JP2017511149A - Light sources adapted to the spectral sensitivity of plants - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of stimulating plant growth in a controlled environment comprising providing a lighting assembly having a network of lighting elements such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) that provide light in a color adapted to individual plants. The lighting assembly is positioned adjacent to the plant so that the generated light is received by the plant. The lighting assembly additionally has a control assembly that includes a drive that modulates the lighting elements to controllably provide a predetermined period of light and dark to stimulate the continuous growth of the plant. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority from US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 980,829, filed April 17, 2014, and is filed in the United States, filed April 25, 2014. We claim the benefit of priority of provisional patent application 61 / 984,417, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

  This application is also filed with US patent application Ser. No. 14/413, filed Jan. 8, 2015, as a U.S. national phase transition application of International Patent Application No. PCT / US2013 / 049708, filed Jul. 9, 2013. The International Patent Application No. PCT / US2013 / 049708 is based on US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 669,825, filed on July 10, 2012. And claim its priority, all of which is fully incorporated herein. This application also claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 971,584, filed March 28, 2014, and is based on US Patent Application No. 14/670, filed March 27, 2015. , 653, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

  The present invention relates to plant growth. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and assembly for irradiating plants with light to improve photosynthesis.

  During the photosynthesis process, it is well known in the art that plants absorb light of different frequencies to facilitate the photosynthesis process. In particular, photosynthetic effective radiation (PAR) is radiation in the spectral region from approximately 400 nanometers (nm) to 700 nm. It is also known in the art that chlorophyll, the most abundant plant pigment and pigment responsible for plant metabolism, is most efficient at capturing red and blue light.

  During photosynthesis, chlorophyll pigments in plants absorb photons to promote metabolic processes and dissipate excess energy inside the photons. At the same time, other dyes that are red / far red and blue / UV-A and UV-B photodetectors or photoreceptors react chemically to regulate plant behavior and development. Thus, it has been found that by supplying red and blue spectral light, plants grow at an increased rate.

  In addition, plants are also known in the art to require turnover, i.e. time in the dark. In particular, if the dye is accepting photons, the energy is transferred via the electron transfer chain (ETC), during which time no further photon energy can be dissipated via the ETC; Available to be dissipated through a detrimental oxidation process, the dye accepts charge. Nevertheless, if further photons collide with the plant, the pigment will continue to attempt to metabolize, thus straining and fatigue the plant. Thus, dark time is necessary to allow the pigment to finish the metabolic process and resume the process. Thus, just as humans need to sleep, plants need rest time to perform the metabolic process most effectively as well.

  Therefore, the principle object of the present invention is to improve the growth characteristics in plants using an AC power source.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective lighting that improves plant growth.

  Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a lighting assembly for use with multiple plants.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an alternative method of modulating the light provided to plants for the use of a DC power source.

  These and other objects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the remainder of the specification.

  Horticultural assembly for the growth of plants containing flowers. The assembly includes an AC power source assembly adjacent to the plant and adapted to the spectral sensitivity of the plant. The light engine assembly is provided to be dimmable, and the pass phase block can stop current from passing through the LEDs in the assembly to provide a period in which light is not emitted by the assembly. In addition, the light engine assembly includes a chip element that includes both red and blue light emitting diodes (LEDs) in series so that the red and blue light emission with the passage phase blocked can be controlled.

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a lighting assembly in a controlled environment for growing plant life. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a lighting assembly for growing plant life forms. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a tray of a lighting assembly for growing plant life forms. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a circuit for a lighting assembly for growing plant life forms. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the amount of light absorbed by chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, and carotenoids above the wavelength range. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a circuit for a lighting assembly for growing plant life forms. FIG. 7 is a graph showing waveforms for voltage and input current for the circuit of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the horticultural assembly 10 can be present anywhere, including outdoors, in a greenhouse, indoors, and the like. The assembly 10 typically includes a container or space 12 in which plants 14 are planted in a side-by-side relationship. In one embodiment, first and second fixed in parallel spaced relation and first and second in parallel spaced relation to form and indent the internal cavity 24. A container 12 is provided that has two side walls 15 and 16 and a rear wall 22, which in one embodiment is a generally rectangular culture device. A front wall or door (not shown) is hingedly secured to the side wall 14 or 16 to provide access to the internal cavity 24 of the container 12. Although the door is preferably made of a transparent material and can see the internal cavity 24, in another embodiment, the door completely surrounds the internal cavity 24.

  Disposed within the internal cavity 24 are a plurality of pivotable holding members or trays 28 having openings 29 for receiving a plurality of soil blocks 30 having seedlings 31 therein. In particular, the mass 30 is sized and shaped to be received and held by the opening 29 of the tray 28. The tray 28 rotates or tilts at various angles to ensure a complete coverage of light on the mass 30 and seedlings 31.

  The plurality of lighting elements 32 are fixed to each tray 28 and are electrically connected to each other. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of lighting elements 32 are light emitting diode elements that receive an alternating current input. In particular, these assemblies are described in the following patent applications: US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0101883 to Grajcar, US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0109244 to Grajcar, US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0210678 to Grajcar. US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0228515 to Grajcar, US Patent Application Publication 2011/0241559 to Grajcar, US Patent Application Publication 2011/0273098 to Grajcar, US Patent to Grajcar AC driven L from any one of application 13/45332 and / or US provisional patent application 61 / 570,552 to Grajcar. It incorporates D technology, incorporated herein by reference in their entirety all of them.

  In one embodiment, each lighting element 32 that provides emission of blue wavelength (450-495 nm) light, ultraviolet light and near ultraviolet light (350-450 nm), red light (620-750 nm) or electromagnetic radiation is utilized. In particular, the illumination element 32 has electromagnetic radiation / ultraviolet / blue wavelength illumination elements and red wavelength elements combined on the same tray 28 as shown in FIG. 3 as illumination elements 32a and 32b. Such blue and red wavelength illumination elements 32a and 32b have different light durations in one embodiment. Thus, as an example, the first blue wavelength illumination element has a light duration of 3 ms while the red wavelength illumination element has a light duration of 2 seconds.

  Alternatively, the lighting elements 32a and 32b have the same time slightly shifted. As an example of this embodiment, the first blue wavelength illumination element 32a has a duration or duration of a bright state of 3 ms and a dark state of 3 ms. A second red wavelength illumination element 32b is also provided on the tray and has a duration or duration of 3ms bright and 3ms dark. In one embodiment, the first and second lighting elements emit light at the same time or exhibit partial overlap. In another embodiment, the second red wavelength illumination element is dark for 3 ms during which the first blue wavelength illumination element emits light. Next, when the second red wavelength illumination element emits light for 3 ms, the first blue illumination element becomes dark and does not emit light.

  The lighting element 32 is operated by a power source 33, and further has a dimming device 34 that reduces the luminous intensity to less than 3 lumens. Accordingly, a certain low illuminance wavelength light is emitted to the entire container 12. The light may be narrow frequency or monochromatic to direct the exact wavelength of light desired. In addition, although described as low illuminance, a wavelength of light with higher illuminance may be supplied. Furthermore, in embodiments where LED elements are utilized due to the properties of the LED lighting elements, the light can be lit for a long time.

  While the light intensity can be reduced to less than 3 lumens, the light intensity can similarly be increased to output 800 lumens, 1000 lumens, or more. Similarly, the light duration can be as long as several days, weeks, or months, while the duration of the light-dark period can be hours, minutes, seconds, and even milliseconds. Can also be controlled.

  The humidifier 36 is also associated with the internal cavity 24 and preferably has a tubular element that engages the top wall 18 and can increase the humidity within the internal cavity 24 when the door 26 is closed. Thus, the internal humidity can be controlled to provide any relative humidity from 0% to 100% humidity, such that the humidity with the internal cavity 24 is predetermined. Humidity is between approximately 50-80%. The heating device 38 is also electrically connected to the power source 33 as shown in FIG. 2, and is disposed in the internal cavity 24 so as to supply a predetermined amount of heat into the internal cavity.

  In one embodiment, a magnetic device 40 is associated with the culture device 10. In one embodiment, the magnetic device 40 is in an internal cavity and forms or affects a predetermined magnetic flux through the seedlings and the resulting plant 14.

  Although described as being planted in a side-by-side relationship, a single plant 14 or multiple plants 14 that are planted in any relationship to each other are contemplated and are not outside the scope of this disclosure. The lighting element 32 is, in one embodiment, disposed or attached in the vicinity of the plant 14 such that at least one plant receives the radiation emitted by the lighting element 32.

  The lighting element 32 is dimmable and is constructed as described in US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 824,215 to Grajcar and / or US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 914,575 to Grajcar. , Both of which are incorporated herein by reference. One such assembly, by way of example only, has a pair of input terminals 50 that are configured to receive a periodic excitation voltage, the terminals receiving an alternating current or an equal magnitude, opposite polarity current. FIG. 4 shows that the current flows in response to the excitation voltage and provides an AC input. The alternating current then optionally includes a metal oxide varistor (MOV) 54 and, in a preferred embodiment, a rectifier 55 which is a bridge rectifier formed from a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 56. 52 is adjusted.

  A light emitting diode (LED) 56 is disposed in the first circuitry 58, where the first circuitry 58 is responsive to an excitation voltage that exceeds at least a forward threshold voltage associated with the first circuitry 58. Arranged to carry current. Optionally, depending on the drive circuit 52, one resistor 60 or multiple resistors can be used to regulate the current before reaching the first network 58. The LEDs 56 of the first network 58 may be any type or color. In one embodiment, the LEDs 56 of the first network 58 are red LEDs that produce light having a wavelength of approximately 600-750 nanometers (nm). In another embodiment, the LEDs of the first network are blue LEDs that produce light having a wavelength of approximately 350-500 nm. Alternatively, both red and blue LEDs can be provided together, or other colored LEDs, such as green, may be used as well without going outside the scope of the present disclosure.

  A second network 62 having a plurality of LEDs 56 is additionally provided in series with the first network 58. The LEDs 56 of the second network 62 may be any type or color. In one embodiment, the LEDs 56 of the second network 62 are red LEDs that produce light having a wavelength of approximately 600-750 nanometers (nm). In another embodiment, the second network LED is a blue LED that produces light having a wavelength of approximately 350-500 nm. Alternatively, both red and blue LEDs can be provided together, or other colored LEDs, such as green, may be used as well without going outside the scope of the present disclosure.

  The bypass path 64 is provided in the lighting element 32 that is in series with the first network 58 and in parallel with the second network 62. Also within bypass path 64 is an element that provides a controlled impedance, which may be, by way of example only, transistor 66, which in one embodiment is a depleted MOSFET. Additional transistors, resistors, etc. can all be used in the bypass path 64 that regulates the current to provide a smooth and continuous transition from the bypass path 64 to the second network 62.

  Thus, the color temperature that transitions as a function of the input excitation waveform is determined based on the appropriate selection of the LED groups or networks 58 and 62 and the placement of one or more selective current branching circuits. It will be appreciated from the disclosure herein that it may be implemented or planned to modulate the bypass current around 62. The selection of the number of diodes, excitation voltage, phase control range, diode color, and peak intensity parameters in each group may be manipulated to yield improved electrical and / or light output performance for a range of lighting applications. .

  The illumination element 32 can be modulated using the dimming device 34 without using a DC power supply. In one embodiment as shown, the dimming device 34 uses rising and falling phase blocking elements. By way of example only, a triac dimmer provides phase interruption at the rise, while an IGBT dimmer provides phase interruption at the fall. In the present embodiment, the dimming device having both rising and falling phase block is in electrical communication with the drive circuit 52. Thus, the use of both in the dimming device 34 provides a predetermined period without current. Thus, the controller associated with the dimming device 34 can be used to determine periods of no current and therefore dark periods.

  In another embodiment, the dimming device 34 includes at least one SCR silicon controlled rectifier), and in one embodiment, first and second SCRs used to shut off the supplied current for a predetermined time. Is included. Blocking may occur at zero phase angle or alternatively at one angle. Thus, by using the SCR, the dimming device 34 again functions as a controllable on / off switch for the lighting element 32. In particular, in one embodiment, the control device such as the adjustment knob is connected to the first and second SCRs so that the predetermined period of light and dark can be set to any predetermined time period of 0 to 30 minutes.

  FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment that allows a staggered arrangement of different lighting elements 32a and 32b. This embodiment, in one embodiment, provides an alternating current input 70 that provides alternating current to a drive circuit 69 that includes half of the bridge rectifier 72 to provide input at the first plurality of lighting elements 32a that provide a red spectral output. A circuit 68 is shown. Then, in parallel, the second plurality of lighting elements 32b receives input from an AC input via a diode 74, such as a Zener diode. Each group of lighting elements 32a and 32b also has an additional current adjustment element provided in this embodiment as a transistor having a control resistor.

  Therefore, the currents input to the first and second lighting elements 32a and 32b are adjusted as shown in FIG. FIG. 7 shows the voltage input 80 and the current inputs 82 and 84 from the circuit 68 to the lighting elements 32a and 32b. The first current input 82 provides a maximum current input 86 when a positive voltage is applied to the circuit and no current 88 when the voltage input 80 drops below zero 88. On the other hand, the second current input 84 provides a maximum current input 90 when the voltage is negative or less than zero while providing no current 92 when the voltage is above or positive.

  As a result, with a single voltage source, the current frequency for each set of lighting elements 32a and 32b causes no current to flow through the first lighting element 32a, causing the first lighting element 32a to be dark. During this period, the current is flowing through the second lighting element 32b, causing the light supplied by the second lighting element 32b and canceling so that the reverse is also true. In this way, humans perceive continuous light, but different chlorophylls A and B undergo a period of the wavelength of light that they absorb, and then a period of light that they do not absorb, so that the individual dyes are light and dark. Sense the period.

  In operation, one can review and determine a predetermined light-dark cycle for a particular plant, along with a predetermined light wavelength or color for the plant that makes the plant characteristics such as growth rate, yield, etc. most effective. The illumination element 32 is then manufactured to provide a predetermined light wavelength, and the dimming device 34 can be adjusted to provide an optimal predetermined light / dark period for optimal growth.

  In particular, most plants have chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, or carotenoids, or some combination of the three. In particular, chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, or carotenoid is a pigment involved in photosynthesis in plants. FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary graph 100 of light absorbed by chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, and carotenoids as a function of wavelength as shown by curves 105 (chlorophyll A), 110 (chlorophyll B), and 115 (carotenoid). Is shown.

  In FIG. 5, curve 105 provides an exemplary representation of chlorophyll A acceptance, ie, absorption of different wavelengths of light. Absorption appears with a clear peak at wavelengths between 380 and 780 nm. In this example, the first peak 120 of chlorophyll A occurs at about 390-395 nm, the second peak 125 occurs at about 410-415 nm, and the third peak 130 occurs at about 690-695 nm. Yes. These examples are illustrative and not limiting.

  For the chlorophyll B absorption curve 110, the first peak 135 occurs at about 420-425 nm. The second peak 140 occurs at about 470-480 nm, and the final peak 145 occurs at about 665-670 nm. Again, these examples are illustrative and not limiting.

  For the carotenoid absorption curve 115, the first peak 150 occurs at about 415-420 nm. The second peak 155 occurs at about 465-470 nm, and the third peak 160 occurs at about 490-500 nm. Again, these examples are illustrative and not limiting.

  Thus, during the selection process in manufacturing a horticultural assembly, the type of plant to be grown determines the concentration of chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, and / or carotenoids present in a particular plant to promote photosynthesis. It is analyzed as follows. A first lighting element having a narrow wavelength band associated with a peak 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, or 160 of a pigment (chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, or carotenoid) in the plant; A first plurality of lighting elements is selected. Thus, in one embodiment, if chlorophyll A is found in the plant, the lighting element 32a that gives a peak 125 of about 410-415 nm is selected. Accordingly, the optical element 32a having a wavelength in the range from 400 nm to 425 nm is selected.

  Once the illumination element 32a is selected to correspond to the peak absorption of a given dye absorption curve 105, 110, or 115, the next step is to receive the dose or duration of light to be delivered and then dye Is to determine the time required to complete the chemical reaction of photosynthesis. Thus, in embodiments where chlorophyll A is present, the period may be determined to be 3.5 ms. Alternatively, if a lighting element 32 is used that receives input from an AC power source, the period in one embodiment is controlled by the amount of Hertz, ie, the frequency of the AC input.

  In particular, an AC input exhibits a sine wave whose input voltage is constantly fluctuating between zero volts and the operating voltage. At zero volts, current stops flowing to the LED, giving a complete dark period when no light is given. However, if the frequency of the sine wave is increased, the period between light and complete darkness is reduced to the point where humans are no longer able to recognize the dark period at a frequency of approximately 100 Hz, due to the studies made. Thus, for each individual, light appears constant. However, at lower frequencies, such as 40 or 50 Hz, humans perceive the dark cycle as visible blinking. Thus, the period can be directly controlled by the frequency at which the alternating input voltage is supplied to the LED.

  In an alternative embodiment, the dimming device 34 is used to control the duration of LED light and complete darkness. In particular, the light element 32 is constructed to give a predetermined duration of phase by modulation of the regulated current supplied to the lighting element 32. In the preferred embodiment, the phase is 24 ms. During this phase as a result of phase interruption, the current may be a predetermined time or period, preferably 3. Whether rising by a triac or other component and / or falling by a transistor such as an IGBT. It is not supplied to the LED for 3.5 to 14.5 ms during each 24 ms to produce a darkness or turnover period of 5 to 14.5 ms. During this 3.5 to 14.5 ms, the plant 14 experiences a turnover time to perform the photosynthesis process most effectively.

  Provided in this way is a predetermined period of light and darkness that stimulates the continuous growth of the plant. As used in the context of the present application, the predetermined period of light and dark can be sensed by the plant 14 even if light and dark are not perceivable by humans, and no light is emitted by the lighting element 32. Measured and determined by Accordingly, blinking and non-sensing blinking presentations that are not perceived by humans are considered to provide a predetermined period of light and dark within the context of the present disclosure.

  In an alternative embodiment where the dimming device 34 is used to control the duration, first and second SCRs are used, and the SCR functions as a controllable on / off switch for the lighting element 32. Such a function allows for a predetermined period of light and a predetermined period of darkness. In one embodiment, the predetermined period for both light and dark is approximately 30 minutes. In particular, the dimming device 34 is connected to the first and second SCRs so that the predetermined period of light and dark can be set to a predetermined time between 0 and 30 minutes. Since AC input is provided, the darkness provided is different from DC-based flashing, and is completely dark where no photons are generated as a result of no current being supplied. In this way, one can control the predetermined duration of light and dark to suit the optimal requirements of a particular plant.

  Once the predetermined wavelength of the illumination element 32a is selected and the duration of light and dark is determined, the method by which the duration is achieved is also selected. At this time, the plant is again analyzed to determine the concentration of additional pigment in the plant. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the concentration of chlorophyll B is determined to select a second lighting element or a plurality of lighting elements. Similar to the first lighting element, a narrow wavelength band related to the peak 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, or 160 of the pigment (chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, or carotenoid) in the plant. The second illumination element 32b that is included is selected. Thus, in an embodiment where chlorophyll B is the second pigment found in the plant, the lighting element 32b in one embodiment that gives a peak 145 of about 665-670 nm is selected. Accordingly, the second optical element having a wavelength in the range from 655 nm to 680 nm is selected. Alternatively, the second lighting element 32b is selected to provide an additional peak of chlorophyll A, such as the third peak 130, which is a wavelength between 690 nm and 695 nm.

  Then, as with the first selected lighting element 32a, the duration for the dose or amount of light required to complete the photosynthesis chemical reaction is determined. At this point, a method for providing the necessary duration of light and dark as described above is provided for the second lighting element 32b. Thus, both the first and second lighting elements 32a and 32b require accurate light wavelengths and continuation of light and darkness so that pigments are needed in the plant and therefore the plant grows most effectively. Provide time. This method can be used similarly for carotenoid pigments.

  In addition, another consideration is the illuminance of each lighting element. In particular, as the illuminance or lumens / m 2 or lux on the plant 14 or seedling 31 increases, the amount of energy delivered to the plant 14 or seedling 31 increases, and thus the time required to provide an appropriate dose, Or reduce the energy required to produce photochemical reactions or photosynthesis.

  In addition, the dose of energy required to bring about a chemical reaction increases during the duration of the day, or during the period in which light is supplied to bring about a photochemical reaction. In particular, the dose required to effect photosynthesis is dynamic. Thus, the time required to supply sufficient energy to bring about a photochemical reaction or photosynthesis is supplied at the beginning of the illumination cycle, an optimal dose is supplied for a first predetermined time such as 3.5 ms, such as 12 hours, etc. After that time, it can actually increase during the day or over time so that a second predetermined time, such as 14.5 ms light, is required.

  Therefore, by using the controller 200 that controls the light period, the frequency or light of the lighting element 32 is transmitted through the entire predetermined time period such as 12 (12) hours, 24 (24) hours, 48 (48) hours or more. An algorithm can be provided for each plant 14 or seedling 31 that specifically adapts or dynamically changes the period. By dynamically increasing the photoperiod to match the dynamic change requirements for chemical reaction or photosynthesis to occur, the photosynthetic efficiency is improved and the plant 14 or seedling 31 grows most effectively.

  Similarly, the illuminance of the light can be achieved by increasing or decreasing the voltage and thus the light output intensity, or by moving the lighting element 32 closer to the plant 14 or seedling 31, or further away from it. Changes can be made dynamically by the controller 200, either by electrically connecting the controller 200 to a tray actuator 39 that is raised or lowered mechanically. In addition, the sensor 41 determines the height of the plant 14 and automatically and dynamically moves the tray 28 away from the plant 14 to ensure that the correct illumination is always supplied to the plant. An electrical connection can be made to the controller 200.

  Thus provided is a method and assembly 10 for illuminating a plurality of plants 14. The assembly 10 includes a lighting element 32 that provides a lighting cycle or phase that includes a predetermined amount of darkness or turnover time for the plant. As a result, the plant 14 obtains the rest necessary to relieve plant stress and tension during the completion of the metabolic process. At this point, the plant 14 is then ready to absorb more light to continue metabolism in the photosynthesis process.

  On the other hand, the effects of metabolism and photosynthesis are maximized by selecting the wavelength of light based on the rate of absorption of such light by the pigments inside each plant. In particular, the LED produces an intermittent ultraviolet, near ultraviolet, blue and / or red light to make the light received by the plant 14 most effective by the ideal PAR for that particular plant 14. Different circuitry 58 and 62 may be provided. As a result, not only can a constant light growth cycle of 24 hours be obtained, but also a maximum plant growth rate can be obtained. This results in faster ripening of plants and higher yields.

  In addition, by controlling the frequency of the AC input or by using the dimming device 34, the individual can control the light modulation or light cycle for a particular plant 14. Thus, if an optimal growth condition of 3.5 ms light and 3.5 ms dark period can be provided, the control assembly 34 can be adjusted to provide this modulation. Alternatively, if a 30 minute period is required for maximum plant growth and photosynthesis enhancement, the controller 34 can be adjusted and the assembly 10 can provide the required modulation. Thus, the assembly 10 can be used for a wide variety of plants 14 without manufacturing different assemblies and thus without the need to improve the state of the art.

  In addition, the assembly 10 that provides the tray 28 provided in a spaced-apart relationship in parallel with the lighting elements 32 on each tray that provides downward light to the underlying plant also provides a secondary function. In particular, the drive circuit 52 radiates heat directly to the tray 28 on which the drive circuit 52 is mounted. Accordingly, heat is directly transferred from the tray 28 to the earth clot 30 disposed through the opening 29 in the tray 28. This provides additional heating for the clod 30 to provide a more optimal growth environment.

  In addition to improving the growth of plants 14 and seedlings 31, the lighting element 32 can also provide improved chemical reactions within the fertilizer and nutrients within the soil mass 30. In particular, by optimizing dose and improving chemical changes to stimulate mitochondria in bacteria, as well as plants 14 and seedlings 31, by making bacteria involved in the conversion more efficient, simple proteins The conversion of nitric acid and phosphoric acid can be promoted. Thus, the growth inside and outside the seedling 31 is improved as compared to the seedling that is not subjected to the light beam treatment.

  In addition, the assembly 10 is easily manufactured and incorporated into new and existing horticultural assemblies by attaching or placing them, otherwise adjacent to the plant 14. Finally, the cost associated with the lighting element 32 is greatly reduced since an alternating current input is used and the current is regulated by eliminating pulse width modulation. Thus, at a minimum, all the stated purposes are met.

  Applicants have conducted numerous experiments based on some of the principles outlined in the above disclosure. In particular, two culture devices were equipped with red and blue lighting elements. In the first culture device, the tray was equipped with 4 rows of LEDs, the first 2 rows being royal blue or approximately 450 nm, and the third and fourth rows being crimson or approximately 655 nm. The second culture device was made with the same tray with the same lighting. In the first culture device, the LEDs were powered by a 100% DC input with a current of 150 mA and a lighting schedule or duration of 18 hours on and 6 hours off. The second culture device was powered by a 200 mA AC input at 50% with a duration adjusted by applying a frequency of only 50 Hz. This provided a flicker that was turned on for 24 hours a day, but with a period of less than 1 second, thus providing humans with 24 hours of perceived illumination.

  Swiss chard was planted and germinated / grown for 3 days in the dark. The culture setting for each culture apparatus was 90 ° F. and 70% relative humidity. The lighting program was then used for 7 days. After 7 days, plants that were dimmed at 50 Hz for 24 hours had significantly more green leaves, larger and stronger root structure than those grown under constant DC light for 18 hours and darkness for 6 hours, And showed significantly larger plants. Thus, the 24-hour lighting program actually produced the best plants. After performing two tests, the improved growth rate was 30% higher in one experiment and 60% higher in the second experiment.

  Another experiment was conducted on corn. Again, seedlings 31 were provided with 16 hours of DC LED light and 8 hours of darkness in one culture apparatus and exposed to 24 hours of pulsed light. The wavelengths supplied to both culture devices were identical to the Swiss Char test. Temperature, humidity, and water supply were again held constant with the coulombs supplied by both systems. After 3 days of growth, germination could not be detected with DC LED 16 hour treatment, while growth was seen with 24 hour pulsed light. After 4 days, the DC LED seedlings germinated with some plant growth, but the 24-hour pulsed light showed a significant improvement in size, leaf shape, and color compared to the DC LED light. Therefore, again, the system showed an improved growth rate.

  Thus, all of the stated objectives were met and the problem was overcome.

Claims (9)

In a method for improving the plant growth step,
Generating light output at a wavelength that is within 20 nm of the peak absorption of the predetermined pigment of the plant by at least one illumination element;
Positioning the lighting element adjacent to the plant such that the generated light output is received by the plant;
Modulating the light output to produce a predetermined period of light and darkness to the predetermined pigment of the plant to improve the growth of the plant;
A method comprising the steps of: The method of claim 1, further comprising:
Generating a second light output by a second illumination element at a second wavelength that is within 20 nm of the peak absorption of the second predetermined pigment of the plant;
Modulating the second light output simultaneously with the modulation of the first light output so as to produce a predetermined period of light and darkness for the second predetermined pigment of the plant to improve the growth of the plant;
A method comprising the steps of:   The method of claim 1, wherein the light output is modulated by providing an alternating input having a frequency of 60 Hz or less.   2. The method of claim 1, wherein the pigment is chlorophyll A.   5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the peak absorption of the predetermined dye is 410 nm. In a lighting system for improving growth in plants,
An input providing an input voltage to provide an applied electrical stimulus;
A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in a first network that receives a load current based on the applied electrical stimulation,
The plurality of LEDs in the first network generate a first light output at a first wavelength that is within 20 nm of the peak absorption of the first predetermined pigment of the plant;
A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in a second network that receives the load current based on the applied electrical stimulation,
The plurality of LEDs in the second network generate a second light output at a second wavelength that is within 20 nm of the peak absorption of the second predetermined pigment of the plant;
A control module electrically connected to the input to simultaneously modulate the first and second light outputs during light and dark with a period of less than 30 minutes;
A lighting system comprising:   7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the control module determines the frequency of the AC input.   7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the control module is a dimming device. The system of claim 6, further comprising:
A drive that receives the input voltage from the alternating current input, adjusts the load current to supply a first input current to the first network and a second input current to the second network; With a circuit,
In operation, the first input current supplies current to the first network when the second input current does not supply current to the second network during operation.

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