Outdoor lighting system upgrading based on Smart Grid concept

The article studies the matters of Smart Grid concept implementation within outdoor lighting systems. Present work examines technical and economic mechanism of evolutionary modernization of external lighting systems in one of the largest Russian universities on the basis of implementation of intelligent systems of control over LED-illuminants. The goal of the upgrade project, which involves Smart Grid technologies, is stepping up efficiency and operation reliability. This paper evaluates the payback period of the modernization project - the outdoor lighting system of a university campus - based on light emitting diode lamps, which feature enhanced operational reliability. The payback period of initial investment taking into account the repayment target financing is 4 years and 10 months. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.