Solar-Powered Traffic Signal Systems

Introduction

Conventional signal systems to control and regulate traffic are based on incandescent lamps, and are powered by the normal city supply. Failures in power supply often lead to chaos at traffic junctions. These conventional systems can be replaced by solar-powered traffic signalling systems, which use LEDs and work without interruption during power failures. Switching to solar-powered systems would help conserve large amounts of conventional electrical power. Besides consuming much less power, LED-based lights last much longer than conventional filament-based lamps. Hence, routine maintenance costs would be reduced.

The design of these systems depends on the number of lights to be operated at a junction. A PV array of about 1 kWp capacity would be required for a four-road junction, along with an appropriately sized battery bank based on the site conditions. This system does not require an inverter. In case of need, the system can also work with conventional grid supply. The system has programmable logic controllers for setting parameters such as through time, peak time, on/off time, etc. Its features include 'auto', 'on/off', and 'blink'.

Cost

The cost of a solar-powered lighting system depends on its components, including PV array, battery bank, and electronic controller. For a four-road junction, the cost would be about Rs 6.40 lakhs. Such systems are presently being used in Bangalore, Delhi, and other major cities in the country.

For further information please contact

Ministry of Non-Conventonal Energy Sources,
Govt. of India
Block-14, CGO Complex, Lodi Road
New Delhi – 110 003
Tel: 91 11 2436 0707/ 2436 0404
Fax: 91 11 2436 1298