The right luminaire and control system for every application

Elektro Luthiger AG looks after the approximately 700 street lights in Hünenberg (ZG) on behalf of the municipality. Ten years ago, a lighting concept was created - specifically for energy-efficient refurbishment to LED. This included setting up a range of luminaires, with a suitable luminaire for each type of street being defined with a control system tailored to requirements. Werner Luthiger, Managing Director Elektro Luthiger AG, tells in the interview how they proceeded in the choice of suitable lights and controls and why, in addition to the area-wide, time-dependent light control with Interact City selectively further sensor technology is used.

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Mr. Luthiger, you are using the time-dependent Interact City lighting control system across the board in Hünenberg. What does that mean in concrete terms?

We imported all the luminaires into Interact City in the course of the refurbishment, including all the old lamps. This way, we have an overview of the entire lighting infrastructure and can see where we stand with the refurbishment. The big advantage of the new, networked luminaires is that we can see immediately whether one is on or off. In addition, we have created different dimming calendars and dimming profiles for the different types of streets. This is based on the specifications of the canton and the federal government, as well as on the quality of the road, the type and the classification.

Let's take a closer look at the different types of roads. In Hünenberg, you have determined a type of luminaire for each application area, as well as the optimal control system. The latest installation is on Maihölzliweg, right on the edge of the forest.

The Maihölzliweg is a direct connection from the village center to the Moos neighborhood. The narrow and moderately frequented pedestrian and bicycle path was overlit with the 70 W sodium vapor lamps. For the renovation and extension we needed an energy-saving and functional good solution. We found and installed it with the 10 W / 1200 lm Urban Flex LED luminaire with the motion senosr Wattstopper. As soon as motion is sensed, it dims up from 10% to 100%.

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The municipality was convinced of this solution, because on the one hand it saves energy and on the other hand protects nature. Fortunately, we have also already received positive feedback from the population. One resident, who previously complained about the "blinding lamps," is very satisfied with the new solution.

In addition to the Maihölzliweg, the same luminaire-control combination was also used in a parking lot. What was the decisive factor here?

The parking lot is used very busily in the early evening hours, as that's when training sessions take place in the gym and on the soccer fields next door. With the motion-dependent lighting control, we would like to increase the well-being of the athletes:inside. And at the same time prevent vandalism - "de böse Buebe". Because as soon as someone runs or drives into the parking lot now, the light goes on immediately.

The Wattstopper PIR sensor is not the only sensor used in Hünenberg...

That's right. We have already used the advance light* combined with the DigiStreet lights in a pilot project a few years ago. On a pedestrian and bicycle path along the forest, which leads from the neighborhoods to the school complex. There too, thanks to the control system, less electricity is consumed, the animals in the forest are protected, and at the same time safety is ensured by the light on the children's way to school.

*Note: Eagle Eye Zhaga radar sensors

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On the village square I discovered a third type of light. Why was the decorative TownGuide lights chosen?

The typical round lamps used to be in use on the village square, which shine very strongly upwards and encouraged light pollution. We have now replaced them with light gray TownGuide lights. They are controlled through Interact City.

I've seen the TownGuide in dark gray as well, why did you decide on two housing colors?

(Smirks) - It has to do with the fact that the dark gray TownGuides are on private property. The builder asked us about the type of fixture because he liked the TownGuide. We decided together with the builder to keep all the "private" luminaires in dark gray, so we can easily distinguish the luminaires visually.

In conclusion, you have a long collaboration with ELEKTRON...

I have been with ELEKTRON for over 20 years. Dieter Wieser has been my contact person from the very beginning, advising and supporting me...