Cornell AI cuts energy use by 25% in plant factories

By Blake Jackson

Cornell engineers have demonstrated that integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into environmental control systems can significantly reduce energy consumption in indoor agriculture. This breakthrough holds immense potential for addressing global food production challenges.

By optimizing lighting and climate regulation, AI can enhance crop photosynthesis, transpiration, and respiration within plant factories.

This translates to substantial energy savings while maintaining efficiency and conserving valuable resources.

As the world population grows and climate change intensifies, indoor farming methods like plant factories offer a sustainable solution. However, these facilities are energy-intensive, requiring careful resource management.

"Existing environmental control systems are not smart enough," said Fengqi You, co-director of the Cornell Institute for Digital Agriculture.

AI offers a solution by managing the complexities of ventilation, carbon dioxide levels, and moisture balance.

Decardi-Nelson, a postdoctoral fellow in You's lab, employed AI techniques to analyze lettuce cultivation in indoor agriculture facilities across various locations.

The results were promising, with energy use reduced by up to 25% through AI-optimized systems.

The study found that strategic ventilation adjustments, alternating between low ventilation during light periods and high ventilation during dark periods, contributed to energy efficiency while maintaining optimal growing conditions.

This AI-driven approach aligns with the concept of smart homes, where comfort and energy efficiency are prioritized.

By applying similar principles to indoor agriculture, researchers aim to optimize food production, reduce carbon footprints, and make indoor farming more sustainable.

Decardi-Nelson emphasizes the potential of AI to streamline operations and conserve energy in indoor farms, even in regions with limited energy-saving opportunities. By aligning technology with plant biology, energy can be saved while ensuring optimal growing conditions.

Photo Credit: cornell-university