Helsinki Airport’s Casambi-controlled lighting system

Air traffic involves a global network of thousands of operators. Seamless collaboration is required, to ensure that travelling by air remains safe, easy, and hassle-free. To this end, Finavia is committed to continuous development and maintenance of its facilities.

Terminal 1’s old lighting technology had become outdated: the mercury vapour lamps that had long served as light sources were no longer available, and its luminaires had no adjustment systems. Also, the mercury vapour lamps had poor colour rendering properties, leaving the colours looking unnatural and flat. The goal was to find a reliable, high-quality general lighting solution with a wireless control system and long service life for the parts of Terminal 1 with a high ceiling, the maintenance corridors on the bottom floor, and the corridors connecting terminals T1 and T2. In addition, the area of gates 31 a–e at Terminal 2 was renovated. The goal of the renovation project was to enhance the system’s adjustment options, energy-efficiency, and results related to colour rendering and light quality.

A smart, flexible, and reliable system

Airam offered a complete solution utilising luminaires with a long service life. Suitable lighting fixtures for all applications could be found in Airam’s Casambi Ready range. For Finavia, reliability was high on the list of priorities. Casambi operates via a smart Bluetooth mesh network in which each device both receives and transmits information. As the luminaires are independently connected, a single device suffering a fault does not result in the entire network crashing.

Casambi can be used to time and dim luminaires and to switch them on and off individually, or, alternatively, luminaires can be controlled in groups. The wireless Casambi system is compatible with numerous control mechanisms, involving smartphones, tablet computers, light switches, and motion and presence sensors.

Light sensors that ensure optimal lighting conditions

Airport terminals need optimal illumination 24/7, all year round, without wasting energy. At Helsinki Airport, this was achieved with Casambi light sensors that dim the artificial lighting at times when sunlight pours in through the terminal’s large windows. The level of general lighting is kept at a moderate level in the vicinity of gates, not only to ensure a cosy, calm atmosphere but also to highlight the commercial spaces, which all have store-specific lighting solutions in line with their brand guidelines.

Ergonomic, glare-free light

For the corridors connecting terminals T1 and T2 and the area of gates 31 a–e at T2, a suitable wireless solution was found in the modular Plata luminaires. These luminaires equipped with microprism diffusers were installed in a false ceiling to generate pleasant, glare-free lighting conditions. With their superior colour rendering properties and colour temperature of 4,000 K, the luminaires lend the areas a fresh, bright appearance.

Futura Tech luminaires from Airam’s Casambi Ready range were selected for Finavia’s civil-defence shelter at the airport. The luminaires in this range are designed for industrial facilities, warehouses, and parking halls, and they are also suitable for unheated spaces. In another part of the project, the facility’s maintenance corridors were equipped with low-profile Casambi-controlled Optimus luminaires with steel frames and 4,000 K LED lamps.

Reduced installation and energy costs

The wireless Casambi control system contributed to lower installation and energy costs as the old, non-adjustable lighting system was replaced with a state-of-the-art adjustable solution. Airam’s Highbay industrial luminaires offered an ideal solution for the terminal’s high, open spaces. Thanks to the wireless control system, there was no need to install cables for control technology, and the luminaires were easy to mount on existing conductor rails. At Terminal 1, the old 125 W mercury vapour lamps – 384 lamps in all – were replaced with 150 W Highbay LED luminaires. At the airport, these efficient high-bay luminaires are used at only 25% of their full capacity, which saves energy and extends the system’s service life. In the landside area of the airport, the lighting technology was upgraded and the number of luminaires was halved. Even though there are now fewer lighting fixtures in the area, the light quality is significantly better.

The renovation of the lighting system at Helsinki Airport’s Terminal 1 was finished in spring 2019. ‘The new lighting system helped us reduce our energy costs considerably. We managed to cut our energy consumption by 75%,’ explains Finavia maintenance manager Ari Liukkonen, adding: ‘Good lighting conditions improve comfort and enhance the customer experience while creating a pleasant atmosphere.’

The key role of project sales support services

Liukkonen praises Airam’s highly qualified sales staff, product development team, and support services personnel for great teamwork and an excellent attitude to service provision. In addition to commissioning of Casambi systems and related training, Airam’s project sales support services include project-specific energy savings and DIALux calculation services. To make the most of Airam’s services, the customer should invite the team to assist as early as possible.