- The solution consists of installing IoT nodes in each street light to control it and compile performance data; by connection via an NB-IoT network to a control application, the luminaires can be controlled individually or in groups, which saves on costs and energy.
- The main difference with respect to other similar solutions is that no wiring is required, and these are long-term projects that can readily adapt to new technologies such as 5G, while reducing CO2 emissions by up to 15%.
- This system is already operating in the municipalities of Alcantarilla (Murcia) and Gozón (Asturias) after being successfully tested in 3 pilot projects in Madrid and Castilla La Mancha.
Ferrovial Services, Telefonica and Tellink Sistemas de Comunicación have deployed a remote management solution for street lights based on point-to-point NB-IoT that manages all the lighting from a single control point, improving efficiency and energy saving.
The main targets for this type of lighting solution are municipal and regional governments, such as the cities of Alcantarilla in Murcia and Gozón in Asturias, which have already deployed it on 1,200 and 5,000 street lights, respectively. This followed three pilot projects carried out in Guadalajara (Castilla La Mancha), and Alcobendas and Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid).
The new system allows for real-time remote control of street lights either individually or in groups, including control of on and off times and the ability to modulate the light intensity depending on natural cycles while monitoring performance using such variables as the lighting level. This approach enhances energy efficiency and optimizes operation and maintenance while controlling energy consumption.
“These improvements are possible because we used NB-IoT technology for the network, which means big savings in installation and support since no wiring is required and it is compatible with all luminaire manufacturers. The system is designed for the long term as it is adaptable to 5G,” said Adrián García-Nevado, Head of B2B at Telefonica Spain.
“We used the best available technology to create a cutting-edge solution that is future-proof. XPERIoT combines low costs and energy savings with the ability to be used anywhere in the world, in any luminaire market. It will enable street lights to be digitalized, driving energy efficiency and pushing the Smart Cities trend into overdrive,” said Alberto Lopez, Head of Development and Operations at Ferrovial Services Spain.
“The new generation of Tellink TSmarT NB IoT nodes that we have deployed represents a technological leap of several orders of magnitude compared to any currently available alternative. This is a tool that enables true digital transformation of the tasks of controlling and maintaining public lighting. And more importantly, rolling out this technology will enhance services to citizens, making cities of all sizes more comfortable and safer for residents and more attractive to visitors and investors,” said Dionisio Martinez, CEO of Tellink.
The new system developed by the three partners reduces light pollution and CO2 emissions . Energy savings can range from 10% to 15% compared with total consumption by the original installation before remote management, and can be even higher as they are directly proportional to the number of luminaires included in the system. This solution also allows for interaction with other sensors, to ascertain the environmental impact and lamp temperature, for example.
Another advantage is that the use of LED lamps and the ability to manage each node individually provides sizeable efficiencies in energy consumption. It also avoids delays in maintenance due to lack of data, since failures can be detected in real time; moreover, lighting levels can be tailored to specific needs and events.
The technical components of the solution are:
- IoT control nodes: developed and manufactured by Spanish company Tellink Sistemas de Comunicación and installed on each street light, they enable the luminaire to be controlled and also gather information about its performance. Each control node is equipped with a powerful wireless communication transceiver supporting the NB IoT technology, enabling them to interact with the Central Lighting Application.
- Control software: this is a set of software tools that receive information from all nodes, each identified with an IP address, send orders to them, analyze the data and interact with system users.
- The communication network uses Narrowband Internet of Things (NB IoT). This novel technology uses spectrum licensed specifically for IoT and allows for massive high-density deployment of nodes with maximum security of communications with the luminaire control nodes using IP.
There are currently 4.6 million luminaires in Spain that are either LED without remote control or sodium vapor lamps that could be replaced to enhance efficiency in both energy consumption and maintenance using technology solutions such as those acquired by the cities of Alcantarilla and Gozón.
