Smart Altkötzschenbroda
Smart street lighting reduces energy costs and carbon footprint while providing the foundation for smart city initiatives
Situated on the outskirts of Radebeul, Altkötzschenbroda is a village known for its wine and the nearby Elbe cycle path, set in stunning countryside. In recent years, it has undergone a complete renovation to preserve its historic village green with its traditional buildings for the local community and the many tourists who visit each year.
Smart lighting to meet today and tomorrow’s needs
In 2022, after more than 25 years in service, the public lighting needed to be replaced. The local authorities wanted a lighting solution that would enhance the character and image of the village as a historic and progressive town after dark.
It was important for them to connect the street lights to create a smart lighting network that would integrate their immediate and future smart city initiatives.
FLEXIA TOP, perfect for the challenge
The innovative FLEXIA TOP was the ideal replacement for the old lanterns. This highly efficient LED lighting solution integrates the latest technologies to provide high-quality light using minimal energy. It enables towns and cities to create safe and comfortable public spaces where people want to spend time while reducing their energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
In addition, the FLEXIA TOP has a similar design to the old lanterns but brings a more modern and sophisticated touch to the village. It enhances the landscape, both by day and by night.
The right colour temperature for the right setting
To create an authentic nocturnal ambiance, reminiscent of the past, the FLEXIA TOP luminaires on the village green are fitted with warm white LEDs (2,200K). They deliver a subtle, pleasant light, associated with historic light sources such as gas and candlelight, creating a cosy setting for activities after dark.
The luminaires in the surrounding streets have been fitted with neutral white LEDs (3,000K) to provide a brighter and more vibrant night-time environment for the local community and visitors to move around safely, whether walking, cycling or driving.
Connected for more sustainable lighting
Just over 100 FLEXIA TOP luminaires have been installed throughout the village. They are managed by the Schréder EXEDRA control system. The street lights are dimmed by 40%. every night from 10pm to 5am to save energy and reduce the village’s carbon footprint. The new smart lighting saves the village approximately 25,000kWh per year, equivalent to 7.32 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Despite rising energy costs, the Council has not spent more money on public lighting thanks to the low energy consumption of FLEXIA TOP.
Wasserversorgung und Stadtentwässerung Radebeul GmbH (WSR) which manages the street lighting and the local council can access the network at any time with an easy-to-use app on any mobile device. They can increase or decrease the light output at any time with the touch of a finger, saving the time, cost and energy of sending out a technician, which they had to do in the past.
During special events, such as the Christmas Market, the light levels on the paths can be dimmed to highlight the lanterns designed by local artists and enhance the festive mood.
Customer
A longer lifespan means more savings
The robust design and long life of the LEDs means that WSR will have far fewer maintenance interventions and costs compared to the old lighting, which required the lamps to be changed every 4 years.
The Schréder EXEDRA control system will optimise the long life by dimming the light and will equally monitor the network to inform WSR immediately of any anomalies.
It makes the city more efficient, more sustainable and more liveable.
First steps for a Smart City
The smart street lighting is enabling the Council to lay the foundations for its smart city initiatives. Sensors, managed by Schréder EXEDRA, are already counting the traffic volume and tracking atmospheric conditions to adapt the lighting if needed.
The sensors could be used to collect further data, for example environmental data such as carbon dioxide content in the air. As a pilot project, sensors are being used to irrigate ten trees. The devices measure the moisture in the soil and control the watering accordingly.
An enlightened village, in every sense
The Council and the local community are pleased with the new smart lighting which has made the village more attractive and more accessible during the hours of darkness. It enhances the historic context of the village green with minimal energy consumption and environmental impact.
