A Guide to QULON Family of Street Lighting Control Systems

Stage 1. Considering Street Lighting Variety

 

Street Lighting System Topology

There are two types of street lighting topologies in the world:

 Cabinet-based Topology Cabinet-based
Street lights are arranged in groups and switched by a master circuit breaker in the streetlight electrical cabinet under the action of photo relays or timers. In the daytime luminaire power lines are off the power. Such topology is typical for continental Europe and Asia.

 

 Independent Topology Independent
Each lamp is switched by independent photo relay. In the daytime luminaire power lines stay live (powered). Such topology is usually common in the USA, UK, Canada and other Commonwealth countries.

Control System Requirements

Secondly, you should understand which requirements to impose. There are several types of control systems depending on the luminaire types, intelligence level required, savings profile and price affordability.   Based on intelligence level all control systems by Sundrax are divided at those which:

  • control lighting in groups and save energy,
  • control each luminaire individually and save energy,
  • control each luminaire individually and provide adaptive lighting with motion sensors.

Please note that while the last option is the most profitable and energy-saving one, we recommend to use motion sensors in pedestrian zones, parks, bikeways and low-traffic motor roads only. Using motion sensors on motor roads with medium and high traffic is not safe.

City Illustration to QULON Guide

Luminaire Types

While high-pressure sodium lamps with electromagnetic ballasts are still very common, they are gradually replaced by LED luminaires worldwide. Sundrax provides dimming solutions for both conventional and LED lighting using different technologies.

Stage 2. Choosing Street Lighting Control System That Suits You Best

 Cabinet-based street lighting topologies with convenient HPS lamps  Individual control for each lamp working with cabinet
For cabinet-based street lighting topologies with convenient HPS lamps we recommend group on/off control of each outgoing line and group dimming options by reducing the mains voltage from 230V to 180V. If you need individual control for each lamp working with cabinet-based network, we recommend PLC management when each luminaire is controlled individually via power line under our own QULON Simpline solution. This is valid for any type of luminaires and mixed installations.
 Independent topology Radio System  Complex Lighting Network with Motion Sensors
For independent topologies, for example in US, UK, and Commonwealth countries, the only option is radio system. We provide QULON LiTouch solution which works on LiTouch open protocol by Sundrax in 868/915 MHz frequencies. These frequencies provide stable long-range connection as compared to 2.4 GHz range. Finally, in order to create complex adaptive street lighting network with motion sensors you are welcome to use QULON LiTouch solution as well. This option is the most profitable and energy-saving, yet again we do not recommend to install it on motor roads with dense traffic and high speed.