KC connects eco friendly “intelligent” street lights

Kingston Communications has provided the wireless technology within a unique street lighting central monitoring system which is set to “revolutionise the street lighting industry”.

In the first contract of its kind for Kingston Communications (KC), the communications experts have partnered with Harvard Engineering from Beeston in Leeds to provide the data communication for its LeafNut technology which allows street lights to be operated and managed remotely with a PC or laptop.

LeafNut offers the ability to accurately control and monitor all assigned lighting units by providing remote wireless, web based switching and dimming back to the operator through a webserver. In addition it provides on screen diagnostics including operational efficiency, predicted lamp failure, fault finding and energy consumption management.

Utilising KC’s server hosting facilities, Harvard Engineering’s LeafNut system also gives users the ability to remotely monitor and control on and off times, change the power output, monitor lamp life and failure and provide early warning reports that will reduce maintenance costs.

Harvard Engineering’s Financial Director Martin Baum explains: “LeafNut is already allowing local authorities across the UK to achieve 40% cuts in street lighting energy costs. It provides a two-way conversation between street lights and operators which allows users to manage all information around light running efficiencies, maintenance and energy.

“We rely heavily on fast and secure wireless technology to ensure information collated at individual lamp posts is communicated instantaneously back to the operator. Kingston’s GPRS application and protected data connections, combined with the added security of a hosting environment, allow our system to provide local authorities and private companies with efficient, intelligent lighting.”’

KC’s regional Sales Consultant Andy Streets said this is the first ‘machine to machine’ connection Kingston has provided in Yorkshire and its impact on maximising energy savings should be considered by more businesses.

“Our technology not only offers effective, secure and fast data communication but also has the potential for a wider impact upon the end user’s resources - in this instance the cost and time savings of not despatching staff to check and maintain the lights.

“We are delighted by the success of this partnership and would encourage all firms to consider how effective data communications offer added value to their business.”
About the KCOM Group

KCOM Group PLC provides a range of integrated IT and communications services to businesses, and internet and telecommunications services to selected consumer markets, within the UK.

The Group’s portfolio of businesses works with both leading private enterprise customers and public sector organisations. Through its Affiniti and Smart421 brands, the Group delivers solutions covering unified communications, contact centre solutions, data management, applications integration and managed services.

The KCOM Group also includes a regionally-focused business, Kingston Communications, which supports small to medium-sized businesses. Through its KC and Eclipse brands, the business offers a wide range of internet-based and telecommunications services. The regional business also provides telephony and internet services to targeted consumers through its KC, Eclipse and Karoo brands

The Group is listed on the London Stock Exchange and employs over 2,200 people across the UK.
Harvard

Harvard Engineering plc

* The LeafNut system is the result of a six-year research and development programme at Harvard Engineering
* LeafNut has been proven to cut carbon production and toxic waste by up to 50% across the whole street lighting infrastructure
* Reported savings of 100kg of carbon emissions per lighting column per year
* The UK currently has seven million street lights to maintain
* Current LeafNut customers include Warrington Borough Council, Westminster Council and Sheffield City Council