Signify Interact Road Lighting System Protects the Starry Night Sky of the Canary Islands

Global lighting leader Signify (Euronext Amsterdam code: LIGHT) recently announced that, thanks to its Interact Road Lighting System, the Canary Islands will present even more stunning starry sky views for local residents and tourists. It is reported that this intelligent interconnected road lighting system will be installed in Puerto de la Cruz on the north coast of Tenerife. It can not only be remotely controlled via an online system, but is also equipped with special optical devices that can synchronize with nearby observatories to reduce observation interference caused by artificial lighting.

"The installation of the Interact Road Lighting System in the Canary Islands is undoubtedly a breakthrough successful application of LED lighting! Light pollution brought about by urbanization has become an issue of concern to astronomers worldwide. Currently, one-third of the global population, including 60% of Europeans and 80% of South Americans, can no longer see the Milky Way in the night sky," said Paul Peeters, Head of Professional Lighting Europe at Signify, in an interview. "Our Interact Road Lighting System features LED modules with special optical panels that filter out blue light and direct the light straight to the ground. In addition to being energy saving, it can also wirelessly connect to lighting management systems for remote dimming control."

Save the Night Sky

The Canary Islands have long been renowned as having "Europe's clearest skies," making them an ideal location for astronomers and stargazing enthusiasts to observe celestial phenomena, as well as home to several world-famous astronomical observatories. The quality of the local sky environment is protected by Spanish national law, which explicitly requires the local governments of northern Tenerife and La Palma to take a series of measures to mitigate light pollution. For example, the use of high-pressure mercury lamps or cool white/daylight lighting is prohibited, except in certain sports events and outdoor advertising scenarios.

"For astronomers and stargazing enthusiasts, the observation conditions here are unparalleled. We hope to provide a safer nighttime environment for local residents and tourists while protecting this rare natural resource," said Lope Afonso, Mayor of Puerto de la Cruz, in an interview. "This latest lighting technology not only meets the observational requirements of local observatories but also reduces urban lighting electricity consumption by approximately 65%, offering more options for smart city development. By partnering with Signify to introduce our proprietary smart connected street lighting system to the city, Puerto de la Cruz is bound to become one of the most innovative cities in Europe."

Smart Upgrade

This smart connected road lighting project involves the installation of a total of 6,000 street lights, including an initial pilot phase of 100 units. These 100 street lights are equipped with Philips SR series luminaires, with interfaces reserved for third-party sensors to meet current and future equipment access needs (such as noise, pollution, traffic flow, etc.); they can also integrate with Signify's lighting management software. This attempt by Puerto de la Cruz to implement a smart connected road lighting system aligns perfectly with the local government's vision of exploring smart cities, achieving a win-win effect of optimizing urban residents' lives and protecting the environment. The road lighting system, controlled by the Interact City (formerly CityTouch) lighting management system software, is scheduled to be fully installed by August.

The case of Puerto de la Cruz is the best illustration of Signify's continuous commitment to energy-saving LED technology innovation, and also serves as evidence of its leadership in the lighting field in the Internet of Things era.

Image caption: Teide Observatory; Tenerife. Currently, one-third of the global population can no longer see the Milky Way. To create a better stargazing environment, Signify installed an intelligent connected road lighting system in Puerto de la Cruz, Canary Islands, which aids astronomical observations. This system effectively reduces the impact of overly bright urban lighting on night sky observations.

Image copyright: Daniel López / IAC

Background information:

On May 16, 2018, Philips Lighting NV officially changed its name to Signify NV, continuing to use Philips as a product brand. The registration information change for its subsidiary, Philips Lighting (China) Investment Co., Ltd., is expected to be completed in early 2019.

Puerto de la Cruz Project

The project will install a total of 6,000 street lights, managed and installed by ImesAPI.

Approximately 3,000 Philips Luma luminaires and 1,500 Philips ClassicStreet street light series luminaires will be remotely monitored, controlled, and managed by the Signify Interact - City (formerly CityTouch) lighting management system.

1,500 existing sodium vapor street lights and 165 street light control boxes will be connected to the Interact - City lighting management system via adapter accessories.

The pilot project includes 100 Philips SR luminaires with dual-system interfaces (each luminaire has one interface at the top and one at the bottom), compatible with the Zhaga international standard.

Compared with traditional lighting systems, the smart connected road lighting system installed in Puerto Cruz saves 65% energy.

How does a smart connected road lighting system aid astronomical observations?

The LED modules in the luminaire contain special optical components that create a unique light recipe, removing the blue spectrum that significantly affects night sky observations. Additionally, these optics allow optimal lighting effects by adjusting the beam angle.

The new street light system complies with IAC standards.

Compared to previous amber LEDs used to reduce skyglow, the new LED modules offer approximately 16% higher energy efficiency in terms of light output.

Signify has implemented road lighting systems with similar light source combinations to provide lighting for bats that does not affect their natural habitat.