Green power supply for an intelligent traffic light enhanced with visible light communications capabilities

This paper presents the development of an enhanced power supply designed for an intelligent traffic light used as a visible light communications emitter. In the context of an increasing preoccupation for alternative energy sources, the system is being supplied with solar energy which is converted in electric energy by a photovoltaic panel. In order to improve the efficiency of the panel, the system is enhanced with a patented solar tracking system and a microcontroller which is continuously monitoring the provided energy and is deciding its optimal use. The extra energy supplied by the solar panel can be stored in a supercapacitors block and used during unfavorable weather conditions or during the night time.