Could UK electric central heating be powered by solar roads?
What are solar roads?
Solar roads are essentially photovoltaic panels inserted on to the grounds surface. This is a simple and smart idea to cover the vast areas of roads which with a renewable energy generator. While the concept isn’t new the development in refining the technology has taken just over 5 years to achieve. A small scale system was installed in the Netherlands in 2014 which achieved so much praise and success that the country is now looking to roll out the technology nationwide. Due to the immense success, inevitably the technology is accumulating interest globally. It was only earlier this week that France announced that they were gearing up to install over 621 miles of it’s highways with the photovoltaic panels which is scheduled to be carried out over the next five years. It’s estimated that the 621 miles of panels could supply approximately 5 million people with electricity, this figure is roughly 8 percent of Frances population. The photovoltaic panels are manufactured using a coating of multilayer substrate which consists of composite resins and polymers whilst also being transparent enough to collect sunlight whilst maintaining enough strength to resist high volumes of continuous traffic including large commercial lorries.
Are they safe to support a road surface?
The road panels have been designed to withstand a tremendous amount of force and as a result are capable of supporting a heavy load capacity including commercial vehicles. Subsequently they are so durable that they can even withstand the movement of up to two A1M1 Abram tanks weighting in at 57 tonnes each. As we know roads can become soiled and since their main duty is to generate electricity from the sun how will this be possible once dense weather conditions cover their surface, i.e. snow for example? This is combatted through incorporating minute heated elements which maintain a temperature of 0 degrees celsius. Moreover this averts a build up of the elements such as snow or ice that would otherwise create a dangerous road surface in terms of traction and skidding. A secondary benefit to this self maintenance is the non requirement of grit which is often required on a tarmacked surface leading to savings in cost. Once melted the liquid can be drained via a channel which lays alongside the road leading to existing drainage.
Since each segment is also fitted with an arrangement of LED lights they also posses the potential to safely light up roads and lanes and display warnings or messages for drivers. LED lighting is used more and more in new technology since the technology requires a fraction of the amount of energy compared to traditional lighting. Furthermore they are regarded as highly visible in daylight with many cars now being fitted with daytime running lights for additional safety. The additional benefit from road surface lighting could also function as a hazard warning system or to alter drivers of speed awareness, perhaps illuminating to indicate that you are traveling either too fast or too slow. A fundamental safety concern was concentrated around the properties of the surface material and weather this could support similar qualities to that of a tarmac road. The reason why is that a tarmac surface cossets of a multitude of tiny surface imperfections and divots which allow for an optimum level of traction. Designing the panels to offer similar surface qualities to that of tarmac was relatively straightforward although if roads were silky smooth in finish, under certain weather conditions vehicles would be showboating dangerous skidding levels upon breaking.
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Renewable electricity roads[/caption]
What is the cost and lifespan?
The panels are designed to last around 20 years which is similar to that of a rooftop system that has a lifespan of around 30 years before efficiency begins to decline. An interesting fact that we discovered is that roads are only physically engaged for approximately 10% of the time. This leaves for a great opportunity to utilise roads over say current inland solar farms occupying land that could otherwise be used to grow crops. Since the panels are relatively thin, measuring at just 7mm, the expense and duration of applying the panels directly onto pre-existing roads would be rapid and as a consequence. Low cost. On top of the incredibly impressive LED safety lighting displays one important factor is the return on investment which is estimated to be around 15% annually. In comparison a rooftop solar return is that of around 18% which is marginally greater, although with the ancillary benefits and the advantage from making the most out of otherwise dormant space they are highly regarded.
Could this be the future power source of electric heating?
As well as offering ancillary benefits such as self maintenance and LED warning displays the main objective from solar roads is to generate the all important commodity, electricity. This power source is the future of our planet due to the zero emissions and renewable properties that can be attained. With this in mind green electricity generated from the solar roads could certainly be accumulated in the energy mix in powering your electric radiators. As engineering and science continually develops year on year it is unavoidable that renewable electricity is only a short distance away from entirely powering our properties central heating systems on a national scale. One thing is for sure and that is the future of a carbon free renewable electric heating system is only around the corner. The force behind this will be even more prevalent as manufacturing the infrastructure (as we are currently seeing with photovoltaic technology) continues to vastly decline.
My Electric Radiators are passionate about reporting to you the latest energy news and views right across the UK. They also supply the latest economy electric heating systems that are designed to help save you money. Moreover My Electric Radiators are devoted to helping UK households reduce their carbon footprints and decrease their energy bills. to find out more surrounding the latest efficient electric radiators then call one of their electric heating experts today for a free assessment on 01423 619303 lines are open from 8am - 10pm. Alternatively if you would prefer to email architectural drawings so that a recommended heating plan can be designed don’t hesitate to email [email protected]
Renewable electricity roads[/caption]
What is the cost and lifespan?
The panels are designed to last around 20 years which is similar to that of a rooftop system that has a lifespan of around 30 years before efficiency begins to decline. An interesting fact that we discovered is that roads are only physically engaged for approximately 10% of the time. This leaves for a great opportunity to utilise roads over say current inland solar farms occupying land that could otherwise be used to grow crops. Since the panels are relatively thin, measuring at just 7mm, the expense and duration of applying the panels directly onto pre-existing roads would be rapid and as a consequence. Low cost. On top of the incredibly impressive LED safety lighting displays one important factor is the return on investment which is estimated to be around 15% annually. In comparison a rooftop solar return is that of around 18% which is marginally greater, although with the ancillary benefits and the advantage from making the most out of otherwise dormant space they are highly regarded.
Could this be the future power source of electric heating?
As well as offering ancillary benefits such as self maintenance and LED warning displays the main objective from solar roads is to generate the all important commodity, electricity. This power source is the future of our planet due to the zero emissions and renewable properties that can be attained. With this in mind green electricity generated from the solar roads could certainly be accumulated in the energy mix in powering your electric radiators. As engineering and science continually develops year on year it is unavoidable that renewable electricity is only a short distance away from entirely powering our properties central heating systems on a national scale. One thing is for sure and that is the future of a carbon free renewable electric heating system is only around the corner. The force behind this will be even more prevalent as manufacturing the infrastructure (as we are currently seeing with photovoltaic technology) continues to vastly decline.
My Electric Radiators are passionate about reporting to you the latest energy news and views right across the UK. They also supply the latest economy electric heating systems that are designed to help save you money. Moreover My Electric Radiators are devoted to helping UK households reduce their carbon footprints and decrease their energy bills. to find out more surrounding the latest efficient electric radiators then call one of their electric heating experts today for a free assessment on 01423 619303 lines are open from 8am - 10pm. Alternatively if you would prefer to email architectural drawings so that a recommended heating plan can be designed don’t hesitate to email [email protected]