Traffic

Sustainability

Triplesign Solar Powered signs

A sustainable solution leaving zero carbon footprint

Climate change and the reduction of CO² emissions are high priorities worldwide. Communities and cities are actively seeking sustainable solutions to manage traffic and prevent accidents.

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are crucial for efficient traffic management and improved road safety. Optimized traffic flow directly contributes to reduced exhaust emissions, supporting environmental goals.

VMS signs are an effective way to provide drivers with correct and timely information they need to navigate safely, adapting to current traffic conditions and hazards.

Comparing Power Consumption: LED VMS vs. Triplesign

Using a Triplesign VMS – instead of an LED VMS – is a more sustainable option.

The power consumption for displaying the message is zero with a Triplesign VMS. Reflective foil is used to display the message. In comparison to an LED VMS that needs continuous power to display the message, a Triplesign VMS is the more sustainable option.

An LED VMS consumes considerably more power to display the same message and is therefore much more expensive. As the size of the sign increases, the costs for power consumption of an LED VMS will increase linearly, while the costs for a Triplesign VMS will remain the same.

To illustrate the difference between an LED VMS and a Triplesign, let's consider an example.

Imagine a full-color, full matrix LED VMS of one square meter, which needs to display a message for an average of 8 hours a day. For the remaining time, the screen is turned off. The power consumption of such a VMS is 400 watts per hour. Thus, the LED VMS consumes 1,168 kWh per year. This estimate assumes that the LED VMS does not consume power when it is turned off, which is likely incorrect, as power is still needed for communication. In contrast, a Triplesign VMS uses just 1.2 kWh per year!

If we use a larger LED VMS, the difference in power consumption would be even greater. This is because, regardless of the size of the Triplesign, its power consumption remains consistently at 0.14 watts per hour.

CO2 Gap

Given the average carbon intensity of electricity, which varies by region but often ranges around 0.4 kg CO2 per kWh, the annual CO2 emissions for a LED VMS would be approximately 467 kg (1,168 kWh * 0.4 kg CO2 /kWh).

Using the same carbon intensity of 0.4 kg CO2 per kWh, the annual CO2 emissions for a Triplesign would be approximately 0.48 kg (1.2 kWh * 0.4 kg CO2 /kWh). This is a big difference!

After 25 years this difference is 11.663kg CO2 !

Triplesign's Solar Efficiency

Triplesign displays are designed to be extremely energy-efficient, operating solely on solar power ranging from 10 to 60 watts. Even in Nordic countries, where sunlight is limited, the solar panels, combined with an integrated 38.5 Amp-hour battery, can sustain the power requirements through several months of darkness.

In contrast, LED Variable Message Signs (VMS) demand significantly more solar power and require large, separate battery packs that need frequent replacements. This constant battery exchange results in additional service trips and a larger CO2 footprint.

A Triplesign system eliminates the need for frequent battery replacements. Instead, the small integrated batteries are designed to be replaced easily through an access point in the beam cover, only at the end of their lifespan.

Simple installation

Since the signs can be wirelessly controlled and fully operate on renewable energy, there is no need for cables. As a result, there is no need to dig cable trenches, which typically require heavy excavation machinery.

Installation time to get the Triplesign up and running is short. This is a matter of hours instead of days. Installing a Triplesign VMS has a limited impact on traffic flow and no major and expensive roadblocks and traffic safety measures are required to install the sign.

LED VMS obviously need a much bigger battery and are therefore less suitable to operate wirelessly.

Minimal maintenance and extended lifetime

LED systems need regular maintenance and replacements, contributing to electronic waste over time.

Triplesign systems are designed to be durable and require minimal maintenance, reducing electronic waste and the need for frequent replacements. Triplesign VMS offer a 20+ years lifetime with limited maintenance. The entire mechanism, including the motor and sensors, can be replaced by sliding them out of the frame and sliding in new components. The frame and back structure do not need to be replaced. With a new set of prisms, the sign is as new, and ready for another 20 years lifetime!

Reusable materials

LED displays require various materials, including rare earth metals, plastics, and electronic components. The production process for these materials can involve significant environmental impacts, including mining, energy use, and waste generation.

Triplesign VMS use fewer electronic components, resulting in lower environmental impacts during production. The majority of the materials used in Triplesign VMS are reusable. The prisms can be refurbished and repurposed for use in another sign.

Conclusion

A precisely calculated setup of a Triplesign will result in zero carbon footprint from power consumption and minimal carbon footprint from battery exchanges, maintenance, and product replacements. When considering the CO2 savings from improved traffic flow and fewer traffic incidents, the overall carbon footprint becomes negative. This means a Triplesign installation will reduce the total carbon footprint. In stark contrast, the carbon footprint of LED VMS systems is significantly higher and more concerning.

Using a Triplesign instead of an LED VMS results in a 70 to 90% lower cost, making wide-scale, affordable traffic information possible while maintaining a low CO2 footprint.

Triplesign Solar Powered signs

A sustainable solution leaving zero carbon footprint

Climate change and reduction of CO² emissions are currently high on the agenda all over the world. Local communities and cities are looking for sustainable solutions to guide the traffic and prevent accidents.

The power consumption for a standard and online connected Triplesign VMS controlled via Wi-Fi or SIM card is only 1Watt/hour, which is a fraction of the power consumption of an LED VMS.
With the new secure communication system, which uses an IoT SIM card and an annual subscription, the power consumption is reduced to 0,14Watt/hour!
The expected lifetime of a Triplesign is at least 20 years, with limited and simple maintenance, especially compared to an LED VMS.
The service life can be extended by another 20 years by exchanging (only) the active components through a simple and patented procedure.

The Triplesign standalone solar sign is easy to install. Because the sign can be controlled wirelessly and is self-sufficient in power supply, no cable excavation using heavy machinery is required, which drastically reduces carbon footprint.

Another advantage is the installation time to get the sign up and running. This is a matter of hours instead of days. Installing a Triplesign VMS has a limited impact on traffic flow and no major and expensive roadblocks and traffic safety measures are required to install the sign.

Conclusion

The carbon footprint for installing and operating a Triplesign VMS is minimal, especially compared to an LED VMS.