EMPURIES SELF-SUFFICIENCY

We have selected, based on the developed analysis some strategies to achieve a level of self-sufficiency in terms of energy in the hostal.

We start the energy production research from the fact that there are some important energy sources to consider in the site, taking advantage of the obvious position of the hotel in front of the sea.

There exist a series of considerations to take in mind before choosing any ocean, sun or wind energy production method, such as the possible impacts on the shape and aesthetics of the beach, very important because the main attractor of the hostel is its beautiful environment, and its alteration might bring with it a serious economic impact, so any method that permanently alters its context should be avoided.

The development of the research can be found in the research document by clicking here.

Self-healing is receiving an increasing amount of worldwide interest as a method to autonomously address damage in materials. This asphalt is basically a special type of ZOAB (very porous asphalt concrete) containing small steel wool fibers. A known but serious problem with ZOAB is raveling: stones at the surface coming off in time due to micro cracks in the binder.

The special ZOAB that is developed at Delft University can be heated with induction energy due to the fibers that are present, could close the micro cracks and with that, extends the service life of the road.

In the new asphalt that is developed in this project small steel wool fibers are mixed in the bitumen. After some time (probably a few years or after a strong winter like we have now) when small micro cracks occur in the bitumen and when the aggregates in the asphalt mix at the surface start to debond, the steel wool fibers are heated with induction energy. By heating up the fibers the bitumen will melt and close the cracks and repair the bond with the aggregates. It is important not to apply too much heating, because that would close all the pores in the porous asphalt.