Unveiled at the Light + Building show in Frankfurt, Germany, the new Orus luminaire from Thorn is set to challenge conventional road lighting practice.
It’s a new road lighting concept which, for the first time, puts a compact low wattage metal halide lamp in a special bi-directional optic. The result is phenomenal: a unique light distribution; excellent uniformity with no glare; low energy; and - above all – a mounting height of 0.9m, which is under the horizontal line of sight of most passenger vehicles.
Although intended primarily for use on bridges, around airports and locations facing extreme weather conditions Orus can also meet the requirements of areas where obtrusive light, structural fragility or maintenance difficulties are a concern.
Outstanding feature of the luminaire is its unique ‘FlatBeam®’ asymmetric optic. This is optimised for 8 to 15m spacings and complies with EN 13201, using either a single-sided or twin opposite layout. It is impact resistant and sealed to IP66.
In developing this new unit Thorn Lighting has taken the initiative in what is probably the only logical progression in the development of metal halide lamps road lighting optics. Hitherto lighting engineers have had to use high columns, which can range between 6 to 14 metres or more. With a road lighting system at only 0.9m – the advantages are obvious. No columns are required, maintenance costs are greatly reduced and motorist safety enhanced.
This is another triumph for the Lighting Application Centre at Les Andelys, France who has achieved world-renown for their work on advanced airfield landing light products. The concept is a result of extensive research involving optical design, theoretical and simulated photometry and road testing of prototypes. The product will be available later in 2006.