1. Novel Approach to Harvest Thermal Energy from Asphalt Pavement Roadways
Jacob Holguin
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Department of CIVIL ENGINEERING
Mentored by
Samer Dessouky, PhD,
PE Associate Professor
December 2, 2016

2. Introduction
There is an abundance of heat existing from asphalt pavement
Opportunity to utilize sustainable energy
Roadway infrastructure an abundant resource
Roadway pavement temperature can reach up to 60-70°C
Utilize pavement heat

3. Objective Harvest energy from roadway infrastructure
Convert thermal energy into electrical energy
Use harvested energy for practical applications
Reduce contribution to the heat urban island

4. Governing Principal and Mechanism
Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) Modules
Seebeck Effect
Temperature gradient (difference in temp.)
Two dissimilar electrical conductors
Production of voltage
Thermal electromotive force

5. Data
Pavement Surface Temperature profile

6. Data Transformable Thermal Energy from Pavement
Average pavement surface temperature ranges from 45 to 55 C eight hours per day (except Mid November to Mid February-3 months)
Average soil temperature ranges from 25 C to 30 C below 6” adjacent to road side soil.
Available average thermal gradient ∆T= 20 C to 25 C
20 C to 25 C is the potential source to produce electrical energy

7. Methodology Thermal Energy Harvester Prototype L-Shaped copper panel
TEG
Epoxy Glue
Thermal Paste
Insulation
Heat Sink

8. Methodology Lab simulation Materials Lab Functionality Performance
Finite Element Simulation
Lab simulation
Materials Lab
Functionality
Performance
Near-pavement Conditions

9. Methodology Implemented on roadside West Campus
1-2” Removal of pavement surface
10” in the road-side soil

10. Methodology Implemented on roadside West Campus
1-2” Removal of pavement surface
10” in the road-side soil

11. Results Lab Simulations
Relationship between temperature gradient and produced voltage
Results
Lab Simulations
V= 826 mV
I= mA

12. Results
Field Analysis
V= 649 mV
I= mA

13. Benefits Reduces heat urban island Abundant resource
Intake of thermal energy
Output of electrical energy
Abundant resource
Low voltages are able to be boosted

14. Future Work Optimize system performance Electrical storage components
Increase temperature gradient
Conserve heat flux
Clamping System
Electrical storage components
Further investigation
Utilize drone applications
Thermal imaging
Detect optimal AOI

15. Conclusions
The developed prototype has proven the potential for harvesting an converting thermal energy from roadway
Exploring ways to improve the configuration and efficiency of the prototype will allow for practical applications involving roadways

16. Questions?