An overview of the Heat Exchanging Asphalt Layer prototype: A case study

Abstract

Pavement Solar Collector (PSC) systems can harvest solar energy from asphalt pavement. The Heat Exchanging Asphalt Layer (HEAL) prototype was constructed in a total area of approximately 65 m2 next to the campus Groenenborger at the University of Antwerp. The HEAL prototype has five main parts, BTES, reversible heat pump, buffer storage, control system, and heat exchanger section.In this paper, the preliminary thermal outputs of the HEAL during a snowfall in January 2021 in Antwerp are presented. During the monitoring period, the supply temperature was set to 25 °C, and the following outputs were monitored: the average return temperature 14.65 °C, the surface temperature of the asphalt pavement in the heat exchange sections 3.6° C, and surface temperature of reference sections -3.4 °C. As a result, using the HEAL system, the heat exchange sections remained completely snow-free during the snowfall.