August 12, 2021
Eindhoven, the Netherlands - Two chrysanthemum growers building new construction this year, choose the new Philips GreenPower LED Toplighting Force (TLF) from Signify (Euronext: LIGHT). The powerful LED lights fit seamlessly into hybrid systems with 1,040 watt HPS lights and offer high output (2,800 to 3,600 µmol/s) and efficiency (up to 3.7 µmol/J). Linflowers from Nieuwaal (7.5 ha) opts for high efficiency with the TLF standard beam of 2,750 µmol/s. U-Grand from De Lier (10 ha) opts for maximum output with the TLF standard beam of 3,600 µmol/s.
The TLF lights introduced by Signify in early spring are nearly the same in size as the popular Toplighting Compact (TLC) lights that have found widespread application in high-tech greenhouse horticulture in recent years. However, the TLF lights offer a higher output (2,800 to 3,600 µmol/s) and ditto efficiency (up to 3.7 µmol/J), coupled with the proven reliability of Philips light technology. Compared to the TLC, growers can achieve a higher light level for the same wattage, or they can choose to install fewer lights for a similar light level. Next to the standard beam for modern, high greenhouses for optimal efficiency (µmol/J), Signify also supplies a wide beam, for optimal uniformity even in relatively low greenhouses and shorter distances between lights and crop.
"We did not have any experience with LED ourselves, but what I have seen and heard from the TLF gives us a lot of confidence. This also applies to Signify. They carried out many trials in chrysanthemum cultivation in recent years and also have a lot of practical experience growing chrysanthemums on a large scale under LEDs," says Jeffrey van Uffelen on behalf of U-Grand, a joint venture of Van Uffelen Flowers and Michel Grootscholten's MG Grand Nursery. "We get along well and share the same vision. This project allows us both to grow and learn from each other. We are also taking a step forward in terms of cultivation technology, especially in lighting," adds van Uffelen.
