Energy Efficiency Optimization in Vertical Farming Systems: A Comparative Analysis of LED Lighting Configurations

Abstract:

Vertical farming has emerged as a promising solution for urban food security, yet its energy-intensive operations raise sustainability concerns. This study evaluates the energy efficiency of three LED lighting configurations (full-spectrum, red-blue, and adaptive dimming) in vertical lettuce cultivation. Using a controlled environment agriculture (CEA) setup in urban laboratories across three cities, we measured energy consumption, crop yield, and resource use efficiency over a 12-week growth cycle. Results indicate that adaptive dimming systems reduced energy use by 32% while maintaining 94% of the yield achieved with full-spectrum lighting. Economic analysis further shows a 27% reduction in operational costs, making this configuration more viable for urban circular food systems. These findings contribute to optimizing vertical farming practices for enhanced environmental resilience and economic sustainability in dense urban contexts.