Embodiments include a control apparatus, a control method, and a control system that can effectively utilize an index regarding light incident on a measured object by obtaining the index effective for the measured object. The control apparatus can effectively utilize an effective index by controlling improvement of an environment that affects calculation of the effective index on the basis of the effective index representing an index that is related to light incident on a measured object and that is effectively utilized for the measured object. The measured object may be a plant.

An algae scrubber system operates via a flow of water and a power source. The algae scrubber system does not require a bubbler. The rate of flow of the water may be variable. The algae scrubber system includes a screen that is configured to be removed from the system without shutting off the flow of water through the system and without spilling the water. The system includes a main body with a water distributor providing water to a tray. A screen hangs from the tray to and grow light(s) encourage algae growth on the screen.

Disclosed is a system for monitoring parts in a machine is provided. The system includes a base unit, and an electronic circuitry. The base unit includes a generator for generating controllable frequency, an impedance unit to resonate impedance with a matching frequency, a controller for modulating the impedance with commands, a first electrode to emit an alternating electric field, a mixer, and a communication unit for communicating the data and commands over a communication network. Further, the controller decodes changes in the impedance. The electronic circuitry includes a coupling electrode, a harvester for converting the alternating electric field into a DC energy, an analyzer to analyze the change in impedance of the provided alternating electric field caused by the parts of the machine, further the analyzer outputs the analyzing results as data, a modulator for modulating the alternating electric field with the data, wherein the modulated data is forked out by the mixer and processed by the controller, a floating electrode coupling to ground potential.

The disclosure relates to technology for housing a hydroponic system. A hydroponic system is supported by a frame and includes a water re-circulation system that provides water and other nutrients to a set of plants housed within the frame and supported by the hydroponic system. A light source is also included to illuminate the set of plants. An external plant extension is connected to the frame and extends outside of the frame, thereby providing support for an external plant placed outside of the frame and enabling illumination of the external plant by the light source of the hydroponic system. In some embodiments, the external plant may also receive water from the hydroponic system through a wick or pump coupled to the frame (directly or indirectly) in a manner the draws water from the hydroponic system and delivers the water to the external plant.

An example horticultural lighting fixture disclosed herein includes a first number of light emitting diodes (LEDs) emitting photons in each of a blue spectral band, a green spectral band, and a red spectral band. A second number of LEDs emit photons in the red spectral band. The first number of LEDs and the second number of LEDs collectively emit a number of photons with wavelengths between 400-700 nm, where between 75-85% of the number of photons are emitted in the red spectral band.

A hydroponic cultivation apparatus, a system and a method for facilitating hydroponic cultivation is disclosed. The hydroponic cultivation apparatus includes a reservoir, a plinth, a grow tray with a grow tray lid, and a docking with coupler. The reservoir, placed upon the plinth, is located at a higher position adjacent to the grow tray for optimizing liquid circulation from the reservoir to the grow tray and vice-versa using one or more pipes, a solenoid valve and a pump. The base further includes a dock coupled to the grow tray for providing an electrical connectivity to the grow tray and simultaneously allowing the liquid to flow through the grow tray without being leaked. Further, the apparatus is having a roof which is provided with sources of illumination for providing light required for plant growth.

A lighting system includes a light source, a light redirection element, and a movement mechanism coupled to the light source and the light redirection element. The movement mechanism is configured to simultaneously or stepwise move the light source and the light redirection element between a top lighting position and an interlighting position.

A plant cultivation device may include a cabinet forming a space in which plants are cultivated: a door connected to the cabinet to open and close the space; at least one bed disposed in the space; at least one light assembly that irradiates light onto the at least one bed; a tank configured to store a fluid; a fluid supply module configured to supply the fluid to the at least one bed; and a sterilizer positioned outside of the tank and configured to sterilize the fluid within the tank.

Photosynthetically active photon flux density (PPFD) provided to plants from a grow light may be calculated based on light-canopy distance measurements, intensity measurements around the plants, and a known shape or distribution of light at the measured distance from the grow light. A controller and a method of controlling one or more grow lights can employ closed-loop techniques that repeatedly measure and adjust light until a desired PPFD is achieved and then maintained.

In a method and device for cultivating a crop, cultivation takes place in an at least a substantially daylight-free, climate-conditioned cultivation space. The cultivation space extends between a first side and an opposite second side, wherein the crop is exposed to photosynthetically active radiation from an array of spatially separated artificial light sources. An airflow is guided over the crop from the first side to the second side. The artificial light sources are spatially distributed over the crop. Downstream light sources of the array of light sources produce a higher dosage of photosynthetically active radiation than light sources located further upstream as seen in the flow direction of the airflow guided over the crop.