LIGHTING THE FUTURE AT THE CRYSTAL WITH LUXONIC

 

The world’s first centre dedicated solely to sustainable urban development has opened in the Royal Victoria Docks, London. The Crystal, which hosts lectures, conferences and an interactive exhibition showcasing the latest cutting edge technologies, uses innovative and energy efficient lighting throughout the complex, with luminaires provided by Luxonic.

The Crystal, a Sustainable Cities Initiative by Siemens, is a modern echo of the Crystal Palace of 1851, which stunned visitors to the Great Exhibition. The £30m landmark building, its design governed by the concept of a multi-faceted urban world, takes a crystalline form, reflecting the many facets of sustainability. The centre is designed to educate us in sustainable building techniques, technologies and solutions.

Widely expected to achieve BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ status, the Crystal also exceeds Building Regulations energy-efficiency targets. In accordance with the underlying aims of the Crystal, lighting is a major contributor to the sustainability of the building. A key partner of Osram, which steered the lighting specification at the Crystal, Luxonic Lighting has provided all the chilled beam luminaires throughout the office areas of the complex, where their sleek, unobtrusive form adds to the modern quality of the interior spaces. The slim beams, suspended from the ceiling, combined with upward lighting, emphasise the spaciousness of the double-height offices. The Flat FPO Lens luminaires provide controlled downlight and have a highly efficient diffuser optic that enhances the visual comfort of the office spaces and contributes to the aesthetic of the interior.

Rune Marki, Managing Director of Osram, said, “The Crystal represents the future of what is possible for the built environment, and we are thrilled to be a part of it. Using the wide range of technologies on offer from the companies in the Osram family and from our key partners such as Luxonic Lighting, we were able to light the Crystal in a flexible, innovative and most of all, energy-efficient manner.”

Chilled beam technology provides an integrated and effective solution to cooling and ventilation, lighting and controls. Luxonic has developed an innovative range of specialised lighting products for use in Integrated Service Modules (ISM), systems which are becoming increasingly popular as economical and sustainable choices for contemporary buildings.

Claire Lloyd, electrical engineer at Arup Engineering, explains, “For the main open plan office lighting in the Crystal we used a product specifically designed by Luxonic for integration into the multi-service chilled beam system. I selected this product informed by the ease at which Luxonic integrated the fitting with the main chilled beam manufacturer. I also valued the fact that the product was in keeping with the philosophy of the building’s sustainable design.”

At the Crystal, Luxonic’s high performance chilled beam luminaires with DALI dimmable control gear contribute significantly to the energy savings in the building, and help to further its claim as one of the world’s greenest buildings. Claire Lloyd continued, “The low energy fluorescent fitting alongside a diffuser with an efficient light output ratio meant I was able to design an area of good quality lighting with a very low energy usage of 7W/m². The fitting’s DALI lighting control is able to integrate into the building’s KNX lighting control system, allowing energy consumption to be reduced further with daylight linking and switching via presence detection.”

Designed to suit a variety of flat and angled chilled beams, Luxonic’s flat lens luminaires are an innovative solution to combining heating with lighting. Luxonic Lighting is at the forefront of lighting design and manufactures products carefully devised to have minimal environmental and social impact.  Each luminaire is assessed from its conception through to the end of its life and it is this sustainable and energy efficient approach which has confirmed Luxonic’s specification for the lighting of the Crystal.

Luxonic’s sustainable approach ‘Eco-Design’ is an effective environmental management system. ‘Eco-Design’ maintains performance and energy efficiency whilst ensuring productivity, orientation and safety for the user.

Further information is available from Luxonic Lighting on 01256 363090, by emailing info@luxonic.co.uk or by visiting the company’s website at www.luxonic.co.uk

TROLEX AWARDED GRANT FOR DEVELOPMENT OF FIRE DETECTION SYSTEM

A £239,000 grant towards the development of a prototype fire detection system for the mining industry has been awarded to gas detection specialist Trolex. The grant from the Technology Strategy Board’s Smart Awards Programme will allow Trolex to utilize new design concepts and technology to create a system which will lead to a safer underground working environment and better protection of lives and equipment. A two-year development programme will lead to the launch of the new system in 2015.

Fire in underground workings represents one of the most dangerous hazards to lives and livelihoods in the mining and tunnelling industries. The protection of personnel and plant relies on sensitive and accurate environmental monitoring, and the detection of fire at an early stage is crucial to safeguard against the potential loss of life and assets. Trolex will draw upon its vast experience in providing mining and tunnelling instrumentation to create a system that will meet these criteria.

The new system will incorporate new and innovative technologies, materials and concepts developed by Trolex to identify a fire in its earliest stages, before it takes hold with potentially devastating consequences. The system will outstrip existing single characteristic detection systems, which often respond only when a fire is well established or burning in close proximity to the sensors. Comprising multiple sensors and detectors to monitor a wide area, the Trolex solution will use powerful processing systems to make an intelligent and accurate assessment.

The need for a fully integrated system solution to monitor the underground environment is highlighted by the recent fire at Daw Mill Colliery, which has led to the closure of the mine, the loss of hundreds of jobs and huge financial losses for UK energy. It is expected that Trolex’s development of a new safety solution primarily for tunnelling and mining applications but also adaptable for high risk, high value applications above ground, will significantly improve working conditions, protect lives, and safeguard the environment.

Trolex is a world leader specialising in gas detection, monitoring and recovery systems, machine condition monitoring, and environmental control. The company’s systems and products are relied on the world over to detect gases, monitor other key environmental conditions and optimise machinery performance. Trolex holds a pre-eminent market position in the supply of underground mining and tunnelling safety solutions and is at the forefront of safety, efficiency and asset protection.

About Smart Awards

Managed by the Technology Strategy Board, the Smart scheme offers funding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to engage in R&D projects in the strategically important areas of science, engineering and technology, from which successful new products, processes and services could emerge. http://www.innovateuk.org/deliveringinnovation/smart.ashx

 About the Technology Strategy Board

The Technology Strategy Board is the UK’s innovation agency.  Its goal is to accelerate economic growth by stimulating and supporting business-led innovation.  Sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the Technology Strategy Board brings together business, research and the public sector, supporting and accelerating the development of innovative products and services to meet market needs, tackle major societal challenges and help build the future economy. For more information please visit www.innovateuk.org.

AHS QUALITY BRAKE TESTING EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE FROM CODI

Garage equipment specialist Codi International has just become a UK distributor for the full range of brake testers from AHS Pruftechnik GmbH.

Manufactured to the highest standards in Germany there is a full range of brake testing equipment including ATL versions. One of the key benefits of AHS equipment is that irrespective of the model purchased they can be expanded and upgraded at any time in the future.

The AHS Multiflex range of brake testers are used for light vehicle brake testing. Models are available for Class III, IV and VII testing with both conventional analogue displays and PC versions for ATL testing. The analogue display is large and easy to read, all indicators are long life LEDs and a digital display for weight and imbalance is included.  The PC display is simple and easily read from long distance; the PC adds a range of diagnostic functions as standard. The use of CAN BUS technology throughout the range means that the analogue machines can be easily upgraded to ATL standard at a later stage. Adapters are available for some machines which allow motorcycles to be tested.

 All the brake testers feature a robustly engineered roller bed with powerful motors and exceptionally durable epoxy roller coating. All models are delivered with a “radio” remote control which does not require line of sight to operate; it is also a deadman type so the brake tester will cease operating when the remote is released, an additional cabled remote control is also supplied which allows the brake tester to be operated form the driver’s seat. Two piece beds are available if required for cross pit applications.  Complete test lanes can be created by the addition of shock absorber testers and side slip plates.

 Larger vehicles are tested on the Varioflex range, a number of configurations are available with a maximum axle load of 16 tonnes and brake force to 4000kgf.  All the benefits of the Multiflex models apply; AHS are also able to alter roller beds to fit existing groundworks (subject to certain restrictions). Special versions are available for military vehicles, tractors and cranes.

 Completing the range of brake testers is the AHS Multiflex Mobile. This AHS brake testing station can be transported anywhere with a van or truck and is ready for use in just a few minutes. The roller bed is simply moved into position on the workshop floor, ramps assembled either side and the analogue display plugged in. It’s a mobile solution that does not require foundations to be prepared.

 Where required a wheel and axle weighbridge with a capacity of up to 20 tons can be integrated into the AHS roller brake testers. An AHS slide slip tester is also available for either cars or trucks for a quick check of slide slip without doing expensive wheel alignment. To make for a professional installation of the roller bed, a foundation frame is available which is simply set in position in the ground and is made to the exact dimensions of the roller bed making its installation easy.

The equipment from the 40 year old AHS company is of renowned quality, well engineered and extremely reliable and with service spares still available for models from the mid ‘70s. Codi International provides full back-up technical support with all technical staff trained at the factory near Bremen.

Backed by a full 12 month warranty, the range of AHS brake testing equipment starts at £6600 + VAT and the ATL range starts from £8840 + VAT.

 Further information on the AHS brake testing equipment is available from Codi International on 01291 689427, email: info@codi-international.com or by visiting the company’s website at http://www.codi-international.com

 

FIRST ANNIVERSARY FOR LUXONIC’S MIDDLE EAST JOINT VENTURE

It is now over a year since Luxonic Lighting made the move to expand its business in the UAE and sales are already approaching over a third of a million pounds. 

Based in Sharjah UAE, Albatha/ Luxonic LLC is a joint venture between Luxonic and the Albatha. Albatha is the parent company of the Engineering Group which has 6 other companies and has been Luxonic’s distributor for the previous two years.  Albatha is a strong business partner, being owned by the Royal Family of Sharjah with some 25 separate operating divisions in distribution, mechanical & electrical installation, manufacturing, medical distribution with retail outlets and automobile dealership for BMW and Rolls Royce.

Commenting on the Middle East expansion, Howard Ford, Luxonic’s Regional Director said, “We see enormous opportunities for growth in this market for our lighting products which is why we have moved into assembly and manufacturer of luminaires.  We are confident that sales from our joint operation will reach some £2.5 million in three years’ time.”   

Luxonic has already moved into assembly of several of the company’s core products from its 362 compact fluorescent downlighters and CRP corrosion-resistant T5 fittings to Alterlux recessed fluorescent luminaires for T5 and TCL lamps. Luxonic’s range of LED products will shortly be assembled in Sharjah to meet the growing demands in the Middle East, and from its 380m² premises it has already produced over 9,000 luminaires to supply the market for some top level projects.  These have included significant office projects such as Shell and the Standard Chartered Bank in Dubai; in education, the American University in Sharjah and the UAE Education Authority; in healthcare, the Mashraf hospital; in leisure, both a sports and leisure complex and a Spa Gym in Dubai; and in retail, showrooms for BMW, Toyota, Hyundai and Kia.

Within the UAE, the new joint venture covers Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Oman and is soon to expand into Saudi Arabia with two offices whilst agents are planned for Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.

Further information on Luxonic’s Middle East joint venture is available from Luxonic Lighting on +44 (0) 1256 363090, by emailing info@luxonic.co.uk or by visiting the company’s website at www.luxonic.co.uk

METHANE MONITORING IN MINES PROTECTS LIVES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Methane monitoring specialists Trolex, have introduced Sentrum, a device delivering the most accurate and reliable methane recovery monitoring on the market today. This is a massive leap in technology and safety, for maximum protection of plant and personnel.

The Sentrum system has already been installed in many mines around the UK, China, Australia and South America including involvement with Alkane Energy and an EU funded methane extraction project.

Sentrum is the first system of its type that is certified for use underground and the first to be able to differentiate between methane and other non-methane hydrocarbons so accurately. It does this by sampling the gas on a continuous basis and uses infra-red detection coupled with other special processes. It uses an initial gas analysis to ‘train’ the system and subsequent analysis can be used for fine-tuning.

Removing methane gas from underground coalmines is a very necessary safety measure yet a new awareness of the value of waste gases for power generation, or for direct sale to aggregators, has led to a demand for increased accuracy in monitoring the extraction processes for these gases.

In the EU funded methane extraction project based in China and India, a remote data monitoring system is employed providing real time information to the UK for analysis.

30 Trolex Sentrum systems are installed at 15 Alkane Energy sites across the UK. Wayne Straw from Alkane Energy explained why they chose the systems, “Accurate gas analysis and monitoring is vital for safe and successful utilisation.  We are generating electricity from expensive generator sets and providing the best protection is paramount.”

Trolex designs, develops and installs monitoring packages for methane drainage and methane extraction monitoring. Trolex’s methane recovery monitoring systems are precision-engineered to meet the needs of each individual project, and are installed by a dedicated engineering team to ensure full system compatibility and safety integrity for working in hazardous areas.

To highlight the necessity of using reliable gas sensing equipment in potentially dangerous environments, Trolex has launched a Sentrum microsite that is dedicated to its methane recovery monitoring systems. The site also gives information on projects using Sentrum both in the UK and worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.methanemonitoring.net

Further information is available from Trolex Ltd., on 0161 483 1435, email sales@trolex.com or by visiting the company’s website http://www.trolex.com.

BIRAL LAUNCHES NEW SWS-050 ROADSIDE VISIBILITY SENSOR

The safety of drivers, pedestrians and other users of our highways is directly influenced by the weather conditions on the  roads. The accurate measurement of visibility is crucial to protect lives and to ensure that delays caused by extreme weather are minimal. Biral has introduced a highly accurate visibility sensor particularly suited for use on roads that identifies and warns of adverse weather efficiently and reliably. This new sensor adds to Biral’s existing roadside visibility sensor range, used in applications worldwide.

The SWS-050, used for roadside weather monitoring, measures the local weather conditions and will allow the instant relay of this information via electronic signage to road users. The sensor protects against unexpected hazards such as fog patches, by forewarning drivers of the conditions ahead, and by enabling rapid reaction in dangerous conditions by the agencies responsible.

Experts in the design and integration of meteorological and environmental systems, DILUS Instrumentación y Sistemas, have used Biral’s SWS range on many Spanish roads. Emilio de Ugarte, general manager of DILUS, said: “DILUS has developed many projects in Spain and abroad with our new partner Biral. In particular SWS Visibilimeters, chosen for their good performance and quality, have been used in road side meteorological stations”.

With a measurement range of 10 metres to 40 kilometres, the SWS-050 is provided with heated hoods and window heaters, allowing continued operation in blizzard conditions and preventing condensation forming on the optical surfaces. The SWS-050 comfortably operates in temperatures ranging from -40ºC to 60ºC and is unaffected by local lights or reflections. Like all Biral products, the SWS-050 performs consistently and continuously in all weather conditions. The sensor is a single lightweight unit constructed of high-grade aluminium, robust enough to easily withstand aggressive roadside conditions for many years with minimal maintenance and without requiring spare parts or consumables.

Typically installed within three metres of the roadside, the SWS-050 provides straightforward and concise digital data that integrates easily into any control system, allowing authorities to make timely decisions about switching warning signs and managing road surfaces.  The forward scatter design technology, infra-red light source and intelligent sensing technology gives the SWS-050 proven accuracy, reliability and repeatability.

In common with all Biral visibility and present weather sensors, where conditions allow, the SWS-050 can be powered by solar energy. This eliminates the need to run power cables to sensors in isolated locations, reducing the installation and running costs.

Further information on Biral meteorological instruments for highways is available from Biral on +44 1275 847787 email highways@biral.com or by visiting the company’s website at www.biral.com/highways-new-SWS-050

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM NORTH ILLUMINATED BY SILL

The Imperial War Museum North is now illuminated at night, enhancing its status as an architectural landmark in Salford Quays. The lighting for the iconic building’s exterior has been supplied by Sill Lighting UK, a leading manufacturer of high performance and energy efficient luminaires.

The multi-award winning museum, the youngest of the Imperial War Museums’ (IWM) five branches, is the first UK building to be designed by the world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind. The design explores the concept of a world destroyed by conflict, which is represented in the architectural form of a shattered globe reassembled in three interlocking shards. The Sill luminaires give prominence to the striking aluminium-clad building, accentuating its sharp angles and drawing attention to its metallic surface.

Across the water from the Imperial War Museum North (IWMN) is Media City, the new home of the BBC, which is also illuminated by Sill. Linked by a bridge across the Manchester City Canal the two developments are unified through their use of Sill luminaires and fittings. At IWMN, Sill’s 022 series 1000W parabolic projectors with customised pan and tilt brackets are mounted on Sill-designed 10 metre tubular columns that match those used at Media City. Six metre columns hold Sill 030 stripe projectors, which with the pan and tilt brackets project a strip of light at any angle, making them the ideal solution to lighting the angular elevation of the museum with the minimum of light-spill. These elevated projectors combine with Sill’s 485 series buried uplights to make the Imperial War Museum North a dramatically lit architectural backdrop for BBC news bulletins from Media City.

Lighting designer Des O’Donovan of DHA Design explains why Sill UK was specified: “DHA has worked with Sill for many years and we have used Sill products on some of our most successful projects. We were so impressed with the help that Sill provided, both technically and logistically, that they were the obvious choice for Imperial War Museum North”.    

The lighting design successfully overcomes the reflective nature of the façade. A complex and challenging surface to light, the aluminium is now enhanced, making the museum visually arresting not only by day but throughout the night. The scheme has been carefully designed and implemented to ensure that only the elevation is illuminated, and the light sources face away from the residential and business areas on the north side of the canal, meaning a minimum amount of disruption for those in the area. Des O’Donovan said: “The Sill products used at the IWMN are compact and efficient which means they can be mounted relatively discreetly without compromising views of this iconic building. The range of accessories means glare is minimised and the high quality optics means that light is used efficiently”.

Sill’s considerable experience in lighting solutions for demanding architectural projects is combined with significant technical expertise in optics. This has enabled the prompt and efficient design, manufacture and delivery of customised luminaires and fittings for Imperial War Museum North.  Des O’Donovan continued: “We are once again very happy with the help we received from Sill. It’s like dealing with a family-run business rather than a large multinational. Everyone at Sill UK seems to be dedicated to helping their customers”.

Sill Lighting is a market leader in developing high performance metal halide and LED projector systems that provide sustainable solutions to often complex lighting requirements.The company produces the highest quality in optics and thermal engineering using environmentally friendly materials and offers specifiers and users bespoke and adaptable lighting systems. 

Further information is available from Sill Lighting UK on 01844260006, email:sales@sill-uk.com, or by visiting the company’s website at http://www.sill-uk.com

FIRST AUTOMATIC BI-FOLDING DOOR FOR THE HOME LAUNCHED

Launched this month is Folding Motion, the UK’s first automatic sliding folding door for the home.

This stunning innovation means that at the touch of a button a bi-folding glass door system of up to 15 metres long can be opened or closed with no effort.  There are even options of door activation via remote key fob, iPhone/iPad control or with finger print reader.

‘Bringing the outside in’ is an aspiration of many home owners and property developers and the Folding Motion automatic folding door system does just that.  On one command, the electrically operated doors automatically fold back for a seamless connection to the outside landscape and enjoyment of a much bigger space.  By contrast, the folding doors can be effortlessly closed to contain the warmth in your home yet still allowing a view of the world beyond.

Backed by twenty years of experience in commercial automatic door manufacture and advanced engineering, the Folding Motion doors can accommodate door leaves up to 1 metre wide, 3 metres high and span nearly 15 metres long.  With double glazed units as standard, the thermally broken bi-folding doors have a high U-value rating surpassing all current building regulations.  There are almost infinite possibilities for personalisation including inward and outward opening, a range of door sills, hundreds of colours and various choices of glass to meet customers’ precise requirements.

Complementing the automatic bi-fold doors are movable wall systems and automatic sliding patio doors from Folding Motion.  All door systems present the perfect hands-free solution and with safety the highest concern at Folding Motion, all systems include sensitive ‘anti-crush’ and safety sensor devices as standard.

Further options across the entire range of doors include in-glass blinds, which sit inside the sealed unit for an elegant touch of privacy, and smart-glass which at the flick of a switch turns clear glass opaque giving instant privacy from the world outside.  All doors come with automatic locking top and bottom with a key cylinder override.  The electric locking system is also ‘fail secure’, meaning all doors are 100% secure even in a power failure.

As an established door company, Folding Motion offers a complete after-sales service and is on call 24/7, 365 days a year.  The door sets come with a ten-year guarantee and the automatic operator equipment a two-year warranty which can easily be extended.

Further information on Folding Motion automatic door products is available from Folding Motion on 08700 422221 by emailing info@foldingmotion.com or by visiting the company’s website at www.foldingmotion.com

EVENT SHOWCASES LATEST ON SOLAR ENERGY AT SANDOWN PARK

Enfinity, one of the UK’s leading solar PV companies, is to show its latest range of solar PV equipment at a one-day event on Thursday 7 February at Sandown Park Racecourse, Surrey. 

Entitled ‘Restarting the Market’, the event is aimed at businesses either already installing solar PV or looking to branch out into solar, or those involved in other areas of the microgeneration and renewables market.  Against a back-drop of continually rising energy prices, commercial organisations will also be able to explore the benefits of generating solar electricity, such as reducing energy costs, creating an additional revenue stream, and cutting carbon emissions.

Whilst the government has reduced the Feed-in Tariff incentives over the last 12 months, solar PV equipment costs have fallen by more than 60% meaning that there are still excellent opportunities for homeowners, businesses and public sector organisations to enjoy a return on investment of more than 11%.

The show at Sandown Park Racecourse is the first of seven events planned around the country and is to be launched by the Rt. Hon. Greg Barker, MP, Minister of State for Energy & Climate Change.  There will be DECC briefings on the latest tariffs, policy and outlook for the UK solar market.  There will also be advice on hand regarding business models, warranties and finance options, information on the latest MCS guide, and how the Green Deal can benefit business.

For further information about the event or to arrange a meeting with the Enfinity team call 01249 700490, email tradeuk@enfinity.co.uk or visit http://www.enfinity.co.uk

TROLEX METHANE DETECTORS RECEIVE ATEX CERTIFICATION

The Trolex TX6386 and TX6387 high visibility safety devices for the detection of methane gas hazards in mining applications, have just received ATEX Certification for use in Europe.

The TX6387 boasts the largest methane monitor display in the industry. Considering methane monitoring can save lives, the visibility of the readings in mining is a great benefit. The TX6387 has exceptionally large illuminated characters for a prominent, high visibility, information display for distance-viewing in low light conditions.

Even the TX6386 has an above average display read out, giving high visibility information of gas concentration in minimal ambient light conditions by using a high brightness seven-segment LED display readout.

The TX6386 and TX6387 units are IP66 rated, EMC protected and have adjustable setpoint output contacts for alarm warning control with LED status indicators and fault indicators.

Both options are dust and waterproof resistant and utilise a poison resistant catalytic combustion sensor to monitor flammable gases present in the atmosphere.

Further information on Trolex activities and products is available from Trolex Ltd., on 0161 483 1435, email sales@trolex.com or by visiting the company’s website www.trolex.com.