Robust Intelligent Lamp Post (ILP) Sensor Networks for Energy Efficient Transportation Systems

The purpose of the proposed research is to develop radically new strategies and protocols for the supply of both energy and data communications along existing power transmission lines used by Intelligent Vehicle and Transport Infrastructures, IVTI. Energy demand is reduced due to its potential for seamless integration of novel pervasive sensors with legacy technologies for indoor and outdoor monitoring using existing power line infrastructures. The project builds upon our expertise in communication and information technology at King's College London and the pioneering mote technology developed at the Newcastle University in the EU ASTRA, and the EPSRC MESSAGE, projects. The impact of these results will be significant at a time when UK Government acknowledges the crucial role of Intelligent Vehicle and Transport Systems, IVTS, technology to make more efficient use of existing infrastructure in the delivery of a low carbon transport systems for the future. The development of dense, pervasive, multitask sensor networks, that provide real-time traffic flow information and monitor several environmental factors (such as pollutants from vehicles) has been demonstrated in MESSAGE to facilitate the development of more efficient traffic control schemes, thus leading to a significant reduction in the energy consumption and environmental pollution. We aim to disseminate the results not only through outstanding publications but importantly through existing links in the regional transport boards, Foresight Intelligent Infrastructure Forum in UK and Europe, and ITS World Congress generating knowledge dialogue at all stages of the project.

The UK Government's energy policy is to tackle the climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions and to ensure clean, secure and affordable energy. The Department for Transport recognises the important role of embedded intelligence in vehicles and systems technologies and their integration to deliver improved efficiency. Fundamental to the success of delivery of energy savings is continuous simultaneous data access to monitor the system: its changing use and capacity. This project outcome will increase the effectiveness of the transport system as the proposed robust sensor network is going to provide real time traffic information and well as parking space information to the public. Due to this real time information, fuel consumption and environmental pollution are reduced. This will make an impact on the quality of life. Proposed sensor network can easily be implemented via existing power line infrastructure. Hence the implementation cost would be less, additional resource cost almost zero and the proposed network deployment will attract industries and services generating employment opportunities. Therefore the proposed outcome will make an impact on economy and create economic competiveness. Proposed network opens up a complimentary communications path to the usage of ISM frequency bands, where current Wi-Fi operates. Therefore, congestion is reduced in the ISM bands. Hence this frequency band will efficiently be used for other applications to improve the quality of life. Potential impact of the application of the integrated mote networks (indoor, outdoor and mobile) is huge especially if compatibility with existing intelligent vehicle and systems is delivered. Impacts will include health, individualised seamless public transport information, better management of emergency, climate change mitigation and adaptation etc.