Publication Date

3-31-2026

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Processes

Volume

14

Issue

7

DOI

10.3390/pr14071124

Abstract

To address high thermal loads and energy costs in Geothermal Road Snow-Melting Systems (GRSSs) within cold regions, this study optimizes energy efficiency through material-level intervention. We developed a composite anti-icing modifier synergistic with low enthalpy geothermal systems, comprising slow-release agents, anti-corrosive components, reinforcing materials, and active chloride salts. By regulating the thermodynamic boundary of the pavement, the freezing point is suppressed to −21 °C. This eliminates the requirement for positive pavement temperatures, significantly reducing the design thermal power. Chloride ion release patterns were analyzed via dissolution and 20-day soaking tests to evaluate structural durability. Results show optimal performance at a 5% modifier dosage and 5.3% bitumen aggregate ratio. Ion release follows a third-order polynomial law and remains stable at 35 °C, ensuring reliability during seasonal thermal cycles. Validation in Xinjiang showed a variation of only 1.5% over 20 days. This research offers an innovative material energy synergy for cascaded geothermal utilization and infrastructure decarbonization in cold regions.

Keywords

cold region energy management, energy efficiency, freezing point regulation, geothermal snow melting systems, long-term slow release, seasonal thermal stability

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Department

Aviation and Technology

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