Solar road studs are flashing

solar cell A solar cell, also known as a photovoltaic cell (PV cell), is an electronic device that converts the energy of light directly into electricity by means of the photovoltaic effect.

powered

LED A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits light when current flows through it. Electrons in the semiconductor recombine with electron holes, releasing energy in the form of photons. The color of the light (corresp ...

low-maintenance lighting devices that delineate road edges and centrelines. Embedded in the road surface, they are an electronic improvement on the traditional cat's eyes and

raised pavement marker ''Raised'' is the third studio album by American country music, country artist Hailey Whitters. It was released on March 18, 2022, via a partnership between Big Loud and her own imprint, Pigasus. Background Heavily inspired by her Midwestern upb ...

in that they may give drivers a larger reaction window. Averaging about 100 mm square or 100 mm diameter and about 40 mm thick, units are extremely robust to avoid damage by passing vehicles, and are normally constructed of

engineering plastic Engineering plastics are a group of plastic materials that have better mechanical or thermal properties than the more widely used commodity plastics (such as polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene and polyethylene). Engineering plastic ...

s and

polycarbonates Polycarbonates (PC) are a group of thermoplastic polymers containing carbonate groups in their chemical structures. Polycarbonates used in engineering are strong, tough materials, and some grades are optically transparent. They are easily wor ...

. Use of solar road studs reduces the necessity of headlight main beams and the accompanying hazard of dazzling oncoming drivers. They are also more visible in rain and fog conditions where the old type retroreflectors and road markings are problematic. The solar cells charge batteries or capacitors during sunlit hours, over which period the flashing LEDs are turned off by a

photodetector Photodetectors, also called photosensors, are devices that detect light or other forms of electromagnetic radiation and convert it into an electrical signal. They are essential in a wide range of applications, from digital imaging and optical ...

Uses

Some examples of uses are listed: * Ground lights to warn traffic of an upcoming road hazard or road work. * Improving road illumination in general within the city at night. * Improving road illumination on winding hazardous back roads at night. * Improving road illumination at industrial or shipping sites. * Remote airstrip runway lighting. * Lighting for outdoor mining operations. * Adding or improving illumination on farms for animal or equipment. * At home outdoor décor.

References

Traffic signs Road construction Applications of photovoltaics {{Renewable-energy-stub

Uses

See also

References