Multi-objective Optimization applied to Photovoltaic Street Lighting Systems

Abstract

This paper proposes a new method of optimization that minimizes energy consumption in street lighting with the aim of using minimal infrastructure in photovoltaic installations. In an attempt to reduce our energy dependency from the outside, the world of science not only is searching and developing new energy sources, but it is also implementing new methods of design of installations that consume less, while they maintain the highest standards of quality. In this work we continue with that idea, it provide an alternative method to achieve that lighting installations consume less and at the same time take advantage of the qualities of renewable energies. To do this, in this study two variables are chosen to optimize the installation of public lighting; energy consumption and global uniformity. The first is intended to minimize the number and cost of photovoltaic elements and the second to ensure the quality of the lighting. As a practical example, any city of the South of Spain was chosen, therefore the choice of solar photovoltaic is justified because there are large number of hours of sunshine per year.