[Back]

R. Kaller:
"Dimensioning of de-icing and snow melting systems supplied by geothermal energy";
Talk: 18th European Young Geotechnical Engineers' Conference, Portonovo, Ancona (Italy); 2007-06-17 - 2007-06-20; in: "CD-ROM: 18th EUROPEAN YOUNG GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERS' CONFERENCE", International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering; Associazione Geotecnica Italiana; Università Politecnica delle Marche, (2007), Paper ID Session 5 / Nr 1, 8 pages.

The aim of this paper is to explore de-icing and snow melting systems as a possible way of application of geothermal
energy.
Utilization of geothermal energy enables a reduction of the emission of greenhouse gases like CO2, which is
an increasing topic of worldwide importance due to its influence on the world climate. In Austria, it can be
seen as state-of-the-art to use foundations such as piles, diaphragm walls, slabs, etc. (energy foundations) in
order to absorb thermal energy from ground. Newly developed techniques allow the extraction of geothermal
energy also within mined tunnels.
The most widespread way of usage of surface near geothermal energy in Austria is heating and cooling of
buildings. De-icing and snow melting systems for important local or regional traffic ways, bridges, airports,
runways or stations are still to be enhanced and lobbied.
This paper focuses on the dimensioning of road heating systems. The underlying physical characteristics are
investigated analytically. The application of the finite elements method will be explored within a master thesis
at the Institute for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Vienna University of Technology. Until
then, measurements of existing examples like those of a bridge heating at the Viennese hydroelectric power
plant "Freudenau" are gathered.
The findings of this work will further feasibility studies of future projects in the area of road heating systems.

snow melting; de-icing; geothermal energy, pavement heating, open space heating, heat flux