The task for the student was to develop a prototype of a luminaire that could imitate the natural course of daylight.
Pinkafeld, 26th of November 2024 - The understanding and use of light is of fundamental importance for the human life cycle. The 'internal clock' determines people's sleep and wake phases and is significantly influenced by light. It can also influence productivity and general well-being. Thanks to the continuous development of lighting control technologies, it is possible to create artificial lighting that mimics the natural course of light and thus supports people's 'inner clock'. These lighting control systems are known as Human Centric Lighting.
For four years now, the Bachelor's degree programme in Applied Electronics and Photonics at University of Applied Sciences Burgenland has been helping to counteract the shortage of skilled workers. One of the very first graduates is Philipp Wappel. He was enthusiastic about the practice-orientated course with its "hands-on" quality. After numerous experiments and projects in his classes, Wappel went out into the world of business as part of his Bachelor's thesis.
The student's task was to develop a prototype of a luminaire that could imitate the natural course of daylight. He also had to investigate the areas of application in which this lighting control system could be integrated. In concrete terms, this means: blue light at 6 a.m. to wake up, yellowish light during the day and reddish light in the evening.He was commissioned to do this by the company G² Industrial Engineering GmbH. Philipp Wappel received thematic support from experts at Joanneum Research. The lecturers from his degree programme also provided him with help and advice.
My task was the routing for the circuit board, the LED definition and control. It was extremely interesting to see how PCB development really works. You don't just draw it, it's reviewed and optimised externally. Only when everything is right does it go into production.
Philipp Wappel, graduate of the Burgenland University of Applied Sciences
The lamp is intended for use in aeroplanes, at airports or on long train journeys, for example. The customised light is intended to alleviate or completely prevent jet lag. Interest from industry has already been expressed. A great sense of achievement for the student. When asked about the knowledge required to fulfil the task, he replies: "You have to know the components, have knowledge of hardware design and software programming. I had to be able to program firmware and know how the colour mixing of LEDs interacts. Being familiar with optics is also an advantage. All of this was covered in my degree programme."
Philipp Wappel, born in 1996, completed an apprenticeship as a building and electrical engineer. He completed the preparatory course at the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland and thus acquired the qualification to study for a Bachelor's degree in Applied Electronics and Photonics, which he completed in 2024. He is continuing his studies on the Master's degree programme in Automation Technology at FH Campus 02 while working and is employed as a measurement technician at Spie Dürr Austria.
The Bachelor's degree programme lasts six semesters and leads to the academic degree Bachelor of Science in Engineering - BSc. The degree programme can be studied either part-time or extended part-time, with the option to switch flexibly at the end of each semester. Around 30 study places are offered at the Pinkafeld Study Centre. The language of instruction is German. There are no tuition fees.
The programme also offers an introduction to the latest industrial technologies: LiDAR, additive manufacturing, optoelectronics, laser technology, fibre optics, sensor electronics and microcontrollers. Those interested can find more information and the opportunity to enrol at www.hochschule-burgenland.at.
Further information:
Mag.a Christiane Staab
Marketing & Communication
Hochschule Burgenland GmbH
Tel: +43 (0)5 7705 3537
E-Mail: christiane.staab@hochschule-burgenland.at
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