Study of Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting on Concrete Pavement

Abstract

Global warming is caused by the combustion of fossil fuels and energy waste, causing harm to life and property on a global scale. Therefore, alternative energy is a solution, despite the fact that there are still technical and practical obstacles to its practical implementation. The purpose of this paper was to study the energy harvesting behavior of the thermoelectric effect on concrete pavement and improve the performance of the concrete structures in roads that affect energy harvesting from the thermoelectric effect. To investigate and compare the thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties of adding graphite to concrete within 0.5%, 1%, and 2.5% by weight of cement, by simulate daytime and nighttime conditions on concrete pavement. The results indicated that graphite was added to the mixture in an amount of 2.5% by weight of cement and that the maximum temperature on the top surface was 45.9 °C; therefore, the maximum voltage obtained from the thermoelectric effect was 0.25 V. However, the result obtained on the side surface was lower than the top surface, which was in the same position. Installing a device to convert energy from the thermoelectric effect to voltage is important. Therefore, the installation depth of the thermoelectric device is close to the top surface, which is a concrete pavement that has been high-tempered and, therefore, is able to harvest energy effectively.