This file photo shows noise isolation barriers on a road in Taebaek, 271 kilometers northeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)

DAEJEON, Jan. 18 (Korea Bizwire) — A South Korean research team has developed a multi-functional noise barrier technology that can produce both electricity and thermal heat.

The Korea Institute of Energy Research said its research teams had developed a new photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) soundproof technology that uses a solar photovoltaic panel, a solar collector and a sound-absorbing material to improve the performance of soundproof walls as well as to boost power generation output and thermal heat by lowering the temperature of the solar photovoltaic panel.

To prevent the decrease in power generation output resulting from the increase in the temperature of the solar photovoltaic panel, the technology is designed to lower the temperature of the panel and withdraw heat by ensuring airflow inside the noise barrier.

As a way to minimize external heat loss, it uses sound-absorbing materials for heat insulation.

A 3-kilowatt sound barrier featuring this technology has been operated in Gyeryong, South Chungcheong province since December 2021. It features a sound insulation performance of 37.1 decibels at 1,000 Hz, stronger than the standard level of 30 decibels.

The thermal heat produced by the sound barrier can be used for heating, ventilation and preheating of hot water at public areas such as waiting rooms, public toilets, resting rooms and smoking rooms.

M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)

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