Illuminated future – LED street lighting
Illuminated future – LED street lighting!
KS Luminance Technology GmbH has joined forces with OEC AG to create an LED streetlamp suitable for comprehensive deployment without restrictions. The production and value creation takes place exclusively in Germany.
The LT SL 6M05 produced by KS Luminance Technology consumes over 60% less energy than a standard mercury-vapour lamp and over 50% less energy than a normal sodium lamp. Moreover, there is a significant improvement in the extent of lighting provided for the relevant areas. A strategic decision was taken to ensure that no environmentally hazardous substances were used for this lamp (RoHS compliant). Furthermore, virtually all the materials are recyclable and can be returned to the resource cycle.
A resounding “Yes” is now the answer to the question of whether an LED street lamp can really compete with conventional lighting.
Approximately 8% to 10% of the total energy used in Germany is currently consumed by night-time lighting for our streets. The proportion of mercury-vapour lamps used in Germany still accounts for more than 33% of a total of 10 million street lamps. The EU is responding robustly, and mercury-vapour lamps will lose their CE certification in 2015. This means that they will then have to be replaced.
Developing an LED street lamp is a very complex mission. The challenges in the spheres of optics, electronics and thermal management are as critical as getting the LED technology right. Another key factor is an advanced product design. Engineers and scientists from Germany have contributed to all the critical areas in the process of developing this pioneering LED street lighting.
Illumination from an LED is the only light that can be directed with precision using appropriate lenses.
An LED lamp can use a free-form lens to structure the illuminated surface in any shape, for example as a rectangle. This avoids wasting light energy. We are able to develop free-form optics tailor-made to suit requirements of this nature. KS Luminance Technology (www.KSLT.de) has used the most advanced methods to develop a cooling system inside the lamp which reliably dissipates the heat generated.
The process of developing the lamp focused specifically on the optics, reducing maintenance costs and optimizing the capability for assembly. All the stages of assembly are tailored to an individual fitter working from an elevated platform. The design of the lamp eliminates sources of error during the installation process.
Using a power supply located at the bottom of the mast means that regular operational inspection of electrical components can be carried out from the ground. Four LT SL 6M05 lamps have been operating in the car park of the town hall in Backnang since November 2009 and they have been operating smoothly since they were installed.
The LT SL 6M05 manufactured by KS Luminance Technology consumes over 60% less energy than a mercury-vapour lamp and over 50% less energy than a normal sodium lamp. Illumination of areas is markedly improved in compliance with the standard. The LT SL 6M05 will provide a street lamp ideal for illuminating outdoor areas, and it combines ecological and economic benefits. This market launch will make a sustainable contribution to the reduction of CO2 emissions.
