Energy Harvesting for Applications in Road Construction and Bridge Engineering

The objective of this research is to review the available energy harvesting techniques applied in road construction and bridge engineering, such as photovoltaic cells, solar collectors, geothermal energy and thermoelectric, electromagnetic and piezoelectric systems. Energy harvesting is a highly promising technique that can contribute to the production of clean and renewable energy and improve the sustainability of infrastructure. The energy collected through these techniques can subsequently be used as electrical power, provide heating or cooling, facilitate ice melting, power wireless sensors and monitor the structural conditions of various constructions. Each energy harvesting technology is examined in depth, including its operating principles, application examples, prototype developments, and significant findings reported in the literature.