solar powered roadways by scott brusaw

solar powered roadways by scott brusaw

american electrical engineer scott brusaw has developed a system of solar powered roads as an initiative to change the face of national highways. his project ‘solar roadways’ aims to re-purpose existing concrete and asphalt surfaces that are exposed to the sun with solar road panels. he is currently introducing the technology in driveways, bike paths, patios, sidewalks, parking lots, playgrounds, before integrating them onto public roads. aside from providing sustainable transportation solutions, the concept will provide socio-economic advantages in all aspects of daily life. the roads are capable of directly inputting energy into the power-grid through photovoltaics, which if realized, could power an entire country from the generated electricity. since our current power grid is based on centralized power stations, and distribution is handled through transmission lines and relay stations, the ‘solar roadways’ would replace coal- and nuclear-powered electricity generation plants by transforming the road into a self-contained energy source.

in a future filled with electric vehicles and this new technology, cars will be able to virtually recharge anywhere and small businesses would profit and benefit by going off the grid — eliminating a monthly electricity bill, and attracting customers through the installation of EV charging stations. the intelligent road system will provide a clean form of renewable energy, while implementing safer driving conditions along with power and data delivery. 

‘solar roadways’ video

illuminated road ways informing traffic of any danger

 

 

 

‘solar roadways’ have the capability to protect wildlife and motorists by detecting if something is on the surface of the panel via integrated load cells. if an animal crosses the road, oncoming drivers will be warned through embedded LEDs, informing the  driver to slow down. unlike the roads we drive on by night today, the ‘solar roadways’ provide illuminated lights that can be controlled by the highway patrol in the event of road closures and accidents for re-routing traffic.

top: winter without solar roads, bottom; winter with solar roads

 

 

challenges associated with extreme winter climates will also be resolved, where an implementation of embedded heating within the design will eliminate ice and snow buildup. cities will no longer have the expense of snow removal and the problems caused by the chemicals used to maintain clear roads.