03.10.2022
Russian scientists reduce climate footprint in urban projects
Photo: PNPU Press Service
Specialists at Perm National Polytechnic University (PNPU) have developed a concept for heating pavements using the energy of wind turbines mounted on lighting masts. The university’s press office reports that.
“Green” electricity from the wind turbines can also be used to power traffic lights, information boards and street lighting.
As scientists explained, solar-powered pavement heating systems already exist, but in some parts of the country the sun shines only occasionally. In case of cloudy or overcast weather, a backup source of electricity is needed.
According to researchers, wind turbines are not in high demand because of their large size. However, there are orthogonal turbines that take up less space and can be mounted on poles and lighting masts. They are also effective at different wind speeds, angles and directions, making them cheaper to run.
“With photovoltaic panels, solar radiation is converted into direct electricity, just like with a wind turbine. Thanks to a cable, they are connected to a battery charge controller, which regulates the battery level and also acts as a fuse.
Next in the chain is the battery, which acts as a backup to provide power in case of emergencies. The chain is closed by an inverter, a device that converts the battery’s DC voltage into AC voltage to increase the current strength,” Daria Rogulina, a master’s student of the Department of Construction Engineering and Materials Science at PNPU, explained to reporters.
According to the university’s representatives, in winter the wind potential increases, while in summer on clear days the maximum effect can be achieved through the use of solar panels. The combination of renewable sources gives the best efficiency.
In addition, wind turbine designs are assembled without hindrance from domestically produced parts and materials.
According to a report by research company Ember, solar and wind power are the fastest-growing sectors of global energy. Electricity generation in 2021 from the sun rose by 23%, and from wind by 14%.
As the analysts specified, in 2021 the total share of electricity generated by solar and wind energy in 50 countries exceeded 10%. For the first time, these nations include such major economies as China and Japan. In China, solar and wind generation generated 11.7% of the total amount of electricity produced in the country.
Cover photo: Aleksei Smyshliaev / iStock
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