Analyzing the Viability of Photovoltaic Pavement Systems: Quantifying Climate Impacts on Potential Power and the Risks of Implementation
Abstract
Three global manufacturers of photovoltaic pavement systems have garnered both interest and ire of technical communities who see potential but are concerned about implementation. Solar Roadways, Incorporated out of Sandpoint, Idaho is the sole U.S. manufacturer. Consisting of hexagonal pavers with a sandwich construction of tempered glass and polymer fill, the paver units are self-heating and contain multi-colored light emitting diodes (LEDs) as well as an integrated drainage system in their final construction. Existing research has documented how qualitative analysis identified test standards required to find the implement this technology without changing airfield pavement design methodologies. Additionally, at over four times the space efficiency, concerns regarding the reduction in per-square-inch performance efficiency are absolved. In this research, statistical analysis is used to develop the Global Photovoltaic Power Potential Laboratory (GP3L). This study establishes a theoretical potential for photovoltaics across the United States Air Force (USAF) as well as enhances the understanding of the correlation with ambient temperature and quantifies a possible correlation between ambient humidity to the performance of photovoltaics. The GP3L system allows for logistical regressions, based on a modified Koppen-Geiger Climate Classification System, as well as linear regressions based on ambient conditions. Lastly, it proposes a methodology of quantifying subjectively established risk to the installation mission caused by implementing photovoltaic pavement systems. This methodology also identifies the quantity of various pavements which can be replaced based on the Mission Dependency Index (MDI) of 26 different Category Codes (CATCODE) of pavements while maintaining acceptable levels of risk.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 23, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1055243
Entities
People
- John H. Nussbaum
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology