Horticultural Lighting Systems Energy Savings Calculations

October 14, 2024 by
Regen Aquaculture, Joe Pate
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How efficiently are you using your lights? Find out what current calculation tools are used to assess operational costs.

The webinar “Horticultural lighting systems energy-savings calculations” was presented by Dr. AJ Both from Rutgers University and Dr. Neil Mattson from Cornell University about Supplemental lighting is a major cost component for controlled environment agriculture facilities. While lamp efficiency (efficacy) is an important factor, other key factors include crop needs (intensity and duration), cropping strategy (time of year and harvesting schedule), availability of sunlight (location and structural design), heating and cooling requirements (location and energy costs), and electric rate schedules (time of day and demand charges). During this webinar, Dr. Neil Mattson from Cornell University and Dr. A.J. Both from Rutgers University will provide updates on research findings and present calculation tools that can be used to assess the operational costs for and benefits from supplemental lighting systems. Dr. AJ Both is an engineer by training with degrees from Wageningen University (1988) in the Netherlands and Cornell University (1995). Dr. AJ Both now serves on the faculty in the Department of Environmental Sciences at Rutgers University as Professor and Extension Specialist. His research focuses on methods and systems to provide the optimum growing environment in protected plant production facilities. Dr. Neil Mattson, is an associate professor in the School of Integrative Plant Science having joined Cornell University in 2007. He serves as a statewide greenhouse specialist with research and outreach programs focusing on the physiology of both vegetable and flower crops. His work emphasizes strategies to optimize crop production while reducing energy use through improved lighting and greenhouse control systems, plant mineral nutrition, and plant stress physiology.


FAQs

Q1: Can energy-efficient lighting systems be used for all types of crops?

Yes, energy-efficient lighting systems can be adapted for various crops by adjusting light spectrum, intensity, and duration to meet the specific needs of each plant.

Q2: What role do smart control systems play in energy efficiency?

Smart control systems allow precise control of lighting conditions, optimizing energy consumption based on real-time factors such as plant growth stage, environmental conditions, and energy demand.

Q3: Are there government incentives for adopting energy-efficient horticultural lighting?

Many countries offer incentives and subsidies for adopting energy-efficient technologies, including horticultural lighting systems. Check with local agricultural authorities for specific programs and eligibility criteria.


Regen Aquaculture, Joe Pate October 14, 2024
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