As previously mentioned, the asphalt is a better solar energy collector than solar panels.
This quality is what has been investigating a group of scientists at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). They believe that the roads could be used like batteries or solar panels for home and produce solar energy. The advantage is that one space would be used to fulfill two functions: to communicate and the other producing energy from sunlight. Apart from using the incredible properties of the asphalt.
The project was suggested by Michael Hulen, president of Novotech Inc. and is directed by Rajib Mallick. On August 18 presented the results of this research at a conference in Switzerland.
The study not only suggests the use of asphalt as a solar collector, but also proposes a method to build roads to maximize the ability to absorb heat from the sun.
The existing roads can also become “solar panel” without waiting for the construction of new roads, and could use existing thousands of miles of such constructions. The roads are typically resurfaced every 10 to 12 years and can use these occasions to install the system. Another interesting aspect is that the extraction of heat to produce electricity could reduce the heat island effect experienced by some cities.
Moreover, unlike wind or solar power plants, produces no additional impact on the landscape of which already produces its own road, as energy harvesting systems (presumably pipes through which circulates a fluid) would be under the surface and therefore would be invisible.
The experiments were measured by thermocouples heat penetration into blocks of asphalt. They also had copper pipes through which water circulated to see if it transferred heat well. Sunlight was simulated using halogen lamps.
The experiments showed that asphalt absorbs heat well and that the maximum temperature occurs several inches below the surface. It is at that depth where the heat exchanger (pipe) must be installed for best performance. They also noted that the addition of quartzite improves the ability to absorb heat from the asphalt and a surface finish that reduces reflected light.
The resulting hot water can be used as is for heating, water heating or industrial processes. It could also be used to generate electricity using a thermodynamic system.
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