Description

Task 38 has yielded significant advancements in utilizing ground source energy for sustainable winter maintenance. Spanning across demonstration projects in Sweden, Belgium, Japan, and other participating nations, Task 38 has explored innovative designs, market potential, and technological breakthroughs for hydronic heated pavements powered by geothermal energy and thermal energy storage.

The work conducted within Task 38 underscores the feasibility and market potential of geothermal-based hydronic heated pavements for sustainable winter maintenance. The cost for investment and operation should be put in relation to the long-term financial and environmental benefits as well as the improvement in pedestrian and vehicle safety. Utilization of hydronic heated pavement in urban areas reduces the fall accidents which reduce society cost for health care. Integration with TES systems and solar energy harvesting by surface of a pavement presents a robust pathway towards climate-resilient urban infrastructure which includes also mitigation of urban heat island.