A Review on the Technologies and Efficiency of Harvesting Energy from Pavements

Shijing Chen, Luxi Wei, Chan Huang and Yinghong Qin ()
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Shijing Chen: Nanning Communications Investment Group Co., Ltd., No. 2, Tongda East Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530022, China
Luxi Wei: College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi Minzu University, 188 University Road, Nanning 530006, China
Chan Huang: College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi Minzu University, 188 University Road, Nanning 530006, China
Yinghong Qin: College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi Minzu University, 188 University Road, Nanning 530006, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 15, 1-19

Abstract: Dark asphalt surfaces, absorbing about 95% of solar radiation and warming to 60–70 °C during summer, intensify urban heat while providing substantial prospects for energy extraction. This review evaluates four primary technologies—asphalt solar collectors (ASCs, including phase change material (PCM) integration), photovoltaic (PV) systems, vibration-based harvesting, thermoelectric generators (TEGs)—focusing on their principles, efficiencies, and urban applications. ASCs achieve up to 30% efficiency with a 150–300 W/m 2 output, reducing pavement temperatures by 0.5–3.2 °C, while PV pavements yield 42–49% efficiency, generating 245 kWh/m 2 and lowering temperatures by an average of 6.4 °C. Piezoelectric transducers produce 50.41 mW under traffic loads, and TEGs deliver 0.3–5.0 W with a 23 °C gradient. Applications include powering sensors, streetlights, and de-icing systems, with ASCs extending pavement life by 3 years. Hybrid systems, like PV/T, achieve 37.31% efficiency, enhancing UHI mitigation and emissions reduction. Economically, ASCs offer a 5-year payback period with a USD 3000 net present value, though PV and piezoelectric systems face cost and durability challenges. Environmental benefits include 30–40% heat retention for winter use and 17% increased PV self-use with EV integration. Despite significant potential, high costs and scalability issues hinder adoption. Future research should optimize designs, develop adaptive materials, and validate systems under real-world conditions to advance sustainable urban infrastructure.

Keywords: pavement energy harvesting; urban heat island; asphalt solar collectors; photovoltaic pavements; piezoelectric transducers (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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