The Future Is Bright for Solar Energy and Asphalt Pavements

This article describes how solar energy is being harnessed in conjunction with asphalt roadways, particular with recycled roadways. The author first describes applications where solar panels are installed along highway corridors; the electricity generated from the panels is then used to power lighting, road signs, and tunnel fans. The author describes real-world uses of this technology in the state of Oregon (United States), and in Germany and Italy. The article continues with a brief description of four methods being investigated at the University of Rhode Island: the use of flexible photovoltaic cells on highway medians and barriers; water pipes installed beneath the surface of the roadway to collect solar energy; connecting semiconductors that are placed at different depths in the pavement, to use heat differentials; and the development of a multi-layered pavement system. Present concerns for all these different projects revolve around costs for design and implementation of these new technological strategies. The final section of the article explores the issues encountered by placement of solar technology in the wearing course of the pavement, determined to be one of the most efficient approaches but also likely to be disturbed the most as pavements need ongoing maintenance.

• Record URL:
  http://editiondigital.net/publication/?i=129440
• Record URL:
  http://www.asphaltmagazine.com/news/detail.dot?id=094c5566-12e9-46cc-9b7c-662beebb5c4c
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1514484
• Authors:
  • Klinger, Rory L
• Publication Date: 2012

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: pp 16-20
• Serial:
  • Asphalt
  • Volume: 27
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: Asphalt Institute
  • ISSN: 0004-4954

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Costs; Differential thermal analysis; Pavement design; Pavement layers; Pavements; Photovoltaic effect; Semiconductors; Solar collectors; Solar energy; Technological innovations
• Subject Areas: Energy; Highways; Pavements; I15: Environment; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways; I31: Bituminous Binders and Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01472060
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 12 2013 9:08AM