Light Control Unit (LCU)
The LCU can be retrofitted into an existing street light or added as part of a new street light, providing the operator the ability to control, configure and monitor it. The LCU offers the ability to turn ON or turn OFF and dim or increase the intensity of the street light. It also measures voltage and current of the light and periodically transmits this information to the CMS. The LCU can continue to switch ON or switch OFF the individual street lights using the last received scheduling information, thereby keeping the system working even if the network breaks down.
The major components in an LCU are:
- Microcontroller unit (MCU)
- TRIAC circuitry for controlling the light
- Sub-GHz RF transceiver
- Operational amplifier-based monitoring circuit
- Optional metering IC to measure power consumption of individual street lights
- Auxiliary power supply based on converters
Holistic approach to lighting
Smart street lights are a bit costlier than their classic counterparts, but they can repay the additional cost within a few years. These systems can be integrated with the city-wide infrastructure, realising the concept of smart cities. Besides enabling huge electricity savings and reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, these also offer easy and efficient maintenance, hence making them an ideal choice for infrastructure developers.
