Light is an important horticultural production tool and solid-state LEDs are set to play a major role in it. LED lighting enables growers to apply the optimum light ‘recipe’ at every stage of a crop’s growth. This capability, together with Philips LED systems’ effective heat management and energy efficiency, opens up new opportunities to grow value. In developing its LED-based solutions, Philips conducts field tests together with growers and breeders as well as experts from the research community. This thorough process has proven the effectiveness of LED-based solutions for the multilayer segment – consisting of research, propagation (including tissue culture) and young plants. Specially designed for this segment, Philips introduced the GreenPower LED module and GreenPower LED string. In horticulture, the aim of Philips is to innovate in order to create value. The starting point is always to gain a complete understanding of the needs of the customer and end-user. Armed with these insights, Philips embarks upon an extensive program of practical testing. In this way, together with growers and breeders, Philips develops complete solutions that help improve the quality of their crop and their cost efficiency. Proven in practice
In developing its LED-based solutions, Philips conducts field tests together with growers and breeders as well as experts from the research community. This thorough process has proven the effectiveness of LED-based solutions for the multilayer segment, leading to the launch of the Philips GreenPower LED module and LED string. Philips GreenPower LED module
Specially designed for multilayer cultivation and plant research in conditioned environments, the Philips GreenPower LED module makes it possible to use light as a tool to control plant growth and development. The module (50-150 µmol/s/m2) consists of five LEDs, dedicated optics and electronics, enclosed in a waterproof carrier. Available in red, blue and far-red versions, any desired light intensity and color ratio can be created and reproduced. In this way, it is possible to tune the light to the specific needs of each crop in all its growth phases.
Philips GreenPower LED string
The Philips GreenPower LED string is designed for multilayer applications requiring low GrowthLight levels, such as tissue culture and plant storage and transport. This flexible chain of LED devices is connected by band cable, and provides maximal freedom in installation. It enables a uniform light distribution across the shelf, ensuring that every crop receives the same level and quality of light. The LED string (5-25 µmol/s/m2) is available in red and blue light versions, the colors most essential for crop growth. It is a cost-effective solution: tests carried out together with leading experts in tissue culture showed 50-80% energy savings while improving plant quality.
For assimilation in greenhouses too, Philips continues investigate opportunities to develop horticultural lighting solutions that will create value for growers worldwide. For example, it is currently conducting a major field test – together with a leading tomato grower– with a hybrid of HID and LED lighting. In this way it is seeking to combine the best of both worlds: the GrowthLight power of HID with the flexibility of LEDs. Philips is teaming up with partners in a value network to facilitate the development of the optimum light recipe, thereby exploiting LEDs’ potential to increase crop growth and yield. |