From pv magazine Germany
Swiss company Energy Pier has developed a new concept to build hybrid wind and solar plants along highways.
According to Laurent Jospin, an engineer at the company, the proposed solution is based on proven technology for rooftop PV. “The modules are designed in such a way that they have the highest possible degree of efficiency and can be replaced several times during the service life of the system so that the entire system always stays up to date with technological progress,” he explained.
Regarding the wind power unit, the company said that its load-bearing structure is designed in such a way that it creates an acceleration effect of air movement that is then used by its own AnemoGen, small scale wind generators, which are installed on both sides of the supporting pillars of the PV system deployed along the highway. “The rotor blades could absorb energy even with low air currents, and generate electricity via the generator,” the company explained. “The AnemoGen system is available in different sizes and is able to use both upstream and downstream air flows.”
Energy Pier believes that, with this approach, between 22,000 and 30,000 solar modules, and up to 320 AnemoGen generators, could be installed on every kilometer of a four-lane motorway. In addition, 162 pillars, to sustain the roof, should be deployed.
Popular content
The company also emphasized the other advantages of its solution. For example, the protective wall and the roof ensure a considerable reduction in noise and the roof also protects the street from snowfall and sun. In summer, this offers protection from excessive heat and UV radiation, and in winter it makes snow-removal superfluous. In addition, the roof areas could also be used as rainwater collectors. The supporting structure, in turn, offers space for cables and other installations, such as emergency charging stations.
According to the company, which is already planning the first two demonstrators, the construction of the photovoltaic-and-wind combined power plants is also possible without interrupting traffic. One is being built in the municipality of Fully, in the canton of Valais. It is expected to have a length of 1,609m and to deliver around 50 GWh of green electricity per year.
The two pilot projects are planned in the Knonauer Amt district of the canton of Zurich. They will occupy a total area of 2,500m and generate around 78 GWh of solar and wind power annually.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.
I can’t see the wind turbines adding much to the overall generation as they will be sheltered by the structure. Possibly installed on top of the structure to the North of the solar panels might be worth considering (any other position on top would generate shade).
The wind is generated by the passing traffic.
It seems to me a major construction requirement will be the need to think of wind blowing the whole structure away..
Inclining the whole structure in the direction of the sun
Might enhance wind speeds on the lower side.
Can the structure be used as pedestrian crossing.?
Since most motorway is through the countryside, maybe not much need, but small ramps on each side might help small animals (hedgehogs and smaller) to cross.
^they are literally talking about building an electric ‘viaduct’ like artifice’ along and overall all of a given stretch of highway…
so… yeah… maybe just give into rail. slightly less silly.
personal transport in town… makes sense. long distance… not so much any more.
A wind tunnel that funnels wind perpendicularly into high speed traffic seems like a bad idea. Especially for tall, light and wind sensitive vehicles, such as campers and trucks. In case of accident and eg. Fire a wind tunnel effect will feed the fire and in a worst case the structure will collapse. See 9/11 for the effect of fire on structures.
Also, having your solar panels lie flat will half the energy they produce iirc. As compared to having them at a 45 degree angle.
It is right approach ! Solar panels above all roads is right trend for cities and for all. (In details, pillar can be placed in middle lines of roads too).
It is in general global trend : COVER ALL EARTH SURFACE BY RENEWABLE ENERGY PARKS.
Hydrogen battery (=fuel cell + ballon/hydrogen absorbing material), nets of electrolysing hydrogen filling stations, cover earth surfaces by renewable energy parks can solve energy problem for human.
@Gary. I’m sure that they don’t plan on placing the wind turbines on every section. They would look for sections of motorway that, due to local conditions, have decent crosswinds. The platform in those areas is probably also designed to create some level of tunneling effect towards the spiral rotors to increase gain.
This is a nice concept and can be effective at its goal but whether locals or drivers will put up with it is another matter. Though the noise reduction for locals is certainly a benefit. And yes the platform can certainly be strong enough to allow for pedestrian crossings as needed as it has to handle snow weight and people maintaining the systems.
I would be sceptical about an adverse effect on high sided vehicles, I would also question the safety aspect if there was a vehicle collision , or fire.