Abstract

... The objective is to develop an accurate and low-cost lightning distribution measuring and analysing tool. SME associations in the field of street lighting sector, SMEs as developers/distributors of image processing software, and partners with road-lighting parameter measurement expertise are expected.

Description

The idea to develop a cheap and accurate luminance distribution analysing tool has been initiated by the Lighting Society of Hungary. The new international road lightning standards (EN-13201, 2005) changed in the past few years in terms of road lighting qualification method (EN-13201-4, 2005). Previously the standard assigned the minimum luminance values (lux) to different road categories, but the new regulation tracks the minimum uniform luminance distribution (cd/m2) over the incident road area. The currently available tools are excessively expensive and do not offer the required resolution and accuracy for qualifying each category of road lights.

Improper lightening cause polluted sky conditions, waste energy and has negative impact on human health. Trespassing light at night can disturb the sleep cycle of residents which results in reduced melatonin production. The low melatonin level implies breast or prostate cancer over time according to the American Medical Association.

EC is making great efforts to achieve the priority Kyoto targets. Research shows that rational public lighting management can result in substantial reductions in energy consumption. Directive on Energy End-use Efficiency and Energy Services (2006/32/EC) sets 9-year 9 % indicative target (1% cumulative annual savings) for Member States measured from 1.1.2008 until 31.12.2016.

In frame of the Illuminare project an accurate and low-cost lightning distribution analysing tool in use with DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) cameras will be developed. It is able to qualify road lights therefore optimize energy consumption and significantly reduce expenses of municipalities It will simplify image processing by creating the measurement records and storing in a database tagged with GPS coordinates. Finally a compliance test will be applied in order to determine whether the road lightings can be authorized.

Technical Specifications / Specific technical requirements:

The team are looking for SME Associations and SME partners, with experience and expertise in the measurement of the parameters of outdoor lighting. Manufacturers with a good EU market presence and broad distribution networks are required to provide maximum exploitation potential.

Call title: Research for the benefit of SMEs
Call identifier: FP7-SME-2010
Probable publication: 2010 July
Internal deadline: 2010 July 30 
 
Requested Cooperation: Joint further development

1) Type of partner sought: SME - AG

a. Specific area of activity of the partner:
- Lighting Association (members in the area of road lighting are estimated)
b. Task to be performed:
- Provide technical consultation/assessment in system specification,
- contribute to the dissemination of the project results beyond the consortium,
- organise training meetings/and training courses together with RTDs.


2) Type of partner sought: SME
a. Specific area of activity of the partner:
- Developer/distributor of image processing software (experience in lighting engineering parameter measurement is an advantage).
- PCB (Printed Circuit Boards) manufacturers.
- Road-lighting parameter measurement service provider.
b. Task to be performed:
- Provide technical consultation/assessment.
- Help the dissemination and exploitation of project results.
- Assist in field testing.