In total 2000 white Luxeon Star LEDs were used to light the Spire, creating a light output of 2000 candela in all directions and a structure that can be seen from up to 15 miles away. Leda-Lite used specially designed optics to create 360° of light around the aviation light. By turning the optics 90° the lighting solution spreads light down the entire length of the spire, emitting it through 11,000 perforated holes along the structure's aluminium core. These holes allow the architectural light to shine through, while in a breeze the slight swaying of the spire allows the lighting to sparkle through the holes, creating a twinkling effect that extends across the city. Made with polished stainless steel tubes totaling 126 tons, the Spire is made up of six sections reaching a total of 125m and was completed using the largest crane ever operated in Ireland.
LEDs bring a range of benefits - in particular they have significant advantages in terms of longevity. With a lifetime of over 10 years, the use of Luxeon LEDs will minimize the maintenance costs associated with the Dublin Spire, while the low power requirements provide the spire with an energy efficient lighting solution. Replacement of the light sources in the tower would be difficult, as access is just about impossible due to the spires tall narrow design. The lighting solution was developed as a twisting design, with the LEDs positioned on a wire rope running up the centre of the Spire. This is operated by a pulley system positioned at the top of the tower, over which the rope is looped. The system is operated from a main control panel, managing both the cable feeding the lighting and the wire rope that raises and lowers the lights. Power is supplied from units at ground level, only 48V is fed up the Spire, and because of the configuration for controlling the LEDs there is no concern over voltage drop. The LED light sources are mounted on an aluminium core with specially designed facets machined into it securing them and their lens holders.
Richard J Deal, managing director for Leda-Lite, said: "Our brief was to create an eye-catching light solution for both aviation and architectural lighting, and to achieve this we wanted to use light in an unusual and powerful way. At night, the Spire's stainless steel surface resembles the sky with hundreds of stars, while in the daytime, under bright sunlight, it has an unreal look more like a computer simulation." Created as part of an architectural competition to replace Nelson's Pillar, which was destroyed in 1966, the Dublin Spire is the only Luxeon lit tower in Ireland. The Spire and its innovative lighting have received a huge amount of interest from the local community, with the landmark now recognized as a major attraction for the city.
Mark van den Berg, European marketing manager for Lumileds, added: "This is a major project for the city of Dublin and we are delighted that Leda-Lite chose to work with Luxeon to create such an innovative light solution. The Spire demonstrates the flexibility and power of LED technology and shows that the opportunities for creative lighting design are endless."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
