High Energy Way is a completely self-sufficient system from an energetic point of view. It is a modular tunnel, flexible in length, consisting of three progressive bands, that work in different ways to produce green Energy and other complementary functions.
The aim of the project was to propose an advanced technological system that, at the same time, was not invasive for the landscape.
Regarding the urban scale, it will work as a connective element between different "Energetical parks", located along the territory.
The tunnel is made up of a reticular iron structure, providing support for vegetation on the external surface of the tunnel. Overgrown vegetation works as an acoustic barrier and allows the camouflage of the tunnel in surrounding natural landscape. A kind of resistant, evergreen and climbing vegetation, (such as Hedera Helix, Jasminum Officinale "Aureum", Trachelosperum, Jasminoides) is provided.
The reticular structure acts also as a support for solar panels on the top. Those panels are the first source of green Energy .The second source of Energy comes from the mechanical energy from the speeding vehicles. This is possible thanks to a new technological system based on converting energy from weight, motion, vibration and temperature changes that occur in a piezoelectric material, when vehicles passing over it cause mechanical strain and deformation. Through the installation of piezoelectric generators 5 cm below asphalt level, the system claims to produce 150kW of electricity when laid on 1km of a railroad and about 0.5mW (500kW) of electricity if it is 1km long roadway could be connected to local electric grids. Produced Energy may be used to supply electricity to a variety of customer applications, including: fixture, building controls, lighting, back-up systems, roadway signage, and other electronics, appliances, and devices used in commercial settings
The aim of the project was to propose an advanced technological system that, at the same time, was not invasive for the landscape.
Regarding the urban scale, it will work as a connective element between different "Energetical parks", located along the territory.
The tunnel is made up of a reticular iron structure, providing support for vegetation on the external surface of the tunnel. Overgrown vegetation works as an acoustic barrier and allows the camouflage of the tunnel in surrounding natural landscape. A kind of resistant, evergreen and climbing vegetation, (such as Hedera Helix, Jasminum Officinale "Aureum", Trachelosperum, Jasminoides) is provided.
The reticular structure acts also as a support for solar panels on the top. Those panels are the first source of green Energy .The second source of Energy comes from the mechanical energy from the speeding vehicles. This is possible thanks to a new technological system based on converting energy from weight, motion, vibration and temperature changes that occur in a piezoelectric material, when vehicles passing over it cause mechanical strain and deformation. Through the installation of piezoelectric generators 5 cm below asphalt level, the system claims to produce 150kW of electricity when laid on 1km of a railroad and about 0.5mW (500kW) of electricity if it is 1km long roadway could be connected to local electric grids. Produced Energy may be used to supply electricity to a variety of customer applications, including: fixture, building controls, lighting, back-up systems, roadway signage, and other electronics, appliances, and devices used in commercial settings
