Analysis of the efficiency of an embedded floor heating for snow melting and freeze protection

An algorithm for modelling and numerical simulation of the three dimensional conjugate heat transfer in slab-embedded snow melting and freeze protecting systems is developed. The influence of the climate conditions on the heat transfer in the constructions is modelled according to the correspondent design method of ASHRAE. The models are verified and solved numerically via finite volume method for a road embedded hydronic installation at different piping configurations. The fluid flow parameters and temperature fields in the construction are obtained at steady state climate conditions, hardest for 95 % of the wintertime for the region. An analysis of the efficiency of the modelled configurations is implemented based on the computed snow-free area ratio of the road surfaces.