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Astronomical clock: control public lighting efficiently
The astronomical clock is a key tool for local authorities, automatically controlling public lighting according to the natural cycles of the sun. A precise clock, such as those from BH Technologies, reduces energy costs, improves service quality and makes interventions safer, while offering real energy efficiency benefits. This guide explains how it works, its advantages and best practices for integrating it into your fleet.
What is an astronomical clock and what is it used for?
Unlike a conventional programmable clock, an astronomical clock does not rely on a simple timer. It calculates automatically les heures de lever et de coucher du soleil en fonction de la latitude et de la longitude de la commune. Cela garantit un déclenchement optimal de l’éclairage public, sans décalage saisonnier.
The benefits are immediate:
- Energy savings thanks to adjusted lighting duration.
- Fewer reprogramming interventions.
- Improved night-time safety for residents.
Astronomical clock: how does the automatic control system work?
Understanding the mechanism step by step
An astronomical clock adjusts the lighting switch-on and switch-off times according to sunrise and sunset.
It takes into account:
- latitude and longitude,
- seasonal variations,
- the number of people visiting the place,
- possibly custom rules for specific events or areas.
The advantages of autopilot
Autopilot enables:
- to reduce energy consumption,
- to avoid unnecessary manual interventions,
- to ensure consistent and reliable lighting throughout the year.
This gives local authorities greater operational efficiency and peace of mind.
Innovations in BH Technologies astronomical clocks
Astronomical precision and proven reliability
The astronomical clocks de BH Technologies utilisent un algorithme propriétaire de calcul astronomique très précis. Elles se synchronisent automatiquement avec l’heure légale (passage été/hiver) et ajustent les horaires d’allumage à la minute près. Leur conception repose sur des composants industriels haute durabilité, garantissant une longévité supérieure à dix ans sans dérive notable. Chaque appareil est testé individuellement en usine pour garantir une fiabilité maximale, même en conditions extrêmes (–25 °C à +55 °C).
Full IoT connectivity and integration
Contrairement à la majorité des horloges concurrentes, les modèles de BH Technologies peuvent être intégrés dans un écosystème IoT complet. Grâce à leur compatibilité avec Luce, elles permettent un pilotage à distance et une télégestion en temps réel. Les réglages peuvent être mis à jour via les réseaux Lorawan, GSM ou LTE-M, sans déplacement sur site. Cette connectivité bidirectionnelle simplifie la maintenance et offre une vision complète du réseau d’éclairage.
An easy-to-install astronomical clock
Les horloges astronomiques de BH Technologies sont pensées pour être ergonomiques et rapides à installer. La mise en service se fait en quelques minutes et l’horloge calcule instantanément les horaires.
Tangible benefits thanks to astronomical clocks
Adaptation to local needs
Municipalities can adjust lighting according to:
- traffic in the areas,
- temporary events,
- road and pedestrian safety.
Cost reduction and energy savings
A well-calibrated astronomical clock can reduce electricity consumption for public lighting by up to 20–40%.
Interventions are less frequent because schedules are adjusted automatically.
Move on to fleet supervision with connected astronomical clocks
Integration with remote management platforms enables:
- to programme public lighting throughout the year,
- manage exceptional programmes,
- to anticipate interventions,
- generate consumption and performance reports,
- to extend the service life of the luminaires.
For instance: Radiolite 4XX enables fleet monitoring via Luce when connected to the monitoring module BH Gate.
Astronomical clocks are a lever for efficiency for local authorities
The astronomical clock transforms street lighting into a smart and economical tool.
It enables local authorities to reduce costs, optimise management and secure maintenance.
With a well-planned rollout, the community moves from manual, reactive management to proactive, accurate and sustainable management.
Contact us for a demo of our astronomical clocks.
