Energy-efficient and cost-optimised parking garage lighting

The Sparkasse Mainfranken Würzburg is one of the largest savings banks in Germany, with 1800 employees and a network of 138 branches and offices. As a bank with roots in the region, the environment is a central concern for Sparkasse Mainfranken, in addition to its commitment to culture and social issues. Consequently, during the general renovation of its headquarters the parking garage was also fitted with a contemporary lighting solution, distinguished by energy efficiency and the highest degree of economy, reliability and safety.
Even during the modernisation of the payment machines in the first building phase care was taken to light the vestibule appropriately, but at the same time in an energy-efficient manner. Outside of the opening times or when there is a low customer volume, the lights are operated at an energysaving level and only adjusted to full lighting strength when people are in the room. During this conversion project the electronic operating equipment of TridonicAtco with its integrated corridor function proved persuasive for the Sparkasse Mainfranken. Since the ballast itself takes on the intelligent control of the light, additional components could be dispensed with. As a result, the installation proved to be both very economical and at the same time energy-saving. When the renovation of the underground garage lighting was undertaken in a further project stage, a convenient and above all energy efficient solution had to be found. Previously at peak periods the entire lighting was operated manually at 100 % on the parking levels. At times when there was little traffic, the light was switched on and off completely. However, until the light switch had been found the person switching it on was in unpleasant darkness. For convenience and safety reasons it was decided to remedy this defect with an intelligent light solution.

Never more in the dark

On the one hand, we require a high lighting level for the underground garage, but at the same time for ecological reasons the system has to save energy, says Herbert Manger, the responsible employee in the Building Department of the Sparkasse Mainfranken. Confronted with this challenge, the fittings from TridonicoAtco with the implemented corridor function, which had already been used in the conversion of the cash machine area, convinced electrical planner Weber Engineering Würzburg. These deal precisely with the dilemma of operating lights 24 hours a day in safety sensitive areas while simultaneously keeping the demand for energy and cost saving in mind.
The function provides for safety and a pleasant atmosphere through sufficient light. In the correspondingly equipped fittings a 100 % dim level of the lights connected is preset at the factory when people are present and 10 % when no one is there. The transition, which occurs fluidly within a time that can be set in advance (dimmed) can be adapted very easily, just like the corresponding dimming levels to individual requirements.

More light, lower costs

The 180 lights with 1 x 58 W T8 lighting elements and magnetic ballasts were replaced by efficient linear luminaires with T5 fluorescent lights. New installation has now occurred for 210 lights with 2 x 35 W T5 lighting elements and Pca Excel one4all Ip dimmable ballasts from TridonicAtco. Despite the higher by 40 % electrical output installed, the Sparkasse Mainfranken will save over 13,000 kW annually through the use of the corridor function. The associated CO2 saving is 21 t and in this way makes a noticeable contribution to relief of the environment.

Simple conversion, uncomplicated start-up

The conversion and realisation of the features required worked perfectly with the ballasts used, Rainer Zachleder,managing director of elektro zachleder GmbH in Gemünden, which was commissioned with the installation, is happy to report. The lights are controlled by presence detectors, which are all connected with a us line. The simple cabling, which occurs as in normal dimming operation, convinced him as did the uncomplicated and user-friendly start-up of the system.

Fast amortisation guaranteed

The reduction in light power made possible has led to a considerable energy saving, via which the new light installation amortises itself. If one converts the calculation back to a light output comparable to that of the original installation, the amortisation period is just over three years. Thanks to this function, the underground garages, corridors and staircases can be equipped with energy- and money-saving lighting. Converting existing systems is no problem. Herbert Mangers comment: The added value compared to
non-dimming lighting is very clear for the Sparkasse Mainfranken: great convenience and safety for visitors and customers, major CO2 savings in favour of the environment and noticeable financial advantages in operation.