What Is the Project?
LIGHT ONLY WHEN NEEDED | SAVE ENERGY WITHOUT LOSS OF COMFORT – the core idea is to provide standard-compliant, dynamic lighting solutions that illuminate only when and where it is needed. This project addresses the everyday necessity to save energy while ensuring comfort and safety. Instead of thousands of kilometers of streets being continuously lit at night regardless of traffic volume, the vision is to bring forward a solution that brightens zones on demand using sensor technology. Light only when it is needed and where it is needed – a simple yet innovative approach that reframes public lighting for sustainability.
Main Benefits
Dynamic lighting provides major advantages, combining energy savings and environmental protection. Key benefits include:
- Up to 85% savings in energy and CO₂ reduction with standard-compliant lighting
- Significant reduction in light pollution benefiting both people and wildlife
- A lower base illumination ensuring safety while brightening on-demand
- Extended luminaire lifetime through reduced lighting times
Energy Savings and Reduced Light Pollution
The necessity of saving energy is self-evident in daily life. However, a striking novelty emerges regarding roads – tens of thousands of kilometers remain continuously illuminated even during periods of non-traffic. Dynamic or demand-oriented lighting offers substantial energy savings while minimizing environmental impact. This approach ensures comfort and safety without the need for permanent, high-energy lighting. A low base illumination combined with precise light control creates a balance between eco-friendliness and a feeling of security on the road.
Situational Lighting Solutions
The project harnesses a decade of experience in radar-based motion sensor technology. Lixtec’s sensor solutions, developed during an innovative research project, actively provide standard-compliant light only when necessary. Two types of situational lighting come into play: Motion-dependent light control, which dims the light to a lower level when no humans or vehicles are present and brightens it precisely when movement is detected; and Volume-based light control, which adjusts the light level by assessing the number of road users and extrapolating the average hourly traffic density. This dual strategy is designed to maximize energy savings without compromising safety, and it adapts to the specific demands of various traffic zones from main roads to thoroughfares.
Technical Integration and Product Innovations
To transform modern LED streetlights into intelligent, demand-dependent light systems, a few technical conditions are met. The luminaire must be equipped with a DALI-2-capable driver and a Zhaga interface for seamless integration. Additionally, an intelligent light management system is required, such as the “SLC-Line” from esave, which facilitates full integration of sensor systems. For further versatility, the “solo-line” option integrates sensors into D4i-compatible light management systems. The product portfolio currently includes two sensor types, each designed to meet different detection requirements – LIX.PURE, with an elliptical detection area optimized for immediate detection, and LIX.ONE, offering a larger detection area for early object detection.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – by reducing energy consumption up to 85% and lowering CO₂ emissions.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – through the integration of intelligent sensor technology into everyday infrastructure.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by providing dynamic lighting solutions that enhance the urban environment and contribute to safety.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – by extending the lifespan of luminaires and reducing waste through targeted use.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – with energy savings and reduced light pollution supporting broader environmental goals.
References and Partnerships in Dynamic Lighting
The innovative sensor solutions have already garnered trust across Europe with numerous implemented projects. Recognized for their value, these dynamic lighting installations have been successfully implemented in cities such as Salzburg, Rostock, and Frankfurt/Main, along with other sites including Burg Güssing, Jezersko, Bled, and a truck parking lot. Furthermore, awards have been received ranging from TRIGOS and Zeig-Profil-Award recognitions to international Energy Globe awards, confirming the excellence of these solutions. In addition, renowned partners such as esave, photinus, Laternix, and several others collaborate closely with the project, ensuring technical precision and integration excellence. With references and acclaim, dynamic, demand-oriented lighting moves from conceptual innovation to a practical, sustainable solution in modern urban infrastructures.
