As the need for alternative energy sources continues to grow, many have pointed towards renewable energy resources as a way to fix the global energy crisis. One possible way to better utilize the natural resources of the Earth would be to harvest the solar energy captured by asphalt pavements. This report explains the previous research that has been conducted in this field and then explains specific details of the design of an underground piping system, or a Smart Pavement, which would transfer the thermal energy of an asphalt pavement to a liquid. The liquid could later be used in the heating or water systems of nearby buildings and/or could be used to melt snow and ice in the winter months, thus reducing the use of conventional energy sources and the need for seasonal maintenance.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Richardson, Anthony Michael
• Lee, Derek Chi-Chung

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-031609-185232

Advisor

• Tao, Mingjiang
• Mallick, Rajib B.

Year

• 2009

Date created

• 2009-03-16

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Civil Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2020-12-21