GB2408395A - Cylindrical solar street light - Google Patents

Abstract

A Solar Street Light includes a street lighting pole 4, a lighting bulk head 1 and includes a magnifying section, 2 which reflects light from the lamp onto the cylindrical solar panels, 1 which are around the circumference of the main lighting pole 4. The lighting pole, 4 is fixed and stabilised in a pole foundation, 6. There is an access door in the side of the lighting pole, 5 that encloses the two semi circular batteries, 8. The semi circular shape enables easy accessibility when being installed or replaced. A tension wire, 9 can be fitted inside the lighting pole, 4. The streetlights in each zone will be turned on using mobile telephone technology. Each light fitting in a zone will have an identical receiver which when phoned/contacted will activate a switch in each light simultaneously. They can all be turned off using the same system.

Description

CYLINDRICAL SOLAR STREET LIGHT

This invention relates to a cylindrical solar streetlight of the type used in many cities and towns throughout the world. This type of solar street light use adjustable 0-90 degree photovoltaic solar panels mounted either on top of or on the side of the street lighting pole.

These solar streetlights use a photo resistor to switch the lighting on at dusk and off at dawn. Photo resistors could be confused into believing it is daylight during night hours due to bright city lighting, such as emcee and other street furniture.

The object of this invention is to use an alternative solar technology system/design and an alternative switching system.

It is proposed to use a plastic pole although a variety of materials could be used including, metals, wood and fibreglass.

The switching on/off of these lights, either on their own or in groups/zones would utilize mobile telephone technology.

A more detailed objective of this invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1: shows a side view of the solar streetlight, including the section stabilizing it to the ground.

Figure 2: shows a section through the upper part of the solar light pole, including the tension wire and cylindrical solar panel.

Figure 3: shows a section through the lower part of the solar light pole, including the battery/component compartment.

As shown in figure 1 the post comprises of a section stabilized in the ground inside a posthole, 6, using fixing brackets, 7. It has a door, 5 enabling access into the battery/component department and a tension wire, 9 running through the length of the pole.

Figure 1 shows the upper section with its circumference completely surrounded by solar panel technology, 1. Having the whole circumference of the post surrounded by solar panel technology enables the solar panels to gain constant exposure to daylight from sunrise to sunset. The remainder of the post could also utilise solar technology if required to supply sufficient power to the batteries. The solar technology used could include cylindrical solar panels or solar cell technology sprayed directly onto the surface of the post.

The bulkhead of the light fitting is also covered in solar panels, 1. The inside of the bulkhead behind the lamp is covered in 'chrome coloured' solar panels to help charge the batteries when the light is on and to help reflect light back out onto the street. A section of the diffuser will magnify light from the lamp at an appropriate angle directly onto the cylindrical solar panels around the length of the post. This will help to continually charge the batteries 24 hours for maximum efficiency.

Mobile telephone technology will be used to switch the solar street lighting on and off. This enables the lights to be controlled from anywhere in the world and located easily if problems arise. It also enables numerous lights to be controlled together in groups.

The batteries used inside the post can be semi circular or quartered, as in figure 3, to allow ease of maintenance and positioning in the component department.

The cylindrical solar street light design controlled by mobile telephone technology would continue to give light and therefore safety during a large power cut in major cities during national grid malfunctions, i.e. New York 2003. It would be easily maintained, lightweight when plastic is used, easy to install and could be used in even the most remote of locations. It can be made in kit form to be utilised for either new street lighting or to convert existing street lighting.

Claims (9)

1. A solar streetlight using a plastic pole, with cylindrical solar technology around its circumference.

2. Solar technology as in Claim 1 is also used around the outside of the bulkhead, the arm of the lighting pole and chrome coloured solar panels inside the fitting having the dual purpose of using the light from the bulb to charge the battery and to reflect light more efficiently.

3. A solar streetlight as claimed in Claim 1 and 2 with a magnifying section on the diffuser to give maximum light onto the solar cylindrical section of pole, helping to draw energy more efficiently.

4. A solar streetlight as claimed in Claims 1 with an access door to the batteries and equipment enclosure, if needed.

5. A solar street light as in Claim 1, 2, 3 and 4 where mobile telephone technology can be utilised to enable switching on/off of the light fitting when required. This receiver (on/off switch) will be installed in the post at the most advantageous point for receiving a clear signal.

6. A solar light as claimed in any preceding claim including the optional use of a tension wire running through the middle of the plastic pole.

7. A solar streetlight as claimed in any proceeding claim, which is made from plastic, metal, wood or fibreglass.

8. A solar street light as claimed in any proceeding claim, which uses spray- on solar technology to the circumference of the pole.

9. A solar streetlight substantially as herein described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.