Different Measurement Methods with Asphalt Solar Collectors Support Utilizing Energy Harvesting to Mitigate Urban Heat Island Effect

Abstract

Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect poses significant challenges to sustainable urban development, particularly in densely built environments. Asphalt pavements, which dominate urban surfaces, contribute substantially to heat retention and radiation. This short review explores how different measurement and modeling methods in asphalt solar collector (ASC) studies—such as surface temperature monitoring, thermal imaging, and embedded sensor networks—can support the integration of energy harvesting technologies to mitigate UHI effects. By analyzing thermal behavior and energy fluxes across various asphalt compositions and configurations, the optimal conditions for deploying heat exchange and thermoelectric systems can be settled. The findings suggest that precise, multi-modal measurement approaches not only enhance understanding of heat dynamics in urban pavements but also enable targeted energy harvesting strategies that reduce surface temperatures and contribute to urban cooling. This interdisciplinary approach offers a promising pathway toward climate-resilient infrastructure and smarter energy utilization in cities.