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Optimal design and allocation of photovoltaic solar energy for critical distributed traffic light loads using an iterative TOPSIS method
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Optimal design and allocation of photovoltaic solar energy for critical distributed traffic light loads using an iterative TOPSIS method

Alireza Zarei, Farhad Shahnia, Mahdi Samadian, Mojtaba Jani, Gevork B. Gharehpetian and Seyedali Mirjalili
e-Prime – Nexus of Electrical, Electronic, and Intelligent Engineering, Vol.17, 201209
2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eprime.2026.201209
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Published7.60 MBDownloadView
Open Access CC BY-NC V4.0

Abstract

Critical loads Distributed energy resources Energy crisis Multi-objective optimization Solar system Traffic lights Urban transportation systems
The uninterrupted operation of critical and distributed loads, such as traffic lights in urban environments, during power outages presents a significant challenge for city management and infrastructure authorities. Even brief power disruptions due to energy crises can trigger cascading issues, including traffic congestion, delays, accidents, and delays in emergency response vehicles, such as fire trucks and ambulances. Consequently, guaranteeing a reliable supplementary power supply for these essential loads is becoming increasingly crucial. This study offers a comparative analysis of existing power supply solutions, including traditional grid connections, renewable energy systems, and hybrid configurations that incorporate energy storage technologies. A case study focusing on traffic lights at major intersections in Qazvin City demonstrates the practical application and efficacy of the proposed methods in real-world scenarios. The investigation evaluates the performance of a solar energy system during short-term outages, emphasizing the impact of seasonal variations in solar radiation and ambient temperature. Response strategies to planned electricity interruptions are examined, with recommendations formulated to improve system reliability for critical loads. The results indicate that the highest operational continuity occurs during outages around 9 AM, while capacity diminishes at night, predominantly due to the system’s dependence on battery storage. Monthly data projections suggest operation times of approximately 4–8 h at 50% battery charge and 5–9 h at 80% charge. In this optimization problem, the mutual goals of traffic and electrical performance were simultaneously considered as a multi-objective framework. Moreover, the optimal selection of candidate intersections for solar system deployment was performed using the TOPSIS method in both the conventional and iterative modes. The iterative approach, which integrates the influence of prior selections into subsequent decision-making, yielded higher accuracy and more consistent results. To enhance the robustness of the analysis, a sensitivity analysis was conducted by varying one or two parameters simultaneously within the TOPSIS framework. This process ensured that the results were not only reliable but also resilient to parameter fluctuations, providing a precise and dependable foundation for strategic decision-making in critical urban-energy applications. [Display omitted] •Presents a comprehensive assessment of solar-powered traffic light systems’ performance during short-term outages, considering seasonal and monthly variations.•Introduce green wave strategy and multi-objective optimization for practical intersection selection based on real-world data.•Implements a fused impact of electrical and traffic parameters within an iterative TOPSIS framework for hierarchical prioritization of intersections for solar deployment.

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

Source: SDGs in the Output

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