Client Introduction
R G Beattie’s
An established Electrical and Mechanical contractor based in Hampshire, positioned to serve projects throughout the south of the UK, also offering renewable and main contracting services.
Project Background Brief
This large shopping centre in Southampton required an LED lighting upgrade in various areas including car park, stair cores, back of house, amenities and streetlighting. BMS controls and emergency lighting for an existing 240V central battery system also required an overhaul.
Challenge
The main factor instigating the project was energy saving measures. The existing light fittings had inefficient fluorescent tubes, running back to a
BMS system that had DALI cabling issues, ballast failure and exhibited multiple faults.
Some areas had sensors, however there were no consistent alternative energy saving parameters to mitigate when the BMS system or sensors had failed. Frequently fittings were left to run continually, even when not required, causing unnecessary expenditure.
The central battery emergency system in place was proving difficult to upgrade with ‘off-the-shelf’ solutions due to compatibility issues and availability of various fitting specs.
In some areas, aesthetics needed to be maintained with fittings in specific RAL colours and finishes.
The customer required a supplier that could deliver quality, compatibility and suitable aesthetics in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Solution
Various luminaires were upgraded to LED using our PRD, RDP and MDL downlights. MPF floodlights and our SWP wall packs replaced fluorescent exterior fittings, and ETB wall wash luminaires maintained decorative aesthetics.
Our renowned GTB anti-corrosives were used in amenity and exterior locations across the site. Built with microwave sensors for simple on/off switching, they were combined with Wirefield Eye Wi controls providing a bespoke energy saving solution. The GTB also acted as the bulk of emergency lighting, designed and built for specific compatibility with the existing 240V Central Battery System.
Streetlighting was converted to LED using our CTY fittings with Eye-Wi controls, customised to specific PIR groupings to create energy savings in less high traffic areas. The Wirefield team collaborated with an environmental consultant on the project to reduce the ON level percentage (light output) in chosen areas to further reduce energy bills.
Bespoke gear tray conversion kits were designed and built to facilitate upgrading any fittings to LED that a like for like replacement was not possible. These gear tray solutions allowed many decorative fittings to remain in situ, reducing installation and any additional decorating costs.
“With today’s significant energy price increases, similar scale projects are predicting pay back times of as little as 7 months.”
Results
As a result of Wirefield being able to supply all necessary fitting upgrades and rolling out the wireless Eye-Wi control system with integrated sensors, energy saving targets were surpassed. In one stair core alone, running costs reduced from over £4,000 per annum to less than £100. Overall streetlighting running costs dramatically decreased from £10,000 per annum to less than £1,000.
The combination of replacing the outdated and inefficient BMS system and LED fitting upgrades provided a site wide reduction in energy costs by 85%.
At the time the project went live, the energy savings were based on 12p per kW/hour and it was calculated that the payback time would be within 2 years. With today’s significant energy price increases, similar scale projects are predicting pay back times of as little as 7 months.
A simplified installation process was achieved by the Eye-Wi system relying on wireless node technology which requires no additional wiring when replacing the existing BMS. This provided the client a timely and cost saving install. Bespoke emergency luminaires compatible with the existing CBS meant this did not need replacing, saving the client substantial material and labour costs.
Wirefield’s vast product offering with bespoke RAL colour finishes allowed for aesthetics to be maintained in decorative areas, with quality amenity and exterior fittings providing superior durability and value for money.
Since project completion Wirefield have provided free ongoing technical support for the Eye-Wi controls on site. Remote adjustments have been made to increase efficiency in real time, such as reducing PIR hold times to allow the lighting to dim and switch off more reactively during peak times. Post install alterations can be made at any time to provide further reductions in energy bills.
Wirefield Eye-Wi
Emergency lighting is a fundamental part of the risk assessment for health and safety plans in all commercial buildings. But what if you’re not compliant? We can help!