Schneider Electric shines a light on trinity church

Having conducted a review of its lighting capabilities in light of the changing user requirements, Trinity Church, Ossett in West Yorkshire decided to install the revolutionary C –Bus lighting control system from global energy management specialist, Schneider Electric.

A regional treasure sitting on a plateau in over five acres of land boasts as one of the tallest spires in Yorkshire, totalling 226ft. Built in the 1800's, its architecture is a fine example of the English Gothic style, with elaborate decoration and large stained glass windows.

Fundamentally, the Church was looking for an intelligent system which would enable a comprehensive approach to lighting control and achieve significant energy savings, without detracting from the intrinsically traditional feel of the building.

Another key consideration was flexibility. It was crucial that the system could be adapted for every foreseeable type of event including weddings, funerals, music groups and worship. For example, while a wedding service may benefit from scene setting and LED colour change control to create an impactful ambience, a more low-key occasion would be likely to require low dimmed lighting.

After much consultation, Dearne Electrical Ltd, the awarded contractors for the job, recommended the use of the Schneider Electric C-Bus system.

Chris Dunger (LCGI), Technical Director at Dearne Electrical Ltd comments: "Having successfully designed and installed numerous C-Bus systems before, we had no hesitation in recommending it for the project, knowing it would not only meet the complex design criteria but also remain within budget."

C-Bus lighting control solutions combine controls, sensors and unique flexible user interfaces to provide automated control of lighting based on occupancy and ambient light levels.

Placing the user in complete control, the C Bus system is being used to manipulate all lighting levels within the church, including scene setting and LED colour changing. In particular it has enabled the client to alter the colour and intensity of the lighting of central walkways and stained glass windows as a stunning effect.

For ultimate convenience, the system is operated from an I-Pad that communicates with a wireless wiser unit, allowing lighting and audio visual systems to be controlled using one device.

There is also the added benefit of energy savings. Through the installation of low energy fluorescent lamps and the ability for greater control over lighting output, the system has reduced energy use by approximately 40%.

Looking forward, free Firmware updates ensure the system is always working efficiently by taking advantage of the latest product launches and developments.

Commenting on the installation, Paul Maybury, Vicar at Trinity Church said "It was very important for us to use a lighting and control system which would enhance both the beauty and the sense of awe and wonder of the building.

The C-Bus system has allowed us to achieve this perfectly, ensuring all operations are performed in a very discreet way, while creating simply breath-taking effects which literally have to be seen to be believed."

"We are quite simply thrilled with the results which have surpassed all expectations and the feedback from visitors has been fantastic."

Due to the impressive results achieved inside the building, the client is now considering lighting the exterior of the church. Given its lofty position, this would transform the building into a beacon visible for miles around, providing a fitting testament to the capabilities of the C-Bus system.

Canandaigua center upgrades production

At the time that deal was announced, Tolley and CNSE head Alain Kaloyeros said that the Canandaigua facility had the infrastructure and the skill to bring to manufacturing fruition many of the projects developed at the Albany center by affiliated companies, including IBM, Sematech, Toshiba and Samsung.

Kaloyeros said last week that his intent is to make the Rochester and Canandaigua area the "center of the universe in high-tech sensors."

"We have now about 3,500 jobs at the CNSE center in Albany, and I very definitely see that same thing happening in Canandaigua," Kaloyeros said.

He and Tolley have predicted that having a manufacturing entity attached to a high-level university research and development center will bring in private and government customers.

Tolley said there are many practical uses for sensors of this kind. "If the engineers for that bridge over the Ohio River had a sensor of this kind, they might have been able to detect tiny cracks long before this."

The Sherman Minton highway span, a major link between Indiana and Kentucky, was closed recently after a large crack was found.

Tolley said such devices will be important in the advancement of "green" energy.

Sensors and signals can help reduce company costs by turning off or dimming lights and activating other energy-saving elements.

Tolley said the potential uses in the military, where roadside bombs are a daily threat, are far-reaching. "The Department of Defense is an important customer, and having a capacity at a center like this keeps the government from going overseas to find a contractor," Tolley said.

The former Infotonics Center was one of five Centers of Excellence created by former Gov. George Pataki and the state Legislature in 2001.

It was envisioned as a public-private venture utilizing the regional university system and such corporate leaders as Eastman Kodak Co., Xerox Corp. and Corning Inc.. But the partnership never took off.

The center has blossomed since the merger with the Albany Nanotech center. Carestream Health has a partnership with the STC Center, and Mosher Baer Technologies Inc. has a multimillion-dollar contract to build LED lighting panels at the center.

"More is coming," Tolley said.

"There is room here to expand, and indeed that was the idea when this site was chosen."