Abstract
A hydronic pavement system (HPS) is an alternative method to clear snow and ice, which avoids the use of salt, sand, and fossil fuel in conventional snow clearance, and minimizes the risk of accidents. The aim is to analyze the performance of different control strategies for a 35,000 m2 HPS utilizing heat from a district heating and cooling (DHC) system. The key performance indicators are (1) energy performance of the HPS, and (2) primary energy use, (3) electricity production and (4) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the DHC system. The methodology uses a simulation model of the HPS and an optimization model of the DHC system. Three operational strategies are analyzed: A reference scenario based on the current control strategy, and scenarios where the HPS is shut down at temperatures below −10 °C and −5 °C. The study shows that the DHC return temperature is suitable for use. By operational strategies, use during peak demand in the DHC system can be avoided, resulting in reduced use of fossil fuel. Moreover, the energy use of the HPS could be reduced by 10% and the local GHG emissions by 25%. The study emphasizes that the HPS may have positive effects on global GHG emissions, as it enables electricity production from renewable resources.
Highlights
In 1976, Sweden established the following definition for the heating of ground surfaces such as pavement areas: “Ground heat refers to devices for raising the surface temperature in order to avoid slipping, keeping the surface free of snow and ice or prolonging the vegetation period” [1]
The study indicates that the hydronic pavement system (HPS) is suitable for the use of return temperatures in a district heating and cooling (DHC) system
A control strategy that shuts down the HPS at temperatures below −10 ◦ C results in a 10% energy saving, avoidance of use during the top 50 h of peak demand in the DHC system, reduced use of fossil fuel and a 25% reduction in local greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, whilst maintaining sufficient performance of the HPS
Summary
In 1976, Sweden established the following definition for the heating of ground surfaces such as pavement areas: “Ground heat refers to devices for raising the surface temperature in order to avoid slipping, keeping the surface free of snow and ice or prolonging the vegetation period” [1]. A system of 2000 m2 was installed in downtown Klamath Falls (Oregon, USA) in 1948 [2]. It operated for 50 years before being replaced due to external corrosion of the iron pipes [3]. The systems of today make use of electrical, infrared or, most commonly, hydronic techniques [4,5]. A hydronic pavement system (HPS) is a technique in which heat is transported in pipes embedded in the pavement structure using circulating water or other liquid heat media. HPS can utilize different energy sources, such as geothermal energy, district heating or solar, and in some cases, it is combined with thermal storage [6]. A review conducted by Lund and Boyd [7]
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