INTRODUCTION to SolarStep
SolarStep, where we revolutionize urban energy harvesting. This project combines the cutting-edge technologies of Pavegen and PV Road, offering a fresh perspective on sustainable energy solutions. SolarStep’s design boasts precision and innovation, featuring a base constructed from advanced, heat-resistant materials. However, its true innovation lies in the seamless integration of solar panels and electromagnetic motors within its sleek structure. As you explore our portfolio, you’ll uncover how SolarStep leverages insights from previous studies by Pavegen and PV Road to enhance its construction and effectiveness—the journey of how SolarStep is primed to reshape urban environments into sustainable energy hubs.
PURPOSE
To lead the urban energy evolution by combining Pavegen and PV Road technologies to combat heat islands. Its mission is to promote sustainability and enhance urban living. By tapping into natural energy sources, SolarStep not only mitigates heat buildup but also engages communities. Through its innovative design, it encourages public involvement and educates on sustainable practices, paving the way for a greener future.
PRECEDENT SolarStep STUDIES
1 – PAVEGEN
Founded in 2009 by Laurence Kemball-Cook, Pavegen Systems, a UK-based tech company, has pioneered interactive floor tiles that convert footsteps into electrical energy, data insights, and engagement opportunities. This case study explores the company’s history, technological advancements, installations, funding journey, and its profound impact on sustainability.
1.1 – HISTORY AND TECHNOLOGICAL EVOLUTION
Laurence Kemball-Cook’s innovative idea during a university placement at E.ON led to the inception of Pavegen. The first prototype, funded by a Royal Society of Arts prize, used recycled materials and employed electromagnetic induction to generate power from footfalls. Advancements over the years resulted in the 2016 version, boasting a 20-fold increase in energy conversion
1.2 – FUNDING AND RECOGNITION
Successfully navigating the funding landscape, Pavegen secured £350,000 from London Business Angels in 2012 and an impressive £1.9 million via Crowdcube in 2015, valuing the company at £17 million. Laurence Kemball- Cook’s innovative leadership garnered prestigious awards, including Businessman of the Year at the PEA Awards
2 – PV ROAD
Photovoltaic (PV) pavement/ road, an innovative energy-harvesting technology integrated into traditional road infrastructure. This groundbreaking approach aligns with global efforts to transition towards cleaner energy sources, responding to challenges posed by conventional fuels. As of 2021, the study revisits the concept of solar roadways, a futuristic vision that emerged in the early 2000s, aiming to maximize aggregate solar surface area on highways and streets. The narrative contextualizes PV pavement within the broader landscape of sustainable energy alternatives.
OBJECTIVES
The overarching goal of the project is to conduct an in-depth review of PV pavement, addressing challenges, presenting achievements, and outlining future directions. Within this context, the study delves into solar roadways, analysing their original concept and evaluating whether recent advances in solar technology could rejuvenate their potential. The objectives encompass a comprehensive literature review, prototype installations, and collaboration with stakeholders for practical implementation (The Constructor, 2021).
PROBLEM STATEMENT
The project identifies challenges linked to conventional energy sources, the limitations of existing energy harvesting methods, and the necessity for sustainable alternatives. Specifically, the case study explores the setbacks faced by solar roadways, from their initial concept in the early 2000s to the challenges experienced by the first solar roadway in France in 2016. Economic viability, complexities in execution, and evolving technological landscapes are recognized as key hurdles (Impulse, 2019).
2.1 – METHODOLOGY
Employing a comprehensive literature review, PV road/pavement examines physical models and performance evaluations of PV pavement. The three-layer pavement module structure serves as a focal point, integrating testing standards, energy simulation methods, and cost-effectiveness considerations. Recent advancements in solar technology and their potential impact on solar roadways are thoroughly evaluated. Collaboration with industry professionals and continuous testing underscores the project’s holistic approach (Ma and Li, 2022).
2.2 – IMPLEMENTATION
The execution of the plan unfolds systematically, involving prototype installations and phased implementations in selected areas. Defined timelines, milestones, and key activities are instrumental in shaping the successful integration of PV pavement. Collaborative efforts among researchers, engineers, and stakeholders emphasize overcoming challenges through practical testing, ensuring the technology’s adaptability to existing road infrastructure (Chester, 2021).
KEY COMPONENTS
Critical elements encompass PV pavement module design and testing, site optimization based on environmental and traffic considerations, and social-economic performance evaluation. Recent advancements, including solar roadways, are scrutinized to ascertain their viability and relevance within the broader PV pavement framework. Hybrid energy harvesting models, permeable pavement, and piezoelectric integration showcase the multidimensional approach to transforming traditional roads into sustainable energy sources (Hyder, 2023).
2.3 – RESULTS
The outcomes of PV road/pavement demonstrate promising advancements in PV pavement technology, validated through mechanical stability tests, energy yield simulations, and socialeconomic evaluations. While acknowledging progress, the study lays the groundwork for ongoing developments, emphasizing the transformative potential of integrating renewable energy into roadways.
pros
Green Energy: Roads generate renewable energy, reducing reliance on non-renewables.
Land Efficiency: Utilizes existing infrastructure for transportation and energy generation.
Local Power: Promotes energy independence by generating electricity locally.
cons
Costly Installation: High initial investment due to panel and infrastructure expenses.
Maintenance Demands: Constant exposure leads to increased upkeep costs.
Lower Efficiency: Horizontal orientation and shading decrease solar panel effectiveness.
2. 4- CONCLUSION
The case study navigates the complex landscape of solar roadways, dissecting their inception, setbacks, and transformative potential. Despite challenges like high costs and energy-intensive production, the study recognizes PV pavement as a viable technology. Analyzing glass roadway issues and leveraging recent solar advancements, it envisions a future where solar roads seamlessly integrate with global transportation. The study emphasizes the resilience of PV pavement, learning from past failures, and raising optimism for widespread adoption. As we progress, the ongoing evolution of solar technology fuels the promise that PV pavement might soon revolutionize our roads, contributing to a sustainable and energy-efficient transportation infrastructure.
SolarStep HIGH-LEVEL DIAGRAM
SolarStep LOW-LEVEL DIAGRAM
DESIGN PROCESS
SolarStep – My Solution
SolarStep is a groundbreaking product born from the fusion of Pavegen and PV Road technologies, engineered to harness energy from natural sources like sunlight and human movement. Through meticulous design iterations and innovative problem-solving, SolarStep has emerged as the pinnacle of energy harvesting tiles, seamlessly integrating into traditional pavements and urban landscapes.
Key Features:
- Innovative Design: SolarStep features a meticulously engineered structure and material selection, with a base crafted from heat-resistant and reusable sources. This ensures durability and sustainability in urban environments.
- Dual Energy Harvesting: SolarStep employs a multifaceted approach to energy collection. While solar panels efficiently capture sunlight, special electromagnetic motors embedded within the tiles convert human foot traffic into usable power. This innovative integration ensures continuous energy generation, even in areas with low sunlight exposure.
- Integrated Data Systems: The tiles incorporate cutting-edge data extraction systems, offering Bluetooth connectivity for real-time area notifications and weather sensors for localized weather updates. This empowers communities with valuable environmental information.
Impact:
SolarStep isn’t just about energy generation; it’s about reshaping urban environments into interactive and sustainable spaces. By transforming footpaths into energy hubs, SolarStep mitigates heat buildup and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. It’s a step towards a greener future, where cities thrive on renewable energy sources and innovative technology.
In conclusion, SolarStep isn’t just a pavement; it’s a vision for the future of urban energy harvesting. By harnessing the power of the sun and human movement, SolarStep paves the way for more sustainable and interconnected cities, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.
“WALK, GENERATE, ILLUMINATE – SUSTAINABLE ENERGY AT YOUR FEET”
Reference
Britannica (2017) Kinetic Energy. Encyclopædia Britannica.
Chester, M. (2021) Revisiting Solar Roadways: Is the Concept Still Too Good to Be True?
Hyder, Z. (2023) All about Solar Roadways: the promise versus the reality.
Impulse, S. (2019) Wattway Solar Road – Solar Impulse Efficient Solution.
Ma, Tao and Li, S. (2022) Photovoltaic pavement and solar road: A review and perspectives. Photovoltaic pavement
and solar road, 55.
Manthorpe, R. (2016) This football pitch is floodlit by foot power
McClary, S. (2017) Tech: Pavegen – the technology behind the tile.
Pavegen (2022) Pavegen | Excitement through the Power of Dance Moves
Prosser, D. (2023) Meet Pavegen, The Start-Up With The Whole World At Its Feet
TheSwitch (2022) Energy Harvesting: Pavegen and the Rise of Kinetic Tile Tech.
Wanshel, E. (2016) Tiles That Generate Energy When People Walk Over Them Are Totally Lit
