Posted by Brandon Tessier on Apr 1, 2016 4:56:35 PM
Brandon Tessier

travel-time-network-mass-dot-solar-sign-5000.jpgSES America, Inc. (SESA) has completed the manufacturing of over three hundred (300) solar-powered embedded dynamic message signs to be installed as part of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s “Go Time” project. Once completed, the project will provide the largest travel time network available in any state in the U.S., allowing motorists across the Commonwealth to instantly access travel time data on major corridors across the region.

travel-time-network-mass-dot-solar-sign.jpgSESA designed, engineered and manufactured each DMS to be utilized specifically for the solar applications required under the project, with energy efficiency that sets a new standard for the DMS industry. The end product provides all the functionality and reliability of non-solar powered DMS, while minimizing the size and expense of the solar power system – providing over four weeks of autonomy.

Each site consists of static sign panels with pre-determined destinations and travel time data for each destination displayed on DMS embedded within the static sign. The sites also contain Bluetooth readers for data collection, as well as wireless modems to send and receive the collected travel time data wirelessly.  The entire system is installed without the need for trenching and conduits to carry power and data cabling.

All components are powered from a single solar power system at each site, utilizing multiple photovoltaic panels and a battery bank enclosed in an insulated cabinet to protect the batteries from heat and cold. SES America engineers designed and calculated the entire solar systems for each location which was then approved by Jacobs Engineering and MassDOT. Installations began in February of 2016 and will continue throughout the Summer of 2016, with estimated completion of the entire system later this year. All aspects of the design were optimized to improve energy efficiency and cost effectiveness.

 

Each sign location is composed of Embedded SolarSign 5000 DMS system:

  • Embedded S5000 WHITE LED – Matrix of 7x20 pixels - 46mm pitch
  • Up to 3 Embedded DMS per location
  • One controller SCU6 per location – NTCIP compliant
  • One Light sensor per location for all signs to harmonize signs brightness
  • Tilting mechanism to provide incomparable visibility at each location
  • One controller cabinet
  • One separate battery cabinet
  • One pole with solar panels

Solar Sign Brochure

 

Topics: Travel Time, DMS SolarSign 5000, Product Library

Brandon Tessier

Written by Brandon Tessier

As Eastern Regional Sales and Account Manager, Brandon is your primary contact if you are East of the Mississippi River. He is based at our home office in Smithfield, Rhode Island, and brings over a decade’s worth of experience in regional sales and management. His belief in having the same customer-first attitude and team approach we emphasize at SESA makes working with him easy, and his reliability, needs assessment and thorough communication assures our clients that they will receive the best solution available for their individual project. Brandon spends much of his free time hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and is also a skilled graphic designer and website developer. Brandon can be reached at btessier@sesamerica.com or on his cell phone at: (434) 544-1222.