Luminescent Lighting Supports Arctic Greenhouse

In an autonomous greenhouse being piloted for Arctic conditions, scientists are testing the use of polycrystalline luminescent materials for lighting. Since these materials efficiently convert UV radiation into visible, high-thermal characteristics, the team from Tomsk Polytechnic University believes the materials will help ensure a long service life for the solid-state light sources that will be used in the greenhouse. The spectral composition of the lighting in the robotic greenhouse will adjust to the biological features of the plant species that are being grown.

Damir Valiev with plant samples cultivated in the TPU phytotron. Courtesy of Tomsk Polytechnic University.

“The polygon consists of three units . . . there is a research unit where we will study radiation modes for plant growing," said project supervisor Damir Valiev. "Here the fundamental part of the research will be carried out. In addition, a robotic system and radiation modes will be tested there, and drones will pollinate plants.”

The team hopes to apply its experience with the autonomous greenhouse to the future development of “smart” greenhouses that can be adapted to weather conditions in northern areas of Europe and the Arctic.