Future Lighting Solutions is pleased to announce the completion of a successful project with Studio DL and Leipziger Leuchten, in developing unique new LED lighting that provides energy-efficient ambiance to the grassy beach area along the Baltic Sea in Niendorf, with customized modules enabling adjustable brightness.

The municipality at the Timmendorfer Strand was looking for beach lighting that would fit seamlessly into the landscape and create a special atmosphere in the dusk and evening hours. Studio DL of Hildesheim developed the light planning for Niendorf along with Leipziger Leuchten, implementing a conceptual design integrating light and energy-efficiency.

With a slight bend tapering upwards, the 24 new light columns are made of hot-dip galvanized steel and mimic the shape of the typical dune vegetation. The steel poles range in heights of 6m, 10m and 18m, and are arranged in different groups along the grassy beach depending on the lighting needs of each particular area.

The Timmendorfer Strand in Germany. (Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia)

The LED modules have been designed especially for the requirements in Niendorf. Depending on the mounting height 2, 7 or 11 LEDs are integrated in the poles. The two smaller columns are equipped with 3000 K warm white LED modules, while the highest has cold white LEDs at the top and warm white LEDs are used at the bottom. This gives the effect of moonlight near the sandy area, while the promenade space is shed in a cozy, warm light.

“This unique light project in Niendorf was successfully implemented within a very short time frame thanks to the help from Future Lighting Solutions. We gave special emphasis not only on the different colors of light, but also on the control mechanism to create the desired atmosphere,” explains Nadine Hofmann, Sales Director of Leipziger Leuchten.

Leipziger Leuchten, as manufacturer of the poles, brought Future Lighting Solutions into the project for implementing the required luminous intensity for the beach lighting. Precise calculations regarding lighting levels, installation space requirements, and a short time frame were the main challenges for the design of these LED modules.

Future Lighting Solutions delivered several prototypes within only three weeks after commissioning, and after seven weeks the complete LED system including power supply and control. In the selection of components, special attention was given to the environmental conditions of the salty sea air. The integrated Luxeon Rebel LEDs from Philips Lumileds meet the requirements of the required temperature with 3000 and 6000 K. All components have been integrated into a heat sink and delivered as potted modules, to withstand the salty sea air over the long term.

“In this project from Studio DL and Leipziger Leuchten, we could fully leverage our expertise as a solutions provider,” commented Christoph Papp, project manager at Future Lighting Solutions. “The special light-emitting surface and the thermal conditions were very special requirements. Our experience and expertise contributed to the entire solution and its implementation as a module ranging from the electronic control, via the optics to the potting. We also helped even in the selection of standard components such as the LED driver.”

Future Lighting Solutions relied on its well-established network of industry leading partners for this exceptionally high level integration of electronic, thermal, and chemical requirements. Today, beach use can be extended into dawn, thanks to the new LED lighting. There is a main switching time of about two hours, continuing from dusk to the natural darkness. Then the brightness is reduced by 70%, so only a shade of moonlight glimmer is visible on the beach.

The energy-efficient lights not only provide the village of Niendorf with a unique ambience in the evening, but also ensure a reduction in electricity costs. In contrast to conventional light sources, the new LED modules consume only 30, 105, or 165 Watts depending on the number of built-in LEDs. The power consumption is reduced further due to the infinitely dimmable lighting control. The new LED lighting system is not only setting new standards in terms of design, but also in regard to environmental awareness.