Abstract

1. Solar Powered LED Illuminated Traffic Signs May06-06 Abstract Project Requirements It is the goal of this project to create a traffic sign that will stand out amongst all of the other distractions that drivers face. The manner in which attention shall be drawn to these signs is by illuminating them using LED’s. The initial design will deal with three varying types and intents for such traffic signs. The first will be a stop sign (8 sided) that will operate 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. The LED’s will dim on cloudy days and during the night. The second will be a school crossing sign (5 sided) that will only operate during the hours of the day when children are present. Finally, the third will be a chevron sign operating only at night. All signs shall flash at a consistent rate and be operable up to 5 days without sunlight. These LED’s will be powered by a solar power system with battery backup. This product will be accompanied by a software tool for sizing the components of the design based on location and type of application. The expectation is that by drawing attention to these signs the number of accidents and traffic violations that occur in affected areas will be limited. • Design Objectives: • Operations: Fully automated, no human control required • Software: User definable specifications for applications • Physical constraints: Must meet all applicable DOT regulations • Functional Requirements: • Reliability in absence of sunlight • Reduced illumination during hours of darkness • Software outputs component specifications and solar panel installation angle • Design Constraints: • Economic: Must find balance between efficiency and affordability • Weather: Must be operable in adverse weather conditions. • Dimensions: Installation must be positioned to prevent serious injury in case of an accident Introduction • Problem Statement • At times it can be difficult for drivers to recognize and read traffic signs along the side of the road. At night it is easy to miss a sign because the vehicle headlights are on it for only a short period of time. By placing solar powered LEDs on the corners of the signs drivers will recognize the signs sooner and have ample time to react to them. • Operating Environment • Outdoor temperature extremes • Adverse weather conditions • Any roadside location • Users • Operators: DOT staff, city officials • End users: motorists, schools, construction zones • Uses • Supplemental warning systems for drivers • Immobile: Once installed remains stationary • Location: Roadside applications • Assumptions • Signs will dim to match ambient light conditions. • Unit shall be operational in the continental 48 states. • LED will match background color of signs. • Intended user has access to Microsoft Office and can use Excel. • Signs will be powered to accommodate abnormal weather patterns. • Limitations • Cannot account for weather patterns not following historical data. • LED flashing rate must be between 50 and 60 times per minute. • Unit cannot be protected from all forms of vandalism. • Sunlight data used in the software can only be given to a nearest location • Installation shall be governed by appropriate DOT/municipal ordinances. • Final product must adhere to all applicable state and federal regulations. Milestones Project plan 10/11/05 Design plan 11/11/05 Design presentation 12/08/05 Poster 02/28/06 Prototype development 03/01/06 Senior Design presentation 04/11/06 Industrial review board 04/25/06 Approach and Considerations Proposed Approach Appropriate component specifications Appropriate software languages Construct and implement design plan Documentation of calculations End-product testing Analysis of results Documentation of analysis and results Technology Consideration Varying types of components Excel vs. other languages Testing Consideration Contingent upon weather conditions Testing performed in Ames, Iowa Resources and Requirements Project Schedule Gantt Chart Personnel Efforts Financial Requirements End-Product Options • Design -A full design report will be provided including: parts list, electrical schematics, operating conditions, costs incurred, and product specifications. • Software-A fully functional Excel program will be created for traffic sign selection and calculation of necessary components for a given application. It shall contain solar data for over 200 cities throughout the continental 48 states. • Prototype– This consists of a fully working testable system. Outside funding and equipment will be needed to produce this end-product. In addition to the design, the equipment will be assembled and tested to ensure proper functionality. Closing Summary This project was created to assess the visibility of standard street signs in fast-moving traffic or low visibility areas. Using LEDs, a solar panel, a rechargeable battery, and control circuits, the project will outfit a selection of street signs in order to enhance their visibility in the aforementioned areas of use. May06-06 Team Information Members Client Faculty Advisors Alex Beecher EE beecher@iastate.edu Jason Chose EE jchose@iastate.edu Jim Kopaska EE kopaskaj@iastate.edu Matt Treska EE mattyt@iastate.edu Professor John Lamont jwlamont@iastate.edu Professor Ralph Patterson III repiii@iastate.edu Senior Design Project Web Site http://seniord.ece.iastate.edu/may0606/