Design, Deployment and Evolution of Heterogeneous Smart Public Lighting Systems

Abstract

Street lighting characterizes many smart city initiatives around the world. In fact, significant savings can be achieved by not only replacing traditional luminaires with low-power LEDs, but also providing streetlights with smart light controllers and network connectivity, allowing the introduction of a sensible light intensity management and reduction of maintenance costs. Moreover, if designed with a far-looking view, smart lighting infrastructure could also support city-wide Internet of Things services, becoming key enablers of the smart city revolution, also in the 5G perspective. In this paper, we provide a thorough discussion on network architectures and communication technologies that could be adopted for smart public lighting applications, showing their benefits and downsides. Starting with significant activity on research, implementation and in-field testing, we also outline the steps required for the deployment of a smart public lighting infrastructure, each discussed in accordance with the network topology considered. Finally, we introduce some additional services that a smart public lighting infrastructure could support and discuss the benefits that would arise from integration with the upcoming 5G cellular network.In this framework, the momentum for smart public lighting is mounting, as several trials and large-scale implementations showed their effectiveness [5]. In particular, LED fixtures are expected to dramatically reduce urban electricity costs, now due to street lighting for a share of 40% [6]. Smart luminaires will dynamically adapt lighting to actual needs, for instance lowering the lumen output when there are low traffic volumes and good visibility conditions are detected.Important references in this regard are the "GPP Revision of the EU Green Public Procurement Criteria for Road Lighting and traffic signals" [7], authored by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission, and the CEN/TR 13201 lighting standards [8][9][10][11][12], which define how to properly design lighting systems. As reported in Reference [7], "due to the multiple benefits of dimming, dimming controls must be installed in all cases unless, in exceptional circumstances, it can be demonstrated that the total cost of ownership would increase by installing dimming controls. The EN 13201 standard itself [8][9][10][11][12] recognizes that the required lighting levels are dynamic in nature and an appropriate lighting level at all times can only be ensured with adequate dimming control during off-peak hours. Dimming has obvious environmental benefits via lower energy consumption and reduced light pollution. Furthermore, dimming can enhance the lifetime of LED luminaires due to a reduced risk of overheating, which is the principal cause of abrupt LED failure." In this regard, results from a global trial of LED streetlights show that, when coupled with smart controls, LED fixtures can deliver electricity savings of up to 80% over classic lighting technologies [13].Beyond energy savings, since each smart streetlight n...

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