LED light towers focus on performance and efficiency

A light emitting diode (LED) tower range that aims to combine performance, efficiency and low operational costs is seen as an ideal solution for applications in the construction, roadworks, mining, quarrying and public events sectors.

Atlas Copco’s HiLight range of LED light towers include the B5+, V3+ , H4 and H5+ units, as well as the recently introduced Z3+ battery-operated unit.

The range has been specifically developed for industries that require reliable lighting systems to ensure operational uptime when working after dark on construction, quarry or industrial sites or at outdoor events in both rural and urban areas or where extended working hours are required to meet deadlines.

The features of the range include:

• Specially designed directional optics manufactured from glass to offer the correct and optimum light distribution.
• Light towers with aluminium castings that are designed to provide heavy duty protection and ruggedness during transportation, making the units suited to tough environments. The steel frame is fitted with PE bumpers, manufactured to the same standards as the HardHat Canopy, for increased protection of all internal parts.
• The LED’s high colour rendering index score represents colours better than standard metal halide lamps, aimed at providing enhanced lighting with the power of a full day and zero shadows, for increased safety.

The heavy duty IP67 rated LED lamps have a life expectancy or lamp durability of over 30 000 hours. The fully directional capability of the LED lenses is designed to provide maximum light distribution, reducing lighting waste.

The HiLight V3+ LED 4 x 120 W electric light tower and the Z3+ battery-operated floodlights have a high luminosity lamp assembly of 4 x 160 W LEDs, with a 10 lux average, and deliver light distribution over a 3 000 m2 illumination. The H5+ unit features a 20 lux average and up to 5 000 m2 lighting coverage.

The company asserts that the efficient LED technology of its HiLight range delivers substantial savings per unit a year, especially when compared to a metal halide tower. In addition, Atlas Copco points out that the lithium-ion batteries used in its Z3+ units offer a number of advantages compared to lead-acid and gel battery types, such as a life expectancy of 50 000 hours, or a lifetime of 6 000 cycles, that is equivalent to six times more than alternative technologies, with the batteries delivering up to 20% more depth of discharge and three times more energy density.

The company further affirms the superior fuel efficiency offered by its LED towers compared to other models in the industry, stating that the smart design of its light towers boasts one of the lowest fuel consumptions in the market with savings of up to 1 500 l of fuel a year. The V3+ model can also use Atlas Copco iP and P generators as a power source, which is seen as particularly useful in remote locations where there is no access to grid power, or in the event of a power failure.

The HiLight range is said to have a compact footprint that boosts fleet efficiency by facilitating transport, portability and installation, with a user-friendly plug and light configuration. 

The company explains that the design of its light towers focusses on ensuring operator and worker safety and the mast and winch were subjected to a stress test of 1 000 cycles. The mast carries wind-stable certification up to 80 km/h at a maximum operating height of 8 m. The H5+ and B5+ feature an automatic rise/lower safety mast system which allows for automatic extension and lowering of the mast as well as the automatic switching on and off of floodlights. In addition, the super-silent light towers, measuring as low as 55 dBA at 7 m, contribute to a more comfortable working environment. The range is said to operate optimally in temperatures ranging from -20 °C to 50 °C.

Maintenance is facilitated with the assurance of easy-access components and a 600-hour service interval. All units also have a spillage-free frame, aimed at preventing environmental contamination.