Determination of the effective operating hours of the intermittent lighting system for growing vegetables

Abstract

Around the world, one of the key challenges is the provision of food for a growing urbanized population. A vertical farming system will help solve this problem. Vertical farming in a controlled environment provides 4-6 times higher yields per unit area, but requires more electricity. The most economical light sources are light-emitting diodes but it is important to determine the rational operating mode of the lighting system. The aim of the study was to determine the specific operating hours of the intermittent lighting system to reduce the cost of electricity consumption when growing vegetables in vertical farming in a controlled environment. Continuous and periodic modes of operation of the lighting system with a total operating time of 16 hours per day were considered. In Russia, there are six price categories for consumed electricity. Research has shown that price level II is economically viable. and a rational operating mode: 8 hours of light/4 hours of darkness, etc. Thus, the intervals of operation of the lighting system are 11.00-19.00 and 23.00-7.00. The study of this regime for microgreening of Mitsun head cabbage showed that the productivity of the plants was preserved, since the length of the leaves did not change.