GrowFlux’s new Precision PAR® dynamic lighting control is an easy-to-install monitoring and control solution that allows growers to build automated control systems that work with any light. Much like a thermostat, Precision PAR detects light levels near the crop and automatically adjusts any dimmable light in real time to a specific PPFD (light intensity) setpoint. Precision PAR works with PAR sensors from Apogee Instruments and incorporates GrowFlux Mesh for reliable and long-range wireless connectivity.
Overlighting crops can diminish crop quality and waste energy. According to CEO Eric Eisele, “We collaborated with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center to test and validate our Precision PAR controls in a commercial greenhouse setting, studying the associated energy savings in various climates. As the cost of energy increases, growers need a simple solution to reign in energy costs.”
Lighting systems with sensor feedback control have historically been implemented into capital-intensive custom control systems. GrowFlux’s system is unique because it enables growers to complete the installation with a smartphone app and rapidly set up control systems. With reliable wireless connectivity, PAR sensors can be placed among crops with ease. Precision PAR features a self-calibration process that is compatible with any light, resulting in high-accuracy lighting control.
Wireless lighting controls connect to industry-standard dimming control ports on a wide range of lights.
Many existing greenhouse lights are compatible with dynamic lighting controls - nearly all LEDs have a 0-10V control port, and some HPS lights offer 0-11.5V dimming control ports. Up to 50 lights can be linked to a single controller with simple wiring or quick-connect waterproof cables. Dim-to-off is also a typical feature with these standard dimming interfaces, allowing for the elimination of costly contactor panels. “We have helped growers save hundreds of thousands of dollars by eliminating contactor panels from lighting systems. Our controllers have enhanced support for dim-to-off features on lights, so costly contactor panels are not necessary,” says CEO Eric Eisele.
GrowFlux’s app provides energy analytics that helps growers shape their energy usage to their energy pricing structure. GrowFlux’s app also includes a library of most major horticultural lights, tailoring the software controls and energy analytics to your specific lighting system.
With real-time and historic PAR sensing data, growers can monitor how much light their crop is receiving from both natural and supplemental sources
For more information:
GrowFlux
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www.growflux.com