The potential of harvesting energy from Maltese roads using TEG modules

Abstract

Las economías mundiales son dependientes del precio y disponibilidad de los combustibles fósiles. Con este contexto, los países deben buscar nuevas alternativas para generar electricidad y así reducir la contaminación que conlleva esta situación. El objetivo de este trabajo de final de grado es evaluar el potencial de los generadores termoeléctricos (TEGs) en tres diferentes materiales: asfalto, hormigón y caliza. Para ello, dos set ups fueron construidos para testear los módulos TEG bajo las condiciones establecidas en el laboratorio. La parte final del proyecto analiza la factibilidad de estos módulos en Malta

World economies are dependent on the cost and availability of fuel because the 85% of the electrical energy generation comes from fossil fuel combustion. Besides, on yearly basis the world’s energy demand is gradually increasing. This context leads countries to find new ways of generating electrical energy to reduce the climate change repercussions this situation is carrying. Renewable energies are the best choice to achieve this objective. In the case of Malta, its Mediterranean climatic conditions allow for the exposure of long hours of sunlight, which should be taken into advantage. Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are devices based on the Seebeck effect technology that benefit from solar heat to generate electricity. These modules convert heat directly into electricity. The bigger the temperature difference is between the surfaces of the TEG the more power is generated. The purpose of this dissertation is evaluating the power generation of TEG modules in asphalt, concrete and limestone for a possible application in built up areas to power up information booths, which can be used to nudge people for sustainable mobility, and, analyse the possible temperature difference that can be created during the months of March, April and May in Malta. Two different setups were built to test the performance of two TEG modules under the conditions set in the laboratory. Different resistances were applied in the setups to test which perform better. Data from other setups is provided in the literature review and compared with the results obtained in Chapter 4. Furthermore, an analysis of the temperature data recordings from the three materials is shown in the results and analysis Chapter. The results obtained were satisfactory although the modules generated electricity for only a few hours during the day.