Vögele Road Construction Equipment has introduced the "Thermal-Map" intelligent monitoring system for its Super 1800-3i series asphalt pavers. In cold-weather or night paving, maintaining the temperature of the asphalt mat is critical. If the asphalt cools unevenly, the colder spots become stiff and resist compaction, leading to premature road failure-a phenomenon known as "thermal segregation." Traditional pavers rely on a single temperature sensor at the auger, which misses cold spots at the pavement edges or behind the screed extensions.
The Thermal-Map system integrates a "Matrix of Infrared Thermal Cameras" across the front of the screed. These sensors create a live, high-resolution thermal image of the asphalt mat directly behind the screed. The engineering innovation is the "Automated Torch-Fire Zone Control." For widening screeds that use LPG (propane) torches to heat the screed plates and prevent asphalt from sticking, the system directly links the thermal map to the gas valves.
If the thermal matrix detects a temperature drop below 130°C at the left edge extension, the ECU automatically increases the gas flow to the left torch zone, heating the screed plate and transferring heat back into the asphalt. Furthermore, the system features "Auger Speed Thermal Matching." If the thermal cameras show the center of the mat is significantly hotter than the wings (a common issue when the hopper is running low), the system speeds up the auger conveyors to push more hot material to the wings, balancing the temperature gradient. This closed-loop thermal control increases compaction density consistency by 20% and eliminates the need for manual torch adjustments by the screed operator.
