Island photovoltaic tunnel lighting systems

Abstract

Due to the direct correlation between the external illumination in front of the tunnel and the illumination inside the tunnel, road tunnels are possibly the most favorable consumer of electricity produced by photovoltaic (PVS) systems located near their portals. Thus saving the cost of energy supply which are around 30% of its price. The operation of anPVS in an island regime also saves costs for the connection of PVS to the grid of the electricity distribution company. The report takes into account the peculiarities of the operation of the PVSs as an island, justifying the benefit of constructing them as portal shading facilities over the road in front of the tunnel entrance. This reduces the installed power for daylight, respectively the investment for PVS.