BY

S.CHAITANYA KUMAR

15761A0144

CONTENTS Introduction

Solar Road Construction

Working Principle

How it Works?

Advantages & disadvantages

Features

Future Scope

Conclusion

References

INVENTORS OF SOLAR ROADWAYSJulie & Scott Brusaw

INTRODUCTION In 2009, the innovative idea of Solar Panel Roads was

proposed.

In 2010, company named SOLAR ROADWAYS was

established.

Location : Idaho, US.

Funded by US federal government.

Aim : to replace current asphalt roads with solar panel

roads.

The idea is to replace all current

petroleum based asphalt roads, parking

lots, and driveways with Solar Road

Panels that collect energy to be used by

our homes and businesses.

The ultimate goal is to store excess

energy in or along-side the Solar

Roadways.

Solar Road ConstructionPHOTOVOLTAIC CELL

Photovoltaic cells are used to

convert solar energy directly

into electricity using

semiconductors. This is the

active type of solar

technology

Road consists of 3 layers.

I. Road Surface Layer

II. Electronics Layer

III. Base Layer

Road Surface Layer

Translucent and high-strength.

Designed for reduced skidding chances

Weatherproof.

Embedded with LEDs and a heating element

Tested for traction, load carrying capacity & impact resistanceand exceeded all requirements

Middle layer.

Contains photovoltaic cells.

Conversion of solar energy to electrical energy takes place here.

Houses the heating element and microprocessors for controlling them.

It also houses the microprocessors for controlling lighting LEDs.

Base Plate layer Bottom layer.

Stores the converted

electrical energy.

Distributes electrical

energy.

Made weatherproof.

How it Works?

ADVANTAGES

DISADVANTAGES

Features of Solar Roadways

(a) Accident can be avoided

:

The roadways can protect

wildlife and motorists.

The load cells in the solar

panels can detect if

something is on the surface

of the panel. It acts like a

weigh machine.

(b) Illuminated roads :

The Solar Roadways will

have LEDs which will

illuminate the lanes. The

LEDs can be programmed

to show the instructions

such as - SLOW, STOP,

GO, SPEED LIMIT, etc.

(c) Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles are on the

way. More and more car

manufacturers are offering

electrical options

EVs can be rechargeable at

any convenient located rest

stop or at any parking lots.

Owners can plug their car in

and recharge while not

driving.

(d) Snow/ ICE Management :

The roads heat themselves with their embedded heating elementsand melt away all the snow.

(e) Improved power lines

(f) Intelligent Highways Pays for itself

Telephone, cable TV, and high-speed internet

Intercommunication between road and cars to avoid collision

Tracking system embedded.

(g) PARKING LOT INTEGRATION

Future Scope

With the provision of initial investment it can be carried

forward.

Increased energy requirement in future can only be met

with renewable resources of energy, such as that obtained

from solar roadways.

To reduce the consumption of fossil fuel and to eliminate

global warming, the innovative idea of solar panel road is

inevitable.

COST FOR SOLAR PANEL ROADS $16 per square feet – Asphalt road

One panel size 12 ft x 12 ft = 144 sq ft. One panel costs about $6912

$6912 / 144 sq ft = $48 per sq ft - Solar road

CONCLUSION

Even though the initial cost is high, as it is a system that pays for itself it is a better choice.

For under developed and developing countries, it might seem impractical now. But it can be adopted in stages, in future.

With technological upgradation in this field, jobs, clean energy and a safer transportation system can be made.

THANK YOU