Plant production system based on heliostats and LEDs using automatic sliding cultivation shelves

Abstract

In this research we discuss a plant production system based on heliostats and LEDs using automatic sliding cultivation shelves. In our production system, a hybrid lighting system of sunlight and LEDs is adopted to promote plant growth. Sunlight is thus provided to plants by using a solar tracking system during the day. LED lights are then used for illumination during the nighttime or on cloudy or rainy days. We also study reduction ratios of sunlight reflected into the plant production system and uniform irradiation capability of LED light. Safety of proposed sliding cultivation shelves is further investigated through structural analysis. An actual case study is demonstrated by growing ginseng seedlings in our plant production system and their cultivation results are analyzed. As a result, this paper provides useful information and fundamental data for developing a plant production system which uses both sunlight and artificial light.