The OVI streetlight has a sleek, streamlined design. The arch-shaped arm and 30-foot mast are cast in three pieces, then welded, painted and ground flush for a smooth, seamless appearance. The lighting system features multi-lens optics, instead of the traditional bent metal reflector, to optimize light distribution, reduce hot spots and provide overlap in the event of individual LED failure. And because these streetlights do not have a separate switch, they can be operated independently from each other, without a dimming circuit.
Changing streetlight brightness
Tucson, Arizona, has begun testing a new smart city technology: varying the brightness of its streetlights. The lights typically start out at 90 percent illumination and are dimmed to 60 percent by midnight. Some nights, however, the lights are brighter than normal, reaching 100 percent. The city measured these changes by using the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (NPP) satellite. The researchers are hopeful that these experiments will prove useful in measuring the impact of city lights on the environment.
To make the change, the transportation department must consult with the Durham Police Department. The city’s Brighten Our Streets policy gives the police authority to decide what streetlight wattage is appropriate in specific neighborhoods. This policy is designed to reduce crime. Once the police approve the plan, the transportation department will notify nearby residents and give them three weeks to provide feedback. Depending on the situation, residents can request the streetlight be removed or have its wattage reduced. The changes will cost the city $144 per streetlight.
Smart LED streetlights
Cities are rushing to replace their legacy streetlights with Smart LED technology. This technology could one day let drivers know if a thunderstorm is coming, help them find a parking space, and monitor air quality. Not only are cities saving tons of money on their electrical bills, but they could soon be making money from the data gathered by smart LED sensors. But before cities rush to convert to LED streetlights, they should know how they’re getting started.
Many cities have seen energy savings of 50% or more by replacing their traditional incandescent and halogen lights with smart LEDs. Additionally, they can save up to 80% more money on energy bills by integrating smart remote management into their lighting system. Smart streetlights also save money because they reduce energy costs and provide other benefits for municipalities. The savings can pay for themselves in a matter of months. The first major city to go ahead with smart LED streetlights is Schenectady, New York.
Asymmetrical lenses
The LED modules on city streetlights have asymmetrical lenses to distribute light according to the road surface. These lenses have wide and acute angles, which produce an even distribution of light, reducing glare. This type of lens is ideal for wide streets, residential areas, and pedestrian zones. Moreover, they are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, as they are compatible with both types of streetlight poles.
The most commonly used type of streetlight pattern is the Type III Medium. These lamps are used in city streets, wide roads, and pedestrian areas. They must be able to redirect light to avoid the roadside and sidewalk. They must also resist mechanical damage. The lenses on Type III lamps are unique to the chosen LED chip. The asymmetric lens can be easily modified or removed to fit the specific needs of the streetlights.
Energy savings
Using smart technology, city streetlights can save money on energy costs and provide illumination for the public. These lights can also serve as a valuable asset for 5G infrastructure, bringing internet connectivity to households that don’t currently have it. The digital divide could help reduce energy costs further as more citizens have access to the internet. In addition, smart streetlights are becoming popular in households for their energy-savings potential.
LED-lighting, also known as “Smart Street Lighting,” can significantly reduce the amount of electricity used by a streetlight. The technology allows municipalities to save up to 65 percent of their electricity costs with LED-lighting. These lights have other benefits as well, such as increased safety features, which can alert city employees or residents of power outages in real time. The energy savings from city streetlight upgrades could add up to thousands of dollars a year for local governments.
Impact on environment
Changing the intensity of city streetlights can have a significant impact on people’s health. The removal of streetlights may evoke negative social and political consequences and a loss of amenity. In addition, the social attributes that shape the wellbeing of people also alter the significance of dark streets. Residents and key informants in fieldwork have not yet expressed any significant concerns about the removal of LED lights. However, the research suggests that LED lights are less environmentally harmful than existing incandescent lights.
Typically, streetlights are installed in urban areas or junctions where traffic may occur. Hence, they may be affecting the environment through elevated air pollution, headlight glare, and car noise. However, these other factors probably only have a small effect on the use of streetlights. Therefore, a more comprehensive study of the impact of city streetlights is needed. However, this is not an exhaustive study of the impact of streetlights on environment.
