‘Winter is coming’ and Mobile Variable Message Sign battery life can be impacted by reduced solar light levels during the Winter season. Batteries tend to discharge faster during this period. What can you do to optimise your variable message signs and ensure ‘downtime is a thing of the past?
Here are three items that should be part of your VMS checklist:
- Make sure that solar panels are at a 45-degree angle. This prevents debris from overhanging vegetation and to allow snowfall to simply slide off
- Ensure solar panels are oriented South
- Ensure solar panels are positioned to pick up maximum solar energy (full training is provided alongside a VMS manual to all our customers)
It is worth noting that our Mobile VMS are built for durability and longevity using the highest quality materials and have been tested in low light levels in the North of Canada to ensure efficiencies are maximized. Our VMS have unrivalled battery output and will run autonomously for up to three years without interference when the checklist above is actioned!
The JamLogic operating software screenshot below shows battery longevity and performance over the winter period on a VMS which has been on a major projects on the M6 Smart Motorway scheme since early 2018 with no external charging requirements. Our new VMS are capable of running autonomously for 3 years on solar power alone due to innovative optimised solar panels.
Screen-shot showing M6 Smart Motorway battery voltage on a long-term project extending over the winter period.
