This report is written in response to a call for proposals for innovative solutions to high electricity costs, and it analyses the problems of the existing design in East Coast Park, proposed modifications and benefits.
According to an article by (Photoluminescent Safety Product Association, 2022), photoluminescence is the collection of light from a different light source to emit light independently. The article also mentioned that the real beauty of photoluminescence paint lies in its function to glow in the dark independently without any electricity if it is properly sited and maintained. The article also complimented on its operational uses despite unfavorable conditions such as if it is smoky due to fire or when it’s raining heavily.
The image shows the scientific procedure as to how light is being stored & emitted from the photoluminescence paint. Light of higher energy is absorbed while light of lower energy is emitted. In the scenario where it is dark and there’s no source of light for absorption, it will make use of the higher energy in which it had absorbed and stored earlier for emitting. In response to Singapore’s 2030 clean & green plan, the implementation of photoluminescence paint marking to coat the current road markings at East Coast Park to reduce usage of lamp posts which in turn reduces electricity usage will prove to be highly beneficial.
According to National Parks Board (2022), East Coast Park (ECP) has a total land size of “185 hectares, a scenic coastline that stretches over 15 km, and attracts a visitorship of more than seven million a year.”. LED lamps are currently the only source of light used in the park. The utilization of photoluminescent paint (PL paint) is a vital step in providing an alternative solution to lighting up the park while ensuring several other key benefits. PL paint is environmentally friendly as it is harmless for nature, non-toxic, and supplements favorably to the natural atmosphere of the park. In addition, PL paint is sustainable and cost effective as it runs without electricity, unlike the LED lights which are currently used in the park or other illuminative paint such as electroluminescent paint. This strongly aids in achieving Singapore’s “long-term net-zero emissions goal” by 2030 (Singapore Green Plan, 2022). PL paint also requires little to no maintenance once installed and has a long lifespan as it absorbs and emits light repeatedly for up to 10 years (Coatings SG, 2018).
However, PL paint comes with its limitations. In Singapore, the sun sets at around 6pm and rises at around 6am. This will mean that the lamp posts are effective during that 12 hour time period. However, the technology used in the photoluminescent paint can only last for 10 hours. That is 2 hours short of the duration necessary. Therefore, a way to make up for that 2 hours is needed so that it can illuminate the road throughout the night.
Many other countries have already implemented their technology such as Canada, Switzerland as well as in France. This technology is also cheaper as it is long lasting. This is because it requires less maintenance compared to other forms of technology as it runs on natural resources and doesn’t contain any electrical aspects to it.
Last edited: 5 April 2022 - references
References
Coatings SG. (2018). Photoluminescent Paint Singapore | Glow Paint.
National Parks Board. (2022). East Coast Park.
https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/east-coast-park
Photoluminescent Safety Product Association. (2022). About Photoluminescent | WHAT IS
PHOTOLUMINESCENCE AND HOW DOES IT WORK https://www.thepspa.com/about-photoluminescent/
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