power and control signals from the controller to the luminaire to control the SPD and the photon flux output;
- and
- directing light from the luminaire via the growth medium to the roots;
- wherein the light directs growth of the roots.
A method for controlling growth of a plant comprising:
- providing a growth medium in which roots of the plant grow;
- illuminating the growth medium with light from a luminaire;
- orienting a further luminaire to deliver further light to a canopy of the plant, the further luminaire having an adjustable spectral power distribution (SPD) and an adjustable photon flux output;
- connecting a controller to provide electrical power to the luminaire, and electrical power and control signals to the further luminaire;
- and
- transitioning, via the control signals, the SPD gradually between a first SPD and a second SPD twice per day while adjusting the photon flux output;
- wherein the transitions in the SPD and the adjustments to the photon flux output correspond to changes in illumination that entrain a biological rhythm in the plant;
- wherein the light is provided via the growth medium to the roots and directs growth of the roots.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.