Automatic control of outdoor lighting
Wyzwanie
A large chain of convenience stores with more than 8000 outlets throughout Poland was looking for a way to reduction of electricity consumption by optimizing outdoor lighting. Until now, outdoor lighting in individual stores was turned on and off at fixed times in a given month for all facilities in the country, which did not take into account local differences in sunset and sunrise times. This resulted in the light burning unnecessarily long in some places (before dark or after dawn), and in others it would get dark before the lights turned on, reducing attractiveness and safety. The Challenge was to implement a system that for thousands of scattered locations automates the control of outdoor lighting based on the actual astronomical conditions (sunrise/sunset) and the specifics of the location, without the need for daily intervention of personnel.
Rozwiązanie
Introduced intelligent outdoor lighting control system based on the astronomical clock for each location. In practice, this means that each store has software that manages lighting control, according to geographical data - it knows the exact times of sunrise and sunset for a given locality on a given day of the year. Based on this system automatically turns outdoor lighting on and off at the right time: switching on occurs just after sunset, and switching off just before dawn or at times set by the central office (e.g. shutdown in the morning when the store is still closed). Each controller has been individually calibrated for the location of the store, also taking into account the time zone and possible local requirements (e.g. longer lighting during the Christmas period). The whole system works autonomously — it does not require any maintenance from employees, it also eliminates human errors (e.g. there is no risk that someone will forget to turn off the lights during the day). Monitoring is provided for network control panels — they can remotely monitor the operation of controllers and, if necessary, change parameters (e.g. switch-on delay time). The solution was implemented in all 8000+ locations in a relatively short time thanks to the fact that the installation of the devices was simple and non-invasive (controllers plugged into existing lighting circuits). At any time, it is possible to change the settings for a single object or globally for the entire network - all implemented remotely.
Efekty biznesowe
After the implementation of the system, the network noted significant reduction in energy consumption intended for outdoor lighting. The lighting of each store is now on for exactly as long as necessary — not a minute longer, which eliminated unnecessary electricity costs. With a scale of 8000 objects, even a small saving in the time of lighting the lamps per day translated into huge financial benefits on a yearly basis. In addition, it has improved image consistency and security — all stores turn on the lights at the optimal time, which means that no store sinks into darkness when it should be lit, and none lights up unnecessarily. This provides a seamless experience for customers (they always see a lighted sign when it's dark) and for employees (they move around the store more safely). The process was completely automated, so relieved of the burden on store staff — Employees do not need to remember to switch lighting manually, they can focus on customer service and running the store. The network also scored points in its sustainability program: reducing electricity consumption on such a scale translates into a smaller carbon footprint, which supports the green image of the brand. Savings per year can be counted in hundreds of thousands of zlotys.
Technologie
The key element of the solution is proprietary software, which allows remote changes of the lighting control schedule setting, using the Customer's existing hardware infrastructure. Integration with the alarm system allows you to adjust the operation of the solution to the real working hours of the store. In addition, a panel is provided to the system that visualizes the status of objects and allows generating periodic reports.
Kluczowe korzyści
- Significant energy savings: Each store uses less electricity by reducing the lighting time of outdoor lighting to the necessary minimum. Overall, across the network, it gave a huge reduction in electricity costs incurred for the lighting of advertisements and the surroundings of the shops.
- Full automation and convenience: The system works without human input — the risk of human error (e.g. leaving the lights on all night) is eliminated. Workers do not have to remember to turn the lights on or off, which allows them to focus on key tasks related to the operation of the store.
- A uniform standard in all locations: The use of astronomical clocks has made every store, regardless of location, have Optimally adjusted lighting hours. The network presents itself consistently — stores always light up in the evening at the right time, improving brand visibility and customer safety.
- Pro-ecological action: Reducing unnecessary energy consumption is part of the company's sustainability policy. With this solution, the network has reduced its carbon footprint related to lighting, which positively affects the image of the company as caring for the environment and rationally managing resources.
Oszczędności
The introduction of astronomical timers has brought tangible financial savings to the networks. It is estimated that annually the network saves about 400 thousand PLN on electricity bills due to the reduction of the operating time of outdoor lighting in all establishments. This amount directly contributes to the company's financial result, showing how even a relatively simple technological improvement translates into large-scale savings with thousands of facilities. In addition, the time saved by employees (they no longer have to deal with switching lighting every day) also has its value - on a yearly basis, each store recovers several hours of work, which in total for 8000 stores gives a significant number of hours that can be used for revenue-generating activities. The project required minimal investment, and Return on investment (ROI) came very quickly due to the immediate reduction of energy costs.
