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Smart city: The applied technology allows for better management of public lighting, generating greater energy efficiency and, consequently, savings in public coffers and more security for the population of MG
Cities consume approximately 75% of all the electricity produced in the world, therefore, the search for better management of public money and optimization of energy distribution is a constant challenge for many municipalities in Brazil. Thinking about overcoming this challenge, the city of Extrema (MG) invested in a new public lighting model and adopted the telemanagement system – a remote monitoring service that will not only generate savings for public coffers but also put the city in the spotlight. forefront of the concept smart city (smart city in Portuguese).
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LEDStar applies state-of-the-art technology on the streets of MG
The city hall is replacing the old public lamps with new LED lamps – more economical and efficient – and took the opportunity to install the telemanagement system offered by LEDStar, a company of the Unicoba group, one of the biggest specialists in energy solutions from Brazil.
“The economics of the solution come as a result of two main pillars. First, because the LED consumes less energy and is proven to be more durable than the others. And secondly, because, combined with the intelligent system, it allows dimming of the luminaires”, explains Eduardo Park, CEO of Unicoba.
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In practice, this means that during sunrise and sunset – when natural lighting is lower, but not non-existent -, Extrema's public lighting fixtures do not need to be on at 100% of their capacity, but at 25% or 50%, depending on the incidence of natural light, which can generate savings for public coffers. “The LED itself does not have this intelligence, but it is the right technology for us to apply remote management – a network that can accept remote dimming through the concept of the Internet of Things”, completes the executive.
Smart City – IoT and innovation in the South of Minas Gerais
Internet of Things, or IoT, is a network of physical objects that are equipped with sensors, software and other technologies in order to exchange data and information with other devices and systems over the Internet. In the case of the monitored network in the city of Minas Gerais, each new light fixture is equipped with a wireless control module that communicates with the others, passing on data and information.
Innovation places the southern region of Minas at the forefront of the concept of smart city (smart city, in Portuguese), that is, a municipality that uses information and communication technology to improve its operational efficiency and, thus, offer a better quality of management and life in general for its citizens. Furthermore, LEDStar technology is capable of generating operation reports for each monitored point, with electrical measurement data, history, dimming level, adequate operation, among others.
"The from software it offers a graphical user interface, with all the necessary control data, and gives the manager the opportunity to configure multiple scenarios and calendars, creating a dynamic lighting schedule”, points out Eduardo. “The control can be carried out at the Operational Control Center (CCO) or even by cell phone, tablets or computer of the administrator of that program”.
Technological advance positions municipality in the third wave of electric public lighting
The advance positions the municipality in what would be the third wave of electric public lighting, the first being made from mercury vapor – less powerful and with a shorter useful life; and the second, in the LED options, more efficient in terms of energy and generating savings of up to 50% compared to the previous one. “The third wave builds on the technology used in the second to build an intelligent system capable of self-management”.
The project carried out in the city is in full expansion, with around 90% of the poles updated with the new program. “In addition to the technical facilities that technology provides, the population will be able to enjoy the public space with greater security, since virtually all roads will be fully lit”, concludes the Unicoba executive.
About Unicoba
UNICOBA® is one of the largest energy solutions companies in Brazil. Founded in 1973, the company develops energy efficiency and energy storage solutions by combining extensive electronics manufacturing experience with operational agility to lead customer markets.
Present in more than 85% of the largest companies in Brazil, UNICOBA® has more than 1.000 direct employees and is recognized for its consultative, innovative and entrepreneurial approach over these four decades of operation.
Its headquarters are located in São Paulo/SP and it has two industrial plants (Manaus-AM and Extrema-MG) and a commercial partnership with 2 offices in Asia (Seoul and Shenzhen).
