Spongebob: Jason Cline, Casey Carter, Lauren Thomas Solar Roadways Spongebob: Jason Cline, Casey Carter, Lauren Thomas
What is it? Roads, sidewalks, parking structures made from solar panels Feasible, sustainable energy Pressure sensors
Significance Provide renewable energy Safer than concrete and asphalt Wildlife detection Melts snow and ice Cost efficient once implemented Provides LED lights for lines and signs No more paint needed
What area is most impacted from this? The Earth Air quality Emissions reduced Oil industry Hurts the oil industry in the Middle East U.S Brings jobs to the energy and construction industries in the U.S
Research already done on solar panel roadways Freeze/Thaw cycling Extreme temperature exposure Moisture conditioning Panels are frozen and thawed Shear testing Subjected to high shear forces Advanced loading Simulate years of truck abuse
Has anyone used solar panel roadways? The Netherlands built bike paths in 2014 Plan to rebuild Route 66 621 miles of roads in France over next five years Supplies power to 5 million people German company Solmove aims to bring panels to German roads
What needs to be researched/explored more? Cost effectiveness Hackability Durability Maintenance efficiency
Challenges future researchers will face Acquiring funds for the continuation of the project Difficulty building on unruly terrain Increasing efficiency Durability testing
Summary Very expensive Very effective Needs further research Safer than concrete and asphalt
Questions
Sources Naphan, Michael, and Scott Brusaw. "Solar FREAKIN' Roadways!" YouTube. Solar Roadways, 18 May 2014. Web. 30 Oct. 2016. <https://youtu.be/qlTA3rnpgzU>. “Welcome to Solar Roadways.” SolarRoadways.com. Solar Roadways, 2016. Web. 23 October 2016. <http://www.solarroadways.com/Home/Index> “Will We Soon Be Riding on Solar Roads? The Idea Gains Traction.” NationalGeographic.com. National Geographic Society, 2015. Web. 23 October 2016. <http://news.nationalgeographic.com/energy/2016/03/160310-will-we-soon-be-riding-on-solar-roads>