South Carolina Patent of the Month – October 2023
Plant growth can be optimized by controlling the conditions of its environment. One crucial variable for a plant’s health is light including the intensity and duration of light exposure. Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. (SETi), a company at the forefront of deep UV LED lighting technology, has developed a set of growth lights with precision control.
The design allows users to control the light intensity over an entire surface, ensuring each plant is exposed to the optimal irradiation. The device employs a variety of radiation sources to provide plants with precisely tailored light conditions. A careful balance of blue, red, and ultraviolet light ensures that plants receive the optimal wavelengths for growth.
The system incorporates an array of ultraviolet radiation sources, including UV-A and UV-B, with a set of visible light sources and an infrared source. Each of these sources operates within a specific wavelength range, ensuring that the plants receive the right spectrum of light. This precise control over the light spectrum is essential for optimizing photosynthesis, plant growth, and attributes such as flowering time.
To ensure that plants receive the perfect amount of light, a set of light sensors continuously measures the light intensity at the plant’s surface. This data is then fed to a sophisticated controller. The controller uses these measurements to make real-time adjustments to the power of each radiation source. It ensures that the intensity of light delivered to the plants matches the predetermined target. If any source falls short or exceeds the target intensity, the controller intervenes to correct it.
This technology allows for the fine-tuning of the light environment within controlled growth spaces. Whether it’s a greenhouse, growth cabinet, or indoor farm, this lighting system enables farmers and horticulturists to customize the light conditions for their plants. It is particularly beneficial for optimizing crop yields, controlling flowering times, and maintaining consistent plant attributes.
The system doesn’t stop at adjusting light conditions. It can also be used to control temperature, making it a comprehensive solution for managing the plant environment. By emitting the radiation in pulses, a timed solution can ensure the environment cools a desired amount before emitting the next pulse. In essence, Sensor Electronic Technology’s innovation provides an intelligent and adaptive way to grow plants. It harnesses the power of light to tailor the growth environment to each plant’s specific needs.
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