Fraction Factorial Design of a Novel Semi-Transparent Layer for Applications on Solar Roads

Abstract

Solar roads are transportation infrastructures able both to generate electricity thanks to solar cells placed under a semi-transparent layer and to ensure heavy traffic circulation. In this paper, a novel transparent top layer made of glass aggregates bonded together using a polyurethane glue is presented. The goal is to design a composite material able to support traffic load, guarantee vehicle skid-resistance, allow the passage of sunlight, and protect the solar cells. For this purpose, the authors investigated the effect of different variables (thickness, glue content, and glass aggregate distribution) on the mechanical and optical performances of the material applying the factorial design method. The semi-transparent layer was characterized by performing the three-point bending test and measuring the power loss. Regarding the vehicle friction, experimental tests with the British Pendulum were conducted in order to measure the skid resistance of the surface and compare it with the specifications of a typical road infrastructure. According to the fraction factorial design and the British Pendulum test, the following mixture was developed: 42.8% of 4/6 mm; 42.8% of 2/4 mm, 14.4% of glue in volume, and a thickness of 0.6 cm. The first results are encouraging, and they demonstrate the feasibility of a semi-transparent layer for future applications in full scale.

Pavement energy harvesting technologies: a critical review

“…Furthermore, the mixdesign of the semi-transparent layer is optimized. The results demonstrate that high glue content (up 20% in volume) has a positive impact on both mechanical and optical performance of the semi-transparent layer, while the use of fine particles, which interfere with the sunlight wavelength, reduces dramatically the transparency of the material [16,17]. The structure is typical of a solar road: semitransparent layer + pv cells + base layer 460 Wh/m 2 -A road of 1 km (5875 m2) built in Jinan (China), able to produce 1 GWh/year…”

Entering the plasma agriculture field: An attempt to standardize protocols for plasma treatment of seeds

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Are Connected and Automated Vehicles the Silver Bullet for Future Transportation Challenges? Benefits and Weaknesses on Safety, Consumption, and Traffic Congestion

“…Finally, the road must be able to integrate, if necessary, supply systems and renewable energy capture to recharge electric vehicles (Laporte et al, 2019;Vizzari et al, 2020) and power equipment, such as roadside units, signage, or public lighting (Shahar et al, 2018).…”