Helvar News 2 / 2011 Helvar News 2 / 2011

Helvar News
Helvar News 2 / 2011
2/2011
Contents of the magazine
3
4-8
CONTINUING 90 YEARS OF
INNOVATION
Editorial by Asko Kallonen
THE CHAMPALIMAUD CENTRE
FOR THE UNKNOW
Text: Harriet Harsto / Helvar
& João Fontes / JFS
9-11
FAST AND EASY - ORIO
AL SERIO INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT
Text: Gaia Damiani /
Damiani Communications
12-14
HELVAR SHINES LIGHT ON
SILENT WITNESS
Text: John Houston /
Wildwood Public Relations
15-17
CONCRETE SAVINGS WITH
HELVAR
Text: Pavel Hink /
DNA CENTRAL EUROPE s.r.o
18-20
HELVAR - 90 YEARS
OF INNOVATION AND
LEADERSHIP
Text: Helvar
21-23
24
PRODUCT NEWS
CONTACT INFORMATION
EDITOR
Ritva Lakkonen / Helvar
ritva.lakkonen@helvar.com
LAYOUT
Harriet Harsto / Helvar
Cover & index page picture:
Champalimaud Centre of the Unknown /
José Campos, ARQF Consultores de Fotografia
Back cover picture: Hard Rock Café Sentosa
CONTINUING 90 YEARS OF
INNOVATION
The past 90 years have been a wide-ranging and inspiring journey for
Helvar. Starting from the oil import trade, Helvar became an important
actor in the entertainment business producing radios and televisions.
During the second half of the journey Helvar has concentrated on
lighting and has grown to be one of the most significant companies in
the lighting industry.
Over the years Helvar has proven to be the trusted partner for luminaire
manufacturers and other customers in the lighting business. We are
supporting our customers to develop their offering in order to meet the
demands of energy efficient, high quality lighting.
New technologies and solutions in lighting enable the building industry
to utilize the huge potential energy savings. At minor cost compared to
the overall building investment, an intelligent lighting system gives user
comfort and at the same time is a profitable investment giving undeniable
benefits to those paying the electricity bills throughout the entire building
investment life cycle.
The demand for energy savings is getting increasingly important all the
time. As an example, the EU Commission has committed to reduce CO2
emissions to 80-95 % below 1990 levels by 2050. The energy roadmap
2050 is part of the Resource Efficiency Flagship Initiative of the Europe
2020 strategy. Intelligent lighting is one of the most profitable ways to cut
down the greenhouse gas emissions.
Today Helvar is proud to offer energy efficient lighting solutions for the
future needs. We are firmly looking ahead with new innovations and
solutions. In this magazine we are once again pleased to introduce a few
of the latest success stories and
an impressive selection of our
new products for luminaires as
well as lighting control solutions.
I want to express my sincerest
thanks to all of our customers
and partners for a long term
co-operation empowering the
continuation of our success
story.
Asko Kallonen
Managing Director
4
News • 2 / 2011
Text: Harriet Harsto / Helvar & João Fontes / JFS
Pictures: José Campos, ARQF Consultores de Fotografia
THE CHAMPALIMAUD CENTRE
FOR THE UNKNOWN
On October 5th 2010 the Champalimaud Foundation inaugurated a state-of-the-art
research facility, an important step in its objective of developing biomedical research
activities in Portugal. The Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown was designed
by world-renowned Indian architect Charles Correa, who received the prestigious
Royal Gold Medal of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1984.
DISCOVERING THE UNKNOWN
The Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown is a centre for multidisciplinary research with
optimal conditions to attract and retain the best academics, researchers and medical
doctors from 20 different countries in the fields of molecular biology, genetics, immunology,
oncology, neurosciences, and behavioural psychology. The new facilities for basic and
clinical research and for teaching will support front-line research in its post-graduate and
doctorate programs and research into the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients.
The Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown is located in a beautiful site of 60,000 m2 in
an exclusive area of Lisbon, on the waterfront of Pedrouços, near the magnificent Tower
of Belém. This is where the river Tagus meets the Atlantic Ocean; the great Portuguese
explorers sailed from here to discover the “unknown” in the 15th and 16th centuries. Inspired
by this distinctive heritage, the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown is a link between
those epic voyages of yesteryear and the exciting scientific discoveries of the future.
In recognition of the site’s historical significance, and of people’s enduring fascination with
the oceans, the Centre allows the public free access to the waterfront, through the wide
landscaped areas around its buildings.
2 / 2011 •
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5
A PUBLIC CAMPUS
The Champalimaud project aims to foster and celebrate
scientific excellence and discoveries whilst providing an
inspirational space for the general public to enjoy. The
Centre comprises two main buildings and a large public
area. Building A houses the diagnostic and treatment
units and the basic research laboratories. Building B
includes the auditorium, the exhibition area, a restaurant,
and the offices of the Champalimaud Foundation. The
offices are connected to building A by an elegant glass
bridge. As well as the gardens, the public areas feature
an open air amphitheatre facing the river.
A 125 metre long pedestrian pathway leads diagonally
across the site, towards the open seas. As the pathway
is on an incline, when walking uphill the sky is all you
see on the horizon. At the top of the ramp there are
two stone monoliths from a local quarry. At the highest
point of the path, you see a large body of water, which
appears to connect to the ocean beyond. In the centre
of this pool, just below the surface, is an stainless steel
oval object, slightly convex so that it reflects the blue
sky and the passing clouds above; it could represent
many parts of the adventures encountered on voyages
of discovery - the back of a turtle, a tropical island, even
a treasure chest.
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News • 2 / 2011
SITE-SPECIFIC APPROACH TO
SUSTAINABILITY
The architecture is not the only element of the research
centre to feature state-of-the-art design. A high tech
Building Management System allows integration of
several different environment-control solutions. For
example, the proximity to the Tagus River allows having
a geothermal heat-sink for temperature control, which is
further controlled by the massive rain forest garden in the
main building.
Thanks to its world-class control and monitoring
capabilities, and user-friendly functionality, a Helvar
Router System is used for lighting in all areas of the Centre
and also controls all the blinds inside the buildings.
The Helvar NET structure enables Ethernet 0/1
communication between third party BMS systems and
the Helvar Router system. The system is based on a
structured Ethernet network that can control almost 1800
DALI addresses, 3528 S-DIM addresses and over 7000
DMX addresses. The system is currently running at 70 %
capacity, which allows for future expansion projects.
The Helvar Router System copes easily with the vast
number of different light loads and partition walls.
The new facilities for basic and clinical
research and for teaching will support
front-line research in post-graduate and
doctorate programs and research into the
diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients.
The HVAC system uses information from the Helvar
Router system to control the activation and levels of the
air-conditioning and ventilation in 80 % of the buildings.
The Router system provides highly accurate real-time
information to the HVAC system based on presence
detection and monitoring of load levels. The Helvar
system also communicates with other systems such
as AV, Access control, and Fire and Emergency Alarm
systems. With their built-in astronomical clock, and
based on geographical coordinates, the Helvar Routers
automatically schedule lighting levels in many areas.
Helvar modular panels and TouchPanels, as well as
touch screens with Helvar TouchStudio Software, are
used to control equipment in individual rooms or areas.
The Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown will
support the Foundation’s goals by providing research
facilities that stimulate creativity and interaction within a
compassionate and comfortable environment for patients
and their families. The high-performance buildings
employ optimal energy and resource management while
celebrating the unique site on which it is located.
SYSTEM FACTS
300 x EL-iDim DALI Ballasts
14 x 920 IMAGINE Router
54 x 474 DIGIDIM 4-Channel Ballast Controller
22 x 452 DIGIDIM 1000W Universal Dimmers
116 x 498 DIGIDIM 8-channel relay units
41 x 490 DIGIDIM 2-channel blind controller
182 x DIGIDIM Modular Push Button Panels
7 x 924 TouchPanels
16 x 8” Ethernet Touch Panels with Helvar
TouchStudio Software
Helvar Designer software
Lighting Control System: JFS
Electrical & Lighting Consultant:
António Almeida, COPRENG ENGINEERING
Lighting Design: DPA Lighting Consultants
Electrical contractors: J.J. TOMÉ & SOTÉCNICA
Electrical cabinets: JFS & TURKAMPRE
2 / 2011 •
News
7
THE CHAMPALIMAUD
FOUNDATION
The Champalimaud Foundation, based in Lisbon, Portugal, was created at
the bequest of the late Portuguese industrialist and entrepreneur, António de
Sommer Champalimaud. At the end of 2004 it was officially incorporated as
the Anna de Sommer Champalimaud and Dr. Carlos Montez Champalimaud
Foundation, in honour of the benefactor’s parents. As stipulated by António
Champalimaud prior to his death, Leonor Beleza, former Portuguese Minister
of Health, is the Foundation’s President.
The Champalimaud Foundation supports individual researchers and research
teams working at the cutting edge of biomedical science. It aims to stimulate
novel theoretical and practical methodologies by utilising the experience of
both research scientists and medical practitioners.
Through a detailed program of research and clinical support the Foundation strives to make significant scientific progress, particularly in the fields
of cancer research and neuroscience. However, it is not enough to make
short-term gains and it is essential that this work can be continued by future
generations. The Foundation has therefore devised a number of objectives
designed to promote scientific activity both now and for many years to come.
The majority of the Foundation’s work takes place at the Champalimaud
Centre for the Unknown, with a specific focus on neuroscience research,
translational cancer research, and clinical practice. In this way, the Foundation
aims to make significant advances in the biomedical sciences. Translational
research is defined as scientific study that begins in the laboratory before
progressing to the clinical arena, or patient’s “bedside”. In particular, priority
will be given to research that will contribute to the improvement of the health
and well-being of people worldwide.
8
News • 2 / 2011
The
tropical
garden
is
designed for patients and their
families to be able to spend
the often long hours required
in such treatment in a warm
and humane space.
Text: Gaia Damiani / Damiani Communication
Pictures: OPIFICIO42.IT
FAST AND EASY - ORIO AL SERIO
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Orio al Serio is an airport whose name is becoming
increasingly well-known to both Italian and international travellers. This airport bet on the “fast and
easy” concept adopted by low-cost airlines and definitely won the bet.
Recently the airport got a new look and also a new name
– “Il Caravaggio International Airport Bergamo Orio al
Serio” – as a testimony to continuous growth in just a few
years’ time has led it to become the fourth largest Italian
airport with 7.6 million passengers, the third largest for
cargo and the largest overall for courier traffic. Located
in the heart of Northern Italy, 5 km from Bergamo and
45 km from Milan, the airport is a rapidly growing facility.
The remarkable increase in passenger numbers led
the management company Sacbo to make substantial
investments to enhance services to passengers and
hosted airlines. Investments made between 2008
and 2010 and others planned for 2012 aim not only
at expanding airport facilities and widening its range
of service offerings but also at enhancing overall costeffectiveness.
DYNAMIC ATMOSPHERE AND
SMART LIGHT
Initial expansion and renovation operations were carried
out between 2008 and 2010. The ground floor was
basically refurbished and restyled, and a new area for
Extra Schengen flights was added, while the first floor
was almost completely renovated. The main terminal
was pushed ahead towards the aircraft taxi and parking
area and a previously technical and transit area was
turned into a modern boarding and shopping area.
Space allocation on the first floor is now clearly
identifiable. The entire shopping area is located on the
motorway side while the food and beverage and boarding
areas are located on the runway side. Both areas feature
full-height glass walls which, together with other interior
design elements, contribute to the creation of a light and
dynamic atmosphere in the terminal.
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The relatively limited size of this hub allows for passengers
to be immersed in an ever-changing environment,
whether it is on the motorway side or the runway side.
Architects and interior designers intended to convey the
image of a “fast” airport, mainly commercial, and for
short-range passenger flights.
Natural light, perspectives, harmony of materials and
colours, all these things coalesce to build up a space
that passengers and airport personnel alike find both
comfortable and enjoyable. Functional and intelligent
use of artificial light helps to reach the goal of optimised
visual comfort and a homogeneously lit environment.
As a “fil rouge”, interior designers decided to use a bar
code reproduced all over the walls in different colours,
such as cyan, yellow, and green, to identify the various
areas. The bar code speaks a universal language and
represents the business model of low-cost airlines,
which, by adopting online reservations and check-in on
a large scale, changed the habits of millions of flyers for
good.
The airport is a public space with lights always on even
when there is enough natural light available. This is
why it is particularly important to adopt state-of-the-art
technologies to optimise the use of natural light, thus
saving energy, achieving maximum lamp life, and getting
the best from the entire lighting system.
Technological elements combine with general attention
towards passenger comfort to create large enough but
not overwhelming spaces and essential but not spreadout facilities, thanks to the wood flooring, the colours
of the walls, and the perfect mix of artificial and natural
light that provide a feeling of constant motion. Special
attention was paid to the replacement of lighting fixtures
and upgrading of the entire lighting system. The upgrade
goal was achieved with Helvar lighting control system
that allows energy saving, centralized control, continuous
monitoring and full scalability for any future needs.
FUNCTIONAL AND SMART LIGHT
Orio al Serio is an airport with a view towards the future.
The choice of innovation, technology and energy savings
is a consistent confirmation of such an approach. To the
same extent that the onset of digital era changed the
very concept of travelling, technology deeply changed
and enhanced lighting: The building gets smart, and
capable of responding to today’s as well as tomorrow’s
requirements.
Helvar provided the EL-iDim DALI electronic ballasts to
the luminaires for all refurbished areas; the check-in area
and access corridor with shops, the baggage control
area and the departure security area. The entrance and
departure area roofing and the entire first floor are also
equipped with fluorescent light sources. The Lighting
Control System includes several light sensors and Helvar
910 DIGIDIM Routers to adjust lighting based on the
natural light available in the relevant areas.
The Helvar Router network allows Sacbo engineers to
maintain centralized lighting control from the control
room using Helvar’s Designer software. Engineers can
supervise the operation of different groups of the system,
effectively plan maintenance rounds, and proactively
respond in case of faults. The lighting system can also
be integrated into the third party Building Management
Systems. The flexibility of Helvar’s system architecture
enables just simple re-programming when lighting
requirements for specific areas change; no re-wiring
is needed. As further expansion works are already
planned, this scalable lighting system allows new areas
to be attached into the existing ones.
SYSTEM FACTS
9 x 910 DIGIDIM Routers
9 x 942 DIGIDIM Input Units
8 x 312 DIGIDIM Multisensors
6 x 498 DIGIDIM 8-channel Relay Units
16 x 472 DIGIDIM 1-10V / DSI Converter
EL-iDim digital DALI ballasts
2 / 2011 •
News
11
Text: John Houston /
Wildwood Public Relations
HELVAR SHINES LIGHT ON
SILENT WITNESS
Lighting plays an important role in TV production. It has many functions,
from simple illumination of actors through to creating atmosphere in
line with the artistic requirements of the director. Many new generation
crime dramas rely heavily on lighting to create a brooding atmosphere to
complement the gritty subject matter.
The award-winning Silent Witness is one of the BBC’s most successful crime
dramas. A series about a team of forensic pathology experts, the storylines
blend mystery, science and detection into a formula that has turned the
programme into a huge success in the UK. The 15th series of the show is
currently being filmed out on location and at a BBC studio in West London
and in preparation for the series, the on-set lighting scheme was upgraded to
include DALI lighting control using a new Helvar DIGIDIM Router system.
The set is located in a large warehouse that has been converted specifically
for the purposes of filming the series. The team of forensic pathologists: Dr.
Harry Cunningham (Tom Ward), Dr. Nikki Alexander (Emilia Fox) and Professor
Leo Dalton (William Gaminara) are based at the ‘The Thomas Lyell Centre’
- a hi-tech scientific laboratory which is carefully reconstructed on the set.
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News • 2 / 2011
There are two main areas of the set that feature the DIGIDIM Router system,
Professor Dalton’s Office - a large and plush imposing interior, and the Autopsy
Room - the stark looking facility where the pathologists painstakingly examine
bodies of the deceased in search of vital clues that may reveal causes of death.
The new lighting system was designed by Joe Burke Lighting Design in
conjunction with Littledown, a DALI lighting control specialist, and installed
by Moonlight, a TV lighting supplier and installer. Steve Reid, a partner with
Littledown worked with Joe Burke to develop a solution that would bring
commercial grade lighting control to satisfy the flexible requirements of a TV
film set. Steve had worked with Helvar before so knew that he and Joe were
on safe ground when they began specifying the system elements with the
DIGIDIM Router at the centre.
REDUCING CARBON FOOTPRINTS
“I’ve worked with Helvar equipment for many years,” says Steve. “and I’ve
always been impressed with the reliability of the equipment. The functionality
is also excellent so we had a combination that would work in the demanding
environment of a TV set. The dramatic storylines have ensured that the system
has really been put through its paces and thankfully, we’ve been able to satisfy
on all counts. Although this is a bit of a one-off, the project has been a big
challenge and a real achievement.”
With a long history of designing Lighting and Electrical schemes for TV and
Film productions, Joe Burke had a firm idea of the type of system he wanted.
“Traditionally incandescent lighting is used on-set and would be controlled via
2 / 2011 •
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13
a DMX lighting control desk and dimmers”. The BBC
gave him a brief to update the on-set lighting scheme,
but at the same time reduce the carbon footprint of
the show. “I decided to replace the majority of the
lighting fixtures, both on and off set, with high output
dimmable fluorescents”. “I needed a control system
that would be cost effective, reliable, user friendly and
provide a similar level of control as the DMX systems
provide”. He approached Steve for his thoughts, who
suggested the Helvar system.
“I incorporated DIGIDIM keypads into the dressed set
so the crew could have local individual control of all
the on-set lights, enabling them to not only control the
light level, but switch off out of vision lights to prevent
their light interfering with the lighting of the actors
and to eliminate unwanted reflections in the many
panes of glass that are on set. The keypads were also
programmed with a number of preset scenes which
the actors could operate in vision”.
Some of the episodes can be fairly bleak and dramatic
and the correct lighting levels are important in creating
the right mood: “The individual control of each fitting
on the system allows the lighting team to set a custom
light level for each and every scene,” Steve adds.
The set is located in a large warehouse that has been
converted specifically for the purposes of filming the
series. The individual control of each fitting on the
system allows the lighting team to set a custom light
level for each and every scene.
Following completion of the installation the system was
fully commissioned by Littledown. During this process,
all devices on the DALI network were identified, tested,
named and grouped to ensure a smooth handover of
the system to the client.
At the heart of the system is the Helvar 910 DIGIDIM
Router. The Router uses an Ethernet connection
(10/100 Mbps) as a network backbone, to combine
all the DALI networks seamlessly together and basic
functionality is available ‘out-of-box’. Helvar’s Designer
Software is used for advanced configuration and
programming of the Router. Furthermore, a PC can
also be connected to the system for diagnostics and
remote logging purposes.
SYSTEM FACTS
910 DIGIDIM Routers
444 DIGIDIM Mini Input Units
452 DIGIDIM 1000 W Universal dimmers
494 DIGIDIM 4-channel Relay Units
942 DIGIDIM Input Units
DIGIDIM Modular Panels
14
News • 2 / 2011
Text: Pavel Hink, DNA CENTRAL EUROPE
Pictures: Pavol Judak
CONCRETE SAVINGS
WITH HELVAR
- Distribution centre in Turnov
The topic of “saving” is currently trendy. Wherever you look you will
see efforts to save money. For some this means reductions of working
positions. Elsewhere, purchasing costs are the target. A separate focus
area is represented by the reduction of operational costs related to
electricity.
In administrative buildings LEED standards are often mentioned that refer to the
energy demands of the entire building, starting from heating and ending with
lighting. No major administrative project can now be implemented without a
thorough energy audit. It is good to see that a similar trend is also developing in
the field of industry. There are large reserves and possibilities of energy savings
in this sector. This article focuses on savings of electricity consumed by the
lighting system in such an industrial building.
In Turnov, about 100 km to north-east from Czech capital Prague, is located a
massive distribution centre of company called Ontex CZ s.r.o. The company is
part of Ontex Group which is the European market leader in hygienic disposables
for the private label sector. Since establishment in 1979 the Ontex Group now
branches in 13 European countries. The current distribution centre was opened
in Turnov in 1997. In 2002 new production line storage hall was built and the
latest expansion project started in 2006.
Before the project, the investor was clearly dissatisfied with the amount being
spent on annual electricity costs. DNA Central Europe, Helvar Certified Partner,
was approached to propose a solution that would result in significant electricity
savings.
2 / 2011 •
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15
INITIAL CONDITIONS AND
REQUIREMENTS
The entire design was preceded by a thorough operation
study; the most frequent movement of goods, time intervals
for individual working tasks, lighting type and usage, and all
other aspects that have an affect on the working conditions.
The hall was equipped with multiple 400 W High Intensity
Discharge lamp luminaires, typical for lighting in such
premises. The low efficiency of the lighting was exaggerated
by the high input power.
The task was to design a lighting system that would both
meet the requirements of relevant standards and that would
reduce the total consumption of electricity. After many
calculations, drawing on experience from similar projects,
the use of fluorescent lamps with a specially shaped
reflector allowing for installation in high spaces proved to
be the perfect solution. On the basis of the calculations,
a combination of single and twin 58 W fluorescent fittings
were selected.
SYSTEM FACTS
1 x 910 DIGIDIM Router
4 x 942 DIGIDIM Input Units
8 x 474 DIGIDIM 4-Channel Ballast Controllers
2 x 444 DIGIDIM Mini Input Units
1 x 402 DIGIDIM 250 mA Power Supply
Simply replacing the original luminaires resulted in a 30 %
reduction of lighting input power. But this was only the
beginning. After a mutual agreement with the investor,
further possibilities for savings were investigated. The
investor was introduced to the concept of using a lighting
control system from Helvar.
IMPLEMENTED SOLUTION
The core of the control system is the control unit. It receives
and evaluates data from individual elements and, in
accordance with pre-determined rules, sends the required
commands to satellite devices. Other components are
constant light (daylight) sensors, presence detectors, input
units and 4-channel converters.
The entire storage hall was divided into two parts. Presence
detection was used for the control in the first part of the hall,
while luminaires in the other part of the hall were controlled
by a daylight sensor. Controls on the main panel also allow
switching between manual and fully automatic modes.
The first area consists of individual aisles containing various
racks. At both ends of each aisle are presence detectors
that communicate with the control system and ensure that
the lights go on only in the aisles where occupancy has
been detected. The system makes it possible to set an
optimum time loop where, after the occupancy timeout,
the lighting level will drop down to 5 %. After the transition
timeout the luminaires will automatically switch off.
In the second part of the hall large windows offered a
natural solution: Why not use the daylight, which is free?
The lighting in this area of the hall is controlled by constant
light sensors. In accordance with preset lighting curve data
DNA CENTRAL EUROPE
- Helvar Certified Partner
The DNA CENTRAL EUROPE s. r. o. is located in
Nehvizdy near Prague. It was established in 1993.
The company has been supporting the luminaire
manufacturers and wholesalers from its beginning.
Nowadays the company offers complete support in
the area of lighting solutions and provides wide range
of electrical component into luminaires. The strategy
of the company is build up on the Helvar’s luminaire
components, especially ballasts for fluorescent lamps.
DNA CENTRAL EUROPE s.r.o is Helvar Certified
Partner providing top quality support and service to
its clients in luminaire components. Lighting control
systems are another focus of the company. During the
last years DNA has accomplished various successfull
lighting control projects such as the Ontex distribution
centre.
16
News • 2 / 2011
from the sensor, commands are constantly
transmitted to the central control unit
during the day and night. On the basis of
the provided data the control unit issues
commands with the corresponding level
to the individual luminaire groups.
The contribution of daylight is used to
its maximum possible extent. The result
is that the luminaires only light to a level
required to compensate for the difference
between the required light level and the
value achieved through the contribution of
daylight.
CONCLUSION
The requirement for correct levels of
illumination throughout the complex is
always met without wasting energy. The
clever use of daylight considerably reduced
the required electricity consumption for
the lighting system. The combined use of
three solutions (replacement luminaires,
presence detection and the use of daylight)
and their unification to one functional
control system resulted in actual savings
of 80% compared to the original design.
The renewed lighting solution creates
50,000 CZK (ca. 2,000 EUR) monthly
savings that the investor can use for
other purposes. This project shows that
even a higher initial investment required
to purchase a lighting control system will
pay off in an acceptable time frame. In
buildings of a similar character the return
on investment is about two or three years.
At both ends of
each aisle presence
detectors ensure that
the lights go on only
in the aisles where
occupancy has been
detected.
2 / 2011 •
News
17
HELVAR - 90 YEARS OF
INNOVATION AND LEADERSHIP
Text: Helvar
Starting as a small agency Helvar has grown to be one of Europe’s most significant companies in its own
line of business being able to combine expertise in ballasts and lighting control in a unique way. 90 years
of innovation and leadership has shown that Helvar has always been a pioneer in new technologies and
internationality has been cornerstones since the very beginning. Let’s take a short look in the history of
Helvar – the background for our success today.
FIRST DECADES
Helvar was founded in Helsinki on 28th December 1921.
Its purpose was to handle import and export between
Finland and Poland. The name “Helvar” was made from
the first syllables of the capital cities.
“Helvar was founded in 1921 by employees of the
Polish embassy in Helsinki and Walter Greuling, my
grandmother’s father, and over time developed from
being based on the concept of importing Polish oil
into Finland a radio factory.” explains Philip Aminoff,
member of the board. Helvar was born as the era of
radio began. Soon there was a receiver in every home.
From the 1920’s onwards, Helvar was one of the Finnish
radio pioneers.
The first decade, 1921-1930, was the agency period.
For various reasons, trade between Finland and Poland
was not so successful, so the company obtained
agencies from elsewhere in Europe. In 1926, Helvar
began importing radio receivers just as the first radio
broadcasts in Finland began. The years 1930-1939
showed a remarkable development in the production of
radio sets. In 1937, Helvar was Finland’s largest radio
manufacturer, and in 1938 it opened its own factory in
Helsinki.
Philip Aminoff
The World War II interrupted the rapid expansion of
production. Between 1940-1950 the company was
concentrated on the supply of radio equipment to the
Finnish armed forces, and in payment of Finnish war
debts to the Soviet Union.
PRODUCTION OF ELECTRICAL
EQUIPMENT BEGINS
Lighting took a significant leap forward in the 1930s,
when the fluorescent lamp was developed in the United
States. But it was not until after the war, at the end of
the 1940s, that this type of lighting became common in
Finland, and in 1949 Helvar finally started production of
ballasts for fluorescent lamps.
In the 1950s, a ground-breaking new technology,
television, changed both the industry and its demands.
The first television broadcast in Finland was in 1956.
Helvar quickly adapted to the new technology and got
involved in the rapidly growing production of TV sets.
Soon television sets became the company’s main
production item.
In 1966, Helvar began production of lighting control
components, later expanding to include lighting control
systems for theatres and conference spaces. In 1968 Helvar
stopped making radio and television sets, while still continuing
the marketing business in this line.
At this time there were radical changes in the company’s
production. It meant passing from the traditional entertainment
production line to the production of only electrical equipment.
The production included ballasts, contactors and now also
light dimmers.
THE FORERUNNER FROM FINLAND
As a result of the eightfold growth in ballast production 19651975, Helvar built the most modern ballast factory in the
world, in Karkkila, in 1973. The high degree of automation,
the large production volumes, cost-effectiveness, reliable
products and professionally skilled staff, have all been key
factors in Helvar’s success over the years.
Thanks to the famous Helvar spirit, the factory is still one of
the most efficient in the world, as well as one of the largest in
Europe, as Philip Aminoff, also a member of the owner family,
relates: “I think the Helvar spirit has a lot to do with an ability
to work very fast with very limited resources. Many of our
competitors as electronics companies are ten or a hundred
times bigger but we’ve been able to really select where we
want to be and where we believe our customers want to be
and have managed that way. We have very dedicated staff in
several generations already, who have worked to ensure the
success of Helvar. So I think it’s very much a question of us
working together through out all of the organisation, and this is
felt by customers.”
In the beginning of the 1980s, electronic ballasts were added to
the product range. Helvar developed the world’s first dimmable
electronic ballast for fluorescent lamps. Electronic lighting
became more and more important and also the demand for
lighting control systems increased rapidly in the late 80s.
In 1982, Helvar gained the Finnish President’s export award, as
even at that time, exports accounted for 80% of turnover. As
the demand for lighting control systems grew, Helvar acquired
Electrosonic in 1990.
“Perhaps one thing that really forced Helvar to internationalise
was the acquisition of Electrosonic” adds Philip Aminoff. ”We
really had to learn to develop from being a local Finnish factory
to becoming an international player with product development
and sales all over the world. That was a big challenge but very
good for the long-term future of the company.”
On New Year’s Eve 1999 the Karkkila factory was badly
damaged by a fire caused by fireworks. Work to rebuild the
plant was started immediately and ballast production was
restarted in February 2000.
Helvar developed the world’s
first dimmable electronic ballast
for fluorescent lamps.
2 / 2011 •
News
19
THE LIGHTING (R)EVOLUTION
In 1999 Helvar played an active role in developing the new
standard for digitally addressable lighting, DALI, and the
new digital era in lighting began.
In 2000, Helvar was the first in the world to introduce the
slim electronic ballast range which was quickly adopted to
become the industry standard. A significant change was
the shift from producing not only single components, but
to produce complete systems to fill the needs of various
lighting applications.
Today Helvar is one of Europe’s most significant companies
in its field being able to combine expertise in ballasts and
lighting control in a unique way, due to its ambition to
produce innovative sustainable products and solutions.
Today the lighting business is facing unprecedented
technological change and luminaire manufacturers and
their partners need to adopt new technologies faster
than ever. Helvar has proven to be the trusted partner for
luminaire manufacturers who want to develop with the
times and offer their customers products and concepts to
meet the demand of energy efficient, high quality lighting.
Focus on customers, continuous investment in product
development, partners in Asia and successful supply
20
News • 2 / 2011
chain management have enhanced Helvar’s strong
growth. Besides versatile components for all kinds of light
sources, including LED’s, the lighting control systems play
an increasing and vital role in high-quality and efficient
lighting. Energy-efficiency requirements are fostering
innovations like intelligent energy monitoring and effective
lighting management systems.
Internationality and exports have been the cornerstones
of Helvar since the very beginning, and 97 % of today’s
sales are outside Finland. In spite of impressive growth
and technological development, the company still has
its original “Helvar spirit” – strong local pride, customer
closeness and first class industrial know-how.
Philip Aminoff explains: “Helvar has always been a pioneer
in new technology. In the 1960s we were amongst the
first in the world to launch dimmers based on thyristor
technology. In the 1980s we were the first in Europe to
launch dimmable electronic ballasts. We were really
the driver of the industry agreeing a digital standard for
the control of electronic ballasts, and we were the first
company to launch a full range of DALI lighting controls
and ballasts, that today are becoming the true standard in
lighting control for commercial lighting. And we’ll continue
to be in that role because it’s part of our history, and of
our future.”
PRODUCT NEWS
NEW 30W LED DRIVER PLATFORM
Helvar is expanding its existing 6 W and 20 W constant current
LED drivers with a new efficient 30 W platform. The 30 W
LED driver platform comprises a standard constant current
(LC1x30-E-CC), DALI dimmable (LC1x30-E-DA) and 1-10 V
dimmable (LC1x30-E-AN) version.
Ideal for meeting the stringent demands for indoor LED applications,
the range is designed for quick installation and long life (50 khrs).
The applications range from downlight, track lights and linear lights
in office, schools, hospitals and retail environments.
All 30 W drivers are enclosed in a familiar compact style mechanical
housing. The optional strain relief accessory (LC1x30-SR) allows
the drivers to be easily used as independent device outside the
luminaire.
All versions provide power with high efficiency (>0.86) to the LED
light source. The dimmable versions ensure reliable and smooth
dimming from 1 % to 100 %. The LED drivers are complemented
by a full and compatible range of Helvar controls and sensor
solutions, suitable for both luminaire based (μDim, iDim, MIMO3)
and networked applications (DIGIDIM).
Johan Stenberg / Helvar
Further exciting LED product developments are in the pipeline for
2012, showing Helvar’s continuous commitment to supporting
our luminaire manufacturers in making a successful transition in
to LED.
2 / 2011 •
News
21
PRODUCT NEWS
HELVAR SENSOR OFFERING
System Sensors
Sensors play an important role when talking about
maximum energy savings in lighting. Different types of
sensors not only create optimal lighting when and where
needed but also increase user comfort and safety.
The 311 Ceiling PIR Detector is a compact flush-mounted
ceiling unit containing sensors to provide energy saving
functions when used in a Helvar system. It contains a
passive infra-red detector (PIR) and an infra-red receiver
that allows the setting up of the sensor by the use of a
handheld 307 IR remote transmitter. Functioning as a
presence detector, the unit can turn lights on when a
room is occupied and off when the room is empty.
Helvar is widening its sensor offering and has sensors for
many different applications; to be added into luminaires
as stand alone sensors or to be used in larger lighting
systems.
Luminaire mounted sensors
The brand new MIMO 3 offers simple, automatic daylight
control of fluorescent luminaires. Designed to achieve
maximum energy savings in offices, schools, factories,
airports and shopping centres, MIMO3 is a cylindrical light
sensor that can be fitted direct to a luminaire casing or in
the case of the T5 or T8 version - retrofitted to existing
luminaires.
The sensor connects via an integrated cable to the control
input of Helvar 1-10 V controllable ballasts only.
The 313 Low Profile Microwave Detector is designed for
occupancy detection and automatic control of lighting
loads via a Helvar lighting control system. It detects
movement using its highly sensitive microwave detector
by emitting low power microwave signals and measuring
the reflections as the signals bounce off moving objects.
The 314 is a Tilting Microwave Detector that features
a unique adjustable sensor head to allow the area of
detection to be optimised for each particular application.
In a similar way to the 311, both the 313 and 314 can be
set-up using the 307 IR remote transmitter.
The 311, 313 and 314 are all used with Designer or
DIGIDIM Toolbox systems and software.
NEW DIGIDIM 454 DIMMER
Ideal for applications ranging from high-end homes
to hospitality and corporate installations, the new 454
trailing edge dimmer can be used with mains voltage
fixtures or those needing electronic transformers. Able to
satisfy the growing demand for quality dimmers for LED
lighting installations, the four channel dimmer is DIN rail
mounted and features an intuitive LED segment display
for maximum convenience and versatility. Each channel is
capable of controlling 2.2 A (500 W).
The dimmer supports capacitive and resistive loads and
can be connected to mains voltage lamps and also low
voltage lamps with electronic transformers. Each channel
of the dimmer has both current and thermal protection.
The 454 is a lighting system component which can be
used with either DIGIDIM or Designer systems.
22
News • 2 / 2011
Pictures: Johan Stenberg / Helvar
COMPACT BALLAST OFFERING
EXPANDING
Helvar has recently released new ballasts to fulfil the
compact ballast range for compact fluorescent lamps.
EL1/2x14TCs is new, multilamp operation ballast for PL-R
eco lamps. The ballast has all the superior features as the
previous EL-TCs ballasts; OCC cathode control, small
size and the top EEI classification A2BAT. Another ballast
in this range is the EL1/2x36/38TCs, which is suitable for
36 W TC-L/TC-F and 2D 38 W lamps. The EL-TCs range
covers now the majority of the 2D lamps versions.
Analogue dimming is the dominating control method
with down lighters. This is the easiest and most available
controlling system in the market. Helvar is now extending
the ballast offering to include also 1-10 VDC controllable
ballasts for the majority of the TC lamps. The ballasts are
the smallest in the market and they are suitable for use
in both single and twin lamp operation. The four different
EL-CHFC3 ballasts are released in sales.
The EL-iDim ballasts for T5 have been a success with
their A1BAT efficiency and extremely low stand-by power.
Earlier this year Helvar complemented the iDim range with
ballasts for compact lamps; the EL-iDim-c range. Now
the newest family member, EL2x26-42iDim-c, is also
released in sales. The EL-iDim-c ballast can be controlled
either with DALI or with Switch-Control.
uSee - ENERGY MONITORING AND
CONTROL SOFTWARE
In the last issue of Helvar News we promoted the new energy
monitoring and control software. System Hub was the name used
in the development of the product. It now has the product name
uSee. uSee is a software and hardware package with a range of
innovative features for lighting system management. Designed to
be used in conjunction with Helvar’s 910 and 920 Routers, uSee
uses graphical layouts that display real-time energy use and light
level settings that can be monitored and adjusted to suit conditions.
The system is fully compatible with a wide range of interfaces
including iPad and Android smart phone. uSee can be used in many
applications such as education, hotels, offices, retail, healthcare
and arenas to offer the user the benefit of managing their lighting
system in a simple and intuitive way.
2 / 2011 •
News
23
Helvar Offices
www.helvar.com
Helvar has representatives all over the world.
For additional information, please visit www.helvar.com
Head Office,
Finland
Helvar Oy Ab
Yrittäjäntie 23
FI-03600 Karkkila
Tel: +358 9 5654 1
Fax: +358 9 5654 9600
United Kingdom
Helvar Ltd
Hawley Mill
Hawley Road
Dartford
Kent, DA2 7SY
Tel: +44 1322 2222 11
Fax: +44 1322 2822 16
Germany
Italy
Helvar GmbH
Philipp-Reiss-Str.4-8
63150 Heusenstamm
Helvar S.r.l.
Via W-Tobagi 26/1
IT-20068 Peschiera Borromeo (MI)
Tel.: +49 6104 79075-0
Fax: +49 6104 7807523
Tel: +39 02 5530 1033
Fax: +39 02 5530 1032
Hungary
Sweden
Helvar Kft.
Lomb u. 31/b.
HU-1139 Budapest
Helvar AB
Åsögatan 155
SE-116 32 Stockholm
Tel: +36 1 2393 136
or +36 1 2380 948
Fax: +36 1 2393 145
Tel: +46 8 5452 3970
Fax: +46 8 2231 81
France
China
Helvar Bureaux France
12 Allée Joséphine de Beauharnais
FR-95320 Saint-Leu-la-Forêt
Helvar Lighting (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.
15F International Building,
2 Suhua Road, SIP, Suzhou,
215021, China
Tel: +33 1 3418 1281
Fax: +33 1 3418 0880
Tel.: + 86 512 6763 3078
Fax: + 86 512 6763 3079
Russia
Representative Office of Helvar Oy Ab
Sadovnicheskaya naberezhnaya 79
Moscow, 115035
Tel: +7 495 728 82 91
Paper used on this product is manufactured according to
ISO 14001 and millwork reported according to EMAS.