Roadways, walkways, drive-ways, and sidewalks as we know them today could soon be a glimpse in history. Thanks to the creative genius of engineering couple Julie and Scott Brusaw, the typical concrete and asphalt used today could be no more.
The couple has come up with a concept of creating smart solar paneled roadways. The production of the prototype began back in 2006 and has grown in the last 10 years. The idea had come up in conversation on an average day, as a suggestion of reducing the world’s carbon footprint. Julie, a private counselor at the time, was the initial mastermind. But it was Scott, an electrical engineer, who further pursued the idea. The couple discussed a few ideas, the primary issue was finding a way to protect the panels from being crushed.
Not only did they solve the issue of protecting the panels, they had found other advancements they could add to benefit the world. The panels are housed in an octagonal casing covered with a thick sheet of glass made from recycled glass. The glass is strong enough to hold the weight of vehicles, as well as living creatures. Every panel is filled with various LED lights, the lights can be configured to display road lines and/or road instructions. With this feature the necessity of repainting roads is eliminated, the panels are simply reconfigured. This is also beneficial for parking lots and parks, imagine walking on to an outdoor basketball court with the ability to reprogram the court based on the sport you decide to play.
The panels also have built in pressure sensors to help detect obstructions in the road such as animals or fallen object. Using the LED lights, drivers could be notified in enough time of any obstructions. Other features also include heating sensors to melt snow and ice, as well as two housing compartments; one for wires and powerlines, eliminating the need of tall phone and powerlines, therefore reducing the chances of issues caused by damages to powerlines. The other catches melted snow/ice and rain water, sending it to a treatment center to be cleaned and reused.
Solar roadways offer endless benefits to the world. First and foremost they help to save the environment. Reducing the levels of pollution by a great amount. A reduction in pollution means cleaner air and a cleaner earth for more generations to come. This system also completely eliminates the huge issue of potholes, potholes are often the result of erosion of asphalt caused by rock salt used to melt snow and acid rain. With heated paneling to melt snow and ice, rock salt would become obsolete, also the lack of asphalt means no erosion, and no erosion means no more potholes. With the use of solar roadways, the energy harnessed from the sun could be used to replace the carbon energy that is currently used. The use of solar energy means a reduction in energy cost. The system virtually pays for itself.
A project this big creates numerous jobs, leading to a decrease in the unemployment rate. All of those facing unemployment after there is no longer a need for snow plows will have the opportunity for employment working on this project.
Solar roadways not only saves the world, but it also benefits the everyday person and adds an interesting aesthetic. If America is the first country to approve the project, the roadways could serve as a tourist attraction, ultimately leading to more revenue for the country. For more information on solar roadways and/or Julie and Scott Brusaw visit solarroadways.com or check out the video entitled solar freakin’ roadways on youtube.com.
If you are interested in contributing to funding for the project please visit their Indiegogo page at Indiegogo.com and search “solar roadways”.
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/solar-roadways#/
So far they have already raised $2.2 million and growing.