Sparks Electrical News January 2018

LIGHTING

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GETTING AMPED OVER SMARTER LED LIGHTS

A long with the continual expansion of cities, the challenges that they pose grow with them. The world’s cities for instance, consume more than three quarters of the total global energy, while produc- ing over 60% of all global carbon dioxide as well as other greenhouse gas emissions. However, cities can also act as hubs of diversity and innovation, and become the source of solutions. Smart Cities use recent advances in communications and digital technologies, data sharing and analysis, and intelligent design to make cities more livable, resilient, economically sound, and sustainable. Smart sensors and embedded devices – fromstreet lights to power meters to traffic signals and beyond –

work together with an open, connected infrastructure to create a distributed layer of intelligence that can save energy, streamline operations, and make citizens feel happier and safer. Like the private sector, the public sector is going through the process of digitalisation and cities are looking at ways to benefit from the enhanced performance of software-based solutions, to gain various benefits including increased knowledge and new insight through data analytics. Moreover, they want more sustainable solutions, must improve living conditions like safety and wellbeing for their citizens, and are required to do this while being more efficient with their spending. Smarter, greener lighting solution for better city management Luckily, the market for public lighting management is in a dynamic transition phase and fundamentally changing through the adoption of new technologies such as Philips AmpLight. The AmpLight solution is a complete web-based solution with advanced com- munication functionality that is easily integrated with existing lighting installations. A centralised solution such as this is simple to implement and requires less equipment than a pole- based standalone solution. AmpLight combines cost saving and less emission benefits, without compromising quality or safety. It allows for the remote control of LED lamp dimming over the existing mains wiring. AmpLight is easy to install and use in retrofit installations. It is easy to interface the solution to all SCADA systems, via dry contacts, and customers are able to use the solution to control lighting systems over multiple kilometres. In addition, a coded mains signal does not disturb other devices in the same mains grid, unlike traditional power line technology. The AmpLight solution does not have issues of signal interference, from external sources as in competing RF-based communication technology. Through AmpLight, cities can expect energy saving of up to 40%, with these savings coming on top of the power savings they already obtain by using LED lighting fixtures. In addition, they are able to get accurate metering of energy consumption, have the flexibility to adapt lighting levels across the city areas, obtain accurate reporting of lamp-burning hours,and real-time status feedback to increase maintenance efficiency. Moreover, the continuous streaming of signal over mains ensures robust communication. The solution has been designed for outdoor use, so it can withstand the associated temperatures (at both ends of the spectrum) as well as humid conditions. Municipalities and road authorities can benefit from increased safety in the streets and reduced light pollution levels. The benefits for citizens include less crime and a higher sense of safety, while the city will gain character through innovative lighting solutions.

Enquiries: www.lighting.philips.co.za

MULTI-FACETED MAGIC

GEOMETRIC LIGHTING is one of the hottest trends right now, and although the lighting invokes a minimalist aesthetic, it is not just for modern and

contemporary interiors. It is also a great option if you’re looking to give your space a modern or mid-century vibe. Emitting a sparkling light through the crystal- inspired multi-faceted chrome shade, the decorative Webster pendant light (R4 199.95) from The Lighting Warehouse is a prime example. Note: Price as at November 2017. E&OE. Until stocks last.

Enquiries: www.lightingwarehouse.co.za

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JANUARY 2018