European street lamp technology energy storage

How do smart street lamps work?

The ballast (or transformer) reduces the voltage and regulates the electric current to produce a steady light output. The capacitor is used to stabilize voltage and power flow. Compared to traditional lamps, smart street lamps have the capability to be remotely powered on, off or dimmed by means of controllers.

Why is public lighting a problem in Europe?

Most of the electricity for European public lighting is being generated by fossil sources. That is why public lighting is responsible for a lot of carbon emissions. These emissions can be reduced quickly if local governments invest in smart public lighting.

Are LED street lights a good investment?

The recent market introduction of LED technology for street lighting offers high savings with comparatively short pay-back times. Municipalities are faced with an urgent need to act: nearly 80 % of all currently used street lighting lamps will be "phased out" by 2017, which means they will no longer be available for purchase.

How does a street lamp work?

A street lamp is made out of a lamp socket which mechanically supports electrical connections and allows the lamp to be conveniently replaced. The ignitor provides the high-striking voltage needed to ignite a streetlamp. The ballast (or transformer) reduces the voltage and regulates the electric current to produce a steady light output.

Can lampposts be used in smart cities?

Omnipresent in cities, lampposts have a great potential for standardisation and could integrate various sensors, telecommunication technologies necessary in smart cities, as well as ofer access to charging. What is the ‘big picture’?