The OSRAM subsidiary Siteco has installed the world's first HDTV (High Definition Television)-compliant sport lighting with LED technology in the ratiopharm multifunctional arena in Ulm, Germany. Siteco developed the LED floodlight system with modular construction in cooperation with the general contractor and operator Max Bögl. A total of 300 LED floodlights were installed in the arena for the playing area, tribune and stairwell lighting.

Optimal light for super slow motion
The primary tenants of the location are the ratiopharm Ulm basketball federal league players that host their home games in the new multifunctional arena. This is why it was important to fulfill the demands of the FIBA (Fédération Internationale de Basketball) for HDTV-compliant broadcasting of basketball matches. In addition to a vertical illuminance value of 2000 lux, high homogeneity and good colour rendering are also important. At the same time, spectators both in the arena and at home must be able to easily recognise contrasts. Hard shadowing and glare for the players and spectators had to be avoided.

In addition, the LED floodlight offers HDTV-compliant light for high speed recordings and super slow motion. In such cases 300 frames per second are often used for sport broadcasting. With conventional lighting, pulse flickering of the lamps can be seen, but this is not the case with the LED floodlight, as proven by the practical test conducted on the Siteco luminaires by the TV production company PLAZAMEDIA in Ismaning, Germany. The result: the high-speed recordings are flicker-free even at 1000 frames under Siteco's LED lighting. (Video: http://www.siteco.com/uploads/tx_usersitecodownloads/Fluter_SD.wmv)

Flexible lighting control
The location is also used as an address for hosting events, concerts, fairs and much more. This universal use places high demands on the flexibility of the lighting, because with events, other lighting situations and lower lighting levels are usually needed compared to the television broadcasting of basketball games.

The individual control capability of the Siteco LED floodlight via DMX (Digital Multiplex) ensures enormous flexibility and enables both event-based lighting and stepless dimming according to requirements. This means that only as much power is used as light is needed.

The savings potential of LED
According to the FIBA standard, 2000 lx in the vertical is specified for match conditions, but for training purposes, setting up or construction, 500 lx horizontal illuminance is sufficient. Significantly more than a third of energy is saved according to the specific lighting situation. Dimming improves the economy of the installation, as less energy input means lower electricity costs and a longer system service life.

The LED floodlights thus enable especially energy-efficient and economic illumination of the multifunctional arena, in particular when compared to conventional light sources such as 1000 watt HIT projectors (metal halide lamps). With comparable illumination under match conditions, the LED solution enables more than a third of energy to be saved compared to conventional lighting.

The cost efficiency of the LED system can be illustrated both with energy savings and the reduction of maintenance costs, because while the operating life of conventional lamps is between 4,000 and 8,000 hours, the durability of the LED floodlights in the multifunctional hall is designed for 50,000 hours, or between 25 and 30 years. Relamping or replacing luminaires is thus no longer required. If the energy and maintenance costs of a conventional system are compared to the LED solution, the operating company of the ratiopharm arena saves a five-digit amount in euros.

Lighting solutions from a single supplier
As well as LED floodlights, Siteco supplied a wide range of innovative LED light solutions for other building sections as well. Around 100 Streetlight 10 LED's illuminate the outdoor areas. This outdoor LED luminaire has been designed according to maximum efficiency and light effects; a purist, functional design comes together with high power LEDs and outstanding optics. The Streetlight 10 LED luminaire heads are partly mounted to masts of 12 metres in height for parking facility lighting or to the facade of the ratiopharm arena. 

Approximately 700 Lunis 2 LED downlights in the hallways, foyers and VIP areas ensure pleasant, efficient general lighting. Novaluna recessed luminaires have also been installed in the offices of the multifunctional arena. And Siteco light can also of course be found in the many, diverse ancillary rooms, such as around 400 Monsun damp-proof luminaires in the roofed car parks and utility rooms.

Photos: Guido Erbring