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Feature19 October 2017,
updated19 October 2017Siemens Mobility GmbHMunich
More than 100 years ago - on August 5, 1914 - the first electric traffic light went into operation, a milestone for traffic control. Today, it is hard to imagine a world without the redyellow-green signals. And the success story of the traffic lights is continuing with "1-watt technology". This achievement has enabled Siemens to revolutionize the market and improve the energy efficiency of standard 230 V LED technology by up to 85 percent, a huge benefit for tight city budgets and for the environment. Equipped with the new technology, a typical intersection with around 55 traffic signals (red - yellow - green) avoids more than 6,000 kilograms of harmful carbon emissions a year.
Press Pictures
1-watt technology: The world's thriftiest traffic light
A shake-up in transportation systems: Siemens engineers have managed to reduce the power consumption of a traffic light to just one to two watts. This achievement, made possible with "1-watt technology", has enabled Siemens to revolutionize the market and improve the energy efficiency of standard 230 V LED technology by up to 85 percent.
The traffic light - a small energy wonder
The participants of the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference in Paris resolved to limit global warming to a maximum of two degrees. To reach this goal, highly energy efficient innovations in road traffic are needed. Siemens wants to reduce the energy consumption of the more than 60,000 intersections equipped with traffic lights in Southern Germany. With a low energy consumption of just one to two watts per light signal, about 1,600 kilowatt-hours (kWh) can be saved per year at a typical intersection. By way of comparison: A single-person home consumes just over 1,000 kWh a year.
1-watt technology: The world's thriftiest traffic light
In addition to power costs, the 1-watt signal light units also reduce service costs, thanks to digital LED drivers. Optical monitors continuously check the state of the LEDs. It is conceivable that in the future it may be possible to predict when units will fail to enable preventative maintenance of signal light units, thus reducing the risk of chaos caused by a traffic light failure during rush hour.
Greater efficiency thanks to intelligent traffic solutions
Intelligent software and cloud-based solutions from are revolutionizing our mobility. New technologies ensure more efficient traffic management not only in metropolitan centers, but also in regional and national capitals. Tight budgets are no obstacle: Self-financing and energy-saving solutions combined with forward-looking parking space and street light management not only lessen the burden on public coffers, but also contribute to the refinancing of traffic infrastructure. In the picture: Stuttgart, Germany
Infographics
1-watt technology - The world's most energy-efficient traffic light
A shake-up in transportation systems: Siemens engineers have managed to reduce the power consumption of a traffic light to just one to two watts. This achievement made possible with "1-watt technology".