Using wireless technologies in Lighting Smart Grids

Urban lighting networks represent a very substantial infrastructure and distributed along the cities. Also, it is well known that the energy consumed in urban lighting is an impressive volume, both in energy and economic terms. In this context the work lines in Lighting Smart Grids (LSG) suggest the introduction of energy efficiency strategies, using efficient lighting systems based on high-efficiency LEDs devices with capability of continuous regulation. The introduction of wireless technologies in this context (Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Li-Fi, ...) represent an important opportunity for new features and unthinkable benefits through the incorporation of control strategies in order to real time fit the needs of citizens, the traffic or the city in a general sense. This paper presents the design of an advanced concept of lighting system designed for urban environments with high customization capabilities with the addition of lighting strategies managed through wireless systems. This is an initiative framed in the context of the Workroom on Renewable Energy (WRE) of Polytechnic Engineering School of Gijon (EPI-GIJON).