The EFOY Pro supplies road weather stations with power in order to reliably measure precipitation, temperature on roads and bridges as well as the potential for ice. This improves road safety, and accidents can be prevented.
In off-grid locations, stationary and mobile radar cameras are reliably supplied with power by the EFOY Pro. With its help, speed limits can be enforced and traffic safety can be increased.
In areas with frequent accidents, mains power is often not available. If a camera needs to be set up, reliable power will be required. Laying power cables usually costs several thousand Euros per kilometre and it requires a high administrative effort as well as long-term planning. The same applies to road weather stations which measure precipitation and temperatures on roads and bridges in order to recognise the risk of ice, therefore improving safety on roads and preventing accidents.
EFOY Pro fuel cells are the perfect energy solution when power supply is required for traffic technology. They reliably supply your traffic management systems with power – no matter what the current weather conditions. The fuel cell can simply be integrated into a control cabinet where it can supply existing batteries with power or be combined with solar modules. Reduce administrative costs and effort. Instead, receive long autonomy and high reliability.
Traffic technologies have become more and more important, not just for planning infrastructure. In the following article, we explain what traffic technology means and what its applications are. Below, we set out the principal uses and advantages of traffic technologies.
Traffic technologies enable automated road traffic monitoring using ICT (information and communications technology) devices.[1]
Non-intrusive traffic technologies include microwave radar, infrared (IR)-based systems, video image processing (VIP), and ultrasonic detectors. Their installation costs are relatively low and easily accessible for maintenance purposes. In contrast, intrusive sensors include inductive loops, pneumatic road tubes, piezoelectric cables and weigh-in-motion systems. Their drawbacks include the disruption of traffic for installation and repair, failures due to poor road conditions and high ongoing maintenance costs.[2]
Next, we expand on non-intrusive traffic technologies and their advantages.
Non-intrusive traffic measurement techniques feature sensors installed above or at the sides of roads, with minimum disruption to traffic flow. One method of traffic technologies, microwave radar, has the advantage of reliability in changing weather conditions. However, such traffic technology systems require an auxiliary device such as an infrared sensor to detect stationary vehicles. In themselves, however, IR sensors are susceptible to environmental influences such as direct sunlight, atmospheric particles, fog, rain and snow.[3]
Ultrasonic sensors use high-frequency sound waves between 25 and 50 kHz, well outside the human hearing range. The principle of this traffic technology is similar to microwave radar, measuring reflected pulses and time to calculate distance and speed. Ultrasonic systems as traffic technology can detect vehicles in multiple lanes. For reliability and to achieve up to 99.5 per cent accuracy, these systems require built-in temperature compensation [1].
Traffic monitoring systems collect data describing the movement and characteristics of vehicles on road networks for various purposes:
Incident and accident detection. Law enforcement. Long-term planning. Congestion management and increasing road capacity.
Advanced traffic technology applications integrate live data and feedback from various sources such as parking guidance and information systems, weather readings and bridge weight sensors. In addition, predictive techniques enable advanced modelling and comparison with baseline data.
As key elements of dynamic traffic management systems, variable message signs (VMS) give travelers information about special events. These electronic signs display concise information to guide and warn motorists on main roads and motorways [2]. As a result, they help reduce traffic congestion and journey times while lowering pollution levels.
Another use of traffic technologies: In addition to detecting cars travelling faster than the permitted speed limit through speed camera radar, these units provide traffic flow data and enable the police to catch criminals. The various models of speed cameras include Gatos, Mobile, HADECS 3, SPEC2, Vector, Truvelo, D-Cam, Speed Curb, Variable, Traffic light, Peek, DS2M, Spike and Watchman.
These traffic technology systems monitor speed using radar transponders, while also recording car registration number plates. The main challenge in deploying remote speed cameras is ensuring reliable off-grid power. Solar modules cannot generate electricity at night, so a battery-based accumulator is necessary. However, even this reserve may not be enough to guarantee around-the-clock power in winter.
Powered weather monitoring stations measure precipitation, road surface temperature and ice risk. The safety benefits of these installations are clear, but – again – off-grid electricity is essential for their reliable operation.
Closed-circuit television or video surveillance has a valuable role in managing busy traffic routes and intersections. Placed on top of traffic signals or at strategic points along main roads, these cameras record traffic patterns, monitor flow and gather evidence of infractions. Another important part of traffic technologies.
As for road weather stations and radar cameras, accident blackspots often do not have mains power. A dependable source of independent power is vital, but laying power cables to tap into the nearest point on the electrical grid can be prohibitively expensive. Apart from the financial outlay, installation works also involve considerable planning, disruption and administrative effort.
Fortunately, there is now a viable and cost-effective alternative to power radar cameras and global traffic technologies.
EFOY and EFOY Pro fuel cells provide an independent source of power, either fully independently or as a hybrid combination (more on this below). Their advantages are:
Straightforward installation. Compact size. Flexible in use. Compatible with existing control cabinets. Suitable for outdoor use in secure containers, to protect from theft and vandalism.
Alternatively, EFOY hybrid solutions comprise a photovoltaic module in parallel with a fuel cell. When solar power is insufficient, the power cell automatically turns itself on to recharge the battery. This way, it bridges the energy gap and ensures twenty-four-hour off-grid power. These systems are ideal for remote-controlled Radar Pro speed cameras and similar devices of traffic technologies. [3]
In the US, a study of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and traffic congestion management involved some 511 road traffic systems deployed in 99 urban areas between 1994 and 2014 [4]. Investigators noted a significant decrease in traffic jams, saving drivers an estimated 175 million hours of commuting and travelling time. Significantly, the efficiencies resulted in an estimated reduction of 53 million gallons of fossil fuel consumption and more than 5 billion kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions.
The researchers concluded that two factors brought about the above savings. Firstly, ITS implementation facilitates good travel decisions. Secondly, the built-in analysis tools support local governments in urban traffic management.[6]
Despite considerable investment in transport infrastructure, congestion remains problematic. At the same time, busier roads and the flouting of speed restrictions increase the risk of accidents.
In addition to regulatory enforcement, empirical evidence suggests that traffic technologies benefit drivers. Where these traffic technology systems operate, they improve trip planning, offer better routes and optimize daily commuting.
For further details or to discuss traffic management technologies and your requirements, please contact our expert team today. We will be delighted to assist.
[1] https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/14/12/22891/htm
[3] https://www.efoy-pro.com/en/referenz/off-grid-power-for-stationary-speed-measuring-system
