PLANT ILLUMINATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DARK GROWTH CHAMBERS

• US 20170013786A1
• Filed: 09/28/2016
• Published: 01/19/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 03/17/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Valoya Oy
• Original Assignee: Valoya Oy
• Inventors: AIKALA, Lars, KIVIMAKI, Ilkka
• Granted Patent: US 9,883,635 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A01G 7/045 with electric lighting
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/64 using wavelength conversion means distinct or spaced from the light-generating element, e.g. a remote phosphor layer
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 15/01 Housings, e.g. material or assembling of housing parts F21V15/02 takes precedence housings forming signs or letters G09F13/04
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 9/30 Elements containing photoluminescent material distinct from or spaced from the light source shades F21V1/17; globes, bowls or cover glasses F21V3/08, F21V3/12; refractors F21V5/10; reflectors F21V7/26, F21V7/30; elements with provision for controlling the spectral properties or intensity F21V9/40
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 9/40 with provision for controlling spectral properties, e.g. colour, or intensity
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2113/13 comprising an assembly of point-like light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2933/0083 Periodic patterns for optical field-shaping in or on the semiconductor body or semiconductor body package, e.g. photonic bandgap structures
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 33/06 within the light emitting region, e.g. quantum confinement structure or tunnel barrier
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 33/504 Elements with two or more wavelength conversion materials
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 60/14 Measures for saving energy, e.g. in green houses

Abstract

An improved method to produce artificial light for plant cultivation, an illumination device with a semiconductor light emission solution and device suited for plant cultivation in a greenhouse and/or dark growth chamber environment are described. The best mode is considered to be a lighting device with LEDs that produces an emission spectrum similar to the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) spectrum in a dark growth chamber. The methods and arrangements allow more precise spectral tuning of the emission spectrum for lights used in plant (310, 311) cultivation. Therefore unexpected improvements in the photomorphogenetic control of plant growth, and further improvements in plant production, especially in dark growth chambers, such as basements, are realized.

Claims

1. A lighting system, comprising:

a housing defining a dark cavity with zero sunlight therein; and

a horticultural lighting fixture comprising

at least one light emitting diode (LED) and/or quantum dot exhibiting

a) main spectral characteristics in the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) (400-700 nm) area, and

b) at least one side spectral characteristics selected from first spectral characteristics in the 700-800 nm area, and second spectral characteristics in the 300-400 nm area.

2. A horticultural lighting fixture in a dark cavity with zero sunlight, the lighting fixture comprising:

at least one light emitting diode (LED) and/or quantum dot exhibiting

a) main spectral characteristics in the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) (400-700 nm) area, and

b) at least one side spectral characteristics selected from first spectral characteristics in the 700-800 nm area and second spectral characteristics in the 300-400 nm area.

3. A dark room, enclosure or container with zero sunlight, housing a horticultural lighting fixture comprising:

at least one light emitting diode (LED) and/or quantum dot exhibiting

a) main spectral characteristics in the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) (400-700 nm) area and

b) at least one side spectral characteristics selected from first spectral characteristics in the 700-800 nm area and second spectral characteristics in the 300-400 nm area.