Eco Factor: Flexible solar modules illuminate bus stops and sends internet-based updates of transport schedules.
Waiting for a bus at a dark bus stop would soon be history as some Canadian research engineers at McMaster University have developed flexible solar cell technology that fits atop the curved roofs of a bus stop and power energy-efficient lighting systems at night and keeps the passengers well informed using internet-based transport schedules.
The system is based on the use of flexible solar strips, measuring 90cmX12cm, which contains 720 solar cells capable of generating a decent 4.5W of power. These solar strips are attached to each end of the bus shelter where they generate solar electricity during daytime and store it in the batteries of lighting systems. The lighting systems are made from energy-efficient battery-operated LEDs that use only 600mW of power and generate the same light as a 3W tungsten lamp.
The team is now working on ways to improve the technology to enable the solar strips to generate enough energy to keep the bus stops running even on overcast and winter days.
Via: Gizmag
