Eco-Friendly

Energy studies include:

Reducing Driver Frustrations and going Green through Optimizing Traffic Signal Operation

Traffic signals are part of our day to day driving experience and thus have a major impact on travel. As Cities grow and traffic increases the challenge is to maximize the efficiency of traffic signals by reducing vehicle delays. In a recent survey undertaken by the US Federal Highway Authority (FHWA), 50% of those surveyed noted signal timings should be improved and 36% noted signal timings should be checked and refined more often. This is significant as much can be done inexpensively to improve signal operation by refining controller timings.

Gasoline powered motor vehicles are key contributors to air pollution. When vehicles stop and go at red lights and subsequently accelerate, excess fuel is consumed producing additional carbon dioxide emissions. By optimizing signal timings, the number of stops and idle time can be reduced thus reducing carbon dioxide emissions. This has been confirmed on past projects where DMD & Associates Ltd. (DMD) were retained to optimize the coordination of corridors with signalized intersections. As you will see from the results below, signal coordination can have a huge benefit in reducing both carbon dioxide emissions and vehicle delays.

When optimizing signal coordination, DMD methodology involves first recording the existing conditions by driving the corridor repeatedly during each time of day plan using GPS based software. DMD then models the corridor using traffic engineering simulation software and optimize/refine the traffic controller timings for all intersections in the corridor. The new signal timings are then simulated in controllers in our shop and further optimized/refined and then installed in the traffic controllers in the field. After the timings are implemented, DMD verify the coordination and measure the improvement of traffic flow by repeatedly driving the corridors in peak periods and recording the results using GPS based software and then comparing the before and after travel times. If required, further refinements are made.

The key with this process is the actual before and after assessments by repeatedly driving the corridors. The results are not based solely on software simulations; they are based on actual flow of traffic in peak periods. The results from our last five projects speak to the success of our methods.

Using measured results and Natural Resources Canada’s Idling Calculator, the following annual environmental benefits can be achieved following the implementation of the optimized signal timing plans for the corridors listed.

Upon completion, the signals in the corridors listed to the right are now operating to maximum efficiency by simply refining signal timings. Comparing the actual pre and post coordination travel times through the corridors, the average driver travel time in the peak periods is reduced by approximately 26 %. It is important to note these projects are not randomly selected the results are based on the last five optimization projects DMD has completed.

Improving signal operation by updating signal timings is a cost effective solution to reduce delays, driver frustrations and GHG emissions. So why should you consider DMD for this type of work? Simple - we have produced outstanding validated results on past projects. We bring a strong knowledge and passion to each project. We offer a cost effective method which can be undertaken in a short time period.

BC Hydro PowerSmart Adaptive Lighting Studies

Adaptive lighting is a new concept gaining acceptance and with it popularity around the world. In simple terms, the concept involves reducing light levels in off peak periods when pedestrian activity levels are reduced to save power. Power saving can range from 30% to 40% which is significant. IESNA and TAC are still maintained. DMD have helped to shape the industry by developing adaptive lighting design practices in national standards publications such as the Transportation Association of Canada Roadway Lighting Design Guide, the International Municipal Signal Association Roadway Lighting II Certification document and via numerous articles in trade publications.

DMD is undertaking a comprehensive review and feasibility study of adaptive lighting systems for 6 Cities and ultimately up to 15 Cities in British Columbia. The feasibility studies includes a detailing inventory of existing lighting levels on 10% of the Cities roads with field confirmation of what exists also included. This is done by accessing the Cities GIS data and undertaking computer lighting calculations to determine average illumination levels. We are accessing the viability of adaptive lighting technologies and determine energy savings and costs for the retrofit of the adaptive lighting hardware into existing luminaires. The study includes recommended time of night dimming schedules along with logic and rational for such schedules and assessment of existing lighting levels and deployment strategy for the entire City. Included is a spreadsheet defining existing lighting levels of each road, what levels were required at the various times of the evening and the recommended percentage of dimming and power savings. Payback is also defined.

BC Hydro Power Smart Prince George Adaptive Lighting Pilot Project

DMD was retained by BC Hydro to select and apply new energy saving technologies in the City of Prince George, BC and assess adaptive lighting technologies. Streetlight Intelligence Inc (STI) Lumen IQ was selected as the most suitable technology and a pilot project was undertaken by DMD on a section of arterial road in the City of Prince George. DMD assessed the technology, defined tests (thermal, photometric and vibration) to validate the technology, reviewed results, determined existing lighting levels, assisted BC Hydro in determining strategy of calculating energy savings as the system was un-metered, tested and validated such calculations, defined illumination levels based on recommend practice, worked with stakeholder to develop a time frame and method of system acceptance, worked with supplier to develop and enhance features such as database, dimming schedules, asset management features and retrofitting into existing fixtures. Payback was also defined. The project was completed on time and on budget.

Don McLean of DMD won the Most Outstanding Paper Award from the Illuminating Engineering Society for his paper titled “Centralized Street Light Control and Monitoring Demonstration Project” and presented it in Tucson, Arizona. The paper was based on an adaptive lighting system installed in Prince George, BC.

Citywide Review of Street Lighting Illumination Levels and Practices, City of New Westminster

The purpose of the study was to conduct a review of the existing illumination levels for roads and sidewalks throughout the City in order to identify areas that may be deficient. The City has approximately 3200 street lights in their system. We developed a map showing existing illumination levels and developed a strategy to prioritize street lighting upgrades to address identified deficiencies, taking into account capital, operating and maintenance cost. To do this we obtained GIS data from the City to define typical light pole spacing mounting heights, road types, widths, etc. and undertook lighting calculations using photometric files assumed to match those luminaires which exist. We established lighting requirements for various areas based on the TAC Roadway Lighting Design Guide. Areas where lighting didn’t meet standards were highlighted on key plan drawings showing all roads in the City.

Other information covered included visual acuity Issues MH vs. HPS, pedestrian level lighting including research on vertical illumination levels enhancing pedestrian visibility, IDA Dark Sky Compliances, standards for development lighting (on and off site) including recommendations for limitations and reductions on over lighting. We also undertook a power point presentation to City Council that summarized study findings, defined proposed action and responded to questions and comments.

For this project DMD retained then services of Opus International to provide road safety information.

Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities Review of Energy Efficient Street Lighting Strategies

The UNSM, Nova Scotia Power Inc., Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), and Conserve Nova Scotia have formed a Street-lighting Issues Committee to identify opportunities to work together on common street-lighting issues, with a goal of reducing energy costs and GHG emissions for municipalities through employing better energy efficient street-lighting strategies. This Street-lighting Issues committee decided to hire an engineering consultant to undertake a review of street-lighting standards, energy efficient technologies and best practices, and to develop a set of recommendations for more energy efficient street-lighting strategies for NS Municipalities. Through a competitive selection process the UNSM retained the services of DMD and Associates Ltd., a specialist electrical engineering firm from Surrey, British Columbia to undertake this assignment. Key review, examination and discussions as defined by UNSM and included in this report were:

• A comprehensive review and comparison of street-lighting standards (current and upcoming), current technologies, and common practices in use across Nova Scotia and a comparison with North America best practice street-lighting standards.
• A comprehensive review of energy efficient street-lighting best practices, industry standards, and energy efficient lighting and control technologies (including pilot projects that have been undertaken) that is being tested and utilized in other jurisdictions.
• An examination of light reflective technologies as an alternative to street-lights. These include retro-reflective pavement markings and delineator posts.
• A review of lighting controls, including individual photocells and remote control and monitor systems, compare with their various grades of sensitivity and accuracy, programmable or not, with respect to energy efficiency
• An examination of the benefits versus costs to changeover for existing metered applications and for utility owned, presently un-metered municipal property and street lights.
• A discussion of the economics and availability of the various energy efficient technologies (current and upcoming).
• A comprehensive review and discussion of programs used in North American and European jurisdictions that have implemented/rationalized energy efficient street-lighting strategies (e.g., Calgary and others).
• A comprehensive review and discussion of the key issues that may justify accelerate or impede the adoption of energy efficient street-lighting best practices, best streetlight standards and energy efficient technologies in NS.

City of Calgary Adaptive Lighting Pilot Project

DMD have been retained by the City of Calgary to undertake a comprehensive review and feasibility study and deployment of the Streetlight Intelligence Inc (STI) Lumen IQ adaptive lighting system for the 500 street lights within the City. DMD are undertaking a feasibility study to assess the viability of the technology and determine energy saving and costs for the retrofit of the STI Lumen IQ system into existing luminaires. The will include recommended time of night dimming schedules along with logic and rational for such schedules, assessment of existing lighting levels and review of the technology and deployment strategy for the entire City. The project had no defined schedule, however was completed on budget.

 

Contact DMD

DMD & Associates Ltd

• #12-17358 104A Ave.
• Surrey BC  V4N 5M3
• Canada
• Tel: +1 604-589-9010
• Toll Free: +1 877-249-8080
• Fax: +1 604-589-9012
• Email: info@dmdeng.com
• Map

Pacific Northwest PO Box

• 1770 Front St., PMB #267
• Lynden WA  98264
• USA

Arizona

• 4700 South Fulton Ranch Blvd #77
• Chandler AZ  85248
• USA
• Toll Free: +1 877-249-8080