Increasing energy efficiency of road illumination with the help of traffic detection and solar energy

Abstract: This master thesis investigates if it is possible to reduce the energy consumption of roadside illumination through the use of vehicle detectors, powered by renewable energy sources. By studying existing solutions available at Trafikverket a pattern became clear. Firstly a way to detect vehicles were needed; this prompted evaluation of the most common detector types. Secondly an energy source was needed; prompting investigation and research into the subject. Lastly a prototype of the conceived system was produced to prove system viability. Among the most common types of vehicle detectors comparative testing was performed. This was to evaluate which detector should be used as part of the prototype. At the same time evaluation was done of two kinds of photovoltaic cells. This to discover which type had the greatest potential to produce energy for the prototype. Based on the results from the prototype and the evaluations the suggestion became to watch for new innovations in the subject as the current technology proved cost ineffective. As the return-on-investment became 0.019% on the entire system and 0.19% on the detector logic the system currently have little economic viability.