Growth tracking and light optimization in greenhouses

Purpose and goal:

Researchers at Chalmers and Heliospectra have studied and developed methods for reading information about plant status based on measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence on canopy level. The purpose with the project is to further develop and productize the methods as well as use the information to control and optimize the light environment by giving feedback to Heliospectra’s light control and monitoring system helioCORE. The goal is to develop two modules in helioCORE; Growth tracking control and Optimal light control.

Expected results and effects:

The project enables release of new modules in helioCORE, Heliospectra’s system for control and monitoring of LED lamps, that are based on biofeedback. Our ambition is to optimize production and improve energy efficiency, as well as reduce losses due to overproduction and poor quality. These modules have potential to generate significant energy-, resource-, and cost savings, as well as creating added-values for the grower.

Approach and implementation:

The project focus on algorithm development for the control, implementation of control functions in helioCORE and demonstration of the system in a greenhouse environment. Both control functions are developed in parallel and follows the same steps: (1) sensor testing and signal processing, (2) algorithm development and simulations studies, (3) implementation in helioCORE, (4) tests in indoor- and greenhouse environments, and (5) verification in greenhouse.