Session: 03-04: Innovative Energy Storage Solutions for Resilient Communities

Paper Number: 156086

156086 - Performance Assessment of a Solar Assisted Micro-Radiant Heating System Using Trnsys 

Abstract: 

Currently, salt-based deicers are frequently used to combat the formation and buildup of snow and ice on concrete roads due to them being a cost-effective option. However, salt-based deicers are detrimental to both the roads and the surrounding environmental system. Over time, salt-based deicers corrode the roads they are used on and leech into the surrounding ground and water system through the melted snow and ice run-off. State Departments of Transportation (DOTs), cities, and private entities spend millions each year to provide safe surfaces for vehicles and pedestrians. Numerous technologies and advances in materials, energy transfer, and artificial intelligence controllability exist to keep the surface of pavement warm and free from snow and ice throughout cold regions. However, systems such as resistively or hydronic heated concrete are expensive and require significant planning for installation during reconstruction activities and in most situations, not practically feasible. This study will provide pilot-scale development and verification of a low-cost, self-contained solar ice control system appropriate for implementation at transit stops and high-risk sidewalk locations. This project analyzes a possible alternative solution to salt-based deicers by analyzing the performance of a solar assisted micro-radiant heating system comprised of a combination of photovoltaic/ thermal panels, evacuated tube collectors, and a radiant heating system placed in concrete. The intent of the proposed system is to create a more environmentally friendly alternative to the frequently used salt deicers on urban roads. Solar energy gathered by the photovoltaic/ thermal panels and evacuated tube collectors generate heat. It is then transferred to the working fluid of the radiant heating system. This raises the temperature of the concrete layer high enough that any snow or ice present on the concrete is melted. With the use of the photovoltaic/ thermal collectors, the system is able to generate electricity that can be used to help sustain itself by supplying power to the components in the system that require electricity. The radiant heating system, created by placing pipes in a thin layer of concrete, can be retrofitted onto already established roads. For this analysis, a model of the system was built in the transient system software TRNSYS to be able to observe the effectiveness of the entire system over varying spans of time in different seasons and locations. The simulations focused on the use of this system in Kansas City, Missouri in January, as this location consistently gets cold enough during the winter season to have below freezing temperatures throughout the day. The obtained results from this study showed that the current configuration for this solar assisted micro-radiant heating system is capable of maintaining the surface temperature of the concrete above freezing point, therefore, eliminated the need for the deicing salts.

Presenting Author: Christine Duval California State University, Sacramento

Presenting Author Biography: Christine Duval has received her Bachelor's in mechanical engineering at CSU, Sacramento. She is currently pursuing her Master's in mechanical engineering at CSU, Sacramento by working on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling solar thermal collectors with a focus on utilizing TRNSYS for analysis of the system. Christine has worked to restart the ASME club at her school and has moved on to working part time as an associate training engineer. With her free time, she enjoys hiking with her dog and camping with her family. She intends to combine her knowledge of mechanical engineering and her love for the outdoors to create a more sustainable world.