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Clifton Suspension Bridge Mock-up

Connor Felstead • 24 March 2023

Clifton Suspension Bridge lighting project

Background

The historic Clifton Suspension bridge required modernising from a lighting standpoint, from temperamental dated fittings to new RGBW devices. The project is planned to be completed in 2024, and is currently in mock-up stage.

Challenge

As with any older building, let alone one opened in 1864, older technologies of lights and similar that have been installed eventually fail and fall behind the times. The challenge here involves implementing on an interesting topology all the while allowing the bridge to modernise with RGBW devices, or varying control parameters built to last.

Solution

To achieve the best lighting control, a mix of Dali and DMX was implemented. This allowes a more eclectic range of lighting manufactures and lights to be available. With the topology of the bridge, and the infrequent suitable positioning of Mymesh devices, the Tango aerial has been utilised maximising range and connection, while using the limited places available.

An independent lighting control package and software was developed to allow transitional scheduling with a repeating feature to allow the bridge to be displayed for a variety of events in a variety of colours, 16,777,216 to be precise.

Benefits

The new DMX devices allow the mesh to speak a variety of languages allowing all fittings on site to be in sync with one another when needed- or work independently when required. The implementation of the Tango allows more flexibility and less wiring work when it comes to establishing the mesh throughout the bridge.

With the implementation of the mesh, when it comes to fault finding and diagnosing any faults- it becomes much easier to repair and fix first time. With wired alternatives, the chance of finding the exact element of a circuit requiring the attention needed is significantly reduced.

The scheduling will allow the bridge to be themed in colours when required, and remotely turn off lights when possible, to maximise energy savings over the year, and turn lights on when required for safety reasons.