What is Solar Energy?

Function of Engineering

Technologist in Society

WHO IS ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIST ? specialist dedicated to the development, design, and implementation of engineering and technology

Research: seeks new principles and processes using mathematical and scientific concepts, and experimental techniques

Development: apply the results of research to useful purposes.Inventing model of new electronic circuits Production: plant layout and equipment selection, with consideration of human and economic factorsHe choose processes and tools, integrates the flow of the materials and components, provides for testing and inspection.

Operation: Control machines ,plants and organization providing power, transportation and communication determines procedure and supervises personnel to obtain reliable and economic operation of complex related problems Managements and other functions: Analyse customers requirements, recommend units to satisfy needs economically, and resolve related problemsS LAR ROADWAYS

Application:Solar Roadways-The future transport systemWhat is Solar Energy?

Solar energy is the light and radiant heat from the Sun that influences Earth's climate and weather and sustains life. By using this energy electricity can be produced with help of solar technology.

Solar technologies are broadly characterized as:Active solar technologyPassive solar technology

Photovoltaic cells are used to convert solar energy directly into electricity using semiconductors . This is active type of solar technology.Photovoltaic cell:

Why solar?Solar energy is preferable as compared to another energy sources due to following reasons:Reduced Dependence on Fossil Fuels

Environment friendly

Matching Peak Time Output with Peak Time Demand

Modularity and Scalability

Flexible Locations

What does Solar Roadway mean?

A solar roadway is a road surface that generates electricity by solar power photovoltaic cells embedded below a tough transparent surface which provides sufficient traction.

Road surface layer/Glass layer

Translucent and high-strength, it is rough enough to provide sufficient traction, yet still passes sunlight through to the solar collector cells embedded within, along with LEDs and a heating element.

Electronics layer:

It contains photovoltaic cells which absorbs solar energy. It also contains a microprocessor board with support circuitry for sensing loads on the surface and controlling a heating element with a view to reducing or eliminating snow.

Base plate layer:While the electronics layer collects energy from the sun, it is the base plate layer that distributes that power as well as data signals (phone, TV, internet, etc.) down the line to all homes and businesses connected to the solar roadway. It needs to be weatherproof to protect the electronics layer above it.

Advantages of Solar Roadway:

RenewabilityLife-spanInitial CostRoad IlluminationIntelligent Highway systemMilitary and rescue assistanceDisadvantages of solar roadway:Maintenance costsSeasonal efficiencyNeeds a town planningIlluminated Roads:

Many people driving their vehicle at night cannot see the road ahead due to oncoming headlights or rain.

The Solar Roadways will have LEDs which will illuminate the lanes.

Thus the rate of accidents will be reduced and illumination of roads will add to the aesthetics of the city.

Intelligent Highway:

The LEDs can be programmed to show the instructions such as - SLOW, STOP, GO, SPEED LIMIT, etc.The LEDS can also be programmed to warn drivers of an animal on the road, an accident, or construction work.

On-the-go charging:

With induction plating embedded inside these roads, electric cars can be recharged while in motion on top of these roads. This would reduce the costs and the time-inconvenience of waiting at a charging station.

Glass panelInduction platingSnow / Ice Management:

Snow seems to be enjoyable when we were kids. But the problem arises when we grow up and drive. It makes driving dangerous.When it comes to asphalt roads they get damaged when this snow is melted and increases the maintenance cost. Budgets are also heavily taxed for snow removal.A Solar Roadway changes all of that. The roads heat themselves with their inbuilt heating elements and melt away all the snow.

Heating element offHeating element onA look on the future:

CONCLUSION:For roughly the same cost of the current systems (asphalt roads and fossil fuel burning electricity generation plants), the Solar Roadways can be implemented.

No more Global Warming.

Safer driving conditions.

Far less pollution.

A decentralized, self-healing, secure power grid.

No more dependency on foreign oil.Thank You