In the Netherlands, the lit cultivation season is around the corner. The current electricity prices mean optimal lighting is vital, which, according to Paul Blom of Multi-meet, you can achieve by measuring the light in the greenhouse, or by having emissions from several lamps and reflectors measured.
Emissions from lamps and reflectors are measured in the sphere.
As lamps are lit longer, their performance wanes. "Then, it starts giving off more heat and less light. Dirty reflectors also affect the system's performance. Things like dust, pesticides, and atomizers can contaminate these. You can wash some of this off, but there's always some grime you can't get rid of anymore," Paul explains.
Measuring lamp and reflector emissions
Let's imagine measurements show the lamps or reflectors' emissions are inadequate. Then they must be replaced: "Sometimes, the lamps are technically speaking still in good condition. But consider replacing them anyway. There are new, more efficient lamps on the market."
You can also clean reflectors to improve their efficiency. "If you do so, do it in time. The longer you wait, the dirtier they become, and the harder it becomes to clean them thoroughly," says Paul.
A simple sum
In practice, reflectors are usually not replaced if they have less than five percent contamination. But, as Paul points out, "If you start counting all the costs, you'll be surprised how much you're wasting."
For more information:
Paul Blom
Multi-meet
Tel: +31 (0) 641 388 453
Website: www.multi-meet.nl
Email: paul@multi-meet.nl