Download May06-06 Traffic Signs Outlined by Solar

May06-06
Traffic Signs Outlined by Solar-Powered LEDs
Team Members
Alexander Beecher
Jason Chose
James Kopaska
Matthew Treska
Definitions
DOT - Department of Transportation
PV – Photo Voltaic (refers to solar panels)
NiMH – Nickel Metal Hydride (type of battery)
Pb-SN – Lead-Tin (type of battery)
NiCd – Nickel Cadmium (type of battery)
NEMA – National Electric Manufacturers Association
(provides a forum for electrical equipment
standardization)
Project Description
Project Description
-Purpose of the signs are to raise driver awareness in
potentially hazardous traffic areas
-Signs are self-sustainable, meaning they operate with
minimal operator maintenance 24/7
-The stop sign is continually operating, dimming in low light
in order to allow for maximum battery efficiency and
limiting distractions to drivers
-The school crossing sign operates only during times of
activity, determined by the user
-The chevron sign only operates in low light conditions
Project Description
-LEDs will not effect shape of the sign, thus eliminating
confusion to drivers
-Signs are constructed to handle various weather conditions
-Signs have anti-vandalism features, such as locks over battery
and circuit casings
-An Excel spreadsheet gives criteria to the user so signs can be
constructed for any locale within the continental U.S.
-Signs follow federal traffic regulations, including LED flashing
no more than 60 times/min and no less than 50 times/min
Technical Specifications
-System operates from a 12V NiMH battery
-Signs utilize either 55.5 Candela or 102.4 Candela LEDs
-System charges from a 14.2V solar panel
-Software interface based on Microsoft Excel
Component Description
PV CHARGE CONTROLLER
-Prevents over current and over voltage damage to
PV panel, battery, and circuit
-Handles battery charging and power distribution to
circuitry
Component Description
LED CLUSTER
-LED selection based on operational requirements
-55.5 Cd cluster used on night use only signs
-102.4 Cd cluster used on 24 hour operation signs
-Color specific for each sign
Component Description
FLASHER DIMMER MODULE
-Ensures flashing rate between 50 and 60 times
per minute
-Integrated photoresistor allows automatic
dimming of LEDs to match ambient light levels
Component Description
FLASHER MODULE
-Used on chevron sign in lieu of flasher/dimmer module
-Maintains flashing rate between 50 and 60 times/min
Component Description
TIMER MODULE
-Used on school crosswalk sign
-Allows user defined hours of operation
Component Description
PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL
-Utilized on all signs
-Operates at 14.2V to provide sufficient energy
for 12V system
Component Description
NiMH BATTERY
-Operates at 12V and 1.5A
-Suitable for use throughout continental U.S.
Stop Sign Specifications
-Continuous operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
-8 LED load @ 1120mA
-Automatically dims with changing ambient light
Stop Sign Specifications
School Crossing Specifications
-Operates 6 hours a day, 5 days a week
-5 LED load @ 700mA
-User programmable for varying school schedules
School Crossing Specifications
Chevron Specifications
-Operates in low or no light conditions, 7 days a week
-4 LED load @ 360mA
-LEDs located on 4 corners
Chevron Specifications
Circuit Demands
Stop Sign
8 LED load @ 1120mA
Drive circuitry to operate flasher/dimmer @ 3.17mA
Charge controller operating current @ 30mA
TOTAL: 1153.17mA
Circuit Demands
School Crossing Sign
5 LED load @ 700mA
Drive circuitry to operate flasher/dimmer @ 3.17mA
Charge controller operating current @ 30mA
Timer module operating current @ 350mA
TOTAL: 1083.17mA
Circuit Demands
Chevron Sign
4 LED load @ 360mA
Drive circuitry to operate flasher module @ 3.17mA
Charge controller operating current @ 30mA
TOTAL: 393.17mA
Planned Construction
Planned Construction
CONSTRUCTION COMPONENTS
-Telespar tubular post
-36” DOT stop sign
-(8) BA15 LED sockets
-12 AWG wire for PV panel
-18 AWG wire for circuitry
-NEMA 3R enclosure
-1/2” PVC conduit for wire
raceway
-1/2” PVC conduit straps for
post mounting
-1/2” PVC TB junction
-NEMA 3R junction box for
back of sign
-Screws and other fastening
tools
-Silicone calking
Software
-Based on Microsoft Excel
-User defines the type of sign desired, geographic location of
the sign, estimated hours of day usage, estimated hours of
night usage, and desired number of days sign can operate
without sunlight
-Calculations based on information gathered from the National
Renewable Energy Laboratory
Software
Screen shot for use in Birmingham, AL
Questions??