Sean DeVore (2024-2025) Research: Novel engineered solar roadway for energy accumulation and output display - ASR Laboratory, Odessa High School, Odessa, WA (2025) The United States spends approximately $2.7 billion annually on electricity. By designing a solar roadway system, we could harness solar energy to generate electricity. With over 167,632 miles of roads across America, such a system has significant potential energy savings. Engineer a cost-effective solar roadway system that surpasses the performance of conventional solar panels and traditional road surfaces by 10%; with illuminated center and edge lines powered by the stored electricity, this system will also decrease accidents in adverse weather conditions. The engineered road utilizing solar panels and illuminated center and edge lines was a success. In initial trials, it created enough voltage and amperage to sustain its LED center and edge lines; even at one-quarter energy production. Initial durability results reveal it is many times more durable than a conventional road. The next phase of this research is to determine if the engineered solar road is cost effective compared to a traditional road. Recognition: 2025 - Senior Division Award in Energy: Sustainable Materials & Design, EWRSEF, Spokane, WA - 2nd Place Senior Division Award in Energy: Sustainable Materials & Design, Ribbon, WSSEF, Bremerton, WA - Outstanding Computer Science Award, Division of Computer Science & Programming, OHS, Odessa, WA |
