Work
-Research
-Product Design
Client
Foster + Partners
Year
2023
Introduction
"Revolutionizing Urban Comfort: Solar-Powered Cool Roads Harness Sunlight, Generate Energy, and Transform Traffic Pressure into Renewable Power!”
A retroreflective layer cools roads by bouncing off sunlight, fighting urban heat islands. It integrates solar cells to generate electricity, powering streetlights and signals. A unique material converts vehicle pressure into renewable energy, making cities cooler and more efficient while addressing urban needs and supporting smart city features.
We decided to choose Connaught place “The Heart Of New Delhi because it stands as a testament to India's rich heritage and vibrant modernity.” Reducing the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect in Connaught Place is imperative due to its status as a bustling commercial and cultural hub. As a densely populated and heavily trafficked area, Connaught Place experiences elevated temperatures, contributing to increased energy consumption, heat-related health issues, and environmental strain.
Addressing the UHI effect in this central location is crucial not only for the well-being of its occupants but also for fostering sustainable urban living, enhancing the overall quality of life, and mitigating the broader impacts of climate change on a local scale.
Research
We conducted a primary research study in Connaught place to understand the heat levels in different area. We used a handheld digital thermometer to measure the temperature at different times of the day.
Ideation
A Retroreflective layer that bounces off sunlight, cooling down roads and fighting the urban heat island effect. Meanwhile, solar cells on these components not only create electricity but also power streetlights and traffic signals. Adding to the innovation, a unique material transforms the pressure from passing vehicles into more renewable energy. This sustainable power supports both basic urban needs and smart city features, making our cities cooler and more efficient.
Diagrammatic View
Device:
Shape: Hexagonal
Width: 25 inches (63.5 cm)
Length: 2356.2 m (total)
Thin-Film Solar Cells:
Type: Amorphous Silicon (a-Si)
Efficiency: 8%
Number: 237,000
Area per cell: 310 cm²
Total area: 73,500,000 cm²
Estimated cost: $0.20 per cell, $47,400 total
Piezoelectric Cells:
Type: Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT)
Output voltage: 10 V/cm²
Output current: 100 μA/cm²
Number: 235,200
Area per cell: 625 cm²
Total area: 147,200,000 cm²
Estimated cost: $1.00 per cell, $235,200 total
Connaught Place Dimensions:
Inner circle radius: 125 meters
Outer circle radius: 250 meters
Perimeter of inner circle: 785.4 m
Perimeter of outer circle: 1570.8 m
Additional Information:
Expected average daily sunlight exposure: 5 hours
Average daily traffic volume: 200,000 vehicles
Vehicle types: Various (cars, motorcycles, buses, trucks)
Cost Estimation:
Materials and labor: $10 million
Total: $10,282,600
Energy Generation Estimation:
Daily solar energy generation: 294,000 kWh
Daily piezoelectric energy generation: 1,225,000 J
Pressure:
Pressure per vehicle: 108,800 N/m²
Considering the layout of Connaught Place, which is a circular area, embedding square-shaped solar cells would not be the most optimal approach. Instead, hexagonal-shaped solar cells would be a more suitable choice, as they can be closely packed together without leaving any gaps, maximizing the area covered by solar panels.
Drawing upon the principles of nature's optimisation, our design features a hexagonal architecture as mentioned above. Reminiscent of honeybee honeycombs.This choice leverages the inherent strength and space-filling advantages of hexagons, while paying homage to the elegance and precision of the natural world.
Work
-Research
-Product Design
Client
Foster + Partners
Year
2023
"Revolutionizing Urban Comfort: Solar-Powered Cool Roads Harness Sunlight, Generate Energy, and Transform Traffic Pressure into Renewable Power!”
A retroreflective layer cools roads by bouncing off sunlight, fighting urban heat islands. It integrates solar cells to generate electricity, powering streetlights and signals. A unique material converts vehicle pressure into renewable energy, making cities cooler and more efficient while addressing urban needs and supporting smart city features.
Introduction
Research
Ideation
Diagrammatic View
Addressing the UHI effect in this central location is crucial not only for the well-being of its occupants but also for fostering sustainable urban living, enhancing the overall quality of life, and mitigating the broader impacts of climate change on a local scale.
We decided to choose Connaught place “The Heart Of New Delhi because it stands as a testament to India's rich heritage and vibrant modernity.” Reducing the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect in Connaught Place is imperative due to its status as a bustling commercial and cultural hub. As a densely populated and heavily trafficked area, Connaught Place experiences elevated temperatures, contributing to increased energy consumption, heat-related health issues, and environmental strain.
We conducted a primary research study in Connaught place to understand the heat levels in different area. We used a handheld digital thermometer to measure the temperature at different times of the day.
A Retroreflective layer that bounces off sunlight, cooling down roads and fighting the urban heat island effect. Meanwhile, solar cells on these components not only create electricity but also power streetlights and traffic signals. Adding to the innovation, a unique material transforms the pressure from passing vehicles into more renewable energy. This sustainable power supports both basic urban needs and smart city features, making our cities cooler and more efficient.
Considering the layout of Connaught Place, which is a circular area, embedding square-shaped solar cells would not be the most optimal approach. Instead, hexagonal-shaped solar cells would be a more suitable choice, as they can be closely packed together without leaving any gaps, maximizing the area covered by solar panels.
Drawing upon the principles of nature's optimisation, our design features a hexagonal architecture as mentioned above. Reminiscent of honeybee honeycombs.This choice leverages the inherent strength and space-filling advantages of hexagons, while paying homage to the elegance and precision of the natural world.
Device:
Shape: Hexagonal
Width: 25 inches (63.5 cm)
Length: 2356.2 m (total)
Thin-Film Solar Cells:
Type: Amorphous Silicon (a-Si)
Efficiency: 8%
Number: 237,000
Area per cell: 310 cm²
Total area: 73,500,000 cm²
Estimated cost: $0.20 per cell, $47,400 total
Piezoelectric Cells:
Type: Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT)
Output voltage: 10 V/cm²
Output current: 100 μA/cm²
Number: 235,200
Area per cell: 625 cm²
Total area: 147,200,000 cm²
Estimated cost: $1.00 per cell, $235,200 total
Connaught Place Dimensions:
Inner circle radius: 125 meters
Outer circle radius: 250 meters
Perimeter of inner circle: 785.4 m
Perimeter of outer circle: 1570.8 m
Additional Information:
Expected average daily sunlight exposure: 5 hours
Average daily traffic volume: 200,000 vehicles
Vehicle types: Various (cars, motorcycles, buses, trucks)
Cost Estimation:
Materials and labor: $10 million
Total: $10,282,600
Energy Generation Estimation:
Daily solar energy generation: 294,000 kWh
Daily piezoelectric energy generation: 1,225,000 J
Pressure:
Pressure per vehicle: 108,800 N/m²
