A Realistic Take on Solar-Powered Traffic Beacons: Facts not Marketing

摘要

Solar-powered traffic systems have been designed and manufactured in many variations since their commercial acceptance. In spite of various designs, the application of solar electric for these projects is an exercise in applied physics. The rules governing the design process have been proven conclusively for several decades. An article (hereinafter referred to as "the article") by Andrew Evans of JSF ("A Modern Take on Solar Powered Traffic Beacons: Form Leads Function" IMSA Journal, July/August 2005, pp 28-30) presented a number of statements which implied these longstanding rules are no longer applicable. I, and many others in the solar community, have read this article and take issue with some of the statements. This article will serve as both a refresher of solar electric basics for Mr. Evans and a rebuttal to "the article." Standard solar electric design rules Solar power systems must be designed by following a set of design rules. Designing a solar power system is much like figuring out a simple budget: you must manage what goes out (expenses) against income (your paycheck) and the back up from the battery bank (your savings).