I do not think I know anyone that likes construction, except maybe for construction companies. The annoying traffic signs, never ending stream of red lights of stopped vehicles, and the uneven roads – I will do anything to avoid this combination of unnecessary stress. While it is important to continuously repave our roadways (average repave must occur every 7 years due to wear and tear), it takes a lot of funding, time, and stress to finally get that smooth ride to your destination.
Today’s Inspiration: Scott Brusaw, an electrical engineer, has designed a project called “Solar Roadways” which involves blanketing all streets and highways with solar panels. The Federal Highway Administration awarded Solar Roadways a $750,000 grant to build a research parking lot paved with solar panels.
Panels would cover and restore damaged roads with durable glass casing, allowing vehicles to travel directly over the solar cells without damaging them. Additionally, Brusaw has invented an ingenious concept to equipped the cells with LEDS to display speed limits and provide congestion information.
Additionally, the panels would generate 7.6 kilowatt hours of electricity per day to melt snow and ice (forget those snow removal trucks!), inform warnings to motorists, activate sensitive panels that illuminate a crosswalk, and even create a smart grid to power nearby homes, businesses, and electric cars.
Brusaw and his team have their hands full with research and development, but I must applaud his dedication in impacting safer driving while creating a cleaner planet for future generations.