In a significant move towards enhancing smart urban infrastructure, the DALI Alliance (DALI), TALQ Alliance (TALQ), and Zhaga Alliance (Zhaga) have officially joined forces to define and streamline international lighting standards. This collaboration aims to simplify data flows in smart streetlight systems, offering public and private entities a clearer path to making informed investments in their lighting infrastructure.
DALI specializes in developing digital lighting control specifications based on the IEC 62386 standard, with its widely recognized certification programs including DALI-2, D4i, and DALI+. These programs ensure that lighting components can seamlessly integrate and communicate, driving innovation in digital lighting control.
TALQ contributes by establishing global standards for outdoor lighting systems, promoting standardized interface protocols that connect various outdoor devices. Recently, TALQ has expanded its standards to encompass other smart city applications, including waste management, smart transportation, and environmental monitoring, through its Smart City Protocol.
Zhaga focuses on creating interface specifications for LED light source components, ensuring compatibility among various manufacturers. This promotes innovation and flexibility in the LED lighting market, enabling diverse solutions that meet the needs of modern urban environments.
The partnership between DALI, TALQ, and Zhaga seeks to streamline data exchange, providing a comprehensive solution for communication and control in smart streetlight applications. By exploring unified data flow solutions, the alliance aims to align their respective specifications with the demands of outdoor lighting control systems.
Paul Drosihn, General Manager of the DALI Alliance, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating, “The D4i certification program is key in integrating streetlights into smart city applications, promoting interoperability, sustainability, and essential data collection for asset management and diagnostics. Working with Zhaga and TALQ, we are laying the groundwork for a resilient infrastructure in smart cities.”
Simon Dunkley, Secretary General of the TALQ Alliance, echoed this sentiment, noting that collaboration with DALI and Zhaga is a natural progression. He emphasized that improved standards for street lighting will lead to more sustainable investment decisions for cities and operators alike.
Heinrich Thye, Secretary General of Zhaga, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “By joining forces, we are advancing towards a more connected and efficient future for smart lighting, ensuring our ambitions are unified and focused on driving interoperability.”
This collaboration marks a pivotal step in the unification of global smart outdoor lighting standards. By creating interoperable solutions, the three alliances aim to reduce complexity for manufacturers and municipalities, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and efficient urban future. As smart cities continue to evolve, the integration of innovative lighting solutions will play a crucial role in enhancing urban environments, improving safety, and promoting sustainability.
Through this partnership, DALI, TALQ, and Zhaga are not only setting a precedent for future collaborations but also laying the groundwork for the smart city infrastructure of tomorrow.
