Fluid-cooled led-based lighting methods and apparatus for controlled agricultural environments having a vertically-stacked multiple-level growing area

A controlled agricultural environment includes a vertically-stacked multiple-level growing area and a fluid-cooled LED-based lighting system including multiple fluid-cooled LED-based lighting fixtures disposed in the vertically-stacked multiple-level growing area. The environment also includes a hydronics system having a coolant circuit fluidically coupled to the fluid-cooled LED-based lighting system and multiple secondary heating loops to separately heat each level of the vertically-stacked multiple-level growing area. Each lighting fixture comprises a frame having one or more channels, one or more LED modules thermally coupled to the frame, control circuitry coupled to the frame and electrically coupled to the LED module(s) to receive AC power and to supply regulated electrical power to the LED module(s), and one or more pipes thermally coupled to the channel(s) and fluidically coupled to the coolant circuit to carry a fluid coolant that extracts heat generated by the LED module(s).

Fluid-cooled led-based lighting methods and apparatus for controlled environment agriculture

A fluid-cooled LED-based lighting fixture for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) to improve energy efficiency, recycle waste heat, and support the operation of environmental sensors in a controlled agricultural environment. In one example, a lighting fixture frame mechanically supports and houses respective components of the lighting fixture and includes a light spine to mechanically couple the lighting fixture to a support structure. One or more coolant pipes formed from copper and coupled to the lighting fixture frame conduct a fluid coolant through the lighting fixture to remove heat. The lighting fixture comprises one or more LED modules to emit light, and a multiple electrical power and communication ports to facilitate interconnection of the lighting fixture in a variety of controlled agricultural environments.

FLUID-COOLED LED-BASED LIGHTING METHODS AND APPARATUS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY GROW SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT HORTICULTURE

A lighting fixture includes a frame, one or more LED light sources to emit radiation, control circuitry to receive AC power and control the one or more LED light sources, and a coolant pipe to carry a fluid coolant. The lighting fixture further includes a tube and end caps that together form an enclosed cavity to contain the frame, the LED light sources, and the control circuitry. In example implementations, the tube does not physically contact the frame, the LED light sources, and the control circuitry. The cavity may further contain air, gas, or vacuum that forms a thermal barrier between the tube and the LED light sources to reduce heat dissipation from the LED light sources to the environment. The tube may further enable the lighting fixture to be rotatably and/or translationally adjustable relative to a support structure after installation in a close proximity grow system. 1. A fluid-cooled LED-based lighting fixture for an agricultural environment , the lighting fixture comprising:a frame having a coolant channel;at least one LED light source, coupled to the frame, to emit radiation;control circuitry, coupled to the frame and electrically coupled to the at least one LED light source, to receive AC power and to control the at least one LED light source;a tube defining a cavity with a first open end and a second open end, the cavity containing the frame, the at least one LED light source, and the control circuitry, the tube being transparent to the radiation;a first end cap disposed at the first open end of the tube and coupled to the frame;a second end cap disposed at the second open end of the tube and coupled to the frame, the first and second end caps enclosing the cavity of the tube; anda coolant pipe, at least partially disposed in and thermally coupled to the coolant channel of the frame, to carry a fluid coolant that extracts heat generated by the at least one LED light source during operation of the lighting fixture, the coolant pipe passing through a ...

Fluid-cooled led-based lighting methods and apparatus for controlled environment agriculture

A fluid-cooled LED-based lighting fixture for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) to improve energy efficiency, recycle waste heat, and support the operation of environmental sensors in a controlled agricultural environment. In one example, a lighting fixture frame mechanically supports and houses respective components of the lighting fixture and includes a light spine to mechanically couple the lighting fixture to a support structure. One or more coolant pipes formed from copper and coupled to the lighting fixture frame conduct a fluid coolant through the lighting fixture to remove heat. The lighting fixture comprises one or more LED modules to emit light, and a multiple electrical power and communication ports to facilitate interconnection of the lighting fixture in a variety of controlled agricultural environments.

MULTISENSORY IMAGING METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT HORTICULTURE USING IRRADIATORS AND CAMERAS AND/OR SENSORS

A multispectral imaging apparatus includes an irradiation source having multiple narrowband irradiators in a first range of wavelengths from the ultraviolet (UV) regime to the short wavelength infrared (SWIR) regime. A first camera acquires UV-SWIR imagery in a first field of view and in the first range of wavelengths. A second camera acquires LWIR imagery in the first field of view and in the long wavelength infrared (LWIR) regime. The second camera continually acquires the LWIR imagery while the first camera and the irradiation source are periodically activated to acquire the UV-SWIR imagery. 11100. A multispectral imaging apparatus () , comprising:{'b': '1140', 'at least one irradiation source () including a plurality of narrowband irradiators in a first range of wavelengths from the ultraviolet (UV) regime to the short wavelength infrared (SWIR) regime;'}{'b': '1005', 'at least one first camera (A) to acquire UV-SWIR imagery in a first field of view and in the first range of wavelengths;'}{'b': '1005', 'at least one second camera (B) to acquire LWIR imagery in the first field of view and in the long wavelength infrared (LWIR) regime; and'}{'b': '5020', 'at least one controller () to control the at least one irradiation source and the at least one first camera, wherein the at least one second camera continually acquires the LWIR imagery while the at least one controller periodically activates the at least one first camera in combination with the at least one irradiation source to acquire the UV-SWIR imagery.'}2. The multispectral imaging apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of narrowband irradiators of the at least one irradiation source comprises a plurality of essentially monochromatic LEDs claim 1 , wherein respective LEDs of at least some of the plurality of essentially monochromatic LEDs have different emission wavelengths in a range of from 275 nanometers (nm) to 2060 nanometers (nm).3. The multispectral imaging apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the ...

Methods, apparatus, and systems for lighting and distributed sensing in controlled agricultural environments

A distributed sensor grid may be used to monitor the growth conditions of plants in an agricultural environment. In one example, a distributed sensor grid may include sensors that are arranged as a grid defined by a vertical axis and a first horizontal axis. The sensors may each be coupled to a cable and/or a port that provides operating power and/or network communications access. In some implementations, a plurality of lighting fixtures disposed in the agricultural environment may be configured to provide the power and network communications access to one or more sensors, thus alleviating use of excess cabling for connectivity and simplifying installation. The sensors may be correspondingly disposed within the vicinity of respective lighting fixtures to monitor growth conditions for a portion of the agricultural environment. The sensors used may also be packaged as an integrated sensor assembly, further simplifying installation and deployment.

Fluid-cooled led-based lighting fixture in close proximity grow systems for controlled environment horticulture

A lighting fixture includes a frame, one or more LED light sources to emit radiation, control circuity to receive AC power and control the one or more LED light sources, and a coolant pipe to carry a fluid coolant. The lighting fixture further includes a tube and end caps that together form an enclosed cavity to contain the frame, the LED light sources, and the control circuity. In example implementations, the tube does not physically contact the frame, the LED light sources, and the control circuitry. The cavity may further contain air, gas, or vacuum that forms a thermal barrier between the tube and the LED light sources to reduce heat dissipation from the LED light sources to the environment. The tube may further enable the lighting fixture to be rotatably and/or translationally adjustable relative to a support structure after installation in a close proximity grow system.

Fluid-cooled led-based lighting methods and apparatus for controlled environment agriculture

A fluid-cooled LED-based lighting fixture for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) to improve energy efficiency, recycle waste heat, and support the operation of environmental sensors in a controlled agricultural environment. In one example, a lighting fixture frame mechanically supports and houses respective components of the lighting fixture and includes a light spine to mechanically couple the lighting fixture to a support structure. One or more coolant pipes formed from copper and coupled to the lighting fixture frame conduct a fluid coolant through the lighting fixture to remove heat. The lighting fixture comprises one or more LED modules to emit light, and a multiple electrical power and communication ports to facilitate interconnection of the lighting fixture in a variety of controlled agricultural environments.

Fluid-cooled led-based lighting systems having inspection light systems and methods for using same

A LED-based lighting fixture for Controlled Environment Horticulture (CEH) includes a module having an inspection light system to facilitate inspection of one or more plants. The inspection light system may emit inspection light to illuminate the plants during the plants' night cycle where the intensity, wavelength, and/or duration of the inspection light may be adjusted to avoid disrupting the plants' night cycle. The lighting fixture provides a mechanical interface to mount the module and an electrical interface to provide electrical power and data communication with the module. The inspection light system may be communicatively coupled to a proximity sensor that activates or deactivates the inspection light system depending on the presence of a grower near the lighting fixture. Additionally, the modules may be deployed in arrays of lighting fixtures and used to convey additional information (notifications, environmental data) to the grower by emitting light at different intensities and/or wavelengths.

Fluid-cooled led-based lighting methods and apparatus for controlled environment agriculture

A fluid-cooled LED-based lighting fixture for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) to improve energy efficiency, recycle waste heat, and support the operation of environmental sensors in a controlled agricultural environment. In one example, a lighting fixture frame mechanically supports and houses respective components of the lighting fixture and includes a light spine to mechanically couple the lighting fixture to a support structure. One or more coolant pipes formed from copper and coupled to the lighting fixture frame conduct a fluid coolant through the lighting fixture to remove heat. The lighting fixture comprises one or more LED modules to emit light, one or more onboard sensors and/or cameras, wireless communication functionality, and multiple electrical power and communication ports to facilitate interconnection of the lighting fixture in a variety of controlled agricultural environments. In some examples, the lighting fixture includes a multispectral imaging system to acquire multispectral images of the environment.

Multisensory methods and apparatus for controlled environment horticulture

An integrated sensor assembly includes a housing having a rectangular shape, a front side having a length and width and including a plurality of openings, and a thickness significantly less than the length or the width of the front side. The assembly includes an infrared thermal sensor disposed in the housing and aligned with a first opening of the plurality of openings, a time-of- flight proximity sensor disposed in the housing and aligned with a second opening of the plurality of openings, and a color light sensor, disposed in the housing and aligned with the second opening of the plurality of openings, to respectively sense at least red light, green light, and blue light. The integrated sensor assembly does not include a narrowband irradiator to facilitate multispectral imaging of reflected or emitted radiation from at least one object in response to irradiation by the narrowband irradiator.

Multisensory methods and apparatus for controlled environment horticulture

An integrated sensor assembly includes a housing having a rectangular shape, a front side having a length and width and including a plurality of openings, and a thickness significantly less than the length or the width of the front side. The assembly includes an infrared thermal sensor disposed in the housing and aligned with a first opening of the plurality of openings, a time-of- flight proximity sensor disposed in the housing and aligned with a second opening of the plurality of openings, and a color light sensor, disposed in the housing and aligned with the second opening of the plurality of openings, to respectively sense at least red light, green light, and blue light. The integrated sensor assembly does not include a narrowband irradiator to facilitate multispectral imaging of reflected or emitted radiation from at least one object in response to irradiation by the narrowband irradiator.

Fluid-cooled LED-based lighting methods and apparatus for controlled agricultural environments

A lighting fixture has an extruded aluminum housing, at least one light source mechanically supported by the extruded aluminum housing, and at least one copper pipe thermally coupled to the extruded aluminum housing to carry a fluid coolant. During operation of the lighting fixture, the fluid coolant flowing through the at least one copper pipe extracts heat generated by the lighting fixture, and the fluid coolant does not contact the extruded aluminum housing. In one example, a copper fluid coolant circuit is thermally coupled to the housing to contain the fluid coolant, and the lighting fixture does not contain any internal seals or internal O-rings for the fluid coolant.

Multisensory methods and apparatus for controlled environment horticulture

An integrated sensor assembly includes a housing having a rectangular shape, a front side having a length and width and including a plurality of openings, and a thickness significantly less than the length or the width of the front side. The assembly includes an infrared thermal sensor disposed in the housing and aligned with a first opening of the plurality of openings, a time-of-flight proximity sensor disposed in the housing and aligned with a second opening of the plurality of openings, and a color light sensor, disposed in the housing and aligned with the second opening of the plurality of openings, to respectively sense at least red light, green light, and blue light. The integrated sensor assembly does not include a narrowband irradiator to facilitate multispectral imaging of reflected or emitted radiation from at least one object in response to irradiation by the narrowband irradiator.

Multisensory imaging methods and apparatus for controlled environment horticulture using irradiators and cameras and/or sensors

Fluid-cooled led-based lighting methods and apparatus for controlled environment agriculture

Fluid-cooled LED-based lighting methods and apparatus for controlled environment agriculture

A fluid-cooled LED-based lighting fixture for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) to improve energy efficiency, recycle waste heat, and support the operation of environmental sensors in a controlled agricultural environment. In one example, a lighting fixture frame mechanically supports and houses respective components of the lighting fixture and includes a light spine to mechanically couple the lighting fixture to a support structure. One or more coolant pipes formed from copper and coupled to the lighting fixture frame conduct a fluid coolant through the lighting fixture to remove heat. The lighting fixture comprises one or more LED modules to emit light, and a multiple electrical power and communication ports to facilitate interconnection of the lighting fixture in a variety of controlled agricultural environments.

Fluid-cooled led-based lighting methods and apparatus for controlled environment agriculture

A fluid-cooled LED-based lighting fixture for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) to improve energy efficiency, recycle waste heat, and support the operation of environmental sensors in a controlled agricultural environment. In one example, a lighting fixture frame mechanically supports and houses respective components of the lighting fixture and includes a light spine to mechanically couple the lighting fixture to a support structure. One or more coolant pipes formed from copper and coupled to the lighting fixture frame conduct a fluid coolant through the lighting fixture to remove heat. The lighting fixture comprises one or more LED modules to emit light, and a multiple electrical power and communication ports to facilitate interconnection of the lighting fixture in a variety of controlled agricultural environments.

Fluid-cooled led-based lighting methods and apparatus for controlled environment agriculture

A fluid-cooled LED-based lighting fixture for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) to improve energy efficiency, recycle waste heat, and support the operation of environmental sensors in a controlled agricultural environment. In one example, a lighting fixture frame mechanically supports and houses respective components of the lighting fixture and includes a light spine to mechanically couple the lighting fixture to a support structure. One or more coolant pipes formed from copper and coupled to the lighting fixture frame conduct a fluid coolant through the lighting fixture to remove heat. The lighting fixture comprises one or more LED modules to emit light, and a multiple electrical power and communication ports to facilitate interconnection of the lighting fixture in a variety of controlled agricultural environments.

Fluid-cooled led-based lighting methods and apparatus for controlled environment agriculture

A fluid-cooled LED-based lighting fixture for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) to improve energy efficiency, recycle waste heat, and support the operation of environmental sensors in a controlled agricultural environment. In one example, a lighting fixture frame mechanically supports and houses respective components of the lighting fixture and includes a light spine to mechanically couple the lighting fixture to a support structure. One or more coolant pipes formed from copper and coupled to the C lighting fixture frame conduct a fluid coolant through the lighting fixture to remove heat. The lighting fixture comprises one or more LED modules to emit light, and a multiple electrical power and communication ports to facilitate interconnection of the lighting fixture in a variety of controlled agricultural environments.

Fluid-cooled led-based lighting methods and apparatus for controlled agricultural environments

A lighting fixture has an extruded aluminum housing, at least one light source mechanically supported by the extruded aluminum housing, and at least one copper pipe thermally coupled to the extruded aluminum housing to carry a fluid coolant. During operation of the lighting fixture, the fluid coolant flowing through the at least one copper pipe extracts heat generated by the lighting fixture, and the fluid coolant does not contact the extruded aluminum housing. In one example, a copper fluid coolant circuit is thermally coupled to the housing to contain the fluid coolant, and the lighting fixture does not contain any internal seals or internal O-rings for the fluid coolant.

Fluid-cooled LED-based lighting methods and apparatus in close proximity grow systems for Controlled Environment Horticulture

A lighting fixture includes a frame, one or more LED light sources to emit radiation, control circuitry to receive AC power and control the one or more LED light sources, and a coolant pipe to carry a fluid coolant. The lighting fixture further includes a tube and end caps that together form an enclosed cavity to contain the frame, the LED light sources, and the control circuitry. In example implementations, the tube does not physically contact the frame, the LED light sources, and the control circuitry. The cavity may further contain air, gas, or vacuum that forms a thermal barrier between the tube and the LED light sources to reduce heat dissipation from the LED light sources to the environment. The tube may further enable the lighting fixture to be rotatably and/or translationally adjustable relative to a support structure after installation in a close proximity grow system.

Fluid-cooled lighting system and sensor platform for controlled agricultural environments

A lighting system includes two or more lighting fixtures, each comprising a housing, at least one light source mechanically supported by the housing, at least one pipe thermally coupled to the housing to carry a fluid coolant, an AC power port, and at least one network communications port. The AC power ports of respective lighting fixtures are coupled together with a plurality of industrial power cables without using one or more conduits for the plurality of industrial power cables. The network communications ports of the respective lighting fixtures are coupled together with a plurality of waterproof network communications cables. In one example, a lighting system kit comprises two or more lighting fixtures having an AC power port comprising an industrial type connector. The kit further comprises multiple industrial power cables and one or more industrial drop tee cables.

Multisensory imaging methods and apparatus for controlled environment horticulture using irradiators and cameras and/or sensors

A multi spectral imaging apparatus includes an irradiation source having multiple narrowband irradiators in a first range of wavelengths from the ultraviolet (UV) regime to the short wavelength infrared (SWIR) regime. A first camera acquires UV-SWIR imagery in a first field of view and in the first range of wavelengths. A second camera acquires LWIR imagery in the first field of view and in the long wavelength infrared (LWIR) regime. The second camera continually acquires the LWIR imagery while the first camera and the irradiation source are periodically activated to acquire the UV-SWIR imagery.

Multisensory imaging methods and apparatus for controlled environment horticulture using irradiators and cameras and/or sensors

A multi spectral imaging apparatus includes an irradiation source having multiple narrowband irradiators in a first range of wavelengths from the ultraviolet (UV) regime to the short wavelength infrared (SWIR) regime. A first camera acquires UV-SWIR imagery in a first field of view and in the first range of wavelengths. A second camera acquires LWIR imagery in the first field of view and in the long wavelength infrared (LWIR) regime. The second camera continually acquires the LWIR imagery while the first camera and the irradiation source are periodically activated to acquire the UV-SWIR imagery.

Multisensory imaging methods and apparatus for controlled environment horticulture using irradiators and cameras and/or sensors

A multispectral imaging apparatus includes an irradiation source having multiple narrowband irradiators in a first range of wavelengths from the ultraviolet (UV) regime to the short wavelength infrared (SWIR) regime. A first camera acquires UV-SWIR imagery in a first field of view and in the first range of wavelengths. A second camera acquires LWIR imagery in the first field of view and in the long wavelength infrared (LWIR) regime. The second camera continually acquires the LWIR imagery while the first camera and the irradiation source are periodically activated to acquire the UV-SWIR imagery.

Lighting system and sensor platform for controlled agricultural environments

A lighting system includes two or more lighting fixtures, each comprising a housing, at least one light source mechanically supported by the housing, at least one pipe thermally coupled to the housing to carry a fluid coolant, an AC power port, and at least one network communications port. The AC power ports of respective lighting fixtures are coupled together with a plurality of industrial power cables without using one or more conduits for the plurality of industrial power cables. The network communications ports of the respective lighting fixtures are coupled together with a plurality of waterproof network communications cables. In one example, a lighting system kit comprises two or more lighting fixtures having an AC power port comprising an industrial type connector. The kit further comprises multiple industrial power cables and one or more industrial drop tee cables.

Integrated sensor assembly for led-based controlled environment agriculture (cea) lighting, and methods and apparatus employing same

An integrated sensor assembly provides multiple sensing modalities to monitor an agricultural environment, and may be employed in or used with controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems to control and maintain improved growth conditions for various plants. In one exemplary implementation, an integrated sensor assembly includes sensors to monitor parameters important to plant growth, such as a natural light sensor, an air temperature sensor, a relative humidity sensor, an air flow sensor, a carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor, and a remote infrared (IR) temperature sensor. The sensors are mounted onto a single circuit board, which is then placed inside a housing for protection from the ambient environment. The housing can include one or more openings and apertures to facilitate sensing with protective covers where appropriate. A USB port can be included to supply electrical power and transfer of data to and from the integrated sensor assembly (e.g., to provide plug-and-play functionality).

Lighting system and sensor platform for controlled agricultural environments

A lighting system includes two or more lighting fixtures, each comprising a housing, at least one light source mechanically supported by the housing, at least one pipe thermally coupled to the housing to carry a fluid coolant, an AC power port, and at least one network communications port. The AC power ports of respective lighting fixtures are coupled together with a plurality of industrial power cables without using one or more conduits for the plurality of industrial power cables. The network communications ports of the respective lighting fixtures are coupled together with a plurality of waterproof network communications cables. In one example, a lighting system kit comprises two or more lighting fixtures having an AC power port comprising an industrial type connector. The kit further comprises multiple industrial power cables and one or more industrial drop tee cables.

Fluid-cooled led-based lighting methods and apparatus for controlled environment agriculture

Fluid-Cooled LED-Based Lighting Methods and Apparatus for Controlled Environment Agriculture

Fluid-cooled led-based lighting methods and apparatus for controlled environment agriculture

Fluid-cooled led-based lighting systems having inspection light systems and methods for using same

A LED-based lighting fixture for Controlled Environment Horticulture (CEH) includes a module having an inspection light system to facilitate inspection of one or more plants. The inspection light system may emit inspection light to illuminate the plants during the plants' night cycle where the intensity, wavelength, and/or duration of the inspection light may be adjusted to avoid disrupting the plants' night cycle. The lighting fixture provides a mechanical interface to mount the module and an electrical interface to provide electrical power and data communication with the module. The inspection light system may be communicatively coupled to a proximity sensor that activates or deactivates the inspection light system depending on the presence of a grower near the lighting fixture. Additionally, the modules may be deployed in arrays of lighting fixtures and used to convey additional information (notifications, environmental data) to the grower by emitting light at different intensities and/or wavelengths.

Fluid-Cooled LED-Based Lighting Methods and Apparatus for Controlled Environment Agriculture