2024 Volume 80 Issue 10 Article ID: 23-00293
Structures receive thermal energy from solar radiation, and temperature differences occur between structural members due to differences in solar exposure and heat capacity. This study attempted to generate electricity from this structural thermal energy, particularly targeting the temperature difference between the pavement and decks of steel deck bridges. The thermal environment of a full-scale steel deck bridge specimen was measured, and a thermal conduction analysis using a finite element model was conducted to explore the structural design for efficiently transferring heat to thermoelectric modules. The installation position that is advantageous for power generation in steel deck bridges was investigated through experiments and heat conduction analysis, followed by power generation simulations. Finally, prototype thermoelectric energy harvesters were installed on the target steel deck bridge and verification experiments demonstrated the potential for utilizing thermal energy in structures.
