TRILUX equips the Varo logistics centre with 1000 E-Line LED – 60% energy savings achieved

The VARO logistics depot in the Belgian town of Lier is the dream of any handyman – the 24,000 square metres of floor space accommodates almost any tool you can think of. Whether it's drills, alley keys or hedge clippers, from this location they find their way into the world's DIY centres. 

To avoid errors during selecting or picking, VARO places its trust in a new LED continuous line system from TRILUX that operates not only without glare and with high reliability, but also with extreme efficiency. The old system was responsible for a major part of energy costs in the hall, with power consumption between 250 and 400 watts. For its lighting refurbishment project VARO thus targeted a solution featuring high levels of light quality and energy efficiency. The E-Line LED from TRILUX provided the best benefits.

High efficiency levels, simple mounting and short amortisation periods are just some of the outstanding characteristics of this very adaptable continuous line system. The deciding factor however mainly consisted of a familiar toy figure. "We equipped a logistics depot with highly similar demands with the E-Line LED in Herrenried," explained TRILUX Managing Director Willem Dammers. "Following on-site inspection, the VARO managers were agreed – E-Line is also their lighting solution."

Around 1,000 LED luminaires make up the continuous line system that now illuminates aisles, halls and workstations in the logistics centre. A luminous intensity of 200 lux was specified for the peripheral areas, loading zones and surfaces have up to 350 lux, and workstations for precision work are illuminated with 500 lux. With ceiling heights of 12 metres and situations where employees go from larger areas to tighter racking aisles, a combination of narrow and narrow-wide distribution E-Line luminaires was ideal, enabling uniform, glare-free lighting while minimising shadows.

The lighting is supplemented by a light management system, and motion sensors in the warehouse and aisles automatically switch luminaires with occupancy. The light group in the loading zone is controlled according to levels of daylight, and special sensors register the ingress and level of natural light, adding only that component of light needed to achieve the desired lighting level.

Using a light management system further increases the energy efficiency of the E-Line, which certainly pays, as explained by Varo Head of Procurement Nico de Troyer. "We're extremely satisfied with the result of the TRILUX lighting solution, and our total energy costs have been cut by almost 60%. This means that we save around two thirds of total energy consumption with the new lighting." Added to this are further savings due to simple maintenance and a 50,000 operating hour lifespan, with almost uniformly high luminous efficacy.

The quality of light was also significantly improved thanks to the refurbishment project. "The workforce gave us much positive feedback, and the LED light of the E-Line is found to be pleasantly natural. The uniform and glare-free illumination of all work areas also contributes to significantly improved visual comfort," stated TRILUX Managing Director Willem Dammers about upgrading to bright, natural lighting levels.