Hydronic Pavement Heating for Sustainable Ice-free Roads

Analyzing the Performance and Control of a Hydronic Pavement System in a District Heating Network

“…Lastly, in layer E, there is a bearing layer of gravel or similar. In this study, plastic PEX-pipes have a spacing of 0.25 m. As a final note on the construction, Adl-Zarrabi et al [28] conclude that the thermal properties of the material and spacing of the pipes have a large influence on the system's performance, and the buried depth of the pipes are of less importance. The construction of the HPS model is illustrated in Table 3 and, along with the material properties of the layers.…”

“…Moreover, conventional snow clearance contributes to greater greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than HPS [11,27], since HPS enables the use of renewable energy, compared with the use of fossil fuel to operate heavy machinery as snow plows. Furthermore, it is desirable to avoid heavy machinery in crowded areas, which also reduces the risk of material damage to the pavement structure or its surroundings [1, 28,29]. Crowded areas, such as commercial streets, squares, entrances, stairs or other areas with intensive use, are suitable areas for HPS [1].…”

Energy harvesting from pavements and roadways: A comprehensive review of technologies, materials, and challenges

“…The inventors, Fein and Merritt, have proposed the concept of “Green Roadway” wherein solar, wind, and geothermal generators are installed on highways to generate electricity . The oldest geothermal energy harvesting system for snow melting in pavements was built in Klamath Falls, Oregon in 194, which was repaired in 1998; many similar systems have also been installed in different parts of the world . Table summarizes the major commercial entities dealing with pavement and roadway energy harvesting products, and Table summarizes some of the published patents on this topic.…”

“…ASCs consist of pipes embedded in the pavement with a circulating fluid inside, 21 as illustrated in Figure 4. The energy harvesting by ASCs contribute for cooling of pavement 22 during summer, and the extracted heat can be used for snow-melting during winter [23][24][25] and for thermal comfort of adjacent buildings. Detailed insights into ASCs and HAPs are available in the reviews of Bobes-Jesus and Castrofresno 21 and Pan et al 24 In the second solar-thermal category, the thermal energy is utilized for electricity generation using thermoelectric and pyroelectric conversion methods.…”

“…7 Despite substantial research progress on ASCs and HAPs, questions remain on their techno-economic feasibility for large-scale adoption on pavements. 25,70 Conversely, the TEG-based systems are easier to install on pavements, but their efficiency is significantly lower. Nevertheless, the PP-TEG system 12 has demonstrated its potential to deliver higher electric outputs compared with PEHs.…”