·
CombiVliet is one of the largest tomato producers in Europe and part of the Agro Care Growers consortium, representing more than 500 hectares of greenhouse cultivation. The Noordvliet site consists of 96 hectares of high-tech greenhouses dedicated to the sustainable production of nutritious tomatoes for both the Dutch and international markets.
Four years ago, DLI installed 20,000 Apex LED fixtures at this site. Since then, Multi-Meet has conducted periodic independent light measurements—configurable, objective, and without any vested interest in the outcome. The result: after 16,000 operating hours, the fixtures showed less than 1% light degradation. A result that is far from standard in the market.
Multi-Meet measures light as it actually exists in the greenhouse, not as it is theoretically calculated. And the two differ more often than growers expect.
“A light measurement reflects real-world conditions compared to a theoretical calculation. This often results in a light distribution that is lower than expected. Sometimes fixtures are installed too close to or at an angle above heating pipes, which significantly reduces uniformity. Fixtures are also not always mounted straight or at consistent distances. These factors introduce deviations that are often avoidable.
It also occurs that target light levels are achieved simply by using high-power fixtures. In such cases, growers must ensure sufficient electrical capacity is available, and be aware that energy costs may be higher than expected.”
“The efficiency of LEDs continues to improve. This means higher light intensities can be achieved with the same number of fixtures. If the desired light level is reached and efficiency continues to increase, it becomes possible to reduce the number of fixtures. However, this increases the spacing between fixtures, making it essential to monitor light distribution.
Light has a major influence on crop growth, and electricity costs are significant. This makes it crucial to periodically verify light levels. By also measuring the spectrum, it becomes possible to detect whether specific LED wavelengths are degrading.”
Over time, the difference between high- and low-quality LED fixtures becomes visible in one key aspect: light performance. Four factors determine whether a fixture maintains performance over time:
1. The quality of individual LEDs
2. The reliability of drivers and electronic components
3. Fixture design and thermal management
4. The design and durability of optical components
DLI collaborates with component manufacturers that do not compromise on any of these aspects. One of these partners is ams OSRAM.
“High LED efficiency is achieved when most of the consumed electrical energy is converted into usable photons. This requires precise component engineering, optimized driver settings, and careful optical design to ensure that emitted photons effectively reach the crop.”
Thomas Grebner (ams OSRAM):
“High LED efficiency is achieved when most of the consumed electrical energy is converted into usable photons. This requires precise component engineering, optimized driver settings, and careful optical design to ensure that emitted photons effectively reach the crop.”
“Light degradation is typically assessed through standardized lifetime tests such as LM-80. LEDs are operated under defined conditions over extended periods, after which lifetime models are used to predict lumen maintenance.
The degree of degradation depends on chip technology, package design, driving current, environmental temperature, humidity, and exposure to gases such as H₂S. At ams OSRAM, all these factors are tested, including under humid conditions, sulfur exposure, and temperature cycling.”
“Four years ago, OSRAM’s M4 LEDs set a benchmark for high efficiency and long operational lifetime. Since then, further technological advancements have continued to push the limits of light efficacy.
At low driving currents, wall-plug efficiency (WPE) values of up to 90% are now achievable with the latest OSCONIQ™ P 3737 LED solutions. Nevertheless, further improvements under real-world conditions remain possible through continued development of chip architectures and package technologies.
With a global manufacturing network—including Hyper Red chip production in Germany—a strong focus on research and development, and a robust intellectual property portfolio, ams OSRAM is well positioned to introduce the next generation of advanced LED technologies for horticulture and beyond.”
Growers make significant investments in lighting. They deserve an installation that still performs exactly as promised after four years—and a partner who can demonstrate this not through brochures, but through measurement data.
The results at CombiVliet Noordvliet are not a coincidence. They are the outcome of the right components, proper installation, and a partner that remains involved until the crop proves the performance.
→ Want to know how your lighting is performing after four years? Contact DLI for an independent light measurement or a consultation on your installation.
Voor vragen of informatie over deze vacature, mail ellen@dli.nl of bel: 06 20 93 72 75
“At DLI we go for the best results and create room for innovation.”