Case study: J.Murphy & Sons Limited Hydrogen Fuel Cell Lighting

J. Murphy & Sons Limited is carrying out HS2 utility diversion works at Harefield on behalf of a gas distribution company. The project involves relocating high pressure gas mains to allow for the construction of the tunnel mouth and viaduct in the area for the new line.

Project Summary 

Harefield is surrounded by nature reserves, residential and industrial spaces, therefore the site is environmentally sensitive. Murphy set themselves an objective to look for ways to deliver the best possible site in terms of environmental footprint including emissions, noise and impact of vehicle movement. It was recognised that the lighting for security and access areas needed to run quietly, use clean air fuel and cause the minimal amount of disturbance to wildlife and the surrounding environment possible.

Beth Dale, Murphy’s Site Manager contacted TCP Ltd (Taylor Construction Plant) about its hydrogen fuel cell lighting solutions. Murphy had used the lights previously for night bridge repairs in a residential area so were aware of the benefits. Beth explained to Simon Meades, TCP Ecolite Product Manager, about the environmental issues including their objective of reducing vehicle movement.

The solution 

The hire of the Ecolite LED Hydrogen Fuel Cell Lighting Tower was recommended together with gas cages - when connected by a manifold the run time of the product would be doubled providing continuous operation of 4 weeks. By giving Murphy these extra resources, vehicle movement associated with the delivery and renewal of the cylinders would be less frequent. Training was also suggested so that workers onsite could change the cylinders themselves. Because there is no risk of fuel spill storing the cylinders onsite was also possible.

Further data about the lights was required by Murphy due to wildlife concerns. It was imperative that the lights emitted minimal ultra violet light, that they peaked higher than 550nm and that white and blue wavelengths of the light spectrum were avoided to reduce insect attraction. It was also a requirement that the lights should be of a warm / neutral colour temperature of 4200 kelvin.

Information was provided to prove the hydrogen fuel lighting solution met all the requirements. TCP hydrogen lighting solutions are LED and therefore do not emit UV. The LED’s have also been carefully selected to operate in the middle of the colour spectrum (between 3500K – 5000K) and the lights peak at 590nm. Another unique advantage is the use of Prismatic Lens technology to produce known light patterns. This would enable Murphy’s site team to direct light onto the required area without causing unnecessary light pollution.

The system also operates within the mesopic range on the spectrum and produces light similar to lunar light instead of replicating white light like many other mobile and task lighting solutions. In addition, putting light through the prismatic lens reduces harmful unwanted glare, further protecting the environment and wildlife.

The results 

With this information coupled with the knowledge that the lights were virtually silent in operation and had zero CO2 emissions, Murphy was satisfied that the hydrogen light towers provided the best solution for the environmentally sensitive site. There are now eight Ecolite hydrogen light towers in operation at the Harefield site and the hire contract will continue Spring 2019.

“Murphy’s Ecolites are being used in an environmentally sensitive site in Harefield, as part of utility diversion works,” explains Beth Dale, Site Manager from Murphy. “The lights help us reduce noise on our large site for the benefit of the wildlife and local residents. The risk of accidentally spilling fuel during re-fuelling is also removed for these lights, and reduces our reliance on diesel, contributing to a cleaner construction environment.”

Summary
• No CO2 emissions, noise pollution or light pollution
• Reduced vehicle movement because of product training and providing resources onsite
• Reduced impact on the environment and wildlife through the use of Prismatic lens technology

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