Bringing London’s historic gas lamps back to the future!
For centuries, 1,500 vintage gas lamps have lit up central London, from the Palace of Westminster to The Mall, Covent Garden, and the Royal Parks. These lamps are an iconic part of the city’s heritage, but did you know that most still rely on a Victorian-era clockwork mechanism?
Every two weeks, a dedicated team manually winds each lamp and adjusts their timing based on a 19th-century almanac. It’s a remarkable tradition, but in today’s world, there’s a smarter automated way to keep London’s streets glowing.
What did this project involve?
- Design of electronics for remote monitoring and control
- Embedded firmware for remote monitoring
- Electronics circuit board assembly
- PC App design for configuration and control
- 4G internet communications
- Design of a bespoke IoT Remote Monitoring Website platform for gas lamps
Designing and testing an IoT Solution during COVID-19
1. Designing an initial prototype controller
The first step was creating a custom PCB board to control the gas lamps remotely. This board would manage the solenoid valve that turns the lamp on and off, integrate with sensors for real-time monitoring, and communicate via an IoT platform. After multiple iterations, we produced a working prototype ready for testing.
2. Developing an interactive web platform
To make managing the lamps as easy as possible, we designed an interactive web platform where engineers can view a live map of London, adjust lamp settings remotely, receive alerts if a lamp fails ( allowing for quick maintenance responses) and overriding schedules for important occasions, all with a single click.
The website provides instant insights into the reliability and performance of each lamp, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring that London’s historic gas lighting remains efficient, reliable, and beautifully preserved.
3. Testing with a lamp (during COVID)
With field tests in central London on hold, we set up an example gas lamp in one of our engineers’ gardens. This allowed us to test the system in a real-world setting, fine-tuning the remote controls, scheduling automation, and ensuring the IoT platform could effectively monitor and adjust the lamp’s operation.
We tested it at night, just to make sure the lamp worked as it should.
The future of gas lamp technology
We’re developing an IoT-based gas lamp control system that allows engineers to monitor and adjust each lamp remotely, reducing the need for manual intervention. Here’s how our new system is transforming gas lamp management!
- Saving Money
By reducing maintenance visits, improving efficiency, and preventing downtime, operating costs are significantly lowered.
- Remote Control & Monitoring
Lamps can be adjusted from anywhere in the world, eliminating the need for regular site visits.
- Real-Time Data & Analytics
Engineers can monitor performance, track energy usage, and detect issues before they become costly failures.
- Adjusting System Parameters
The operating settings of each lamp can be fine-tuned remotely, ensuring they always run at optimal efficiency.
- Intruder Detection
The system can integrate cameras and sensors to capture photos or video for security monitoring.
- Enhanced Reliability
By tracking long-term performance trends, we can predict maintenance needs and improve overall system durability.
Preserving history while embracing innovation
The new system also ensures that key traditions remain intact, lamps along The Mall will still stay lit for state visits and royal funerals, with an override function available via the internet or handheld remote.
By combining smart technology with historical infrastructure, we’re cutting costs, improving efficiency, and preserving a piece of London’s history for future generations.
Winter & Smith turn IoT concepts into reality, designing smart, connected solutions that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance real-time monitoring. From bespoke hardware development to intuitive web platforms, we create innovative systems that keep businesses running smoothly, no matter where in the world they are!
