Solar-powered traffic lights hit town
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Anatolian Agency
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Aralık 13, 2008 00:00
ISTANBUL - The "Solar Crossroads Project" aiming to create a solar-powered traffic signaling system made their debut at the crossroads outside of Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport last week.
The "Solar Crossroads Project" aiming to create a solar-powered traffic signaling system made their debut at the crossroads outside of Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport last week.
Officials from the Istanbul Municipalities Data Processing Industry and Trade A.Ş., or BELBİM, partnered with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, reported that BELBİM’s first solar-power support traffic lights were put up at Atatürk Airport’s crossroads as the pilot project of the "Solar Crossroads Project."
The solar-powered systems use "Solar PV" panels developed using semi-conductor technology. These panels also store energy absorbed from sunlight in order to provide uninterrupted power at night or during overcast days.
The system, which will be unaffected by power shortages, will also prevent traffic accidents and congestion due to signaling errors.
Expected benefits
BELBİM officials listed the many benefits to be expected from the new system, pointing out that the most obvious benefit was the use of clean renewable energy. They pointed out their aim was to use alternative energy resources in an effective and real application, that this system would save electricity, would prevent electricity strain by producing energy at the point of use and the signaling system would not be affected by shortages on the electricity power grid. The officials also pointed out the system would not be affected by natural disasters allowing traffic to flow smoothly.
Saying that the system was modular, they pointed out the signals would later be able to be equipped with cameras, sensors, and illumantion systems as well. They added that the maintenace-free units would have an economic life-span of 20 years. If the solar energy that reaches earth were to be fully converted to energy, it would be able to supply the energy needs of everyone for a full year, said the officials, adding that Turkey was at a great advantage being a second-degree solar country.
The also said that if the pilot project is successful, the data and experience acquired from it would allow for the system to be spread throughout Turkey, which is their main goal.
Officials from the Istanbul Municipalities Data Processing Industry and Trade A.Ş., or BELBİM, partnered with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, reported that BELBİM’s first solar-power support traffic lights were put up at Atatürk Airport’s crossroads as the pilot project of the "Solar Crossroads Project."
The solar-powered systems use "Solar PV" panels developed using semi-conductor technology. These panels also store energy absorbed from sunlight in order to provide uninterrupted power at night or during overcast days.
The system, which will be unaffected by power shortages, will also prevent traffic accidents and congestion due to signaling errors.
Expected benefits
BELBİM officials listed the many benefits to be expected from the new system, pointing out that the most obvious benefit was the use of clean renewable energy. They pointed out their aim was to use alternative energy resources in an effective and real application, that this system would save electricity, would prevent electricity strain by producing energy at the point of use and the signaling system would not be affected by shortages on the electricity power grid. The officials also pointed out the system would not be affected by natural disasters allowing traffic to flow smoothly.
Saying that the system was modular, they pointed out the signals would later be able to be equipped with cameras, sensors, and illumantion systems as well. They added that the maintenace-free units would have an economic life-span of 20 years. If the solar energy that reaches earth were to be fully converted to energy, it would be able to supply the energy needs of everyone for a full year, said the officials, adding that Turkey was at a great advantage being a second-degree solar country.
The also said that if the pilot project is successful, the data and experience acquired from it would allow for the system to be spread throughout Turkey, which is their main goal.