Ground Source Hydronic Heated Pavement Systems for De-Icing and Snow Melting: Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainable Infrastructure

Paper i proceeding, 2025

Thermal de-icing and snow melting systems heat surfaces to prevent snow and ice buildup. They provide benefits compared to conventional winter maintenance methods such as salting and plowing, including improved safety, reduced environmental impact, and automated operation. Hydronic Heated Pavement Systems (HHPS) achieve this by circulating heated fluid through embedded pipes. These systems enhance sustainability by using shallow geothermal energy and storing solar heat collected during summer for use in winter. HHPS can provide a reliable, renewable alternative to energy intensive electrical resistance heating, particularly in critical infrastructure areas that require continuous operation. This paper presents findings from the International Energy Agency (IEA-TCP) Task 38, which focused on advancing ground source de-icing and snow-melting systems. Drawing from over 50 documented cases across several countries, the study highlights technical, operational, and design considerations for HHPS. It examines both thermal performance and mechanical integration, identifying key design parameters such as pipe configuration, embedment depth, and material compatibility. It also explores how these parameters influence energy efficiency and snow melting performance. The results show that HHPS can significantly reduce winter energy demand and environmental impact, particularly when integrated with solar harvesting and seasonal thermal storage. However, challenges remain related to thermal performance under varying climatic conditions, long-term mechanical durability, and system scalability. To support broader adoption, the paper suggests practical design strategies. These include energy zoning, i.e., dividing pavements into independently controlled heating sections, and optimized integration with low-carbon energy sources, aimed at enabling more sustainable and resilient infrastructure in cold climates.