Optimization of Hydronic Heating Pavement Design Using Geothermal Hot Water in Western North Dakota

Abstract

Hydronic heating pavement (HHP) is considered to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly for deicing. Using deep direct-use geothermal energy provides a more efficient heat source. In western North Dakota, several aquifers have been identified that provide geothermal hot water ranging from 34 ° to 140 °C within 2300 m below the ground surface. The current technique has made it feasible to utilize the hot water for power generation. The water temperature exiting the power plant is still up to 70 °C. This temperature enables valuable applications and cascading use for other purposes such as space heating, snow melting for transportation infrastructure, etc. This paper mainly focuses on studying the how the geothermal water can be used more efficiently for HHP using finite element analysis. Considering the high heat demand in western North Dakota due to extreme weather, the parametric studies were conducted based on reasonable water temperatures, pipe layouts, heating process, volumetric flow rates, and thermal conductivity of pavement. The optimization of the HHP design subjected to different weather conditions is discussed and conclusions drawn.