Optimization of Stand-Alone Traffic Control Systems

Traffic control systems are deployed along conventional routes for road safety. However, the remoteness of power points requires the use of stand-alone generation systems. This paper discusses a stand-alone renewable power generation system combining solar and wind energy sources to supply a real traffic control system. These systems are often oversized and specifically not designed to the batteries management. A methodology to optimize the size of the energy generation and storage subsystems is proposed, as well as some strategies to reduce the energy consumption of the traffic regulation system components. The methodology enables the design of an economic and technically feasible system that guarantees the energy supply with minimum investment and maximum reliability.