TwisTHDM`s LiMeLigHT

TwistHDM’s LimeLight™
technology paying dividends
for parking structure owners
The installation of energy-saving lighting technology by
the University of Michigan has reduced electrical costs by
68 percent in its first year of operation. The state-of-the-art
technology was developed by TwistHDM, a division of Holland,
Michigan based Twisthink, which provides strategic design
and technology expertise to a wide variety of industries.
The smart technology lighting
system is called LimeLight™. A
sustainable and safer way to
produce more efficient lighting, it combines high density mesh
(HDM) wireless and advanced luminaire technologies that
allows two-way communications to continually monitor and
adjust parking garage light levels. The computerized system,
which also handles maintenance issues, is designed to save on
costs and increase profitability while providing safe lighting for
users at night.
The university has saved about $32,000 in energy costs at its
Hill Street parking structure, located next to the Stephen N.
Ross School of Business on its Ann Arbor campus. The savings
is equal to the amount of power needed for 16 average
households for one year, and the carbon reduction alone was
equivalent to removing 46 automobiles from the road.
A new lighting system at another university parking structure
on Thayer Street may yield similar results. Installed in late
2011, the early numbers indicate a 31 percent reduction in the
first five months of operation. First year projected savings are
expected to be nearly 70 percent.
The Hill Street structure was selected as the first test site
for LimeLight when the old lighting system was ready for
replacement. The previous lighting fixtures used 250 watts of
electricity compared to LimeLight, which requires less than
half of the energy amount used by employing a 102-watt
fluorescent fixture.
LimeLight lighting fixtures and the computerized system that
gauges the energy used.
How LimeLight works
Limelight technology used in the Hill Street parking structure at
the University of Michigan has allowed the university to reduce
electrical costs by nearly 70 percent.
“New systems and technologies for sustainable lighting,
particularly in parking facilities, are emerging rapidly,”
explained Diane DeLaTorre, associate director for parking
operations and maintenance. “Based on what we have
learned, we are excited to expand use of these technologies
to achieve energy and operational savings at existing and new
facilities, as they are developed.”
Ensuring safety at every turn
A recent study indicated that 6.5 billion kilowatt hours are
wasted on parking garage lighting. That amounts to over $2
million per day, or in excess of $730 million annually. Thus,
the demand for safe, well-lit parking structure environments is
expected to grow.
“Our system works just like it would for a homeowner with
a motion detector sensor that turns on outdoor lights, only
on a much larger scale. The parking garage lights can be
programmed to follow a set schedule during the day, while
reacting immediately to the motion sensors at night, said Bob
Niemiec, Twisthink’s managing partner.
LimeLight engages a group of lighting fixtures that illuminate
to full power as soon as customers enter the facility. This
provides a safe and inviting visual experience year-round, and
a sense of security like never before.
With a motion sensor in every fixture, LimeLight safeguards
the entire structure and warrants that if a customer enters
or exits the garage at anytime, the system will light the way.
Fixture grouping allows an entire row or floor to illuminate
on demand once motion is detected at entry point. As cars
leave the facility, the floor path the vehicle travels will light up
A parking patron enters the third floor to retrieve their
vehicle, illuminating the entire floor upon entering.
As the patron exits the garage, the luminaires on the next level
illuminate to full power before the vehicle makes the turn.
well ahead of time, escorting the patron through the facility.
Patrons experience a seamless and 100 percent uniformly
illuminated space, unaware of the behind-the-scenes controls.
“If there is no further activity, the lights turn off after five
minutes and the cycle begins again only when someone else is
entering or leaving the structure,” remarked Niemiec.
The flexibility of LimeLight makes it attractive in the
marketplace, which currently is being used in 15 states. A
unique feature is its ability to use the gateway’s Ethernet
connection to obtain local temperature readings. Every
30 minutes, the Temperature Guardrail program monitors
changes in temperature conditions. If outdoor temps reach
extreme levels, LimeLight controlled luminaires can be
programmed to decrease drive currents and light output to
preserve the life of the luminaire and its electrical components.
“LimeLight is a very environmentally conscious system that
reduces the demand on natural resources,” sums up Niemiec.
“As more businesses and companies are faced with budget
constraints, we have a green and practical solution that
addresses and solves many agenda items.”
About Twisthink
Formed in 2001 and located in Holland, Michigan, Twisthink
LLC provides a total team approach to new product
development with the science of design – the art of
technology. From housewares and healthcare to commercial
and industrial applications, the company is known for
funneling the innovation process toward strategically sound
solutions. Complementing its industrial design talents are
experienced engineering capabilities for wireless technology,
signal processing, motor control and embedded systems. For
more information, visit www.twisthink.com