Numerical simulation programs were developed for estimating temperature field and snow depth over a snow-melting system using geothermal energy assisted by heat storage during seasons. The system utilized a group of piles underground as heat exchanger and heat dissipation pipes near road surface, realizing solar heat storage from the surface into underground through seasons. Verification experiments for this system were conducted not only in relatively mild snowy region, Fukui, but also in frigid region, Sapporo. Numerical simulation results demonstrated existence of optimum space of a group of piles, where snow melting power becomes maximal. The obtained simulation results showed good agreements with the experimental data of both regions, demonstrating utility and validity of the programs. Also shown was that the proposed system can melt snow well in frigid region, Sapporo, without help of heat pump.
