17. Powering Traffic Intersections with Wind and Solar Energy

The chapter presents introductory materials to the decentralized small wind and solar energy applications within roadway infrastructure, which aims to provide a reference for transportation agencies to address the unique issues of roadway wind and solar energy projects, and develop project selection criteria for their jurisdictions. This is done by synthesizing an extensive literature review and providing a project evaluation approach to support decision making. The focus of this chapter is to introduce the use of small wind and solar energy as an alternative power source for signalized intersections. Small wind energy usually refers to small wind turbines with a capacity of less than 100 kW, which are typically used for individual homes and farms. This chapter discusses project siting requirements, energy production estimation, and project costing. A framework of primary project development is presented for integrating small wind and solar energy as an alternative power source at signalized intersections. This framework includes identifying appropriate renewable energy technologies and potential sites through a feasibility study, and evaluating project cost-effectiveness through a benefit-cost analysis. The chapter also introduces some data sources for conducting the physical and economic feasibility studies.