In the current scenario, the constant reliance on natural resources is depleting our energy reserves rapidly. This has led to an urgent need for alternative energy sources that can power various aspects of our world. The field of civil engineering is witnessing new inventions aimed at creating a greener environment, and one such innovation is the concept of kinetic roads.
Kinetic roads address the pollution and resource dependency issues in the transportation sector. These roads utilize two primary energy sources – solar radiation and kinetic energy generated by passing vehicles. With road surfaces covering vast urban and rural areas, there is enormous potential to harness energy from these sources, including sun radiation, vibration, and traffic-induced pressures.
To capture energy from road pavements, two main technological groups have emerged: those based on heat or sun radiation, and those converting kinetic energy from traffic to electricity. Technologies such as piezoelectric-based modules, photovoltaic pavements, thermoelectric systems, electromagnetic systems, and asphalt solar collectors fall under these categories.
Research has yielded prototypes based on piezoelectric and thermoelectric technologies. Piezoelectric energy harvesting systems have proven reliable for low-power roads, with modifications to increase power output and durability. An example of this is Innowattech’s design, featuring a box encircling piezoelectric material beneath asphalt, generating electricity through hydraulic fluid compression.
Engineers are now actively exploring ways to harness excess kinetic energy from moving vehicles. Innovative road designs can convert vehicle vibrations into power, presenting a unique implementation of a well-known concept.
The mechanism involves heat exchange between pavement and fluid in embedded pipes, utilizing thermal gradients for electricity generation. Dr. Hao Wang explains the use of piezoelectric transducers to capture traffic-driven mechanical energy, showcasing the diverse ways energy can be harnessed.
Various internal mechanical components, such as pinion rack systems, camarm systems, and hydraulic power systems, can be employed to harness kinetic energy. Piezoelectricity, a process where materials generate electric potential under pressure, is another approach. It involves burying metal crystal pads beneath the road to generate electricity under fast-moving traffic.
In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, engineers are exploring innovative ideas to harness the energy surrounding us. The increasing global energy demand necessitates robust and economical solutions. Despite challenges, private companies and governments are investing in projects to convert traffic rush into electricity. More innovative ideas are crucial to preserving our planet and meeting the world’s growing energy needs sustainably.
