RS20080016A - Device and procedure for lighting intended to improve production of herbs in a protected area - Google Patents

Abstract

Invention herewith described belongs to the field of electrical lighting, and more precisely it refers to the device and procedure for lighting intended to improve production of herbs in a protected area. The invention in the subject solves the problem of additional lighting with appropriate regulation by effective improvement in growth and quality of herbal production in glasshouses and greenhouses. Therewith achieved are balanced operating conditions for production with a highly efficient autonomous rate in relation to the external factors, the influence of illumination to the composition and quality of the fruit and high phytopreventive protection. This is achieved so that the invention in the subject consists of: a monitor (1) with an interface (2), a processing unit (3), a feeding assembly (4) for energy supply, a fan (5) for cooling LED elements and blowing in carbon dioxide (CO2) connected to each other from a tank (6) by a suitable electric installation and ventilation ducting, whereby the processing unit (3) is made of a subassembly (9) for creation of the given signals, then a subassembly (10) for regulation of the length of impulse, i.e. a signal - pulse relation and frequency, separately for each colour, a spectrum and a subassembly (11) for manual selection and data input.

Description

ILLUMINATION DEVICE AND PROCEDURE FOR IMPROVEMENT

PLANT PRODUCTION IN A PROTECTED SPACE

Technical field

The field of technique to which the invention relates is, generally speaking, the field of lighting in agricultural production, and it specifically refers to a device based on LED technology that is used to improve plant production in a protected area.

According to the International Classification of Patents (Int.cl. 7) the subject of the invention is classified and marked with the basic classification symbol A 01 G 9/26, which defines electrical devices in greenhouses, and with the secondary classification symbol G 05 D 25/02, which includes the regulation of light characteristic of the use of electrical devices.

S, considering the fact that the new device uses multi-colored light, the subject of the invention can also be marked with the following secondary classification symbols: F 21 S 10/02 for marking devices or systems that produce light that can change color, i.e. G 05 D 25/00 which includes the regulation of light, for example, intensity, color, phase, etc.

Technical problem

The technical problem that is solved by the subject invention consists in the following: How to achieve supplementary lighting with appropriate regulation, for the sake of higher quality and increased growth of plant production in a protected area, by influencing the dynamics and stages of the photosynthetic process, actively participating in determining the characteristics and properties of the final product of the plant, which also achieves a preventive phytopathogenic role in protecting against diseases and pathogens by sending specially created light at programmable time intervals for that purpose, of a specific spectrum that actively acts on diseases, bacteria, microorganisms and pests, whereby such a device and the method of its application must be competitive with the known classical means of lighting in greenhouses and greenhouses, both in terms of environmental parameters, radiation, flickering, buzzing, etc., and in terms of the price of manufacture, installation, maintenance and length of service life.

State of the art

In the process of plant metabolism, in order for sc photosynthesis to proceed smoothly, the plant needs, in addition to adequate moisture, access to nutrients, a certain temperature and an optimal concentration of C02, an appropriate level of illumination (photosynthesis is initiated at L = 5001x, which is the value of the compensation point for light in most higher plants). When a plant is illuminated by natural sunlight, from (75-85%) of the light that is absorbed, one quarter is photosynthetically active, 0.5-7% is used, while the rest is reflected, converted into heat, luminescent, etc. This phenomenon is a consequence of the transfer of light energy in a certain time and the parameters of photosynthetic light are: - brightness level (it depends on the emitted spectrum of radiation and for the spectrum of sunlight it is for vegetable crops 1500 to 50001x, for flowers 4000 to 150001x and for laboratory research 20.000 to 30.0001x). - the selected range of the spectrum (it is known that visible light from the Sun is in the range of 400 to 700 nm, and that for the production of various plant crops, the most favorable red part of the spectrum is 640 to 680 nm, i.e. the blue-violet part of the spectrum is 400 to 450 nm).

- and the lighting mode, which can be continuous according to the user's requirements

or impulse.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in interest, and in accordance with a large number of experiments, and knowledge about the influence of light on the growth and yield of plants. New knowledge applied in agricultural production enabled commercial growers not only to increase productivity, in terms of greater quantity and better quality of products, but also to carry out production continuously and place it on the market at the most convenient moment. This means that the production of plant crops in protected areas has become practically independent of daylight, i.e. that cultivation has become possible throughout the year. It is significant that, thanks to artificial lighting, the production of plant crops has been extended to those parts of the world where it was almost unthinkable until now. By applying artificial lighting, it is relatively simple and inexpensive to achieve both the extension of the day and the increase of the required amount of irradiation. In the state of the art today, meta-halogen and sodium lamps are well known, whereby the power of the lamps ranges from 400 W to 600 W with the information that one such lamp covers an area of 6 to 10 uf.

In this patent application, the term protected surface means greenhouses and greenhouses, both of which use the so-called "greenhouse effect" along with knowledge that is important when deciding on one or another type of protected surfaces, namely: - glass panels transmit light and are a barrier to a large part of thermal radiation, while plastic film does not transmit all light but is effective in protecting against the so-called plant burn. - the durability of glass is unlimited, while the durability of foil is limited to two to three years.

- the transparency of the glass is 100%, while the transparency of the foil is approximately 80%.

- the penetration of the solar spectrum is complete through the glass, while the foil does not pass all the components of the solar spectrum. - a big difference in price, which in this case is on the side of the foil (taking into account the more frequent replacement of the foil, as well as the heating costs that are increased in greenhouses).

Regardless of whether greenhouses or greenhouses are used, it is known for sure that by controlling and using the parameters that affect the production of crops in protected areas, among which the scientific conception of lighting certainly takes the first place, it is possible to achieve multiple production with two to three harvests for the same period.

Today it is safe to say that modern greenhouses, regardless of their size, are unimaginable without additional artificial lighting that regulates the production of plant crops, but today it is certain that the main source of light in the future will not be light bulbs (classic light bulbs, fluorescent lamps or lamps based on sodium vapor) but LED lighting, which is more economical, reliable and long-lasting.

Among the dilemmas that are most present today and are related to artificial lighting are: the choice of the most favorable light spectrum, the possibility of developing a lamp with a light spectrum whose composition can be changed, and thus be made suitable for several plant cultures, finding the optimal amount of light, the way of operation and a high level of energy saving, the choice of the most favorable type of LETTJIODA cooling, as well as the behavior of insects and parasites under this lighting.

These dilemmas were the starting point for the author to invent a lamp based on LED technology that would provide optimal conditions for growing plants in a protected area. By reviewing the available domestic and foreign patent documentation, it was concluded that there is no solution relevant to the solution of the invention in question.

Presentation of the essence of the invention

The subject invention completely solves the previously defined technical problem.

The essence of the invention is that, according to the author's idea, a lamp was constructed, based on LED technology, which contains: a power supply assembly, a control assembly with a sub-assembly for defining parameters and creating set signals, an LED driver unit controlled by a device to obtain a variable RGB spectrum, and a small housing with dimensions and shape suitable for greenhouses with LED (modules and diodes) elements fixed on the axis and on a horizontally movable support, which are connected to each other in this way and optimally designed in order to achieve the appropriate photo-synthetic parameters that enable an increase in the yield of plant crops in protected areas (greenhouses and greenhouses). The invention is based on the use of LED lamps (Light Emitting Diode) so that some important advantages of this technology are used, namely: - LED creates approximately the same, or more light at the same power (W) compared to known and classic means of lighting; - can only emit light of the desired wavelength; - the light obtained from the LED can be directed directly to the target; - LED has a long working life (at approximately 50,000 working hours, the emission intensity drops by about 20%); - does not generate heat in the direction of light emission; - The LED can pulse (pulse mode of operation), which increases energy utilization, approx. 30%, and for this purpose, with a specific work mode 10-100 times; - there is no emission of the harmful UV part of the spectrum, as well as IR;

- the possibility of creating the spectral composition of emitted light.

LED elements (hereinafter referred to as RGB modules) consist of individual powerful LEDs, LED modules with multiple LEDs with emission light in colors (monochromatic) and spectra (polychromatic), i.e. with RGB in the base. The essence of the invention is reflected in the fact that the subject LED lamp, based on experimentally established results, was designed so that, with the help of precisely realized photosynthetic parameters of light, it provides the possibility for plants to use it much more efficiently, thanks to the fact that it has a planned, impulsive effect with an adapted composition on a large number of internal mechanisms within the leaves of the plant themselves, which, when treated in this way, show positive changes in planned, directed growth and fruit quality.

In the entire phase of photosynthesis, plants do not need light at certain time intervals in the chemical process of organic matter synthesis. During these short time intervals, the lamp does not emit light. The sc emission occurs periodically-impulsively, with strong flashes that excite electrons with spectral energy and flux, initiating photoactivity. In this way, lighting and plant activity are synchronized, the plant is initiated to photosynthetically react in light rhythm, which maximizes the use of light with great savings.

The novelty of the invention is a constructive solution of the housing, with a fairly homogeneous emission, which effectively protects the device from moisture, it is small in size and light. Thanks to the low mounting and shape, it is possible to fasten the support of another lamp to the housing, which provides another light source at a different height without hindrance and simply. In this way, the plant is permanently supplied with an optimal flow of light for the entire period of growth and maturation.

The novelty of the invention is also the fact that the lamp is constructed so that it works manually - semi-automatically or automatically, using special software that regulates the operation of the LED driver in the lamp, thus creating the possibility of maximum energy savings during the operation of the device.

In relation to the previously known technical solutions related to the problems of lighting plants in protected areas, the present invention has several advantages, the most important of which are: - it is completely environmentally acceptable because it is harmless and harmless to human health; - temperature-cold light source; - safe working voltage for human life and health; the possibility of changing almost all lighting parameters: intensity, dominant wavelengths, spectral composition, frequency of discrete and integral flashes; - separate replacement of each worn or damaged element in the lamp and control-co-power segments, i.e. quick and cheap servicing; - variable and programmable operating modes in the time and frequency domain upon request; - non-invasive influence on the improvement of the chemical composition of the fruit, by defining the ratio of the intensity of red and blue light in different stages of plant development, which is reflected in the increased growth and fertility of plants; - great savings in energy; - easy to maintain and reliable in operation; - the device is mobile and easy to install and adjust according to the lighting needs of the plants.

Brief description of images and drawings

In order to make the invention easier to understand, as well as to show how the invention can be realized in practice, the author refers to the attached drawings that relate to the application in question and where:

- Figure 1 shows the functional block diagram of the subject device.

- Figure 2. represents a schematic view of the lamp housing with elements for connecting it to another lamp.

- Figure 3 shows the parallel power supply of the LED module, with one or more LED drivers.

- Figure 4 shows the serial power supply of the LED module with the LED driver.

- Figure 5 shows the appearance of continuous and pulse signals in the pulse mode of lamp operation on RGB modules for Tt = 200 us, and the ratio of basic frequencies of rectangular pulses fr:fg:fb=2:1:2. 7. represents the software algorithm that regulates the operation of the device in question in automatic mode.

Detailed description of the invention

By looking at the attached pictures, it is easy to see that the device in question consists of: a monitor

1 with interface 2, control assembly 3, assembly 4 for power supply, fan 5 for cooling the LED elements and blowing C02 or cold nitrogen (N) from the tank 6, which are interconnected by a suitable electrical installation and ventilation pipes. Control assembly 3 consists of sub-assembly 9 for creating set signals, then sub-assembly 10 for regulation of signal parameters: pulse duration, i.e. signal-pause frequency ratio, separately for elements of the same color-spectrum and sub-assembly 11 for manual selection and data entry. The switch 26 for selecting the operating mode has two positions 1-2 and l'-2', where position 1-2 is continuous (with the option of selecting only white light of low power,

in order to create a pleasant working atmosphere in the protected space), while in position l'-2' the device works in programmed spectral and pulse mode. According to the example of the implementation of the invention, Umax = 40 to 50 V, although other higher or lower voltages can be used, whereby the output current depends on the number of installed LED elements, whose number defines the intensity of the emitted light and determines the power of the power supply unit, i.e. current limit (device protection). LED elements emit light that has pronounced energy - maxima in the red and blue part of the spectrum. It is planned to use 6-12 LED elements in the lamp to form one color (spectrum), which, as seen in pictures 3 and 4 of the attached drawing, can be connected in series or in parallel, depending on the characteristics of the driver. The desired spectrum is obtained by combining the colors, that is, the spectra of two, three or more different elements. All elements of the same color of the spectrum work in the same way in time, and the operating mode is dictated by circuit 3. After installing the lamps 7, the spectrum is created by entering parameters in software or manually, where the signal frequencies of individual colors - spectrums are in integer amounts (for example, for three elements, i.e. colors - spectrum, the ratio fa:fb:fc is 1:2:1, 1:3:5, 4:3:2, etc;). The total number of installed elements determines the maximum lighting intensity and it can also be

should be increased by simply mounting to the desired height one or more lamps on the already placed lamp 7, by simply inserting the second lamp by firmly connecting the support 20 of the second lamp and the tubular support 17 of the first lamp with the PE connector 15 at the beginning of the thread 18. In order for the extension 20 of the second lamp to be inserted into the first lamp 7 on its cover 21, a centrally positioned circular opening 22 with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the support is made 20. In order to prevent moisture from entering the lamp 7, when it is installed without the support 20

a circular plastic seal 23 is inserted into the opening 22. In the case of connecting two lamps, the cooling air and C02 flow through the cavities 24 of the tubular supports 17 and 20, and the electrical supply and the control system of the operation mode of the additional lamp is realized through the connector plate 25

and driver 7, where each additional lamp has an analog connector board and driver, which enable the connection for the transmission of power and electrical control signals.

On the case 14, for the purpose of cooling, symmetrically arranged small openings 19 are made around the top, through which the heated air continuously exits, and due to the operation of the ventilator

ra 5 or as a result of warm air in the lamp 7, an overpressure is created that prevents humid air from penetrating into it, which is constantly present in greenhouses and greenhouses.

The maximum output power, i.e. the intensity of emitted light, is limited only by the capacity of the power supply unit 4, and it can also be increased in a cascade by connecting the necessary number of others in parallel, provided that the electrical installations allow it.

Due to the very small electricity consumption. of energy, the pulse mode of operation enables the installation of lamps with very pronounced performance, with the emission of about 33 KHz fast light pulses of high power.

The choice of the duration of basic pulses in the procession was made on the basis of the results obtained through research, which showed that the optimal pulse duration is 10-15 seconds.

The housing 14 of the LED lamp is made in a pear shape or, as shown in this drawing, in the form of a hemmed regular multi-sided prism and is made of consistent plastic or similar material. The housing 14 is closed so as to protect the LED elements (LEDs and LED modules) from various mechanical damages during the treatment of plants in the protected area.

The working mode of the lamp 7 is realized in two ways:

I. - fully automatic - software, by programming parameters such as: frequency and duration of the basic light pulse, as well as intensity separately for each color-spectrum. All basic (rectangular) pulses exist in time intervals Tt, at frequency ft), and Tt and fO are entered manually on assembly 3, or software on assembly 1. The values of the mentioned parameters are defined for the time intervals of lamp operation, which are also programmed. In this way, preset lighting parameters are automatically realized (for each day separately or in a longer time interval, monthly or, for example, on an annual basis). The algorithm of this working mode is given in Figure 7 of the attached drawing. 2. - Semi-automatic-manual, by selecting parameters for the same type of elements, i.e. every color-spectrum: frequency, intensity of light, length of "flash" (with or without defining the working time with such determined parameters). If the operating mode is semi-automatic-manual, after the set time expires, the device switches to automatic mode, or stops working if there is no computer.

Although the emitted light is pulsed, the device according to the invention achieves that its spectrum is continuous with maxima in the red and blue parts. Their ratio is determined by changing the intensity and frequency, separately of each spectrum, i.e. color (eg a combination of white and red).

The mode of operation is defined by the switch P 26 on the device. The pulse mode is realized in two ways: in a certain time interval (Tt) which is defined by software or direct selection, there is a certain number of pulses. The ratio of their frequencies as well as the duration of pulses for a certain color is done by defined software and driver configuration. - in the same time (Tt), a continuous DC signal can be defined in addition to the pulse signal, instead of a train of rectangular pulses. The nature of the signal is determined by the temperature and current pulse performance of LED elements 12 and 13, as well as additional savings. In both cases, the indicated signals are controlled by circuit 9 and 10, which regulate the operation of the LED driver 27.

In order to understand the economy of the lamp according to the invention, some examples of consumption are given for operation in the classically productive and pulse mode with the whole pulse (in the pulse mode with a procession of rectangular pulses, the consumption is two times less). For the lamp with the maximum installed power Pinst=144W (a total of twelve LED elements), the minimum consumption of electricity. energy with parameters:

U0 = U0max = 36V

I0 = I0max=1A

Tt = Thymine = Tib = Tyr = 12.5 microsec.

f -20 Hz, (Tp = 50ms)

Pmin - (20<*>12.5)*Pinst/l 000000 - 0.0()025<*>Pinst = 0.00025<*>144W = 0.036VV = 36mW

U0 = U0max = 36 V

10 = I0max=1A

Tt = Ttmax = Tib = Tib =5ms

f= 100 Hz, (Tp= 1 Ohms)

Pmax=(100<*>0.005)Pinst=0.5Pinst=72W

If the lamp works in pulse mode with a procession of generated rectangular pulses, the maximum consumption is:

Pmax = Pinst /4 = 36W, while the minimum is:

Pmin=18mW

Due to the slowness, the eye sees the minimal light as weak (periodic pulses with Tp = 50ms, last 12.5p.s, and the eye is sensitive to ~24-25Hz, i.e. at =40ms, it is 3000 times slower), but it is still photosynthetically active for the plant, because although of short duration, it excites chlorophyll and other pigments.

In pulse mode, for example: Tt = 100 microsec is the time during which the procession of periodic rectangular pulses lasts, whose period is Ti = 25-40 microsec., i.e. frequency F = 25-40KHz. For example: f = 20Hz, equivalent period Tp = 50 msec. With the parameters from the above example, 1500-2000 pulses of each color-spectrum pass (if they have the same frequency), or in proportion to the frequency, in an integer proportional number of pulses per color-spectra that excite the LED elements.

An example of creating a spectrum: the lamp consists of cold-white and red LED elements. Integrally, it emits a spectrum that has 60-80% energy in parts of the spectrum whose wavelength is in the intervals 620-650 nm and 420-450 nm.

From the consumption mode shown, the possibility of exploiting solar energy for this purpose can be seen. As is known, LED diodes 12 do not generate heat at the front where they emit light, but at the back on the back side of the device, depending on the characteristics of the elements, operating current and mode, there may be a need to cool the lamps. The temperatures released by conventional lamps of the same purpose are incomparably higher than the operating temperatures of LED elements (metal-halide lamps emit more than 550°C), which in unidirectional mode of operation, depending on the type, are 40-80°C, although the temperature limits are higher than 100°C.

Due to temperature fluctuations in the protected space, preventive protection to ensure long and reliable operation of the lamps, the cooling of the LED elements is carried out by circulating air or CO-, through the distribution network 8, cavity 24 in the supports 17 (PE-A1-PE), through which the electrical and signal installation normally passes. For easier installation, the supports 17 are inserted into the "T" manifolds 16, buried in the ground, and the replacement of the support 17 is done by simply inserting a new support into the tubular connector 29 and fixing it with knurled threads 18. This cooling method was chosen due to the simultaneous supply of plants with C02 or N, and the same can be done when there is no need for cooling. C02 comes out under low pressure (which regulated by opening the outlet valve 28 on the tank 6 or the speed of the fan 5). The air from the fan 5 goes through the "T" distributor 16 and the cavity 24 into the housing 14 and then exits through the openings 19 in the upper part of the lamp 7 near the plants. Since the lamp 7 is at the appropriate height (eg h = lm), and C0<2> is heavier than air, a quality supply of the necessary C02 is ensured.

Unlike many, LED light sources 12 radiate more at low temperatures (reference T = 25°C). In intensive plant production with a large number of plants/m<2>, for which supplemental lighting is intended, considerable amounts of C02 are necessary and its concentration is regulated in the described manner.

Also, if necessary, temperature protection can be realized automatically using a thermosensor connected to the control unit 3, which balances the parameters and relieves the LED elements by lowering their temperature, which in fact represents a secondary preventive level of protection, which ensures long-term and safe operation of the device.

Method of industrial or other application of the invention

An industrial or other way of obtaining and applying an LED lamp intended for the improvement of plant production in a protected area, in accordance with this invention is absolutely possible according to the parameters specified in this description.

Experts in the subject area can easily carry out the procedure for making the subject lamp using this description and drawings.

Due to the quick installation of finished components in the lamp geometry, the invention is very suitable for serial production, and testing on prototypes in a protected area on trial plots showed excellent results.

The application of the invention is from the point of view of the light intensity limit, i.e. engaged e. power, recommended also due to the fact that the device is limited only by the electrical properties (electrical resistance, i.e. the cross-section of the conductor) placed el. installations. Possible increase in the level of electricity. of power on the power supply unit is achieved by simple cascade addition of units (k.j.) of output power, thus giving the total output power: Pu = nPk.j., gdc jc n = 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6 - integer multiple, and Pk. j unit cascade power. Increasing the maximum output brightness is achieved by simply installing new lamps on the existing ones, and depending on the capacity of the lamp and the accompanying driver, this increase is different.

Claims (10)

1. Device and lighting procedure intended for improving plant production in a protected area, DESIGNATED BY TIME, which consists of: monitor (1) with interface (2), control circuit (3), circuit (4) for power supply, lamp (7), fan (5) for cooling LED elements and blowing C02 and nitrogen, which are interconnected from the tank (6) by appropriate electrical installation and ventilation pipes (8). 2. Device and lighting procedure intended for improving plant production in a protected area, DESIGNATED BY TIME, which lamp (7) consists of a support (17) with a tubular connector (29) and a base (15) on which the housing (14) is fixed with a centrally positioned opening (22) on the top plate (21), while on the sides there are symmetrically arranged LED modules (13) with LE diodes (12), LED drivers (27), ventilation openings (19) and connector plate (25). 3. Device and lighting procedure intended for improving plant production in a protected area, according to claim 1, DESIGNATED BY TIME, which control assembly (3) consists of sub-assembly (9) for creating set signals, then sub-assembly (10) for regulation of pulse duration, i.e. signal - pause and frequency ratios separately for each color - spectrum, times Tt and fundamental frequency fO and a subassembly (U) for manual selection and data entry. 4. Device and lighting procedure intended for improving plant production in a protected area, DESIGNATED TIME, which is realized in the working mode of the lamp (7) in three ways: fully automatic - software, which is realized using the subassembly (9); semi-automatic - manual, which is achieved using the subassembly (11), continuous operation is realized by the voltage-ski-driver configuration (27), whereby the desired spectrum is realized by the intensity of the illumination level of individual basic LED elements (12) and (13), which is also defined by the control device - the level of continuous signals for the basic LED elements. 5. Device and lighting procedure intended for improving plant production in a protected area, according to claim 3, SPECIFIED TIME, which uses software according to the algorithm given in the description of the invention to realize the automatic - software mode of operation. 6. The lighting device and procedure intended for the improvement of plant production in a protected area, SPECIFIED TIME, which is used for the installation of the electrical distribution network, and the ventilation network distribution pipes 8 PE-A1-PE, or only PE underground, low and life-safe working DC voltage and low working temperature, which is made possible by installing lamps on the holder (17) of variable length. 7. Device and lighting procedure intended for improving plant production in a protected space, SPECIFIED BY THE LED elements (12) and (13) in the lamp (7) are effectively cooled by air, i.e. by mixing air with CO, or N through closed pipe installations (8), driven by the regulated pressure of the fan (5) so that they come out next to the LED elements (12) and (13) through specially constructed openings (19) on the edge of the lamp (7). 8. Lighting device and procedure intended for improving plant production in a protected area, DESIGNATED BY TIME, which preventive thermal protection of lamps, i.e. It performs the LED elements by automatically adjusting the effective operating current, through the feedback loop of the thermosensor in the lamp (7) and the electronic device (9) for creating pulses. 9. Device and lighting procedure intended for improving plant production in the protected area, DESIGNATED BY TIME, which phytosanitary prevention of the protected area is carried out in addition to the globally protective presence of light and specially selected emission of light of a special spectrum, controlled by the control unit (3) of the device. 10. Device and lighting procedure intended for improving plant production in a protected area, DESIGNATED BY TIME, which for the implementation of its work from the point of view of power supply, due to the low power consumption mode, solar energy is used in the presence of suitable geographical and climatic conditions.