Letterkenny Institute of Technology’s (LYIT) WiSAR Lab is undertaking a novel research project developing a proof of concept prototype for an energy efficient traffic light. The project is being delivered for Co Meath company, Ecoballast Technologies Ltd, who have patented a low energy solution using a new lighting technology called electroluminescence. The project, which is funded through Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Voucher programme, is developing a prototype to allow Ecoballast Technologies to demonstrate the technology to potential clients and investors.  

Speaking about the project WiSAR Lab manager Dr Fergal Tuffy said, “Ecoballast Technologies Ltd has identified a solution that has the potential to almost halve the energy consumption of a traditional traffic light. We were approached to utilise our electronics prototyping capabilities to assist the company by developing a prototype to visualise the solution.” Fergal continued, “The voucher project is the first stage in demonstrating the technology but the project is progressing very well to date. We recently had a visit from Richard Bruton, TD and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, where he was given a demonstration of the prototype.”

The ‘Innovation Voucher’ initiative was developed by Enterprise Ireland to build links between Ireland's public knowledge providers (i.e. higher education institutes, public research bodies) and small businesses.  Vouchers worth €5,000 are available to assist a company or companies to explore a business opportunity or problem with a registered knowledge provider. These vouchers can be used for various kinds of innovation such as new product and process development. Managing Director of Ecoballast Technologies Joe McClean said “These vouchers provide an excellent opportunity for small companies like us to tap into the knowledge that exists in the third level educational sector such as the specialist resources at LYIT and the WiSAR Lab.” He continued, ”In the current climate it is important for companies to continue to innovate and enhance their products. These vouchers provide a mechanism to do this by linking with academics.” 

The WiSAR Lab is an Enterprise Ireland funded Technology Gateway based at the LYIT’s CoLab facility. It uses its knowledge of wireless sensors, embedded systems and electronics prototyping to assist companies with research and development projects across various sectors in systems such as health monitoring, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and the optimisation of industrial processes.  To find out more about WiSAR Lab visit www.wisar.ie or contact Fergal directly at the WiSAR Lab on 074 918 6462 or email wisar@lyit.ie.