Abstract:

Today there are applications for electricity generation by using photovoltaic (PV) panels from solar energy which is one of the renewable energy sources. Such uses are seen in buildings, marginal lands or shelters. However, the use of PV panels can be difficult because PV panels impose additional load on the buildings and create a need for load bearing structure. For this reason, using PV panels on roads can reduce the additional loads on buildings. The use of PV panels on the roads can aim both to reduce the various needs of roads such as lighting and to increase the use of renewable energy by giving the excess electricity generated to the electric supply system. However, the effect of traffic flow and road slope on the energy production is of great importance. The aim of this study is to assess the electricity generation by considering the traffic flow and the slope of the roads after the installation of PV panels and to reveal which types of roads can be more productive. Another purpose of the study is to reveal the energy generation potential of the roads according to the traffic flow by putting forward a parameter that describes the effect of traffic flow on energy production. For these calculations, weekday traffic flow in Antalya, one of the most densely populated provinces of Turkey, has been observed. As a result of the analyzes, the effect of the high traffic flow on the energy production of PV panels was examined, and the roads in the North - South and East - West directions were compared with each other. Low levels of traffic flow and the slope of the roads towards the south positively affect the electricity generation on the road. The results obtained from the examination of the effect of a transportation parameter, such as traffic flow, on energy production revealed the electricity generation potential of six regions in Antalya. According to the main outputs, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Bulvarı has more potential for energy generation compated to the other surveying areas.

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