Asphalt Heat Recovery Application for Sustainable Green Energy

Angel Dogeanu,Catalin Ioan Lungu,Alin-Marius Nicolae,Laurentiu Tacutu,Elena Iatan

doi:10.3390/app12031196

Angel Dogeanu, Catalin Ioan Lungu + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031196

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Abstract

Increasing demand for energy due to comfort requirements in the built environment coupled with development of road networks and amplifying heat island effect call for a comprehensive approach that can answer both issues. The lifespan of an asphalt layer is affected by surface temperature. In this paper, we aim to study the feasibility of heat recovery and its effects in terms of energy harvesting efficiency and asphalt surface temperature by creating a numerical model and validating the model based on onsite measurements at laboratory scale. The experimental setup was developed at Technical University of Civil Engineering in Bucharest, and measurements were monitored during the summer. The heat recovery system used for this study was made of copper pipes, and material cost and layout optimization need to be addressed in future studies. The numerical model was validated using measured data. During this study, we obtained favorable results in terms of heat recovery, reducing surface temperature and selection of system materials. Further research is required for heat recovery system and pump automation (based on the surface temperature), in order to optimize energy consumption and improve overall efficiency.

Highlights

Human activities have affected around 75% of the global non-iced terrestrial environment [1]
K-type thermocouples were used as temperature sensors and mounted in several areas of the experimental setup
The present study aimed to analyze and find different types of solution for the two The present studyinaimed to analyze and seasons, find different typesoptimal of solution for the two situations mentioned the article: for summer maintaining temperatures situations mentioned the article: forproperties summerforseasons, maintaining optimal on the asphalt surface,in in order to keep its longer terms, and using the thermal energy of itasphalt for othersurface, purposes of hot water for heating, household temperatures on the in,thermal while forenergy winter of seasons, defrost areas of(preparation interest. Using it for to other purposes of hotalleys, water for heating, another purpose of the study was to create a preliminary numerical model and household use, etc), while for winter seasons, to defrost areas of interest

Summary

Introduction

Human activities have affected around 75% of the global non-iced terrestrial environment [1]. Urban areas occupy a small area equivalent to about 0.5% of the global surface of the planet [2], more than half of the world’s population (with an estimated growth of up to 66% by 2050) currently lives in urban areas [3] and asphalt-covered surfaces are increasing. Its color leads to heat absorption and an increase in surface temperature. On the basis of measurements, it was observed that the temperature of the asphalted surfaces can reach values as high as 72 ◦ C on a usual day [4]. This contributes to the intensification of the effect known as the “urban heat island effect” or UHI [5]. The effect of the UHI has significant consequences on the quality of life of city occupants and is the source of a significant number of environmental problems in urban areas

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