GrowFlux's FluxScale is a connected, fully tunable broad spectrum horticultural lighting system engineered for commercial greenhouses and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) environments. The programmable LED grow light can intelligently adapt lighting to particular photomorphogenic responses, photoperiodic signals, chlorophyll A and B absorption, and production of accessory pigments (chlorophyll and carotenoids), etc., with real-time spectrum regulation and intensity adjustments. FluxScale is designed to produce high photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) values, optimize growth of varying plants, gain consistent quality, maximize crop yield and reduce growing cycle. The horticultural light incorporates features aimed at enterprise wide energy planning and opens up new opportunities for large-scale vertical farming, biopharmaceutical production, and cGMP managed CEA facilities to make sound financial sense.
Diversified Lighting Needs
Photosynthesis is about creating organic compounds such as glucose inside chloroplasts for cellular respiration. Plant grow lighting is designed provide photosynthetic and photoperiodic light at the wavelengths most efficiently absorbed by chlorophyll. Different plants and biomass applications respond to different qualities (spectra), quantities (intensities), and durations (photoperiods). To improve growth performance and plant quality, dedicated light recipes are needed. This induces the horticultural industry to invest in a multitude of grow lights with varied light recipes to address the needs of different morphological qualities, chemical composition and dynamics of photosynthesis. Whether it be broad spectrum or narrow band lighting, existing horticultural lighting products are optimized for a limited number of species or stages of growth. They lack the flexibility to customize light spectra for the best photosynthetic and photomorphogenic responses across the plant growth cycle of a variety of species. Nor do these light fixtures have the intelligence to tune their own lighting automatically to the particular crop and growing conditions.
An IoT Grow Light with Unrivaled Adaptability
FluxScale has been developed with Internet of Things (IoT) in mind and incorporates intelligent controls and network connectivity. The introduction of automation and remote management solutions enables direct integration of the physical lighting installations into computer-based, app-controllable systems, which results in unprecedented efficiency, accuracy and economic benefit. The toplighting system offers unmatched control for a variety of applications including seed germination, crop cultivation, and greenhouse production. With a suite of proprietary light recipes and straightforward spectral modification, the FluxScale grow light is capable of providing accurately dosed, intensity and spectra-adjustable LED lighting that targets the active spectrum of photosynthesis and triggers desired morphological responses for complete plant nourishment in every application, all through vegetative to flowering and harvest phases. The intelligent grow lights form the nervous systems of the smart, connected horticultural lighting system which provides integrated monitoring and management for consistent, high-quality plant growth.
Tunable Broad Spectrum
FluxScale is the industry's first LED grow light capable of delivering both flowering and vegetative PAR spectrums at full power in one fixture. The toplight is available in two specifically formulated diode ratio options: VF for tunable broad flowering, vegetative growth designed for cultivation without daylight in controlled environment agriculture, horticulture and floriculture, and GH for supplemental greenhouse lighting. The VF version consists of 3000K 80 CRI White (308W), 5000K 80 CRI White (154W), 660nm Deep Red (206W), 450nm Royal Blue (121W), and 730nm Far Red (71W) diodes. The GH diode composition includes 660nm Deep Red (412W), 450nm Royal Blue (121W), 3000K 80 CRI White (144W), 5000K 80 CRI White (72W), and 730nm Far Red (71W) diodes. These multi-spectrum LEDs can be addressed individually for variable intensity and spectrum control. This makes it possible to produce a specific photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) by altering the photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) of the diodes. Color ratio can be exclusively designed for every stage of crop growth or the needs of various crops. Delivering the right spectrum and quantity of light at the right point in the plant grow cycle can make a tremendous difference in the yields and quality of the end product. FluxScale brings to the horticultural industry the ultimate flexibility in spectral manipulation and intensity control.
PAR Output Regulation
FluxScale takes advantage of the Luminus' high spectral power LED technology to deliver ultra-high high photon flux with an industry leading system efficacy of 2.35+ µmol/Watt, which translates to more than 50% energy savings vs. comparable HPS and metal halide technologies. In addition to excellent PPF maintenance thanks to integrated engineering on the fixture level, the connected lighting solution offers network-level PAR output regulation to fight the natural decay of the LEDs' light output. GrowFlux's Precision PAR technology is the first horticultural lighting solution that manages PAR output over time, ensuring consistent spectral output and repeatable yields batch to batch. Precision PAR Control uses machine learning algorithms to compute unique calibrations based on electrical and thermal measurements collected from fixtures. Each FluxScale LED fixture continuously sends over 20 performance datapoints such as light engine temperature and electrical measurements to the GrowFlux Cloud Platform which records operating settings and performance data for each fixture. Precision PAR Control intelligently compensates for the drop in photon flux of the fixture by increasing the diode drive current based on the PPF maintenance value.
Integrated Thermal Management
Measuring 385mm x 239mm x 189mm (15.2” x 9.4” x 7.5”), FluxScale is crafted from extruded T6365 aluminum and the entire aluminum housing functions as a large heat sink which provides excellent passive thermal management. Thermal engineering is a big part of the product design for an 800W+ high power LED grow light. GrowFlux takes a complete systems approach to ensure the LED junction temperature is tightly controlled below the maximum limit. High reliability interconnects between the LEDs and MCPCB withstand high drive current, thermal loads as well as repeated vibration. The MCPCB thermally interfaces the heat sink with maximum contact area thereby completing the highly efficient thermal path so critical to the lighting system. FluxScale's integrated thermal engineering strategy also includes forced convection which dramatically increases air movement over the heat sink. GrowFlux worked with engineers from ebm-papst, a world leader in cooling fans and motors, to optimize aerodynamic performance of cooling fans. FluxScale's active cooling system uses two IP68K high RPM cooling fans which feature variable speed control provided by the GrowFlux Cloud Control. Every FluxScale fixture has 9 temperature measuring points across the LED array. The GrowFlux Cloud Control automates the fan speed based on the data collected by the temperature sensors. A combination of active and passive thermal management allows FluxScale to offer a horticultural lighting solution with superior PPF maintenance and unmatched spectral stability.
Optical System
FluxScale's LED engine is optically optimized to produce uniform, close field spectral mixing. Plant tissues always get the right spectrum even when the fixture mounting height is limited to a short distance, which is often found in vertical farming facilities. The optical assembly includes an internal high efficiency reflector which maximizes PAR extraction. The light engine is protected by a low iron, anti-reflective, fingerprint resistant tempered glass capable of transmitting 98% of PAR from the diodes. To ensure a high coefficient of utilization (CU) for maximum efficiency and highly uniform lighting across large canopy areas, FluxScale comes with an optional accessory reflector that attaches to FluxScale series toplighting fixtures. The RAY reflector shapes the round beam with a 130° distribution angle and high intensity beam center into a square beam with PPF uniformly distributed over the canopy from 120° beam angle illumination. This high efficiency optical reflector was designed using advanced Monte Carlo ray tracing simulation methods and is constructed from ALANOD® MIRO-SILVER® material which exhibits >97% reflectivity. A protective coating over the reflective surface ensures excellent resistance to oxidation and reflectivity degradation caused by prolonged exposure to UV, water and condensation. Hammered optical pattern gently diffuses PAR, improving canopy penetration.
High Performance Power Supply
The FluxScale Series fixtures use the Meanwell HLG drivers which provide maximum reliability, high power conversion efficiency, optimal design flexibility, and various interface options to support the fixture's IoT capabilities. The driver has an integrated PFC that maintains high power factor over a wide input voltage range from 90VAC to 305VAC (-SV option) or 180VAC to 528 VAC (-HV option). The switching power supply draws 624 watts at full load and provides high quality outputs matched to the electrical characteristics of the array of LEDs. Built-in short circuit, overload, overvoltage, and over-temperature protection ensures the constant current driver operates to specification under wide temperature and electrical ranges. The internal circuits and components of the aluminum encased IP67 driver is fully potted in thermally conductive, high temperature silicone for electrical insulation, thermal management, and resistance to water penetration, dust ingress, shocks and vibration. AC power is fed via a detachable UV resistant power cable with NEMA6P waterproof sealing when mated to the socket.
Sensor Integration
FluxScale operates on a set of sensors that collect and transmit data related to the management and maintenance of the system. GrowFlux offers an ecosystem that integrates horticultural lights and wireless sensors in the same platform, making advanced lighting control of accessible to any grower. GrowFlux VPD (Vapor Pressure Deficit) sensor control allows lighting to respond to plant transpiration and reduce energy consumption by scheduling photoperiodic lighting in an efficient way. Stomatal movement is important for plants to exchange gas with environment and stomatal sensitivity changes linearly with VPD. As stomata close in response to low VPD, photosynthesis becomes less active. The FluxScale system measures VPD by placing GrowFlux waterproof digital humidity sensors in the plant canopy and a non-contact infrared temperature sensor above the canopy. PAR is measured with GrowFlux's PARspec PPFD + spectrum sensor which is designed to replace costly, cumbersome spectroradiometers. The miniature sensor allows for plug-and-play, real-time measurement and logging of Daily Light Integral (DLI), spectrum and PPFD. Photosynthesis is a process that converts water and carbon dioxide (CO2) to create carbohydrate molecules (CH2O) and oxygen (O2). Maintaining optimum CO2 concentration can boost photosynthetic efficiency. GrowFlux offers the industry's only waterproof, battery powered CO2 sensor with wireless connectivity for remote management of CO2 supplementation.
Wireless Technology
FluxScale fixtures are networked by GrowFlux's own AetherMesh industrial IoT wireless technology which was designed specifically for large scale CEA facilities such as hybrid lit greenhouses and indoor cultivation spaces. AetherMesh communicates on Sub 1-GHz frequencies and utilizes a high efficiency, high gain antenna for excellent signal penetration with a sight range of 1+ mile (1.6+ km) and an indoor range up to 500ft (150 m). The wireless mesh network splits the 902-928 MHz band into 50 channels and automatically channel hops communication across these channels to avoid interference. Every fixture on the network operates as a full power wireless mesh node. Data communication is fully encrypted for secure operations (AES128 encryption for all wireless communications and SSL for all Ethernet communications. The AetherMesh network technology allows mapping and control of thousands of fixtures within minutes without the need for on-site technicians or cumbersome network setup. All you need to do is to connect your FluxScale fixtures to a GrowFlux Access Point which is designed to work with a broad range of commercial and consumer Ethernet networks. A GrowFlux Access Point can support wireless networking of up to 1000 devices. FluxScale LED grow lights automatically associate to the GrowFlux Access Point out of the box, requiring no time-consuming node-level configuration.
Lighting Management
Lighting control can be easily implemented with the GrowFlux Cloud, an intuitive online control solution that incorporates light recipe, zone and schedule management for complex installations. The GrowFlux Control Panel which is accessible by browser or Chrome extension is a full featured user interface that gives growers access to GrowFlux's pre-formulated light recipes, and allows creation of dedicated combinations of spectrum, intensity, durations of lighting, uniformity and positioning. Real time and historic performance data from both the lighting systems and environmental sensors gives growers deep insight into their operations. Batch record management tools bring turnkey quality management to CEA facilities. Incorporate a group of fixtures into zones so that they can be controlled as a dedicated area. Control and monitor FluxScale fixtures anywhere in the world from your smartphone via GrowFlux app. The GrowFlux Cloud is also accessible through the GrowFlux API, a secure, RESTful software API which integrates with any control system such as Argus, Priva, Link4, Autogrow, and others.
Ingress Protection
FluxScale is built to survive the harshness in cultivation environments where high humidity, watering and nutrient dispersal ubiquitously exist. Aside from the IP68K fans and IP67 power supply, the optical assembly of the fixture is sealed with die cut silicone foam gaskets to prevent the ingress of dust and water. The IP65 optical assembly has a pressure stabilizing breather which is designed to prevent temperature cycling from building up internal pressures and vacuums. The PTFE fabric breather equalizes the internal and external air pressure of the optical chamber, thereby protecting the seal from fatigue and failure.
