1. Project Background and Needs Analysis
Resorts, island hotels, eco-tourism destinations, and other tourism facilities are often located along coastlines, in mountainous areas, on islands, or within nature reserves far from urban power grids.
These locations commonly face high costs for grid connection or have no grid coverage at all. Traditional infrastructure often relies on diesel generators, which create significant noise and pollution, involve high operating costs, and conflict with the principles of sustainable ecotourism.
At the same time, international travelers increasingly expect digital, convenient, and safe tourism experiences. Visitors need access to mobile-phone and camera charging, stable wireless connectivity, multilingual information services, and emergency assistance while outdoors.
Resort operators, meanwhile, need to achieve intelligent lighting, security, information publishing, environmental monitoring, and asset management at a lower cost.
Against this background, solar-powered smart city furniture offers an ideal solution for upgrading resort and tourism infrastructure.
Sanqian Smart provides a system solution centered on smart solar benches and smart street poles for international resorts and tourist attractions. Making full use of local solar resources, the solution supports independent off-grid power supply and integrates smart lighting, charging services, WiFi coverage, video security, information publishing, emergency calling, and other functions.
Through a unified cloud platform, the system enables remote management and operation and maintenance, helping resorts and tourist attractions worldwide create a greener, smarter, more comfortable, and safer visitor experience.
2. Design Principles and Standards
The solution follows the principles of off-grid reliability, green and low-carbon development, safety and compliance, aesthetic integration, and easy operation and maintenance.
The design primarily references:
- Relevant standards issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
- ISO 9001 Quality Management System
- CE safety requirements
- RoHS environmental requirements
- Outdoor equipment protection requirements, including IP65 or higher and IK08 or higher
The equipment is designed for different environmental conditions, including:
- High salt spray in coastal areas
- High humidity in tropical regions
- High dust levels in desert environments
- Low temperatures in cold climates
Key Design Indicators
- Average illuminance of at least 15 lx on primary roads
- Average illuminance of at least 10 lx on pathways and in leisure areas
- Wireless charging output of at least 10 W
- Wired fast-charging output of at least 15 W
- Continuous operation for 3–5 cloudy or rainy days
- Multilingual, multi-time-zone, and multi-site platform management
- Equipment online rate of at least 99%
3. Overall System Architecture
The system adopts a four-layer device–network–cloud–application architecture, designed for the distributed nature and cross-border management requirements of international tourism projects.
Device and Sensing Layer
This layer consists of smart solar benches and smart street poles deployed in:
- Resort roads
- Beaches
- Pool areas
- Walking trails
- Observation decks
- Entrance plazas
- Other public areas
Smart solar benches integrate:
- Photovoltaic power generation
- Energy-storage batteries
- Charging modules
- WiFi hotspots
- Bluetooth beacons
- Environmental sensors
- Ambient lighting
Smart street poles integrate:
- Intelligent LED luminaires
- Photovoltaic modules
- Security cameras
- One-button emergency calling
- IP broadcasting
- Information-display screens
- WiFi/5G backhaul
Both types of equipment support off-grid operation.
Network Transmission Layer
Network conditions vary significantly between overseas tourist destinations. The solution supports multiple communication methods, including:
- 4G/5G
- WiFi
- LoRa
- Satellite backhaul
For islands or mountainous areas without public-network coverage, a LoRa self-organizing network combined with gateway satellite backhaul can be used to ensure that devices remain remotely manageable and controllable.
Platform Layer
The Sanqian Smart Cloud Platform serves as the core of the system and supports:
- Multilingual interfaces
- Multi-time-zone switching
- Centralized management of multiple projects
- Device access
- Status monitoring
- Energy-consumption analysis
- Alarm management
- GIS-based visualization
- Content management
- Maintenance work orders
The platform also provides API interfaces for integration with resort PMS systems, security platforms, and other existing systems.
Application Layer
Web interfaces, mobile applications, and on-site interactive terminals are provided for:
- Resort operators
- Security teams
- Engineering and maintenance teams
- Visitors
Visitors can scan QR codes or use mini-programs to access charging, WiFi, navigation, and other services.
4. Core Equipment Functions
4.1 Smart Solar Benches: Outdoor Rest and Energy-Service Terminals
Sanqian Smart smart solar benches are specially designed for tourism applications.
Their appearance can feature anti-corrosion wood-grain finishes, stone-look materials, or modern minimalist designs, allowing them to blend naturally into surrounding landscapes.
Solar Power Supply
High-efficiency monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic panels are integrated into the backrest or armrests.
With a conversion efficiency of at least 21%, MPPT controllers, and lithium iron phosphate energy-storage batteries, the benches can operate independently throughout the day and support 3–5 consecutive cloudy or rainy days.
Multifunctional Charging Services
The benches provide:
- USB-A charging
- USB-C wired fast charging
- Qi wireless charging
They can charge mobile phones, tablets, cameras, power banks, and other portable devices.
Charging ports include waterproof and dustproof covers and overcurrent protection, making them suitable for humid outdoor environments.
Wireless Connectivity and Positioning
Integrated WiFi 6 access points provide high-speed internet connectivity for visitors.
Connection data can also assist with visitor-flow analysis.
Bluetooth beacons support indoor and outdoor positioning, navigation, and targeted information delivery. When visitors approach a bench, their mobile devices can automatically receive information about nearby attractions or promotional offers, subject to applicable privacy and consent requirements.
Comfort and Ambient Lighting
Heating modules can be installed for cold climates, while ventilation modules can be added for hot climates to improve seating comfort.
LED ambient light strips at the base of the bench automatically illuminate at night, providing soft lighting while enhancing safety and the surrounding landscape.
Visitor-Flow Sensing
Built-in pressure or infrared sensors record usage frequency and duration.
The data supports decisions regarding resort-space planning and facility layout.
4.2 Smart Street Poles: Core Nodes for Tourism-Site Safety and Management
Smart street poles feature a modular design and generally range from 5 to 10 meters in height.
They can operate using independent solar power or a hybrid grid-and-solar power supply.
Intelligent Lighting
High-efficiency LED luminaires provide a luminous efficacy of more than 160 lm/W.
The color temperature can be adjusted between 2700K and 5000K. The lighting system supports time-based dimming and human-presence detection.
At night, the lights automatically increase brightness when people pass by and reduce brightness to approximately 30% when no activity is detected.
The overall energy-saving rate can exceed 50%.
The pole design can be customized to incorporate local cultural elements.
Video Security Monitoring
High-definition network cameras support:
- Infrared night vision
- Motion detection
- Area-intrusion alarms
- License-plate recognition
Video data can be stored locally or uploaded in encrypted form, with the system designed to support compliance with overseas privacy requirements such as the GDPR.
Key coverage areas include:
- Entrances
- Parking lots
- Beaches
- Swimming-pool areas
- Trail intersections
One-Button Emergency Calling
A clearly visible emergency button is installed on the pole and supports two-way voice communication.
After activation, the platform automatically identifies the location and retrieves video from nearby cameras, allowing security personnel to respond remotely.
The function is suitable for scenarios such as:
- Water-related emergencies at beaches
- Lost visitors
- Sudden illness
- Other visitor-safety incidents
Public Address and Information Publishing
IP column speakers support:
- Background music
- Scheduled announcements
- Emergency notifications
LED or LCD information screens can display:
- Multilingual visitor information
- Activity schedules
- Safety instructions
- Weather forecasts
- Environmental-protection initiatives
This reduces reliance on traditional static signs.
Environmental Monitoring
The system collects data on:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- PM2.5
- PM10
- Noise
- UV intensity
- Wind speed
- Wind direction
The data provides visitors with real-time environmental information and supports ecological management at the tourism site.
Renewable-Energy Charging, Optional
At parking lots or shuttle areas, smart street poles can integrate AC charging stations for electric sightseeing vehicles and visitors’ electric vehicles.
5. Smart Management Platform
The Sanqian Smart Cloud Platform provides multilingual and multi-site management capabilities for international tourism projects.
Full-Life-Cycle Device Management
Smart solar benches and smart street poles deployed in different locations worldwide can be centrally coded and managed.
The platform records:
- Device status
- Maintenance history
- Service records
- Asset information
This creates a digital asset register for the entire project.
Energy and Benefit Analysis
The platform tracks the following data for each device:
- Power generation
- Energy consumption
- Energy-saving rate
- Carbon-reduction performance
It can automatically generate sustainability reports to support resort ESG disclosures and sustainability reporting.
Content and Information Publishing
All information-display screens and IP speakers can be managed remotely and centrally.
The system supports:
- Multilingual content
- Scheduled publishing
- Area-based distribution
- Remote updates
This makes it easier for visitors of different nationalities to access relevant information.
Alarm and Work-Order Management
Device faults, emergency calls, and environmental abnormalities automatically generate work orders.
The work orders are sent to the mobile devices of local maintenance teams.
The system supports photo uploads and closed-loop incident handling. The average fault-repair time can be maintained at no more than 4 hours.
Visitor-Flow and Behavior Analysis
Using WiFi connection data, bench sensors, and security cameras, the platform analyzes:
- Visitor-density distribution
- Dwell time
- Equipment-use preferences
- Activity heat maps
These insights support operational decision-making and visitor-experience optimization.
6. Typical Application Scenarios
Beach and Pool Areas
Smart solar benches allow visitors to charge their devices and connect to WiFi while relaxing.
Smart street poles provide nighttime lighting and security monitoring. One-button emergency calls can be linked with the public-address system to support water-safety management.
Ambient lighting from the benches and colored lighting from the smart poles can create an attractive nighttime beach environment.
Resort Trails and Gardens
Smart street poles are installed along the routes to provide basic lighting and environmental monitoring.
Smart solar benches are positioned at intervals to provide visitors with places to rest and charge their devices.
Bluetooth beacons can deliver information about nearby plants, attractions, and recommended photo locations.
Entrance Plazas and Visitor-Transfer Areas
Smart street poles integrate information-display screens and multilingual public-address systems to publish:
- Shuttle schedules
- Check-in instructions
- Activity announcements
- Visitor guidance
Smart solar benches provide seating for visitors waiting in line and help reduce the discomfort associated with waiting.
Observation Decks and Mountain Viewpoints
In off-grid locations, smart solar benches and smart street poles operate entirely on solar power without the need for cable installation.
The benches provide charging and WiFi services, while the poles provide lighting and emergency assistance.
This significantly improves the safety and service capabilities of remote attractions.
7. Implementation and Operation & Maintenance
For overseas projects, a model of remote design, local implementation, and cloud-based operation and maintenance is recommended.
Sanqian Smart provides standardized and modular products that can be transported to the project site by container and rapidly installed by local partners.
The installation time for a single equipment set can be maintained at no more than 2 hours.
The platform supports remote cloud-based commissioning, eliminating the need for permanent on-site specialist personnel.
For operation and maintenance, it is recommended to establish a system based on:
- Regional operator coordination
- Local maintenance-team implementation
- Remote monitoring through the cloud platform
The platform provides automated monitoring 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Fault work orders are automatically assigned, while local teams respond quickly based on available spare parts.
Photovoltaic modules should be cleaned and equipment inspections conducted every six months to ensure long-term stable operation.
8. Benefits Analysis
Operational Benefits
The system can operate fully off-grid or partially off-grid, significantly reducing reliance on diesel generators and grid electricity.
For a project consisting of 200 smart street poles and 100 smart solar benches, annual energy savings can reach hundreds of thousands of US dollars, while diesel transportation, noise, and carbon emissions are also reduced.
Visitor-Experience Benefits
Free charging, wireless connectivity, multilingual navigation, and emergency assistance can significantly improve visitor satisfaction and online ratings.
The smart facilities themselves can become a distinctive feature of the resort, strengthening brand differentiation and competitiveness.
Management Benefits
Remote management through a unified platform reduces the frequency of manual inspections.
Fault detection shifts from a reactive process to a proactive one, while security and emergency-response times can be reduced from minutes to seconds.
Overall management efficiency is significantly improved.
Environmental and Social Benefits
Solar energy reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
Each equipment set can reduce carbon emissions by approximately 150–300 kg per year on average, supporting green certification and international sustainable-tourism standards.
The environmentally friendly design of the smart benches and smart street poles also communicates the principles of ecological protection and helps raise visitors’ environmental awareness.
9. Representative Overseas Application Case
A representative example is a project implemented by Sanqian Smart at an island resort in Southeast Asia.
The resort has a 1.5-kilometer coastline and 80 villas. Before the project, nighttime lighting relied on diesel generators, and the beach area had no smart facilities.
The project deployed:
- 120 smart street poles covering the resort’s main roads, beach trails, pool areas, and parking lots
- 60 smart solar benches distributed across the beach, gardens, and observation decks
All devices were connected to the Sanqian Smart Cloud Platform through a hybrid 4G and LoRa network.
The system was remotely monitored by a local operations center, while a local team was responsible for on-site maintenance.
After one peak tourism season:
- Resort lighting energy consumption decreased by 62%.
- Diesel-generator operating time decreased by 40%.
- Annual energy costs were reduced by approximately USD 180,000.
- Visitors gave highly positive feedback on the free charging and WiFi services.
- The resort’s online rating increased from 4.2 to 4.6.
- The beach-area emergency-calling system successfully handled three unexpected visitor incidents.
- The safety-response time was reduced to approximately 2 minutes.
The project was recognized by the local tourism authority as a Green Smart Resort Demonstration Project and became a reference model for the improvement of nearby resorts.
10. Conclusion
As global tourism continues to recover and sustainable-development principles gain wider acceptance, resorts and tourist attractions need to upgrade their infrastructure in a way that meets visitors’ expectations for digital experiences while remaining economical and environmentally responsible in off-grid environments.
The Sanqian Smart Smart Solar Bench and Smart Street Pole System Solution uses solar energy as its power foundation, smart IoT technology as its management approach, and visitor experience as its ultimate objective.
It provides overseas tourism destinations with a scalable, cost-efficient, green, and intelligent infrastructure solution.
As AI-based computer vision, multilingual voice interaction, and other technologies continue to advance, smart solar benches and smart street poles will become essential service nodes for resorts and tourist attractions, continuously supporting the intelligent and sustainable development of the global tourism industry.
