Investigation of solar energy applications with design and implementation of photovoltaic traffic light signal system for Qatar

Hassan Moghbelli*, Khaled Ellithy, Zohreh Eslami, R. Vartanian, D. Wannous, A. El Ghamrawy, O. Basha, A. Fayad, M. Qaraqe, S. Nicola

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to promote the use of solar energy in powering traffic signal systems for rural areas in Qatar with no power grid. A photovoltaic system is needed in order to use this energy continuously. The results of the investigation of components, design, and market availability are shown in the paper. Solar cells, which are used for absorbing sunlight and generating electric current, are the main source for the system’s operation. A charge controller is used to control the flow of charge through the battery and to protect the battery from overcharging and deep discharging. A dc-dc converter is used to regulate the output voltage which depends on the type of dc to dc converter. Lead acid batteries are used as the electric energy storage for the PV system to use electrical energy in the absence of sunlight. The principle operation of the system and the feasibility of using it for rural area with no power grid have been studied. For this project, a mount tracker was constructed that enabled the solar panel to be placed at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 degree angles in order to determine which angle and what time provides the optimum voltage. Experimental results for different angles of radiation at different times of the day and different days of the year are shown in the paper.

Original languageEnglish
Article number249
Pages (from-to)70-77
Number of pages8
JournalRenewable Energy and Power Quality Journal
Volume1
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2009
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Investigation of solar energy applications with design and implementation of photovoltaic traffic light signal system for Qatar'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this