Thermoelectric Generators using Solar Thermal Energy in Heated Road Pavement

Abstract

The temperature of road pavement rises up to 70degC in summer due to the effect of the solar radiation. The authors have developed a pavement-cooling system using thermoelectric generator. Heat in the pavement is collected as heated water in a heat collection tube installed in the pavement. River water near the road is used as a coolant. Electric power is produced by temperature difference between the hot and cool water at the thermoelectric generator. With the conversion from heat to electricity and heat flux from hot to cold water, the temperature of the surface of the pavement is reduced