Comparative study on plant type specific LED light source design parameters

Abstract

The aim of this study is to highlight the correlations among the main parameters of lighting systems, for the agricultural industry. With these data, engineers could enhance the efficiency of their light source, in regards to different plant types. Statistical analysis has been conducted on the results of several experiments to find out if there is any correlation among different LED driver settings, which could affect light source design. The experiments have been re-grouped according to plant types and used variables. Two major groups have been examined: the experiments made with lettuce and with microalgae (in which most studies were made in the topic of photo-bioreactor enhancement). Smaller, sub-groups, have been clustered together with similar test variables as well. Significant correlations have been found between the variables of: light intensity (photosynthetic photon flux density) and photoperiod, light intensity and frequency, and light intensity and light spectrum as well. The results are in congruence with other studies and the summary of the analysis could be used to optimize light source design.