THE RIGHT FREQUENCY

Abstract

This article describes the use of radio frequency technology in the management of street lighting, on trial in the Midlands region of England. The new lighting scheme provides fast and easy maintenance and minimum failure of street and footway lamps. Two levels of illumination were required at this complex intersection, for night and day. The solution was to dim the lamps in subways during the night to match the ambient lighting level. Lighting units needed monitoring and limited dimming capability, across a variety of different strength lamps. The electronic remote control equipment is based on radio frequency wireless communications and advanced telemetry using satellite and mobile phone communications. Each lighting column is fitted with a monitoring transmitter. Electronic sensors can predict lamp failures which enables a preventive maintenance schedule. Remote dimming is also possible, to reduce light pollution.