BMW and SIEMENS has worked together, and created a new type of traffic light that may help save time, fuel, and lives. The two companies have unveiled a system of networked traffic lights that can communicate with nearby cars to warn them about road conditions, help them better use anti-idling features, but that can also learn about traffic patterns from those cars and adjust cycling times to optimize traffic flow, saving time and fuel. The idea of Car2Car talk has been brought up as well. Car2Car talk means that cars would be able to warn each other, in other sense 'talk' to each other. This could mean that a car slipping on black ice could warn cars behind it about the traction conditions so they could know to slow down and be careful.
Street lights sensor when it turns dark outside, causing them to
turn on. They stay lit for about 6-12 hours each day. In many places, such as Barcelona, LED sensor street lights have been installed. These lights detect when someone is walking by and then automatically switch on. Depending on the distance of the person and the time of year, the lights adjust the amount of light emitted. This system has reduced power consumption by 30 percent. Why isn't everyone doing this?traffic light link
street light link
The idea of streetlights is kind of cool, but it depends on how close you have to be for the light to turn on. I feel like in rougher areas this may not be such a good idea because it could lead to more crime. For example if someone stands just far enough away not t be sensed they are hidden in the dark giving them an advantage on a person walking down the street creating an opportunity for crime.
ReplyDeleteWhat is 30% of power consumption, how much? Is it worth the expense to put all new streetlights in? Its a great idea, and your blog has been a great insight to possible energy conservation.
ReplyDeleteI think the streetlights are such a great idea, but again I have the concern about the distance you have to be away from the light. Again the rougher areas may not be able to use these because it may increase their crime rates.
ReplyDeleteCar2car talk would be great cause if a car starts sliding on ice the care behind it might be able to know to puts breaks on so they can avoid an accedent.
ReplyDeleteNtina, you always find the best things! This is truly remarkable, a traffic light that can communicate with the road. Idling's a big part of our pollution, if we can reduce all around the world, especially in the city that would that would definitely help our world become cleaner. When and where would this be available? Also how expensive would these things be to install and maintain?
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