Street lighting control with smart LED technology
Street lighting control has taken a giant leap in recent years in response to safety, sustainability and energy saving requirements. The following are some of the latest breakthroughs in this field.
In this article we will talk about...
- New street lighting technology
- Benefits of smart street lighting
- Secom street lighting systems
New street lighting technology
Smart street lighting ties in with the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. More specifically, it is closely linked to goals 7 (affordable and clean energy), 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), 11 (sustainable cities and communities) and 13 (climate action).
New technologies reduce power consumption on the roads while also preventing visual discomfort. LED lighting is the first that comes to mind. This technology improves visibility and cuts electricity bills significantly.
These lights include smart sensors for maximum energy saving. They can switch on or change their settings when they detect the presence of vehicles or pedestrians. They can also adjust their light intensity according to weather conditions.
Upgrading the road network
Unlike older high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps, smart systems can regulate light intensity depending on traffic density along a specific stretch of road.
Other new high-tech features include active lane delineation, smart pedestrian crossings, obstacle detection systems and lights embedded in the road surface.
These features only switch on when they are actually needed. The systems also include efficient energy saving solutions, and in the future, lights will rely more and more on solar panels, a clean, renewable and affordable energy source.
Smoother traffic flow and greater comfort
This new concept of smart street lighting helps to improve traffic flow for both vehicles and pedestrians, with technology at its core. The new solutions do not only eliminate glare, harsh shadows and poor vision, they also improve energy efficiency and are eco-friendly. It is a new trend that has a key role to play in achieving decarbonisation, digital transformation and the green transition.
Benefits of smart street lighting
There are innumerable benefits to using smart lighting systems on the streets and roads. It is also the only viable alternative to achieve the objectives of EU and Spanish energy, economic and environment policies.
Sustainability
This type of light is already being installed in road networks across the whole of Europe. The fight against global warming is one of the main issues that has prompted this upgrade. It requires adhering to sustainability criteria, which involves taking measures that reduce greenhouse gases.
Energy saving
Energy saving is another of the objectives of smart LED lighting. The roads in Spain consume 145 million kilowatts an hour, which costs €300 million a year. This type of lighting can halve that amount, and can also help put an end to our dependence on fossil fuels.
Safety
LED lights and smart systems result in better quality lighting which increases driver alertness and alleviates eye fatigue. They also adjust the lighting conditions according to increases or decreases in traffic levels or changes in weather.
In addition, their adaptive features help to prevent glare and harsh shadows which can pose a safety risk on the road.
Optimal running costs
The precise lighting control of this type of system guarantees optimal running costs. Light levels can be regulated on-site, remotely or they can be programmed. Every part of a road or highway – slip roads, junctions, tolls and services – can be customised as necessary.
Secom street lighting systems
Secom provides lighting solutions for major projects for the Spanish road network. As well as the lights and products that feature in our catalogue, we have designed several specific ones for this type of environment:
- Ecodut. A range of street lights which includes Ecodut, Ecodut K1 and Ecodut K2. These highly efficient lights, with a classic design, have been created for outdoor lighting systems. They come with LED technology, the option to connect an NTC sensor and anti-light pollution features.
- MAGEC eonlight/eralight street system. These technopolymer lights are also designed for city streets and roads. They are extremely resistant and durable and have adaptive features.
Smart street lighting control will change vehicular and pedestrian traffic forever, resulting in more sustainable, safe and efficient streets and roads.
