Chinese researchers have developed a solar-electric pavement model with a potential electrical output of 0.68 kWh/m2 and an efficiency of 14.71%. By simulating 255 Chinese cities, they have determined that the electricity potential ranges from 0.70 kWh/W to 1.83 kWh/W.
“We have proposed a two-dimensional finite element model for electrical and thermal performance of PPV module with ground effect,” researcher Tao Ma said pv magazine. “We performed laboratory experiments to analyze the slip resistance and energy production of the prefabricated module, as well as the parametric analyzes of the module design and the surrounding base material.”
Researchers conducted numerical and experimental studies on the potential integrated thermal and electrical performance of PVP in Hong Kong. The installation is based on monocrystalline solar modules with an efficiency of 20% and a power of 31.5 W. PVP uses tempered glass panels on the front and back to improve structural strength and protection.
“The patterns have been added to the front surface of the module to provide better anti-slip properties compared to resin,” the researchers said. “A moist layer with air and epoxy resin (EP) filling materials is used instead of a hollow structure for better support.”
The researchers found that PVP can achieve a potential electrical output of 0.68 kWh/m2 and efficiency 14.71%. They said that the epoxy resin filler reduces the annual maximum surface temperature of the PVP module by 8.4% and found that the average relief of the heat island effect can be 13.16C.
The research team conducted other simulations for PVPs in Shanghai and 255 other Chinese cities. They found that the electricity potential could range from 0.70 kWh/W to 1.83 kWh/W, with cities in western and northeastern China having higher PV generation potential.
“Coating costs have not been estimated so far, but commercial production is being considered,” Ma said.
The researchers demonstrated their new technology in a simulation and experimental study of the energy efficiency of a prefabricated solar panel recently published Applied energy.
In 2019, researchers at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University developed PV floor tiles designed for sidewalks and cycling paths. The tiles were tested on a “green roof” in Hong Kong and have shown satisfactory solar energy conversion, slip resistance, heat resistance and strength.
