A novel application of the geothermal asphalt pavement: A feasible E-fuel source

Abstract

In this study, a novel application of geothermal technology was proposed and evaluated as a potential sustainable clean energy source. The proposed system incorporates thermoelectric generators (TEG) to transform the extracted heat from the pavement into electricity and enclose an enhanced geothermal system into the asphalt structure, intending to cool the pavement surface and provide the thermal gradient required for energy harvesting simultaneously. The study hypothesized the amplification of the thermal gradient through geothermal pipes embedded in the asphalt layer, a phase change material container in the subgrade, and an external cooling system in direct contact with the TEGs. A comprehensive experimental study was conducted to evaluate the thermal, electrical, and structural performance of the proposed geothermo-electrical asphalt pavement system. Also, a large-scale experimental physical model was established to simulate and assess the system's performance under real-life conditions. By monitoring the system's performance over six consecutive days, the results showed that the enhanced geothermal system efficiently reduced the surface temperature of the asphalt pavement by 40% and sustained a thermal gradient of around 40 °C, which was sufficient to sustainably harvest energy through using the TEGs. The harvested energy was then successfully used to charge an attached battery. The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility and potential of using geothermal technology in asphalt pavements as a sustainable energy source. Furthermore, the proposed system not only improves the performance of the pavements in terms of structural behavior but also introduces a new way of energy harvesting, opening the door for new possibilities in the renewable energy field.