mouser.com/te 35
Connectors
Connector technology is critical to integrating
the LEDs into vertical plant fixtures. Horticultural
lighting connector innovation from TE Connectivity
delivers seamless LEDs integration with existing
building infrastructure. An example of a solution
in this space includes 7.5mm power-to-luminaire
connectors that fit tiny openings compared to
historical part designs. Other technologies include
CORCOM FB series power line filters (tailored for
fluorescent and LED fixtures up to 277VAC) and
Ingress Protection (IPx8) rated inline splicers to
retrofit existing wiring.
Power requirements
Using Romaine lettuce as an example, vertical
farming with LEDs requires 90W/m2 of power
themselves
4
, with the overall system (including
pump, water purification system, A/C, humidity
control, computer, and more) needing around 150W/
m
2
of power.
1. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS
2. https://ourworldindata.org/world-population-growth
3. Md Saad, M., Hamdan, N. and M. Sarker, "State of the Art
of Urban Smart Vertical Farming Automation System:
Advanced topologies, Issues and Recommendations," mdpi.
com/journal/electronics 10, 1422 (2021).
Multi-colored LED
A newer innovation, multi-colored LED, has been
employed in recent years to enhance growth.
Scientists and engineers determined specific
colors make the plants respond and grow more
effectively than others. Purple has emerged as the
ideal choice
5
due to its high efficiency and low cost
(two enabling elements listed above) and low heat
generation. Blue (450nm) and red (750nm) bracket
the plants' visible spectral range and serve different
purposes. Blue helps the plants grow, while red
promotes flowering/fruit-bearing while improving
photosynthetic efficiency.
Conclusion and Main Takeaway
Vertical farming is a critical enabler of sustainable
urbanization. The technology solutions described
above, led by innovators like TE Connectivity and
Lumileds, are propelling this emerging movement in
the face of a growing and changing world. ■
4. https://ifarm.fi/blog/2020/12/how-much-electricity-does-a-
vertical-farm-consume
5. https://verticalfarmingplanet.com/purple-led-
lights-in-vertical-farming-why-does-light-color-
matter/#:~:text=Purple%20LEDs%20are%20very%20
commonly,the%20fruit%2Dbearing%20organ%20stronger.
