by Ian Ashdown | Dec 26, 2018 | Patents, SunTracker Patents
Publication #: WO 2018227305 Publication Date: 20-Dec-18
Spectral irradiance distributions are calculated within a virtual environment based on arbitrary light source spectral power distributions. Architectural, horticultural and aquacultural lighting control systems use the calculated results to control both the intensity and spectral power distribution of the electric light sources. Energy consumption may be minimized while maintaining optimal occupant visual comfort and plant health.
by Ian Ashdown | Apr 24, 2018 | Patents, SunTracker Patents
Issue #: US9955552 Issue Date: 24-Apr-18
In an example, an expected sky condition is calculated for a geographic location, a time of day, and a date based on a mathematical model. A predicted distribution of direct and interreflected solar radiation within the environment is calculated based on the expected sky condition. Measurement data from one or more photosensors is obtained that provides measurements of an initial distribution of direct and interreflected radiation within the environment, including radiation from solar and electrical lighting sources. A target distribution of direct and interreflected artificial electromagnetic radiation produced by electrical lighting is determined, based on the measurement data and the predicted distribution of direct and interreflected solar radiation, to achieve the target distribution of direct and interreflected radiation within the environment. Output parameters are set to one or more devices to modify the initial distribution to achieve the target distribution of direct and interreflected radiation within the environment.
by Ian Ashdown | Apr 23, 2018 | Patents, SunTracker Patents
Publication #: US 2018/0242429 Publication Date: 23-Aug-18
A predictive system and method thereof for indoor horticulture are disclosed. The method includes obtaining a set of input values identifying a geographic position of a physical structure enclosing an interior environment and a target distribution for environmental parameters for a selected plant occupant. The method further includes obtaining a virtual representation of the physical structure, and iteratively over time, updating the virtual representation based on actual plant growth or a predicted plant growth model for the selected plant occupant. The method further includes running a computational model to obtain a predicted distribution of the environmental parameters for the virtual representation, and determining a target distribution of artificially modulated environmental parameters. Based on the target distribution of the artificially modulated environmental parameters, the method includes setting output parameters for control devices to collectively control the actual distribution of the set of environmental parameters.
by Ian Ashdown | Oct 19, 2017 | Patents, SunTracker Patents
Publication #: US 2017/0295727 Publication date: 19-Oct-17
Electric light sources typically exhibit temporal variations in luminous flux output, commonly referred to as “flicker.” Flicker, or temporal modulation, is known to influence the growth, health and behavior patterns of humans, and is also linked to growth, health and behavior patterns throughout the growth cycle of plants and animals. Control of peak radiant flux emitted by a light source to temporally modulate a light source will allow for the control of plants and animals for sustainable farming including but not limited to horticultural, agricultural, or aquacultural endeavors.
by Ian Ashdown | Jul 6, 2017 | Patents, SunTracker Patents
Publication #: US 2017/0192406 Publication Date: 06-Jul-17
In an example, an expected sky condition is calculated for a geographic location, a time of day, and a date based on a mathematical model. A predicted distribution of direct and interreflected solar radiation within the environment is calculated based on the expected sky condition. Measurement data from one or more photosensors is obtained that provides measurements of an initial distribution of direct and interreflected radiation within the environment, including radiation from solar and electrical lighting sources. A target distribution of direct and interreflected artificial electromagnetic radiation produced by electrical lighting is determined, based on the measurement data and the predicted distribution of direct and interreflected solar radiation, to achieve the target distribution of direct and interreflected radiation within the environment. Output parameters are set to one or more devices to modify the initial distribution to achieve the target distribution of direct and interreflected radiation within the environment, including diffusion characteristics of the materials between environments.
by Ian Ashdown | Jun 29, 2017 | Patents, SunTracker Patents
Publication #: US 2017/01855057 Publication Date: 29-Jun-17
In an example, an expected sky condition is calculated for a geographic location, a time of day, and a date based on a mathematical model. A predicted distribution of direct and interreflected solar radiation within the environment is calculated based on the expected sky condition. Measurement data from one or more photosensors is obtained that provides measurements of an initial distribution of direct and interreflected radiation within the environment, including radiation from solar and electrical lighting sources. A target distribution of direct and interreflected artificial electromagnetic radiation produced by electrical lighting is determined, based on the measurement data and the predicted distribution of direct and interreflected solar radiation, to achieve the target distribution of direct and interreflected radiation within the environment. Output parameters are set to one or more devices to modify the initial distribution to achieve the target distribution of direct and interreflected radiation within the environment.
