Traffic signal power supply

[Kentactic]

So i recently jumped on the on-call rotation at work and so i now see and do things i wouldnt normally do. For example i just got called out to a Meter pedastol that was hit by a car that powers the traffic signals. The power company came out and cut the power.

I found out from the signal guys that the backup power supply last between 4-8 hours and will run like normal unless set to flash red to save battery life while they work on it. So just a little FYI on how long you can expect some what safe driving conditions in a total black out. After the batteries die all the signals go blank. Seeing normally running lights dosent mean they have a good power supply. If everythings dead they too will likely be dead in a few hours when the batteries die. No red flashing required.

[Reaver]

Good intel man. Good lookin out too

[v0dka]

Out here they die when they don't have power. All of the traffic lights are equipped to be ran off a generator though.

I have seen some inter-city lights work when the power is out. They usually flash red from the getgo

[Kentactic]

Out here they die when they don't have power. All of the traffic lights are equipped to be ran off a generator though.

I have seen some inter-city lights work when the power is out. They usually flash red from the getgo

Interesting thing on the generators. I guess every AO is different.

[thatGuy]

What kind of batteries Ken?

Where are they?

[Kentactic]

What kind of batteries Ken?

Where are they?

Excellent question. I dont know the kind although id guess its those dry cell ones like they use in cell towers. They should be located in the big tall steel or stainless box on one of the 4 corners at the signal location. Thats where all the fancy technology is that makes them work.

[Colombo]

Lots of different infrastructure backup systems. From the old nickel/iron battery systems at rr crossings, cell and microwave tower backup power, even solar systems for billboards. Some areas even run backup power at sewage lift stations. everything from batteries to fuel cells. Here's one for traffic lights.
http://www.oksolar.com/lion/Item/182812/traffic-signal-battery-backup-system

[Kentactic]

Ya pretty much all lights will have that tall main box to house the system then they may have battery boxes attached like in colombo's link or it may be an all in one box for battery backup.

[thatGuy]

I would assume that those Dry Cells are rechargeable, yea or nay?

[Kentactic]

I would assume that those Dry Cells are rechargeable, yea or nay?

oh yes sir. but I ..THINK... not 100% but i think.. that they hold a great charge as in will have a long run time, but once the charge is lost it takes a while for them to build back up. All those deep cycles are like that i beleive. Like the ones they use in race cars etc. they hold a charge for a while and thats good since theres no alternater but once its dead it takes a while to charge back up. Bassically ideal for a system that will be charging 24/7 until it loses power every now and again and needs the longest battery life possible. 

If anyone knows better please chime in.