Maximum Yield Cannabis Canada 2017 November/December | Page 47

S
uccessful grow lighting begins with a carefully considered
light plan. A light plan calculates the best possible
coordination of luminaires in terms of their distance and
orientation from one another, as well as the crop. The trick
lies in determining the ideal combination of these factors to
ensure that you will achieve optimum light yields—with as
few fixtures as possible
WHAT COMBINATION IS BEST?
The accuracy of the light plan depends on a thorough analysis
of several factors—including the desired light level, the light
distribution, the most effective mounting height, environmen-
tal conditions, and the construction of the growing facility.
The target light level (at the crop canopy) should always
be the starting point of any light plan. All the other factors
that will affect the layout and performance of the luminaires
should be considered to determine how to achieve the desired
light level with optimal uniformity and efficiency.
These factors include:
• The dimensions of the grow facility , with the most
critical dimensions being the length, width, and
ceiling height of the space—as well as the anticipated
finished crop height. These dimensions will be used
to establish the number, spacing, and orientation
of luminaires required. The anticipated crop height
is important in calculating the available distance
between the mounted luminaires and the surface of
the crop canopy. This distance will determine what
luminaire and/or reflector will deliver the optimal
(W)
(M)
(L)
Width of room
Desired mount height
Length of room
TIP
(H) Height of ceiling
(C) Anticipated finished
crop size, floor to canopy
WHEN CALCULATING THE
ANTICIPATED CROP HEIGHT,
DON’T FORGET TO FACTOR
IN THE BENCH HEIGHT.
performance in that particular application. For a facility
with a low ceiling height, for example, a low-profile
luminaire—that is, designed for optimal thermal
management—will allow for a greater distance between
the light source and the crop. Similarly, a reflector that
delivers a wide distribution of light can enable growers to
achieve optimum light intensity evenly across the surface
of the crop with fewer luminaires.
grow cycle
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