1993 Volume 5 Issue 2 Pages 1-6
A multi-layers cultivation system using fluorescent lamps as a plant cultural system in the CELSS was proposed, and its performance, productivity, and power consumption were investigated throughout cultivation tests of lettuce and tomato.
Utilizing close illumination with fluorescent lamps, 3 layers of planting beds were vertically stacked for seedling cultivation and 2 layers for growth, and the compact cultivation system could be realized. The productivity of lettuce (75g/plants) by a multi-layers system was about 5 plants/m2 (site-area) /day. The lighting power consumption and total power consumption for the production of lettuce (75g/ plant) was about 1.1 kwh/ plant and 2.5 kwh/ plant, respectively.
Thus, the lighting power consumption by close illumination was about half that of conventional high pressure sodium lamps. On the other hand, the power consumption for the production of a tomato fruit was about 2.5 kwh.
