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THECOMMERCIAL GREENHOUSEGROWER • APRIL 2018
• LIGHTING
the controller with a light sensor (it is possible to
connect eight light sensors), and the system can alsobe
connected toother climate control systems. Senmatic
also showed the LCC 2TouchClimateControl, an easier
touse and touch screen versionof the LCC 2 climate
computer.
Shown as aprototype at IPM 2017, Finnish firmValoya
launched the commercial versionof itsBX-Series LEDs.
Added to the firm’s existing ranges (L, C, B andR), theBX
is described as an evolutionof the existingB-Series.With
the intensity of up to 2.1µmol/w, and adimming feature
(nodimmingpossibility on theBLSeries), the company
says the new luminaires canproduce themicromole
output for thewidest range of plants. The spectra include
Valoya’s patentedNS1 (sunlight spectrumwidely used
in research) andAP673L (vegetative growth spectrum,
widely usedby vertical farmers andother growers).
With an IngressProtection ratingof IP67, theBX is dust
and humidity resistant and, claims the company, can
evenwithstandwater submersion. Usingpassively cooled
fixtures, without fins, theGore-Tex components in its
end-caps expel hot air andmoisture from the luminaire
preventing condensation andoverheating. Valoya says
theBX can function in high temperatures as high as 40°C
and the chips inside last longer than in a typical LEDgrow
light.With a high Impact Protection rating (IK08), the 2.6kg
heavyBX120 luminaire consumes just 132w.
Established in 2007, the focus for Taiwan-basedMTX
MechaTronix remains on the corebusiness of supplying
LEDmanufacturerswith cooling systems. However, the
company has developed a top light of its own. Called
theCoolCubeGiga, thebrand-new luminaire ondisplay
at IPM is cooledusing a novel andpassive recirculation
system, which combines a heatingpipe structure and fins
to cool the unit without requiring a fan.
Roughly 20cmwide x 60-70cmdeep, and looking abit
like something from a science fiction film, the new top
light on show is claimed as the next generationof LEDs,
with reduced light losses and combinesmore LEDs in a
smaller package to createmore energy. The company
admits the investment costs of around €800/unit are high,
but reckons one unitmight be able to replace four existing
fixtures, and adds that the lifespanof the cooling system
is endless.
Withoffices in theNetherland andBelgium, the lights are
sold inEurope throughTelerex. The current focus iswith
top lights and a fewEuropeanpilot projects are already
underway in aubergines, cucumbers and cut flowers. The
firm is seeking aUK agent.
Established five years ago, US-firmFluence
Bioengineering has quickly developed a successful
business sellingboth top and vertical farmingLEDs. In
fact, the company has received somany enquiries from
growers on this side of theAtlantic that it decided to set
up aEuropeandivision. Located inAmsterdam, the first
visible signof thiswas a home show at GreenTech 2016,
and the company had a stand at IPM for the first time.
Specialising inornamentals and indoor salads, the
company produceswhat it describes as ‘low-cost
systems’, which are expected to appeal toBritish
growers. Currentlymade in theUS and shipped to
Europe, should thedemand increase then the company
says itmight consider aEuropeanmanufacturingbase.
The company’s first European installation is at a 5ha site
inSweden.
Finally, oneof themost interesting features of theElement
lampdevelopedbyBritish firm INDO Lighting is thedrive
system. The company claim traditional LED assemblies
usedrivers that can fail after 4-6 years, whereas itsDirect
Drive, which eliminates the need for adedicated LED
driver, provides up to100,000maintenance-free hours.
HortiluxSchréder reckons to have takengrow lights to the next
level with itsHortisensedigital platform.
Philips Lighting’s newGreenPower LED toplightingmodules.
