The horticultural light-emitting diode kindling industriousness is prosperous , and with it come a world of language . For those work within this industry , understanding the terminology and method of measurement is crucial to selecting worthy and in effect lighting solutions for your program .
Efficacy and efficiency are two similar terms that are often used interchangeably . However , they still present different concepts relating to lighting performance . Both can touch on plant growth and proceeds and so look on the user program , the relevancy and grandness of each term will vary . There are so many applications within horticultural ignition , from small - scale leaf research science lab to big - musical scale indoor farm , each of these applications have their own specific requirement and antecedence . So , countenance ’s clear up the difference .
EfficacyIn horticultural inflammation , this refers to a measurement that argue the amount of photosynthetically active radiation syndrome ( PAR ) per watts of electrical index stimulus . A firing organisation with high efficaciousness levels will intend that there is a mellow quantity of calorie-free energy , photosynthetic photon , being delivered to the exposed plant allowing them to perform more photosynthesis . It is displayed as a ratio of micromoles per joule ( μmol / J ) . Levels of efficacy can be determine by the character of lighting technology being implemented . Older HPS ( High - Pressure Sodium ) lighting systems , for example , are typically less effective than run lighting systems and have lower efficacy mean that they are less effective at further plant ontogenesis and development .
EfficiencyThe terminus is used more in general in the wide lighting market . It measures and indicate the quantity of idle turnout office that a lighting fixture garden truck per unit of electric input power . Within horticulture specifically , it essentially refers to the quantity of DOE converted into light for flora growth . Higher efficiency stage indicate that there is less electrical energy waste as heating or other forms of radiation therapy . Therefore , efficiency can be a key consideration for users face to reduce DOE costs and minimise their environmental impact .
What is the difference?In short , efficacy quantity how effectively a lighting fixture converts electric energy into photosynthetic photon and is measured as the proportion of light output power to electrical stimulant power ( W / W ) . Efficiency indicates how effectively a lighting reparation converts electric vim into light energy and is measure as the proportion of photosynthetic photon output to electrical input power ( μmol / J ) .
With keen efficacy , more lightheaded energy is supplied to works , and the targeted plant can perform more photosynthesis . The capital the efficiency , the less the operational monetary value and environmental impact of a firing mending will be .
Why does it matter?A light organization will not inevitably be both in high spirits in efficaciousness and efficiency . It could be highly efficient at converting energy into luminosity , however , if the light emitted is not well - befit to the specific requirements of the prey plant , it may not be good at fostering plant life increment and development . Equally , a lighting fixture could be highly effective and successful at promoting plant growth , but if it is inefficient at converting zip into light , it will not be a price - effective root for its substance abuser .
Knowing these two concepts can be key to anyone consider horticultural lighting solutions . By take horticultural lighting that is optimise for both efficacy and efficiency , users can achieve increase yields as well as ameliorate - timber crops , all whilst downplay energy cost and environmental impacts .
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