SRL Traffic Systems has launched new solar technology for mobile traffic signals, with a unique solution that can be retrofitted onto customers’ existing stock.
The Solar PLUSTM system, which has a patent pending, is designed to extend battery cycles and reduce electricity consumption. Product trials are still ongoing, with performance data expected later this year.
The system underwent alpha tests designed to identify the optimum cell at SRL's Nottingham Technical and Innovation Centre.
Beta trials that have been running on live customer sites throughout the UK and Ireland since November, and SRL said the solution 'is performing well in even the poorest domestic weather conditions'.
Class One Traffic Management’s contracts director, Wullie Murdoch: 'Class One’s participation in the beta trial clearly demonstrated to us the long-term benefits to be gained by using SRL SolarPLUSTM, with the combination of solar charging and telematics significantly reducing the number of site visits required.
'The telematics device enabled us to monitor the signals remotely and so limit visits to those times when battery changes were actually required, removing the need to travel to the site to confirm that the signals were working.'
SRL’s chief executive officer, Adrian Murphy: 'SRL is committed to ongoing innovation to improve sustainability, with a circular hire model and a product portfolio that already includes solar VMS (variable message signs) and work-zone protection barriers.
'The addition of UK-designed, manufactured and domestically tested solar traffic signals to our offer enables us to further support our clients as they work to deliver projects capable of meeting the stringent environmental criteria stipulated by their customers.'
In February, SRL achieved ISO 14064 – 1:2018 accreditation for operational greenhouse gas emission management and reduction.
Solar PLUSTM is designed and manufactured in the UK and available exclusively for hire.
It works with either absorbed glass mat or lead acid batteries, though the solution is best suited to products using AGM batteries, as they are designed to discharge and re-charge better than lead acid alternatives.
Traffic lights incorporating the new technology run with three batteries in the base of the box.
Retrofitting is undertaken by an SRL commissioning engineer.
