Energy Saving News
Hamburg traffic tunnel gets energy-efficient lighting
A new energy-saving lighting system has been installed to regulate traffic flow in Hamburg's Elb-Tunnel.
Used to guide vehicles passing through the tunnel into the correct lanes, the system was developed by California-based firm Echelon and harnesses the latest LED technology to reduce energy consumption.
According to electric.co.uk, the lighting apparatus should help the Elb-Tunnel to lower its carbon emissions, cut operational costs and increase the safety of motorists in a busy area of the German city.
The system features over 650 LED surface lights which are electronically controlled, meaning they can be dimmed or brightened according to the level of traffic flow in the tunnel.
Use of this feature will "greatly decrease unnecessary energy use", the website explains.
Opened in 1975, the tunnel consists of eight traffic lanes crossing the river Elbe on one of Hamburg's busiest commuter routes.
It measures 3.1 kilometres and is equipped with reversible lanes that switch direction according to the flow of traffic.
Friday 9th October 2009
