MAXIMIZING EFFICIENCY IN INDOORS FARMING: THE SHIFT FROM TRADITIONAL POWER TO CENTRALIZED 250V REMOT POWER SYSTEMS

Introduction

Indoor farming has redefined agricultural practices, especially in environments like vertical farms and greenhouses. One of the most significant energy costs in these setups is lighting. Traditionally, growers have relied on 48V-54V onboard power systems for each light. However, as energy efficiency becomes increasingly important, many growers are transitioning to centralized 250V remote power systems. This article explores the benefits of 250V remote power, compares it to traditional onboard systems, and highlights how this transition can lead to significant energy and heat management savings.

1. Traditional 48V-54V Onboard Power Systems vs. Centralized 250V Remote Power

Traditional 48V-54V Onboard Power Systems

In traditional setups, every light fixture has its own onboard 48V-54V power supply. While this approach has been practical, it presents challenges, particularly regarding heat management and wiring complexity. Each power supply generates heat, which increases HVAC demands, and the need for multiple power supplies increases the complexity of both installation and maintenance.

250V Remote Power Systems

A more efficient alternative, 250V remote power systems, centralize the power supplies outside the grow rooms, leading to better energy efficiency, easier installation, and lower heat generation. These systems use a three-phase (3P) power input, which offers more than twice the efficiency of traditional 48V systems (SP), allowing for significantly more canopy per amp.

Key Benefits of 250V Remote Power Systems:

• Reduced Heat Load: This removes 35%- 40% of heat from the grow room, significantly lowering HVAC infrastructure needs and improving overall climate control.

• Simplified Infrastructure: With fewer components, wiring complexity is significantly reduced, making installation and long-term maintenance easier.

• Space Optimization: Power rectifier racks can be placed up to 300 feet away from the grow rooms, freeing up space inside the grow areas for additional grow levels or other equipment.

• Higher Energy Efficiency: 250V power input (3P) is over twice as efficient as 48V (SP), providing more canopy area per amp.

iQX 18kw Remote Power/ IOT Chassis

2. Amperage Comparison: 48V-54V Traditional Onboard Power vs. 250V Remote Power

The following comparison demonstrates the amperage difference between 48V-54V onboard power and 250V remote power systems, using 48 lights over 768 square feet (sf) of canopy space.

Amperage Comparison:

• 48V-54V Power (SP): In a traditional system, each light consumes 2-3 amps, leading to a total draw of 96 to 144 amps for 48 lights across 768 sf.

• 250V Remote Power (3P): In a centralized 250V system, each light consumes only 1-1.5 amps, resulting in a total amperage of 48 to 72 amps, a significant reduction compared to the traditional system.

This comparison shows that 250V remote power systems are far more efficient, reducing total amperage by over 50%. This allows growers to power more lights with less energy input, directly translating into energy savings. Additionally, lower amperage reduces the heat generated, decreasing the strain on HVAC systems and lowering operational costs.

iQX 3kw Remote Power/ IOT Chassis

3. Efficiency Gains from Remote Power Systems

Less Complexity and Reduced Maintenance

Traditional 48V-54V onboard systems require extensive wiring, as each light fixture has its power supply. This results in increased installation time and the potential for wiring errors. Centralized 250V remote power systems consolidate power supplies into a single location, simplifying installation and long-term maintenance.

Space-Saving Design

Traditional power setups often require rectifiers and substantial copper wiring, consuming valuable space in the grow room. In contrast, 250V remote power systems require less copper and power rectifier racks can be located up to 300 feet away in a climate-controlled environment, freeing up space for more grow levels or additional equipment.

Improved Power Quality and Heat Management

DC-powered systems, such as 250V remote power, offer consistent voltage without the fluctuations or harmonics often experienced in AC systems. This leads to improved power quality, essential for maintaining stable conditions in growing environments. Since the power rectifiers are located outside the grow room, less heat is generated in the growing space, which reduces HVAC demands and makes climate control more accessible.

4. The Future of Energy Efficiency in Indoor Farming

More Efficient Energy Use

With over twice the efficiency of traditional 48V systems, 250V remote power systems enable growers to support larger canopy areas with the same electrical input. This can lead to substantial energy savings, particularly in high-density vertical grow environments, where every amp matters.

Environmental Benefits

250V remote power systems help indoor farms lower their carbon footprint by reducing energy consumption and heat generation. The reduced need for HVAC systems and more efficient electricity use contribute to a more sustainable operation.

Scalability and Flexibility

One of the major benefits of 250V remote power systems is their scalability. As farms grow, additional power supplies can be added without overhauling the entire power infrastructure. This modularity allows indoor farms to expand easily while maintaining high energy efficiency.

Conclusion: Why 250V Remote Power Systems Are the Future of Indoor Farming

As energy efficiency becomes a growing concern in indoor farming, transitioning from traditional 48V-54V onboard power systems to centralized 250V remote power systems offers numerous advantages. These systems reduce heat load, simplify infrastructure, and improve energy efficiency. With lower amperage requirements and better climate control, 250V remote power systems help growers reduce operational costs while maintaining precise control over their growing environments.

For growers looking to optimize their energy use, reduce their environmental impact, and scale their operations efficiently, 250V remote power systems represent an innovative, forward-thinking solution.

If you'd like to learn more about how 250V remote power systems can enhance your indoor farming setup, contact Peak Roots at sales@peakroots.com.

References:

1. Brown, R. (2019). Power Systems and Distribution. Wiley.

2. National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2021). DC Power for Modern Applications.

3. IEEE Standards Association. (2020). Guidelines for DC Power Distribution in Buildings.