- English
Bloemteknik (trading as Bloem) has today announced its partnership with VoltServer Inc. to expand their Align Light-Bar Platform for vertical farm operators. Centralized Digital Electricity™ servers provide DC power directly to the fixture, eliminating the need for LED drivers in the grow spaces. Digital Electricity™ is the only high voltage power that can be installed using ethernet wiring methods, resulting in an average 30% reduction in CAPEX and a 6% reduction in energy use.
The Bloemteknik / VoltServer partnership paves the future for vertical farmers to achieve sustainable, long-term viability, overcoming their current problems of high start-up costs and high energy demand.
The Benefits
Customised Performance
The Align Light-Bar Platform is a bespoke lighting solution adaptable in length, spectra, and performance to the unique requirements of an indoor farm, providing a fully customised solution to the grower’s application.
Reduced Material & Installation CAPEX
Electrical construction costs are reduced by an average of 30% since the system can be installed with uncertified labour using ethernet-like wiring methods, resulting in a 5X faster installation than traditional AC or DC infrastructures.
Reduced Heat Load & Improved Energy Efficiency
Approximately 8% of a typical LED fixture’s heat load is generated by the driver. Align Digital Electricity system moves the heat load associated with the driver to an electrical room, where it takes the HVAC system nearly 40% less energy to remove it. Moreover, power is distributing at higher voltages using 75% less equipment resulting in more efficient energy distribution.
“Today’s announcement enables vertical farm operators to maximise their lighting performance and optimise their cost-of-ownership,” commented James Fleet, Co-Founder & CEO of Bloem. “Every part of the lighting solution is customised to the growers unique requirements maximising productivity & reducing CAPEX & OPEX by up to 30%.”
James Eaves, Director of Indoor Agriculture at VoltServer. Inc, adds, “Because Digital Electricity is the only high voltage DC distribution system that is approved to be installed using ethernet-like wiring methods, it radically simplifies a farm’s electrical and control infrastructure, enabling the use of non-certified labour, and without many of the costly and time-consuming components like GFCI breakers, subpanels, conduit, and step-down transformers.” James continues, “It’s a privilege to work with Bloem. Few LED-design teams are as talented and respected, and we’ve seen them consistently exceed grower’s expectations.”
About Bloemteknik
Bloem designs, manufactures and deploys high quality, bespoke, modular lighting solutions for vertical farms & greenhouses. All solutions are collaboratively customised to maximise grower’s productivity and optimise their cost-of-ownership. For more information, visit www.bloemteknik.com.
About VoltServer
VoltServer is a venture-backed technology leader reinventing how electrical energy is distributed. VoltServer’s patented Digital Electricity™ can be delivered using off-the-shelf data cable, at a significantly reduced cost, and with greater speed, power, distance, efficiency, intelligence, and flexibility, when compared to competing electrical installations. Tens-of-thousands of Digital Electricity systems have been installed across North America and Europe in marquee venues including CEA facilities, airports, hotels, and NFL stadiums.
