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Asphalt may not seem the most likely material to be an important source of solar power, but anybody who has touched the surface of a road with their bare feet during summer knows only too well that it has exceptional heat retention. Researchers in both the UK and US have been looking at the potential – with promising results.

The idea of asphalt for solar power isn’t particularly new – the concept was first conceived a decade ago, although its only been fully realized in the last couple of years. In 2007, a Dutch engineering company began siphoning the heat from asphalt to heat several houses and offices, as well as an aircraft hanger. The system used a network of plastic pipes through which the asphalt heated the cold water and fed it into underground storage containers where it was kept hot until required.

More recently, researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) have conducted tests using actual pieces of asphalt as well as computer models. The scientists found that hot water created by an asphalt energy system could be used to make electricity by being passed through a thermoelectric generator. Heated asphalt can also heat buildings by the method of passing the water through pipes under the asphalt – just as the Dutch team had discovered.

The team also found that the highest temperatures were found just a few inches below the road surface. Ideally, a heat exchanger would be located there so that the maximum amount of energy could be produced. And other measures such as applying a reflection reducing paint to the asphalt; or adding aggregates known for their conductive properties would also enhance efficiency.

Asphalt has several advantages as a source of solar power. It’s a huge infrastructure that is already in place – in the United States for example, there are an estimated four million miles of asphalt road surface. In general, asphalt is removed and the roads are resurfaced every decade or so; this would provide the opportunity to put in the necessary equipment with minimal expense.

Asphalt also retains its heat after the sun has gone down – giving it an advantage over solar panels. Removing the heat from asphalt can actually reduce the temperature of the road surface too – making towns and cities cooler during hot weather. And unlike solar panels, which are all too visible, virtually all the asphalt collection equipment would be hidden under the groundunderground.

Exciting though these findings are, don’t expect to see the widespread use of asphalt solar power any time soon. It may be many years before a system of pipes under the roads is able to provide energy – but at least it’s a step in the right direction.

Let me tell you about a terrific surprise my aunt sent to me.  I was attending Band Camp in late summer.  Band Camp consists of a week of uninterrupted sessions where performances are choreographed, music is memorized, and logistics are fine-tuned for the half-time performances for the upcoming fall football season.  Shows for band competitions are also learned during this time.  It is a week of structured activity and, frankly, hard work.

The location of Band Camp is at a rather isolated, rural setting.  Comfort is non-existent.  The cabins in which we stayed are old, dilapidated structures which house spider-ridden, musty-smelling cots.  They are arranged side-by-side and in bunks, accommodating as many campers as possible.  Talk about living in “close quarters”.  There is no other furniture in the cabin.  Not only did we have to adjust to sharing personal space with fellow band members and their annoying habits, we had to sleep on lumpy, musty mattresses.  Even though sleeping arrangements were uncomfortable, exhaustion from each day’s activity made these conditions a welcome respite.

Meals were shared in a cafeteria setting.  The food, although filling, consisted of high-calorie, bland-tasting fare.  Nothing was fresh; everything tasted like it came from a can…and it probably did.

The week I attended Band Camp, the weather was uncomfortably hot and humid.  Seasonal allergies prevailed as pollen counts elevated.  Being at Band Camp was both stressful and strenuous.  Practices were brutal and the pressure of living in this kind of environment, as well as the mental and physical demands, made me miss the ordinary comforts of home. 

One day, about mid-week, I was particularly frustrated.  The rigorous activity and the living conditions were getting to me.  I was hot and tired.  My muscles were sore and I was probably slightly dehydrated.  My allergies were making me even more uncomfortable, depriving me of much-needed sleep.  My muscles were sore and I was probably on the verge of dehydration.    During a short rest break, my fellow campers and I heard the roar of a UPS truck coming down the lane.  “Oh great”, I said.  “Probably some more of that fattening food being delivered”, added my friend.  Imagine my surprise (and delight) when the Band Director called out my name with his megaphone to inform me that it was I who had the delivery.

As I hurriedly tore the heavy box open, while fellow campers stood around and watched, I found a hand-written note from my sweet aunt, whose own daughter attended Band Camp a few years before.  “I know how you need to keep up your energy.  Enjoy!” 

Inside the huge box was a beautiful bushel basket brimming with a variety of delicious, fresh fruit.  Sweet and juicy peaches, plums, and nectarines were abundant.  There was an assortment of McIntosh and Granny Smith apples; Bartlett and Bosc pears; red and green seedless grapes.  Colorful oranges and tangy tangerines were also attractively placed to make an enticing arrangement.  Best of all, was a gigantic, ripe watermelon.  Sealed packages of dried cherries, banana chips, and boxes of raisins were thrown in; to be enjoyed after the fresh assortment was gone.

My aunt’s note said to share; so share, I did.  There was enough fruit for everyone to enjoy.  In fact, the colorful assortment was so tempting, we began enjoying it immediately…watermelon juice running down our chins…peach nectar making our fingers sticky.

Due to my aunt’s thoughtfulness, my band-mates and I can look back at our Band Camp experience with fondness.  It was one of the more memorable highlights of the week.  Sending me the Fruit Basket turned out to be the encouragement (and nourishment) I needed to see me through to the end.  It arrived at one of the more difficult times in my life and turned it into a positive experience.  It was such a great idea; I will never forget how much I appreciated it.  In fact, I plan to send a deliciously fresh Fruit Basket to other band campers in years to come.  I’m sure they will appreciate it as much as I did.

When it comes to choosing car rental companies there are number of things that you should be aware of. It is always best to plan your trip in advance and make your investigations about rates that are charged by the different companies.

Most companies will assure you that by making a reservation with them before you even arrive they will give you lower rates when in actual fact it is the opposite. Car charges are not constant and vary through out the year. So you must be quite clear on the conditions that are described to you and when they apply.

So before choosing a car rental it would be best to have an estimate of the amount that you are willing to spend on the rental, and the different sites that you intend to visit. You should also know the exact dates of your trip and whether you can change them or not. These facts will help you choose the right car and help you when you are negotiating as well.

The best way to make a car booking would be to do it online. Online bookings are convenient for the car rental agencies and they will offer you a discount for booking online. It is possible that you might require a car with extra features find out if these are available. Things like roof racks for luggage and sporting equipment, any navigation systems or storage facilities.

Car rentals will have daily rates for a limited number of km and then charge per km there after. For those renting the car for more than two days you can negotiate a cover charge for the whole period than pay for extra km’s travelled . Some will require you to pay for extra drivers whilst other just need you to have them written down only. What it comes down to is looking at the original deal, comparing it with others and then good negotiating skills. Some of the agencies that you might want to look are:

1. Car Rental Sandton South Africa
2. Car Hire Johannesburg For A Week
3. Car Rental South Africa