Wednesday 8 December 2010

Energy-saving car park unveiled

A car park in Spain has started using an intelligent parking system that detects free spaces.

Using smart technology, the system allows drivers to quickly view parking availability and work out where the free spaces are, reducing traffic and minimising emissions, as well as parking stress.

Ultrasonic sensors are positioned around the car park, and communicate with a central computer to indicate occupancy for drivers, using a colour coded system.

The system is designed by US energy saving technology firm Echelon, based in San Jose, and is part of a bigger integrated system that reduces energy use by 15%. The system controls activity for lighting, ventilation, CO2 monitoring and fire alarms.