A Multi-Output AC/DC Converter for LED Grow Lights

This paper presents a new LED grow light structure based on a multi-output AC/DC converter with an embedded light detector and the control systems. The proposed multi-output AC/DC converter uses the primary side as well as secondary side control in order to regulate the light intensity and the light spectrum of the grow light. In addition, a light detector is embedded in the LED grow light to continuously feedback various parameters to the control system. The power circuit of the proposed AC/DC converter is based on a single-stage power circuit topology, which combines a bridge-less Power Factor Correction (PFC) topology and a resonant converter with multiple outputs. The control system of the AC/DC converter ensures the optimal production of light intensity and light spectrum in order to optimize the plant growth. Simulation and experimental results from a 600-watt LED grow light prototype verifies the feasibility of the proposed circuitry and demonstrate its superior performance.