Parking garages and underground parking facilities are typically open around the clock. Good lighting throughout all areas is essential for users’ sense of security and for safely maneuvering vehicles. However, if the lights are left on continuously when no vehicles or people are present, energy is wasted. Sensor-controlled lighting, combined with smart networking and lighting control, provides a solution.

As a pilot project, the parking deck of the Heuried underground parking garage was equipped with 240 STEINEL RS PRO Connect 5100 LED fixtures, which can be wirelessly networked. By investing in a solution featuring Connected Lighting fixtures, parking facility operators can implement demand-based lighting control that prevents lights from staying on unnecessarily, guides users through the parking garage, and thereby reduces energy costs while enhancing comfort and a sense of security.

The energy efficiency of LED sensor lighting can be significantly improved through ‘light intelligence’. The parking deck of the underground car park was fitted with 240 STEINEL RS PRO Connect 5100 LED luminaires, each with a power rating of 30 watts and capable of wireless networking, with every second luminaire being a slave unit. The luminaires were divided into four lighting groups and controlled intelligently. The creation of lighting groups, the switching to a 10 per cent basic lighting mode after one minute of inactivity, and the complete switch-off after 15 minutes have resulted in a measurable energy saving of 92 per cent compared with the old lighting system.

The lighting guides users as they make their way through the underground car park. Lights are only switched on where they are actually needed. This prevents lights from being left on unnecessarily and ensures that no energy is wasted.