to realize the promise of self-driving anything until we also have smart roads that have enough power to share critical information such as the distance to the curb, pressure, temperature and traffic volume. No matter how smart a car is, it’s stupid until you pair it with smart infrastructure. You only get increased safety if you have a smart vehicle and the infrastructure to support it. But the question has been how to connect and power road sensors.” Using piezoelectric technology means the system doesn’t have to be hooked up to the power grid. The energy harvesting sensor system uses embedded road sensors that communicate with thin ceramic films about the size of a fingernail that can be added to paint and embedded in asphalt when the asphalt is laid down. If a car drives over the embedded ceramic films, the ceramic vibrates, and electrons bouncing in the ceramic create power for the sensors. Sensors can then measure temperature, pressure, location and more. The generated power from the ceramic films also allows the sensors to communicate with the car, Bluetooth or something else. The sensors and ceramic films are destroyed when the road has to be redone, but the cost to make them will decrease over the long term. For a surface that can last 5-10 years, adding the sensors will add enough value to the infrastructure that it will be worth doing despite the additional cost. The next step is building demonstration roads that use the new technology. In addition to the TBT Group, Vivakor’s scientific Continued from page 35 and engineering team is working with Rowan University to determine the best way to make self-powered sensors work for smart roads. Matt thinks Vivakor has brought the right team together, but he added, “We don’t let them say something can’t be done.” Under the current schedule, the demonstration roads should be complete sometime in 2023. Matt said, “As we work with the contractors that make the roads and help them apply our technologies, we think we can all be on the cutting edge of asphalt and smart infrastructure. That will put a lot of Utah companies on the world’s stage.” 3 ONE LAST THING ... Did you know that you can enjoy your association news anytime, anywhere? Scan the QR code or visit: on-the-road.thenewslinkgroup.org Check it out! The new online article build-outs allow you to: • Stay up to date with the latest association news • Share your favorite articles to social channels • Email articles to friends or colleagues There is still a flipping book for those of you who prefer swiping and a downloadable PDF. 36
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQxMjUw