3634 Development of a Snow-Melting System Utilizing CO2 Heat Pump
Details
In cold, snowy regions, a snow-melting system is important toward securing traffic safety. In recent years, snow-melting systems utilizing heat pump systems have been developed, because of low energy consumption and contribution to preserve of the environment. But in heavy snowfall area such as Hokkaido, electric heating cable systems and boiler systems are used because of lack of heat source for heat pump systems. In this study, we have developed a new snow-melting heat pump system utilizing CO_2 refrigerant, and we have designed heating pipe arrangement adjusting to the CO_2 heat pump system. This system can supply high temperature brine and high heat flux to the road surface. Results from a pilot plant in Hirosaki, obtained higher COP as compared with heat pump systems utilizing other refrigerants, and good snow-melting conditions.
