A framework for evaluating the topic
Planning note: Connected load and coincident demand are not the same; hourly profile, peak load and backup needs are calculated separately.
Separate lighting, HVAC, dehumidification, pumps and auxiliary loads by operating scenario to assess electrical and thermal capacity. This resource provides general technical information. Final capacity, equipment and implementation choices require engineering calculations based on site and project data.
The load schedule records nameplate power, operating hours and coincidence for each device in separate columns.
Lighting electricity becomes heat in the room, while crop transpiration adds latent load to dehumidification; these are not the same capacity item.
A power-loss plan prioritises the fans, pumps, controls and alarms needed for crop safety instead of assuming full-facility backup.
Topics covered in technical assessment
LED connected load and photoperiod
The load schedule records nameplate power, operating hours and coincidence for each device in separate columns.
Sensible cooling load
Lighting electricity becomes heat in the room, while crop transpiration adds latent load to dehumidification; these are not the same capacity item.
Crop transpiration and latent load
A power-loss plan prioritises the fans, pumps, controls and alarms needed for crop safety instead of assuming full-facility backup.
Pump and fan operating scenarios
The load schedule records nameplate power, operating hours and coincidence for each device in separate columns.
Power supply and demand diversity
Lighting electricity becomes heat in the room, while crop transpiration adds latent load to dehumidification; these are not the same capacity item.
Insulation and outdoor design conditions
A power-loss plan prioritises the fans, pumps, controls and alarms needed for crop safety instead of assuming full-facility backup.
Removal of rejected heat
The load schedule records nameplate power, operating hours and coincidence for each device in separate columns.
Alarms, backup power and safe shutdown
Lighting electricity becomes heat in the room, while crop transpiration adds latent load to dehumidification; these are not the same capacity item.
Planning and comparison logic
Separate lighting, HVAC, dehumidification, pumps and auxiliary loads by operating scenario to assess electrical and thermal capacity.
| Input to verify | Effect on the decision | How to verify it |
|---|---|---|
| LED connected load and photoperiod | The load schedule records nameplate power, operating hours and coincidence for each device in separate columns. | Pump and fan operating scenarios |
| Sensible cooling load | Lighting electricity becomes heat in the room, while crop transpiration adds latent load to dehumidification; these are not the same capacity item. | Power supply and demand diversity |
| Crop transpiration and latent load | A power-loss plan prioritises the fans, pumps, controls and alarms needed for crop safety instead of assuming full-facility backup. | Insulation and outdoor design conditions |
Common mistakes
Insulation and outdoor design conditions
Lighting electricity becomes heat in the room, while crop transpiration adds latent load to dehumidification; these are not the same capacity item.
Removal of rejected heat
A power-loss plan prioritises the fans, pumps, controls and alarms needed for crop safety instead of assuming full-facility backup.
Alarms, backup power and safe shutdown
The load schedule records nameplate power, operating hours and coincidence for each device in separate columns.
Why does this matter in your project?
Planning note: Connected load and coincident demand are not the same; hourly profile, peak load and backup needs are calculated separately.
This resource provides general technical information. Final capacity, equipment and implementation choices require engineering calculations based on site and project data.
Explore the related systemTechnical references
Frequently Asked Questions: Container Farm Energy Use and Capacity Planning
How should led connected load and photoperiod be assessed?
The load schedule records nameplate power, operating hours and coincidence for each device in separate columns.
How should sensible cooling load be assessed?
Lighting electricity becomes heat in the room, while crop transpiration adds latent load to dehumidification; these are not the same capacity item.
How should crop transpiration and latent load be assessed?
A power-loss plan prioritises the fans, pumps, controls and alarms needed for crop safety instead of assuming full-facility backup.
How should pump and fan operating scenarios be assessed?
The load schedule records nameplate power, operating hours and coincidence for each device in separate columns.
How should power supply and demand diversity be assessed?
Lighting electricity becomes heat in the room, while crop transpiration adds latent load to dehumidification; these are not the same capacity item.