Energy Optimization for Solar Street Lighting Systems

Abstract

Streetlights consume a significant amount of electrical power and are one of the major loads on the power grid. Solar powered street lamps can reduce the electrical load on the power grid while providing a clean alternative to nonrenewable sources. However, in most of the implementations the battery state of charge (SoC) and in turn battery health is not usually taken into consideration while designing the street light system and operation. This work proposes a technique to optimize the usage of the solar energy stored in the battery and also maintain the battery's health by tracking road traffic, and thus adjusting the street lamp's brightness according to the SoC and the road traffic.