STC assists Scottsdale, AZ with solar-powered drinking fountain

TEMPE, AZ - 11/02/2009 - How about a cold drink of water at the park in Phoenix area when it's 115 degrees outside? It used to sound too good to be true until Miles Bublik of the City of Scottsdale came to STC seeking help in putting together a solar-powered water chiller station for a drinking fountain in one of the city's parks. Due to parts and time constraints, a demo system was assembled from a 200W solar-powered system, an inverter and a standard 1 gallon AC water chiller unit. City personnel worked with STC to determine how to get the system functional with off-the-shelf parts for this demonstration project.

Part of making the project function involved overcoming the large power surge to start the compressor if the gas had not had enough time to settle from the previous run. Once these details and system timing were worked out on a prototype system at the city's facility, a fully working unit was placed in a park along an exercise path.

Development continues on the system at STC using an on-demand system for cooling the water rather than storing cold water. STC engineering will be designing the necessary control logic to run the first units for the city.

While not in the true vein of traffic signaling products, STC chose to pursue this project with the city since it has been an STC customer for many years. STC is willing to deviate slightly off its main product focus if it sees a reasonable opportunity to assist its client base and improve the community. Products such as these may prove beneficial throughout most of the US as the need for cold water is generally limited to a few peak months. Plans to add an LED locator lamp for evening users are being worked into the new designs. Various companies in West Africa have expressed an interest in the product as well as various cities in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

About Solar Traffic Controls
Solar Traffic Controls (STC) designs and manufactures solar-powered traffic control systems for city, state and federal DOTs. Its primary products are solar-powered flashing beacon systems used for school zones and 24-hour applications. Go solar: STC's equipment and services will save you time, effort and money.