30 November 2022 - Anna Kubisz
Featured in: Market Insights, Automatic Doors, Intrusion detection, Visual verification
For OPTEX, quality is the main priority. We want to ensure that our products are reliable and have a long useful life. At every stage of our ecologically conscious design, we consider factors such as the extent to which the new model helps save resources and energy compared to the previous one, and whether it contains recycled materials.
Our goal is to reduce current draw in each consecutive generation of sensors. When installed in the system, low-current sensors boost its effectiveness while minimizing associated load and having a positive impact on its current balance.
Key features of our sensors contributing to a low-emission society
Intelligent and efficient detection
Perfect synchronization
Our SL Series active infrared beams designed for perimeter protection systems are highly resistant to false alarms and offer low energy consumption. Thanks to a perfect synchronization between the transmitter and the receiver, installation and stable operation are achieved quickly, also at greater distances and with a low current draw. For the most popular model, the SL-350QDP, normal current draw is 17mA / max. 24 mA.
Intelligent algorithm’s
OPTEX detectors, which utilize SMDA logic, are characterized by an exceptionally low power draw. Digital logic implemented in OPTEX detectors featuring our unique SMDA-based detection algorithm help the detector better analyse passive infrared signals and eliminate nuisance alarms faster. The detectors trigger an alarm only when real threats are detected instead of wasting power on false activations. Minimizing the number of false activations means that we may not only eliminate nuisance alarms, but also reduce power draw.
All sensors with SMDA logic feature ASIC, a smaller, faster, less power-consuming specialized chip which has replaced a whole package of additional general purpose integrated circuits. The optimization of multiple algorithms integrated into a single system coded in the ASIC ensures higher reliability and lower energy consumption.
LED
Switching off the LED is recommended not only for security reasons but also to reduce energy consumption. FlipX series, our latest series of indoor detectors, enables the LED to be controlled from a remote LED terminal.
Free yourself from the constraints of mains power supply
Wireless OPTEX sensors can operate only on batteries, without the need to rely on an external power supply. Currently, most our sensors are also available in wireless versions, ensuring backup power and allowing the user to significantly cut back on energy consumption and reduce reliance on power supply. This also concerns dual technology (PIR and MW) detectors, the wireless versions of which emit microwaves only when the PIR is triggered, thus minimizing the amount of current drawn from batteries, the standard life of which is quite long: a total of three to five years on average.
One device instead of several
Detection area masking
Our VXI and VXS Series external sensors are supplied with masking labels, allowing the user to correct the field of detection. Flexibility in adjusting the shape of the detection area to various locations makes it possible to use a smaller number of detectors required to protect the area. This brings down the cost of installation, energy consumption, and installer’s work time.
Wide field of view and setting flexibility
Keeping the number of devices to the necessary minimum is also possible thanks to a wider field of view. Our WXI and WXS Series outdoor motion detectors, feature a wide detection angle (180-degrees) allows you to protect larger areas such as the approach, yard or patio by means of a single device. Left- and right-side range, as well as detection sensitivity, can be set independently. Also, the alarm signal is generated separately for the left and the right side.
REDSCAN Series long-range laser detectors offer an even wider field of view (190 degrees). Since a single detector may cover large areas with accuracy, the implementation of REDSCAN Pro devices is both an energy-efficient and cost-effective solution for various sites.
Manufacturing processes with the environment in mind
Less plastic
Mindful of our planet, we seek to reduce the amount of plastic used from the design stage. Our eco-design involves minimizing the size of devices while boosting their performance. Our products are smaller and more compact. For instance,
- We have reduced the form factor of our new generation of products, SL, by more than 30% compared to the previous series (AX). In addition, the tower-mount version of the SL-350QDP beam does not feature any housing, as it is not required in this configuration. This enables us to reduce the amount of plastic in the environment.
- In response to customer feedback which stated mounting brackets where often unnecessary, we decided not to supply them with the device. Now they can be purchased separately, as and when required, meaning less plastic is wasted.
- Our outdoor sensors are made of weather-resistant plastic, providing protection, e.g., against ultraviolet rays, a feature which extends their useful life and reduces the need for replacement. In addition, parts which contain any dangerous, RoHS non-compliant substances (i.e., as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium (Cr VI), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), phthalates: DBP, BBP, DEHP, DIBP) are not used by OPTEX.
Recycling policies and transport efficiency
At OPTEX we study the life cycle of our products, from design to disposal. We have implemented green ordering policies in accordance with the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive on the disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment.
Not only do we ensure that our products use less energy, plastic and contain fewer dangerous substances, but we also seek to improve transport efficiency by setting up hub warehouses, revising shipping routes, and focusing on product disposal, a crucial issue nowadays.
We are making an effort to use resources efficiently, and to reduce industrial waste in all of our corporate activities, applying the 3Rs principle: reduce, recycle and reuse wherever possible.
Reduced CO2 emissions
OPTEX automatic door sensors may significantly improve air conditioning performance in commercial buildings and, at the same time, reduce CO2 emissions. Air conditioning consumes more energy than heating and accounts for over 60% energy consumption in a building. Buildings where doors open and close repeatedly report considerable losses due to unnecessary cooling as the cold air escapes outside. Such losses are minimized thanks to automatic door sensors, which monitor unnecessary door openings.