Lights stay on in Arena
In the Amsterdam Arena Stadium, BAM Techniek has been testing technology designed to ensure that the floodlights do not go out if there is a power failure. The system uses generators wired in parallel with the mains.
The trial, which was conducted in collaboration with Amsterdam Arena, Philips and several other companies, involved the use of a specially developed mains connecting relay. The system which has been tried is not like an ordinary uninterruptible power supply, or UPS. The clever thing about this system is that not only can Amsterdam Arena keep the floodlights on without interruption if there is a power failure but, the generators can also be used for peak shaving to limit mains power consumption during events. This enables Amsterdam Arena to negotiate better terms with the electricity supplier.