Unveiling the potential of renewable energy and battery utilization in real-world public lighting systems: A review

Lighting systems, as one of the biggest energy consumers on a global scale, are being upgraded based on innovative energy-saving (hereafter E-saving), energy-efficiency (E-efficiency), and energy-cost (E-cost) reduction schemes. According to research, among lighting systems, public lighting systems (PLSs) have significant potential for such energy projects. It can be realized through smart dimming, installing light-emitting diode (LED) luminaries, using renewable energy, etc. Accordingly, this work reviews the E-saving, E-efficiency, and E-cost reduction schemes for real-world PLSs by giving related techno-economic formulation. In this regard, smart control/dimming approaches via combined Internet of Things and wireless technologies, installing LED luminaires, optimal layout design, reactive power compensation, etc., are discussed by reporting the saving potentials, the payback period of the investment, and carbon reduction effects. Moreover, the use of renewable energy (including photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, pump-as-turbine systems, biomass plants, etc.) integrated with batteries to power PLSs is discussed by giving the E-cost reduction potential. Moreover, the pros/cons of previous works, the key findings of this review work, and recommendations for future works are outlined. This work shows future research directions, identifies high-potential energy projects for energy planners, and outlines the importance of renewable energy in making PLSs more environmentally friendly. Moreover, the role of energy policymakers’ financial support in expediting the widespread enforcement of energy projects is outlined by studying the payback period of projects, which is about 5–7 years (on average 5.8 years, 6.9 years, 4.9 years, and 5.6 years for E-saving, E-efficiency, combined E-saving/E-efficiency, and E-cost reduction schemes, respectively).