Energy analysis for a snow-free surface : A technical analysis of the benefits of insulation under the heating pipes

• Main Author: Ying, Song
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Högskolan i Gävle, Energisystem 2018
• Subjects: Energy Saving; Energy Systems; Energisystem
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-26910

Snow-free surfaces is needed for parking place, platform, and playground and even in city center square. With energy prices rising, energy saving is becoming a hot topic. Meanwhile environmental problems are becoming more and more serious, thus, the ways to saving energy is becoming an eye-catcher. So burring heating pipes underground has been a popular way to get ice-free surfaces. Using heating pipes for melting snow is much more efficient and more benefit for the environment comparing with using other methods.   In this project, an energy analysis of a football pitch with an area of 5000 m2 is carried out under a series of conditions between insulated and uninsulated construction. All calculations are done with the so-called finite element method (FEM), in the COMSOL. COMSOL is used for simulating and calculating the energy use with outdoor temperatures of -5 ºC and -10 ºC. Top layer materials concrete, grass and stone are also discussed. The ability of XPS and EPS insulation material is compared and noted. The models are divided into two parts, one is with snowfall and the other is without snowfall.   The results in the report shows that adding insulation under the heating pipe has significant energy saving potential. The surface with concrete layer has the best insulated ability, which can prevent more heat losses. The EPS insulated construction has a better performance in keeping more heat in the soil.