Zumtobel unveils DC version of its Tecton for renewable installs

Austrian lighting giant Zumtobel has introduced a direct current version of its best-selling Tecton continuous row lighting system.
It’s believed to the first time a major lighting brand has produced a DC variant.
The DC variant is aimed at commercial, industrial and retail installations where renewable power is generated on site.
Using direct current avoids all the losses associated with converting power to AC and then back again to DC.
The company reckons the new Tecton DC can add an extra 4 per cent energy saving.
However, as fluctuations in the mains voltage with renewable sources can never be eliminated, the Tecton DC can be fitted with a battery buffer and an emergency light function to ensure continuous illumination whatever happens.
Like the alternating current version, Tecton DC also offers the option of power tapping along the entire length of the continuous row.
Existing Tecton installations can be converted to DC by replacing the ballast with a DC-compatible driver but leaving the track in place.
Tecton is popular in factories as it can be continued to over 50 metres all powered from one connection.
Zumtobel says that energy-intensive industrial sectors can look forward to up to four per cent additional energy savings with the direct current version.
The Tecton DC also delivers real-time data on lighting performance and power consumption based on the DALI-2 and D4i standards.
As a member of the Open Direct Current Alliance (ODCA), Zumtobel works with other stakeholders from industry, science, and research to develop a future-proof power grid based on direct current.
As well as industrial plants, retailers are experimenting with DC grids. Brands such as Carrefour and MaxMara have trialled stores with DC infrastructure. Louis Vuitton is using DC microgids for its lighting at 40 of its newer stores in both Europe and China.

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