Horticultural lighting has recently seen rapid growth, especially as horticultural LED and LED grow lighting systems have become more mainstream. New products regularly released in the LED industry, and an increasing number of urban farmers—and individuals able to farm from less traditional or less fertile locations—join the market every day. As such, the focus of the industry is shifting. Horticultural LED systems no longer need to simply function, but must be able to tailor and fine-tune lighting recipes to grow plants more efficiently.
Plants need nutrients, air, water and the right temperature to grow. LED grow lighting helps achieve these growing conditions, but with less energy and better overall yield than traditional grow lighting systems. This is because LED lighting can be dimmed, tuned and tailored to fit the specific needs of different crops.
GRE Alpha boasts a wide range of powering and lighting control solutions for horticultural and grow lighting applications. Lighting environments require stability and often must operate at elevated temperatures—temperatures that are ideal for plant growth conditions. GRE Alpha’s LED powering solutions provide a robust and flexible power platform for powering horticultural LED, and lighting control models can be further added for color tuning applications.
The horticultural lighting solutions provided by GRE Alpha offer universal input (90-305 VAC), 60W to 300W multi-channel output options, 60 degrees Celsius/140 degrees Fahrenheit operating temperature without de-rating, IP65 splash-proof and moisture-proof design, user-adjustable output current and voltage, high efficiency design to maximize photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) and available color tuning module upgrade. The products are also UL/cUL Class 2 listed, PSE and CB registered, and fit well in grow lighting, horticultural LED and constant voltage (CV) and constant current (CC) applications.
One such product in the GRE Alpha horticultural lighting suite is the easy-install XLD Series—the industry’s first and only UL Listed LED driver that supports both CC and CV mode operation and can work with a wide range of temperatures. The XLD Series features universal AC input, integral wiring compartments for reduced installation costs, user-adjustable output voltage and current, 1-10V dimming options with the SLD Smart Dim series dimming module, up to 92 percent efficiency, active power factor correction (PF > 0.9), heavy duty design to withstand harsh environments up to four combinable output channels, and built-in SCP, OTP, OVP and OCP protection. It is CCC and PSE certified, making it suitable for use in Japan and China. The XLD Series’ patented housing design not only saves money and time related to installation costs, but also simplifies wiring and allows for addition of accessories such as surge protection and GRE Alpha dimming modules for tuning lighting recipes. These attributes make the XLD Series an optimal element of an horticultural LED lighting system.
Similarly, GRE Alpha’s SL-DIMTW Tunable White Dimming Module is a CV tunable white LED dimming module that boasts 0/1-10V control signal acceptance, smooth dynamic color temperature shifts of 2000K to 8000K, and a plug-and-play design that, depending on application situation, can create eye-catching, color temperature-changing effects without color distortion. With customized dimming curves that allow for lighting recipe adjustments and ease of control by using a simple PWM dimmer of a 01-10V dimmer, the Tunable White dimming module is a pioneer in the LED market, opening up ease of upgrade and options for color tuning applications that improve dynamics of light—elements that are important to integrating a product into an LED grow lighting system.
GRE Alpha is committed to innovation and to delivering high-quality, leading edge LED lighting solutions. For more information about LED drivers, dimming modules and accessories, or to speak with a GRE Alpha product expert, visit the Enquiries page and fill out the Enquiry Form. Sign up for the GRE Alpha newsletter to stay up-to-date on new products and for early access to other GRE Alpha news.
When choosing an LED driver, it is important to understand the level of safety standard compliance to create the safest possible LED lighting management system. Products are marked with designations for a reason, assuring consumers of product status as safe items, noting components requiring additional safety measures, and registering whether the energy output is safe to human touch. The designations that consumers will want to understand and look for include:
UL is a global independent safety science company with more than 120 years of expertise innovating safety solutions. The company advises, audits, certifies, educates, inspects, tests, validates and verifies to maintain safety standards and compliance in manufacturing. When UL has tested representative samples of a product and determined that it meets UL’s published, nationally-recognized Standards of Safety requirements, the product is given a UL Listed designation. The designation UL pertains to the United States, and cUL is the Canadian designation.
While a UL listing designates that a product has been tested by UL, meets nationally recognized safety standards, and has been found free from reasonably foreseeable risk of fire, electric shock and related hazards, another similar-looking designation means something slightly different. UL Recognized Component Marks verify that a product has been tested, but that it is a part or component of a larger product. Components can be used to complete or add to end products and systems, but additional installation precautions may be necessary to ensure safe use. It is important to understand how UL Recognized items work to implement the items safely.
When an LED driver is listed as UL Class 2, it complies with UL standard UL1310 indicating that energy output of the device is safe to touch with no major safety protection required. A UL Class 2 listed item will not carry a risk of fire or electric shock at the LED and luminaire level, operating below 60 volts in dry applications, 30 volts in wet applications, 5 amps, and 100 watts. This safe output restricts the number of LEDs the Class 2 driver can run, but will be safe for use without additional safety measures in place.
UL Class 1 drivers, on the other hand, possess output ranges that exceed UL Class 2 guidelines. Class 1 drivers have high-voltage output which requires safety protection within the LED lighting fixture. Class 1 drivers can run a higher number of LEDs than a Class 2 driver, making it more efficient in terms of energy output, but as such requires putting additional safety measures in place.
GRE Alpha’s Easy-Install XLD Series is the industry’s only integrated UL listed Class II solution on the market. Boasting universal AC input, integral wiring compartments for reduced installation costs, constant current and constant voltage dual mode operation for flexibility and optimal performance, the XLD Series offers up to 92 percent efficiency and heavy duty design for harsh environments. Other features include user-adjustable output voltage and current, 1-10V dimming options with SLD SmartDim series dimming modules, active power factor correction at PF>0.9, up to four combinable output channels, built-in protection (SCP, OTP, OVP, OCP), IP 65 standalone enclosure, and UL/CUL listed Class 1 and 2, CE, FCC Title 47 CFR 15 Class B, CQU certifications.
GRE Alpha is committed to innovation and to delivering high-quality, leading edge LED lighting solutions. For more information about LED drivers, dimming modules and accessories, or to speak with a GRE Alpha product expert, visit the Enquiries page and fill out the Enquiry Form. Sign up for the GRE Alpha newsletter to stay up-to-date on new products and for early access to other GRE Alpha news.
When using grow lights in horticultural applications, multiple factors contribute to overall project efficiency. These include the lifespan of the lighting system, intensity and uniformity of light distribution, a system’s energy usage, and lighting spectrum, among other aspects. Horticultural lighting transforms electricity into photosynthesis-driving energy for plants, and effective grow lighting leads to a more productive crop yield.
LED lighting is at the forefront of lighting system efficiency. It offers a wide variety of solutions for both indoor and outdoor applications that top traditional lighting in efficiency, lifespan, ambiance, and cost. As in other lighting applications, horticultural LEDs have proven themselves more efficient than traditional grow lighting systems—including in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) setting. Boasting longer system lifespans, higher photon efficiency, better performing system elements, general cost savings, improved temperature regulation and range, increased spectrum regulation, and more effective light beam control, grow lighting systems featuring horticultural LEDs are paving the way in agricultural innovation and urban farming.
All plants have the same needs—including nutrients, air, water, and an optimal temperature setting—but require a different combination of factors to grow most efficiently. Horticultural LEDs support the growing process through augmented light waves designed to enhance photosynthesis. LED grow lighting systems can be as small or as large as a designer desires, depending on the purpose of the system and the lighting components used. These systems are customizable to fit the needs of crops or yield goals through a variety of LED lighting products.
Why use LED grow lights instead of traditional systems? Urban farming systems are constantly exposed to moisture, humidity, and higher-than-average temperatures to increase plant growth. LED drivers are designed to withstand these conditions, and can more precisely tune and deliver appropriate lighting for different crops as needed. The adaptability and reliability of horticultural LED applications make LED grow lights the obvious choice for urban farming situations.
An important aspect of LED grow lighting is the use of proven products. Horticultural lighting, like any lighting management system, is only as productive as the products it employs. GRE Alpha is excited to share the agricultural applications of some of its best and most efficient LED lighting components.
GRE Alpha’s dual mode, Easy-install XLD Series features a patented easy-install enclosure which simplifies wiring and makes installation much simpler, creating cost savings through decreased manual labor and improving reliability of the LED grow lighting system. With universal AC input, integral wiring compartments, constant current and constant voltage dual mode operation, user-adjustable output voltage and current, 1-10V dimming options, compatibility with the SLD Smart Dim dimming module, and up to 92 percent efficiency, GRE Alpha’s Easy-Install products like the XLD75 and XLD200 are flexible, efficient, and reliable, and provide an optimal solution for horticultural LED applications.
The adaptable XLD series can be applied in LED grow light settings to enhance crop yield. Aside from being easy to install, the XLD series is customizable for energy output and temperature regulation, spectrum, light control, and other crucial elements of a horticultural LED system.
As the world becomes more connected, more SMART applications for LEDs arrive, and the population continues to grow, LED grow lighting and horticultural LED applications will continue to increase as well. Each LED lighting system is different, and the quality of the products involved determines efficiency and output. Productivity of horticultural lighting systems depends on a variety of factors, and using products specially designed with agricultural applications in mind will make a huge difference in the future of horticultural LEDs for controlled environment agriculture.
GRE Alpha looks forward to showcasing even more innovative LED products at future tradeshows and events, including the upcoming 2017 LIGHTFAIR International event in Philadelphia, PA, USA. The LFI conference and tradeshow will be held from May 9 to May 11, 2017. Click here for more information about the event.For more information on GRE Alpha, or to contact a GRE Alpha service representative to schedule a one-on-one appointment with a technical expert, visit https://grealpha.com/.
LED lighting applications are always changing. GRE Alpha, a pioneer in LED lighting and powering innovation, is at the forefront of one of the newest uses: horticultural LEDs and LED grow lights for rural and urban agricultural settings. In fact, a new Specialty Solutions section of the GRE Alpha website recently launched, a resource for horticultural and grow lighting customers interested in sourcing power solutions for LED grow lamps.
Plants need nutrients, air, water and the right temperature to grow. Horticultural LEDs support the growing process by providing the best recipe of light waves to enhance photosynthesis. Typically featuring traditional lighting elements and used in settings no natural light can reach—or where supplemental lighting might be necessary—grow lights allow for plant and crops to be grown in less-than-optimal conditions. These traditional grow lighting systems are cropping up in apartments and retrofitted warehouses in cities, backyard sheds in suburbia, as well as places with long winter seasons, among other places, to increase agricultural output.
LED grow lighting accomplishesthe same aims as traditional grow lighting systems, butwith less energy output and a better overall yield. Passionate about expanding the applications of its LED products, GRE Alpha is excited to explore the many ways its products can enhance urban farming and agriculture.
Horticultural LED systems have a range of scales, all of which are dependent on the purpose of the system and the lighting components used. As with any LED lighting application, a wide variety of LED lighting is available to customize grow lighting projects. GRE Alpha’s LED drivers target linear type LED grow lights (long-thin) that can extend to fit a range of projects.
Because they are constantly exposed to the humidity, moisture, and higher-than-normal temperatures associated with plant growth, LED drivers for LED grow lights not only have to be incredibly efficient, but also much more reliable. There is an ever-increasing need for lighting control modules that can precisely tune and deliver the best lighting recipe to various types of plants. Having the right lighting control system and LED powering system employed makes all the difference.
GRE Alpha boasts a wide range of powering and lighting control solutions for horticultural and grow lighting applications. Lighting environments require stability and often operate at elevated temperatures that are ideal for plant growth conditions, and horticultural LEDS offer better yield with less energy use. GRE Alpha’s LED powering solutions provide a robust and flexible power platform for powering horticultural LEDs. Lighting control modules boast:
GRE Alpha is committed to innovation and to delivering high-quality, leading edge LED lighting solutions. For more information about LED drivers, dimming modules and accessories, or to speak with a GRE Alpha product expert, visit the Enquiries page and fill out the Enquiry Form. Sign up for the GRE Alpha newsletter to stay up-to-date on new products and for early access to other GRE Alpha news.
Light emitting diode (LED) drivers, the electrical devices regulating the power of LED lights, are the lifeblood of LED lighting systems. Helping with conversions from alternating current(AC) to direct current (DC), LED drivers play an integral part in lighting control and system lifespan. As the market continues to expand and new products are released, LED drivers for different types of applications have been optimized for cost, efficiency, and reliability.
LED lighting management continues to evolve, and some LED drivers are now built directly into the lighting systems themselves. Typically, though, external LED drivers are still used for applications requiring higher reliability and better lighting system performance. Most LED drivers are comprised of variations of switched mode power supplies (SMPS)—an electronic power supply featuring a switching regular to efficiently convert electrical power. SMPS offers either a constant voltage or constant current to LED lights, depending on the type of LED luminaire used. Constant current power supplies vary voltage across electronic circuits to maintain constant electric current, whereas constant voltage creates an ability to fluctuate current to maintain a set voltage. These distinctions become particularly useful as LED lighting management systems grow in popularity and use.
As the world continues to adapt to increasing levels of environmentally- and economically-friendly options, and SMART technology implementation continues to rise, understanding the possible applications of LED dimmers becomes progressively more important. For example, for downlights, tracklights and LED lights that utilize chips on board(COB), constant current LED drivers provide better current regulation and avoid overloading LEDs. In contrast, constant voltage LED drivers are used in LED strip lighting and linear lighting applications so that LED installations will not be limited by the length of the lighting strip used. No matter the application, evolutions in technology are enabling LED lighting to offer a viable solution.
GRE Alpha has been at the forefront of LED driver innovation and development. Designed with flexibility in mind, GRE Alpha offers a series of LED drivers that operate in dual mode, allowing the units to be used in both constant current and constant voltage application and minimize stock keeping units (SKUs). The XLD Series LED drivers come in a patented enclosure design with integral wiring compartments to drastically simplify installation and reduce installation costs by eliminating the need for Junction boxes.
For applications requiring advanced lighting control and dimming applications, GRE Alpha pioneered products that support two-wire AC phase dimming (TRIAC) and a wide selection of dimming module systems to support DALI, DMX, 0-10V and Switch Dim dimming protocols. The newest product launched is the Tunable White SLD-DimTW dimming module, a unique dim-to-warm dimming module that allows for LED fixtures to change from a relatively cool color temperature to a warm color temperature.
When choosing the right LED driver for a project, GRE Alpha knows it is important to consider both the costs of the LED driver itself and those of the entire lighting system. For example, when using an XLD series LED Driver with patented easy-install enclosure, the per unit-cost of driver may be higher, but the overall costs of the lighting system is much lower due to cost savings. This particular project would not require a junction box, and installation times would be greatly reduced.
GRE Alpha prides itself on innovative products like these that enhance customers’ experience and create a brighter world. Several new products will be launched soon, featuring IoT-enabled options like the ZigBee SMART dimming module to allow for device connected lighting.
GRE Alpha is excited to announce that it will exhibit at the March 2017 Nikkei Messe Tokyo Big Sight Lighting Fair in Japan. From March 7 to 10, 2017, the company will be unveiling new products, networking with potential customers, visiting with current customers and partners, and offering demonstrations of innovative LED lighting solutions. For more information on the Tokyo Big Sight Lighting Fair, click here.
GRE Alpha is committed to innovation and to delivering high-quality, leading edge LED lighting solutions. For more information about LED drivers, dimming modules and accessories, or to speak with a GRE Alpha product expert, visit the Enquiries page and fill out the Enquiry Form. Sign up for the GRE Alpha newsletter to stay up-to-date on new products and for early access to other GRE Alpha news.