Street lamp post, street lighting system, and method of operating a street lighting system

Abstract

A street light lamp post (100) includes a street light (104) attached to a lamp post (102). The street light lamp post further includes at least one first solar cell (106) disposed on a first side of the lamp post, at least one second solar cell (108) disposed on a second side of the lamp post, and a control unit (212). The control unit is configured to determine the orientation of at least one first solar cell and at least one second solar cell with respect to a road (524) and / or an approaching vehicle (526) based on light inputs detected by the at least one first solar cell and the at least one second solar cell. The control unit is further configured to control the street light based on the light inputs detected by the first solar cell and / or the second solar cell and the determined orientation of the solar cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of street lighting. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a street lamp post including solar cells disposed on different sides of the lamp post, and a street lighting system including such a lamp post.

Background Art

[0002] Solar-powered street lighting has attracted worldwide attention. Solar-powered street lighting systems make it possible to construct and illuminate new roads in areas without existing power infrastructure. This can be important not only in rural areas of developed countries but also in developing countries. Furthermore, using solar power to light streets as a renewable energy source can contribute to achieving climate goals around the world.

[0003] Currently, a typical solar street lamp may include a conventional street lamp pole extended by a conventional solar panel, which is usually disposed on the top of the street lamp. Such an arrangement is susceptible to the influence of strong winds and may reduce mechanical stability. Furthermore, since the sun moves across the sky, such an arrangement may not be suitable for collecting sunlight throughout the day or throughout the year. Conventional solar street lamps may also cause visual clutter.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved system and device for street lighting that overcomes at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages and utilizes the advantages provided by solar panels.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This and other objects are achieved by a streetlight lamp post, a street lighting system, and a method of operating a street lighting system as defined in the appended independent claims. Other embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a streetlight lamp post is provided. The streetlight lamp post includes at least one first solar cell disposed on a first side of the lamp post and at least one second solar cell disposed on a second side of the lamp post. The streetlight lamp post further includes a control unit. The control unit is configured to determine the orientation of the at least one first solar cell and the at least one second solar cell with respect to a road and / or an approaching vehicle based on light inputs detected by the at least one first solar cell and the at least one second solar cell. The control unit is further configured to control a streetlight light output based on the light inputs detected by the first solar cell and / or the second solar cell and the determined orientation of the solar cells.

[0007] Disposing solar cells on the sides of the lamp post can improve solar light harvesting during winter midday when the sun is at a low elevation angle. Further, when the solar cells are disposed on the sides of the lamp post, the solar cells can be used to detect other light coming from the sides, such as light from approaching vehicles. Therefore, the first and second solar cells can be suitably arranged to function as light detectors for detecting oncoming traffic headlights and the like.

[0008] The control unit of the streetlight lamp post according to the first aspect may analyze the optical input signals from individual or groups of solar cells (i.e., at least one first solar cell and at least one second solar cell) attached to the lamp post (or, in other words, a streetlight pole) in different orientations. From the analysis, road and / or vehicle-oriented cells may be determined. For example, the control unit may determine which of the at least one first solar cell and the at least one second solar cell is facing towards the headlights of approaching traffic. When the orientation of the solar cells (e.g., the first and second solar cells) is determined, the optical input (power signal) of the solar cells may be used to control the streetlight. For example, the control unit may select a subset of the solar cells based on the determined orientation of the solar cells, such that the optical input should be used to control the streetlight.

[0009] To conserve energy during quiet hours with low traffic volume, such as at night, it may be preferable to actively turn on the streetlight (lamp / fixture) on demand, e.g., when an approaching vehicle is detected.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the control unit may further be configured to detect a vehicle approaching the lamp post from the optical input detected by at least one of the first solar cell and the second solar cell. The control unit may further be configured to control the streetlight optical output based on the detection.

[0011] Such embodiments can provide light-on-demand without additional sensors or cameras. For example, the control unit may turn on or increase the optical output of the streetlight based on the detection of an approaching vehicle.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the control unit may further be configured to determine the position of an approaching vehicle from a light input detected by at least one of at least one first solar cell and at least one second solar cell. The control unit may further be configured to adapt the street light output based on the position of the approaching vehicle.

[0013] The control unit may determine, for example, the absolute or relative position of the approaching vehicle. For example, the position of the approaching vehicle may be determined or estimated based on the signal strength of the detected light input. Further, depending on which solar cell is detecting the light from the vehicle, the orientation of the vehicle with respect to the lamp post may be determined.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the control unit may further be configured to operate in a calibration mode and an operation mode.

[0015] In the calibration mode, the control unit may be configured to control the light output of the street lamp and monitor the light input detected by at least one first solar cell and at least one second solar cell. Based on the monitored light input, the control unit may further be configured to determine the orientation of the first and second solar cells with respect to the street lamp. For example, when controlling the light output of the street lamp, the light input in at least one first solar cell and at least one second solar cell may be monitored for a short time, such as within the range of seconds or milliseconds.

[0016] In the calibration mode, the control unit may further be configured to monitor, additionally or alternatively, the optical inputs detected by at least one first solar cell and at least one second solar cell over a period of time. The period of time may be, for example, within the range of minutes, hours, or days. The control unit may further be configured to detect a pattern corresponding to an approaching vehicle in the monitored optical inputs. Based on the detected pattern, the control unit may be configured to determine the orientation of the first and second solar cells with respect to the approaching vehicle.

[0017] In the operating mode, the control unit may be configured to control the street lamp based on the optical input detected by at least one first solar cell and / or at least one second solar cell and the determined orientation of the solar cell.

[0018] After initially installing and starting the street lamp lamp post, the control unit may automatically enter the calibration phase / mode. Alternatively, the calibration phase or mode may be activated by an operator. The calibration mode may preferably be activated at night so that the calibration is not affected by ambient daylight.

[0019] In the calibration mode, the control unit may determine the orientation of the cell or cell group with respect to the road, street lamp, and / or approaching vehicle in order to select the cell that is optimal for detecting traffic. For example, the control unit may determine on which side the street lamp is located and which cell detects the headlight pattern.

[0020] In the calibration mode, the street lamp may be controlled by the control unit. The orientation of the solar cell with respect to the street lamp may be determined based on the light input detected by the solar cell when the street lamp is activated. For example, signals from each solar cell, or a group of solar cells, may be compared when the street lamp is activated to determine which cell is arranged on the side of the street lamp fixture. The control unit may determine the road-facing cell based on the cell that most prominently detects the activated street lamp output.

[0021] Similarly, the light pattern of the headlights of an approaching vehicle may be most prominently detected by a solar cell or group of solar cells facing the approaching vehicle. In the calibration mode, the control unit may monitor the detected light input of the solar cell (or group of solar cells) over a period of time and detect the pattern of the detected light input corresponding to the approaching vehicle (e.g., the headlight pattern) to determine the cell that is most suitable for detecting oncoming traffic (the approaching vehicle).

[0022] After the calibration mode / stage, the street lighting system may switch to an operational traffic sensing mode. In the operational mode, the control unit may control the street lamp based on the light input detected by a solar cell or group of solar cells (i.e., at least one first solar cell and at least one second solar cell).

[0023] In the traffic sensing / operation mode, the street lamp may be activated when detecting the lights of approaching vehicles by a selected / determined road / vehicle-oriented cell group. Optionally, approaching vehicles can be detected on multiple sides using different solar cells / cell groups. The control unit may activate different light outputs of the street lamp depending on the position and direction of the approaching vehicle, for example, by changing the light output intensity or distribution. At the same time, at least some, or all, of the solar cells may be used to supply power to, for example, the street lamp or other devices / units within the street lamp lamp post.

[0024] Optionally, the operation mode may be active only at night. For example, the general level of the solar cell signal can be used to determine that it has become dark enough to activate the traffic sensing mode.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the control unit may further be configured to detect the surrounding daylight property from the light inputs detected by at least one first solar cell and at least one second solar cell. The control unit may further be configured to control the street lamp based on the surrounding daylight property.

[0026] Such embodiments may enable the street lamp to be turned off when there is sufficient daylight, and thus may reduce energy consumption. For example, the control unit may activate or deactivate the street lamp based on the average or general light level detected by the solar cell.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the control unit may further be configured to receive information regarding the current light output of the street lamp. The control unit may further be configured to compensate for the light input detected by at least one first solar cell and at least one second solar cell based on the known current light output of the street lamp and the determined orientation of the solar cell.

[0028] The streetlight output may affect the light input detected by the first and second solar cell(s). Therefore, the control unit may compensate the detected light input based on the known current light output of the streetlight itself. The current light output may be known to the control unit. Alternatively, the light output may be measured by the control unit.

[0029] According to some embodiments, at least one first solar cell may include a plurality of first solar cells arranged in a column. At least one second solar cell may include a plurality of second solar cells arranged in a column.

[0030] The plurality of first solar cells may be arranged in a first column on a first side of the lamp post. The plurality of second solar cells may be arranged in a second column on a second side of the lamp post. Arranging a plurality of solar cells in a column may enable receiving light at different heights of the lamp post.

[0031] To optimize solar energy harvesting, a plurality of vertical cell columns may be arranged parallel around at least a portion of the lamp post. This may provide a large solar cell area for collecting light, potentially light from different directions. Further, the vertical cell columns may enable detection of variations in the light input detected by different cell columns. Determining variations in the light input from different vertical cell columns, or from individual cells or cell groups positioned at different horizontal positions, may facilitate determining the direction from which light is received, for example, to determine the position of an approaching vehicle.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the at least one first solar cell and the at least one second solar cell may form part of a cylindrical or rectangular solar cell array wrapping around at least a portion of the lamp post.

[0033] For example, an angular solar cell array may have a hexagonal, octagonal, decagonal, or similar cross section. A cylindrical or angular solar cell array that surrounds at least a portion of a lamp post may simplify installation without requiring orientation of the solar cell panels toward the typical sun position. Additionally, arranging the solar cells to surround at least a portion of a lamp post may improve solar harvesting, especially during winter days when the sun is at a low elevation angle as it moves across the sky, or during cloudy conditions where the solar cells may capture diffuse light from multiple different directions.

[0034] The solar cells may, for example, be attached to or integrated into (e.g., cylindrical) street light poles. Solar cells located near or integrated into lamp posts can reduce visual clutter and therefore minimize driver distraction.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the at least one first solar cell and the at least one second solar cell may form part of a flexible solar cell foil.

[0036] Thin-film flexible solar cells can be robust and compact, and they can be easily integrated into lamp posts. The flexible solar cell foil may be at least partially wrapped around the lamp post.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the street light lamp post may further include a battery. The battery may be configured to be charged by the at least one first solar cell and the at least one second solar cell. The battery may be configured to provide power to the street light.

[0038] The solar cells (i.e., at least one first solar cell and at least one second solar cell) may serve a dual purpose of charging the streetlight lamp post's battery when there is sufficient ambient daylight and functioning as a light sensor.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the street lamp post may further include a communication module. The control unit may be further configured to transmit information regarding the light input received from the at least one first solar cell and the at least one second solar cell to another street lamp post using said communication module.

[0040] For example, the control unit may transmit information about approaching vehicles or detected ambient daylight. Additionally, the control unit may transmit information about the current light output of the street light to another street light lamp post. The communication module may use, for example, modulated visible light communication or radio frequency (RF) communication.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the control unit may be further configured to receive information from another street light lamp post via said communication module, and to control the street light based on said received information.

[0042] Communication between lamp posts (light poles) can improve overall performance by activating street lights on time based on approaching vehicles detected by different lamp posts, or by determining vehicle direction and speed based on detection times of vehicles at different lamp posts, etc.

[0043] For example, if the control unit may receive information regarding an approaching vehicle, the control unit may control the light output of a street light based on this information, e.g., the control unit may activate the street light or increase the light output of the street light based on the received information.

[0044] Additionally, information received from another street lamp post may be used for fault detection: for example, if information is received from another street lamp post indicating that the light input of the solar cells of this street lamp post is dim, while there is sufficient ambient daylight, this may be an indication that there is a fault somewhere in the system, that the solar cells are dirty, etc.

[0045] According to a second aspect, there is provided a street lighting system comprising at least two street lamp posts according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, each including a communications module, the at least two street lamp posts being configured to communicate with each other using said communications modules.

[0046] The street lamp posts of the system may communicate, for example, to provide a better experience for the driver by adapting their output light to the presence or location of the vehicle. For example, the vehicle's information may be communicated to a street lamp post further ahead, which may adjust its light output before the vehicle arrives.

[0047] According to some embodiments, a control unit (i.e., a first control unit) in a first street light lamp post of the system may be configured to detect a vehicle approaching the first street light lamp post based on an optical input detected by at least one first solar cell and / or at least one second solar cell of the first street light lamp post. The first control unit may be further configured to control a street light of the first street light lamp post based on the detection of the vehicle. The first control unit may be further configured to communicate information regarding said detection of the vehicle to a second street light lamp post of the system using a communication module of the first street light lamp post. The control unit (i.e., a second control unit) of the second street light lamp post may be configured to receive information regarding the detection of the vehicle from the first street light lamp post using a communication module of the second street light lamp post. The second control unit may be further configured to control a street light of the second street light lamp post based on the received information.

[0048] In such an embodiment, a certain number of street lamps ahead of the street lamp that detects the vehicle may be activated before the light of the vehicle's headlights reaches those lamp posts, and the light output of the street lamps may be adapted based on the distance between the lamp post and the oncoming vehicle.

[0049] According to a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of operating a street lighting system according to the second aspect of the disclosure. The method includes performing a calibration stage including controlling a light output of each of the street light lamp posts in the system. The calibration stage further includes monitoring a light input detected by at least one first solar cell and at least one second solar cell of each of the street light lamp posts during the control of the light output of each of the street light lamp posts. The calibration stage further includes determining an orientation and / or position of each street light lamp post relative to other street light lamp posts of the street lighting system based on the monitored light input. The method further includes operating street lights of the street lighting system based on the light input detected by the solar cells of the street light lamp posts and the determined orientation and / or position of each of the street light lamp posts.

[0050] As with the single streetlight lamp post described above with reference to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the calibration stage may be initiated automatically upon installation and initial start-up of the street lighting system. Alternatively, the calibration stage may be initiated by a local or remote operator.

[0051] When operating a street light lamp post, the control unit of the lamp post may be aware of the light emitted by other street lights in the same street lighting system due to a calibration stage.

[0052] In order to improve the readability of the present disclosure, features that are similar or equivalent among the first, second and third aspects of the present disclosure may be repeated only for one or two of these aspects. Those skilled in the art will understand that advantages or further details provided for a feature of one of these aspects may also apply to similar / equivalent features of the other aspects.

[0053] It should be noted that other embodiments may be envisioned that use all possible combinations of the features recited in the above embodiments, and thus the present disclosure also relates to all possible combinations of the features referred to herein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0054] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: As shown in the figures, the sizes of elements and regions may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and are thus provided to illustrate the general structure of the embodiments; Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout;

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

[0055] Exemplary embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which presently preferred embodiments are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, so as to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0056] 1 and 2, a street light lamp post 100 will be described, according to some embodiments.

[0057] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a street light lamp post 100. The street light lamp post 100 includes a street light 104 mounted on a lamp post 102. The street light lamp post 100 further includes a plurality of first solar cells 106 arranged in a first vertical array on a first side of the lamp post 102. A second vertical array of second solar cells 108 is arranged on a second side of the lamp post 102. The street light lamp post 100 further includes an array of additional solar cells in the form of an additional solar panel 110 arranged on the top of the street light 104. The vertical arrangement of the first solar cell 106 and the second solar cell 108 allows them to collect light coming from the side of the lamp post 102. In this way, the first and second solar cells 106, 108 can capture light, for example, from the rising or setting sun or from an approaching vehicle. The first and second solar cells 106, 108 may therefore function as light detectors. The additional solar panel 110 is located on the top of the street light 104, and is therefore suitable for collecting light coming from above the street light lamp post 100. Therefore, the additional solar panel 110 may be primarily used to power the street light 104 and other devices within the street light lamp post 100.

[0058] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a streetlight lamp post 200. It should be noted that Figure 2 includes features, elements and / or functions shown in Figure 1 and described in the associated text. Features are identified by reference numbers consisting of the associated figure number followed by the feature number and are equivalent for all exemplary embodiments, e.g., a common feature "10" is designated by "110" in Figure 1, while a corresponding feature is designated by "210" in Figure 2. Accordingly, for a better understanding, reference is also made to Figure 1 and the associated description.

[0059] 1 , the street light 204 also includes a control unit 212. The control unit 212 is in communication with the first and second solar cells 206, 208, the street light 204, and the additional solar panel 210. The control unit is further in communication with a battery 214 and a communication module 216.

[0060] At least one of the first and second solar cells 206, 208 are arranged to provide a signal to the control unit 212 corresponding to an optical input detected at the solar cells 206, 208. Additionally, the first and second solar cells 206, 208 may be arranged to provide power for charging the battery 214 and / or to directly power the street light 204, the control unit 212 and / or the communication module 216, although such direct connections are not shown in FIG.

[0061] The solar panel 210 may also provide a signal to the control unit 212 corresponding to the light input detected by the solar panel 210. The solar panel 210 may provide power to charge the battery 214 and / or directly power the street light 204, the control unit 212, and / or the communication module 216, although such direct connections are not shown in FIG.

[0062] The battery 214 may be configured to power the street light 204. The battery 214 may also power the communication module 216 and / or the control unit 212.

[0063] The control unit 212 is configured to receive (a signal corresponding to) the optical input detected by the first and second solar cells 206, 208 and determine an orientation of the first and second solar cells 206, 208 relative to the road and / or an approaching vehicle based on the received optical input.

[0064] For example, in FIG. 1 , the first solar cell 106 is disposed on the same side as the street light 104, and the second solar cell 108 is disposed on the opposite side of the lamp post 102. Therefore, the first solar cell 106 may detect more light emitted by the street light 104 than the second solar cell 108. Typically, the street light lamp post 100 is disposed with the street light 104 facing the road. Therefore, the control unit 212 may determine that the first solar cell 106 is disposed facing the road and the second solar cell 108 is not facing the road based on the signal related to the light input received from the first solar cell 106 being higher than the light input received from the second solar cell 108 / 208. Therefore, the control unit 212 may select the first solar cell array 106 as being more suitable for detecting an approaching vehicle than the second solar cell array 108.

[0065] The control unit 212 is further configured to control the street light 204. In particular, the control unit 212 may be configured to control the output light of the street light 204, e.g., the intensity or distribution of the output light. Furthermore, the control unit 212 may control the street light 204 based on the light input detected by the first solar cell 206 and / or the second solar cell 208 as well as the determined orientation of the solar cells. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 212 may detect oncoming vehicles primarily from the input light detected by the array of the first solar cell 106, which faces the road.

[0066] The control unit 212 may further be configured to communicate with other street light lamp posts via the communication module 216. In particular, the control unit 212 may transmit signals / information to and / or receive signals / information from other street light lamp posts. Such communication may take place, for example, in a street lighting system, which is described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 5.

[0067] The street lamp posts of the present disclosure may be implemented with a single first solar cell and a single second solar cell located on different sides of the lamp post, although the first and second solar cells may form part of a larger array. With reference to Figures 3 and 4, examples of solar cell arrays that may be used in the street lamp posts of the present disclosure are described.

[0068] 3 is an example diagram of a rectangular solar array 318 disposed on a lamp post 302. The rectangular solar array 318 has a generally hexagonal cross section. The rectangular solar array 318 includes a plurality of vertical solar cell arrays / columns arranged in parallel. At least one first solar cell 306 forms part of one of the vertical arrays / columns on one side of the lamp post 302. At least one second solar cell forms part of another vertical array / column on a second side of the lamp post 302. The rectangular solar array 318 surrounds the lamp post 302 such that light can be collected or detected all around the lamp post 302.

[0069] 4 is an example diagram of a cylindrical solar array 420 disposed on a lamp post 402. The cylindrical solar array 420 also includes multiple vertical solar cell arrays that surround the lamp post 402. One of the vertical arrays includes at least one first solar cell 406, and another vertical array includes at least one second solar cell 408.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 5, a street lighting system 522 according to some embodiments is described.

[0071] The street lighting system 522 includes a plurality of street lamp posts 500a-c, three of which are illustrated in FIG. 5. The street lamp posts 500a-c are equivalent to the street lamp posts 100, 200 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In the following, reference will also be made to the features shown in more detail in FIGS. 1 and 2. For a clearer image, the illustrated street lamp posts 500a-c are all located on the same side of the road 524. However, it will be understood that a similar street lighting system 522 may include street lamp posts located along both sides of the road 524.

[0072] To communicate with each other, the street light lamp posts 500a-c all include a communication module 216, as described above with reference to Figure 2. The control unit 212 of each of the street light lamp posts 500a-c is configured to adapt the light output of its associated street light 104 based on the detected light input from its solar cells 106, 108 and communications (information / signals) received from the other street light lamp posts 500a-c.

[0073] During the calibration phase, the street lighting system 522 may be calibrated, for example, to determine the relative positions and orientations of the system's street light lamp posts 500a-c, to detect vehicles 526 traveling along the roads 524, and to compensate for light originating from the street lighting system 522 itself.

[0074] During the calibration phase, the light output of each of the street lights 104 of the street lighting system 522 may be controlled. For example, the street lights 104 may be turned on and off one at a time. The light input detected by the solar cells 106, 108 of each street light lamp post 500a-c may be monitored during control of the street lights 104 so that each control unit 212 may be aware of the light input resulting from its own street light 104 and from the other street light lamp posts 500a-c. Furthermore, each of the control units 212 may determine the orientation of its solar cells relative to its own street light 104 and the other street light lamp posts 500a-c.

[0075] Further, in the calibration phase, the light input of each solar cell 106, 108 of the street light lamp posts 500a-c may be monitored for a period of time. During this period of time, one or more vehicles 526 with their headlights 528 turned on may be driven along the road 524. The headlights 528 may illuminate the solar cells 106, 108 of the street light lamp posts 500a-c in a distinctive pattern. During that period of time, the control unit 212 may be calibrated to recognize such patterns of light input detected at the solar cells 106, 108.

[0076] In the operation phase, the street lights 104 of the system 522 may be operated based on the light input detected by the solar cells 106, 108 of the street light lamp posts 500a-c as well as the determined orientation and / or position of each of the street light lamp posts 500a-c. When a vehicle 526 travels along the road 524, its headlight 528 may first illuminate the first street light lamp post 500a. The first street light lamp post 500a may increase the light output of its street light 104 when it detects illumination from the headlight 528. The first street light lamp post 500a may further communicate to other street light lamp posts 500b-c further down the road 524 that the vehicle 526 is approaching. The other street light lamp posts 500b-c may then increase the light output of their street lights 104 before the vehicle 526 arrives. The intensity and / or distribution of the light output of the street light lamp posts 500a-c may be based on the distance of the vehicle 526 from the street light lamp posts 500a-c.

[0077] The position of the vehicle 526 relative to the street lamp posts 500a-c of the system 522 may be determined based on which solar cells 106, 108 are illuminated by the headlights 528 and how the light intensity varies between the solar cells 106, 108.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is in no way limited to the above-described preferred embodiments: on the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0079] Although features and elements are described above in particular combinations, each feature or element may be used alone without the other features and elements, or in various combinations with or without the other features and elements.

[0080] Furthermore, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood by those skilled in the art, through a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, and can be implemented in practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain features are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A street lamp attached to a lamp post, at least one first solar cell disposed on a first side of the lamp post, at least one second solar cell disposed on a second side of the lamp post, determining the orientation of the at least one first solar cell and the at least one second solar cell with respect to a road and / or an approaching vehicle based on light input detected by the at least one first solar cell and the at least one second solar cell, and controlling the street lamp light output based on the light input detected by the first solar cell and / or the second solar cell and the determined orientation of the solar cell, a control unit configured as such, A street lamp lamp post including.

2. The control unit, detecting a vehicle approaching the lamp post from light input detected by at least one of the first solar cell and the second solar cell, and controlling the street lamp light output based on the detection, The street lamp lamp post according to claim 1, configured as such.

3. The control unit, determining the position of the approaching vehicle from light input detected by at least one of the at least one first solar cell and the at least one second solar cell, and adapting the street lamp light output based on the position of the approaching vehicle, The street lamp lamp post according to claim 2, configured as such.

4. The control unit is configured to operate in a calibration mode and an operation mode, In the calibration mode, the control unit, controls the light output of the street lamp, monitors the light input detected by the at least one first solar cell and the at least one second solar cell, and determines the orientation of the first solar cell and the second solar cell with respect to the street lamp based on the monitored light input, and / or monitors the light input detected by the at least one first solar cell and the at least one second solar cell over a period of time, detects a pattern of the monitored light input corresponding to an approaching vehicle, and determines the orientation of the first solar cell and the second solar cell with respect to the approaching vehicle, configured as such, In the operation mode, the control unit is configured to control the street lamp based on the light input detected by the at least one first solar cell and / or the at least one second solar cell and the determined orientation of the solar cell. The street lamp lamp post according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control unit is configured to detect ambient daylight characteristics from the light input detected by the at least one first solar cell and the at least one second solar cell, and control the street lamp based on the ambient daylight characteristics. The street lamp lamp post according to any one of claims 1 to 4, configured as such.

6. The control unit is configured to receive information regarding the current light output of the street lamp, and compensate for the light input detected by the at least one first solar cell and the at least one second solar cell based on the known current light output of the street lamp and the determined orientation of the solar cell. The street lamp lamp post according to any one of claims 1 to 5, configured as such.

7. The at least one first solar cell includes a plurality of first solar cells arranged in a vertical row, and the at least one second solar cell includes a plurality of second solar cells arranged in a vertical row. The street lamp lamp post according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The at least one first solar cell and the at least one second solar cell form part of a cylindrical or angular solar cell array surrounding at least a part of the lamp post. The street lamp lamp post according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The at least one first solar cell and the at least one second solar cell form part of a flexible solar cell foil. The street lamp lamp post according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The street lamp lamp post includes a battery configured to be charged by the at least one first solar cell and the at least one second solar cell and to supply power to the street lamp. The street lamp lamp post according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The street lamp post includes a communication module, and the control unit is configured to transmit information regarding light inputs received from the at least one first solar cell and the at least one second solar cell to another street lamp post using the communication module. The street lamp post according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The control unit is configured to receive information from another street lamp post via the communication module and control the street lamp based on the received information. The street lamp post according to claim 11.

13. A street lighting system including at least two street lamp posts according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the at least two street lamp posts are configured to communicate with each other using the communication module. A street lighting system.

14. The control unit in the first street lamp post of the system detects a vehicle approaching the first street lamp post based on the light input detected by the at least one first solar cell and / or the at least one second solar cell of the first street lamp post, controls the street lamp of the first street lamp post based on the detection of the vehicle, and communicates information regarding the detection of the vehicle to the second street lamp post of the system using the communication module, is configured as, The control unit of the second street lamp post receives information regarding the detection of the vehicle from the first street lamp post using the communication module, and controls the street lamp of the second street lamp post based on the received information. The street lighting system according to claim 13, which is configured as such.

15. A method of operating the street lighting system according to claim 13 or 14, the method comprising: controlling the light output of each of the street lamp posts in the system, monitoring the light input detected by the at least one first solar cell and the at least one second solar cell of each of the street lamp posts during the control of the light output of each of the street lamp posts, and determining the orientation and / or position of each street lamp post with respect to other street lamp posts of the street lighting system based on the monitored light input, executing a calibration stage including. Operating a street lamp of the street lighting system based on the light input detected by the solar cell of the street lamp post and the determined orientation and / or position of each of the street lamp posts A method comprising.

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