Techno-Economic and Social Aspects of Smart Street Lighting for Small Cities – A Case Study

Abstract

This work proposes and develops a holistic framework for intelligent roadway lighting in largely ignored small cities using an unlit 1.1-mile section of Harney Street in Laramie, Wyoming, United States as a case study. The novel framework includes a technical analysis, an economic evaluation, and a public survey. Following the technical analysis, 21 streetlight units in a staggered pole arrangement are recommended to optimize illuminance levels for the minor arterial road as commonly found in cities like Laramie. Two energy source options are considered – a grid-only option and a hybrid option that utilizes solar power for lighting and grid electricity for electric vehicle (EV) charging. The economic and social aspects of this study reveal the need for public-private partnerships to fund smart street lighting projects in small cities. From a benefit-cost analysis standpoint, the grid-only option is currently more economically feasible; however, most residents prefer the hybrid system. Additional capabilities like EV charging, air quality monitoring, and weather sensing provide unique economic and social benefits for both residents and city authorities. This work provides a veritable framework that both private and public stakeholders can adopt for future implementation of smart street lighting projects in contemporary low-population towns and cities.