Performance of a geothermal energy deicing system for bridge deck using a pile heat exchanger

Abstract

In this study, a geothermal energy deicing system for bridge deck using a pile heat exchanger was developed, and the performance of this system was investigated under the conditions of snowfall. The structural response of the bridge deck during the deicing process was also analyzed. The slab temperature, air temperature, inlet and outlet circulating fluid temperature, and slab thermal strain were monitored during the test. The results show that the deicing system developed in this study was capable of accelerating the snow-melting process even though no heat pump was employed in the deicing system. The deicing system was also suitable for anti-icing in winter. In addition, the thermal effects of the deicing system on the structural response of the bridge deck could be ignored during the deicing process.