Research and development of solar PV pavement panels for application on the Green Deck : final report

Abstract

Our previous study demonstrates that the available roof and vertical facade area for PV installation is very limited due to green areas and other facilities on the Deck. To explore more possible areas for solar power generation, the walkable solar PV floor tile is proposed for installation on pavements and cycling tracks, which receive a lot of sunshine every day. The feasibility and potential area of applying this innovative PV floor on the green deck was investigated. We purchased raw materials and developed two solar PV floor tile prototypes, and conducted laboratory tests and outdoor tests to evaluate its electrical, thermal and mechanical performance. Results show that the developed PV floor can achieve satisfactory performance in solar energy conversion efficiency, anti-slip, heat-resistance, durability and compressive strength, demonstrating that such PV floor tiles can be used as a replacement of the pavements and cycling tracks in the Green Deck. Such PV floor can combine active elements (power generation) with passive elements (waste material for back panel manufacture), providing an innovative and green solution to integrate sustainable energy technologies into the deck and to achieve the target of zero energy consumption (zero GHG emissions) of the deck. Although this project is completed, we will pursue this study and develop more eco-PV floor tiles by introducing the eco-glass block as the rear support layer through collaboration with Prof C S Poon in CEE department.