Automatic Control of the Intensity and Frequency of Led Light for Indoor Growing Prototypes

Intensity and color of the Light are essential factors for the proper growth of a crop. Currently, artificial lighting is used to grow indoors where there is no access to sunlight. In this work, the implementation of a novel and simple automated lighting system for an indoor growing prototype is presented: This system provides independently blue and red LED lighting with a light intensity of 130 PPFD for the growth of Lettuce “Baby Sucrine” variety. The prototype uses a PSO anti-windup PID controller to ensure that the light intensity remains constant. The color signal references to be applied into the crop are given in base of agricultural research in this topic. The light intensity is monitored through a web interface as well as the color reference. The interface displays lighting data for the last 24 hours. Results obtained from lettuce growing in the prototype are compared with a control crop grown under 130 PPFD white LED lighting with the same photoperiods.