Home Future Technology and Breakthroughs Design Process and Consequences History and Present Technology Bibliography The Geothermal Ice Heating System (GIHS) uses geothermal heating to melt ice on roads. The heat is obtained from the earth ’ s core, which heats water running through pipes underground. The heat of the hot water rises to the surface of the asphalt, causing ice to melt. Cold left over water Hot water Fan Generator Water heated tube

Home History and Present Technology Technology Design Process and Consequences Future technology and Breakthroughs Bibliography Present Technology Radiant Heating is a series of pipes that run underneath a structure’s floor to help heat or cool it. This Radiant Heating uses convection to make it a popular home heating in many neighborhood houses. Geothermal energy is a system of pipes running underneath the ground carrying cold water to be heat by the earth’s magma. The magma is being constantly produced by radioactive material in the earth. This is a dependable and constantly available source of heat. Some natural sources of geothermal energy is the Old Faithful geyser and the numerous hot springs spread around the world. Radiant Heating Geothermal Energy

750 B.C. HistoryDesign Process and Consequences Future Technology and Breakthroughs Bibliography Lord Calvin developed the concept of a heat pump-1852 Prince Piero Ginori Conti built a geothermal power plant in Larderello, Italy The first Geothermal Power Plant is built in the United States (it is still in use today)-1962 Doctor Oscar Faber installed a copper heating pipe into a house-1919 Romans use geothermal heat to heat baths Wealthy Romans use radiant heating to warm their floors Geothermal Energy makes up less than 1% of the earth’s energy Home Radiant and Geothermal History Timeline

The Geothermal Ice Heating System’s purpose is to be a heating system for roads. By installing the tubes underground, they would connect the heating system to its main energy source, a geothermal system. Geothermal systems work by tapping into the grounds natural "hydrothermal convection" systems where cool water is pushed deep into the ground and is then heated up and pushed back up to the surface. All that is left is to capture the hot steam and water. Once you capture it, you would begin to pump this heated water and steam throughout the relativity cold, ice roads. The target audience of our device would be the general public. The normal way to melt ice is to use salt, but that has some negative effects. One effect is that over time, when the salt melts and runs off of the roads, it is bad for the environment for it kills plant life. It also will get in the cars and cause them to break down much faster than it should. But, with the Geothermal Ice Heating System, no damage to the car should happen. Another thing to consider when building the underground tubes is that there should be some sort of underground walk-way to reach them in case of damage. Presently, scientists have figured out a way for cars to drive themselves. The only problem is the cars need a track system on the ground to guide it. However, with these walk-ways, the underground signal wires for the cars could be added. Plus, the Geothermal Ice Heating System is more reliable than solar energy for people who live in wet, rainy areas. Future Technology and Breakthroughs HistoryDesign Process and Consequences Bibliography When it comes to cost, the Geothermal Ice Heating System is extremely expensive. You would need a lot of money to fund this. It would also take much time and effort. It is not just a simple matter of digging up roads and adding tubes. People would have to pay for the cost of the geothermal systems that would take the energy from the earth’s natural hydrothermal convection systems. Future Technology and Breakthroughs Cold left over water Hot water Fan Generator Water heated tube Home

History Design Process and Consequences Future Technology and Breakthroughs Bibliography Many projects were considered before finally choosing the Geothermal Ice Heating System. The first rejected idea was using special tires on vehicles. These tires would be heated. As the vehicle rolled along the road, the heat from the tires would melt ice. However, we realized that the rubber on the tires would become worn down, or possibly melt, because of much contact with heat. The next idea was using friction to reduce ice on roads. The problem with this idea was that we could not figure out what machine would be used for producing this friction. Also, it would be in danger due to possible ice slipping. The final rejected idea was using the asphalt as a “solar panel.” In warmer months, the asphalt would absorb the heat from the sun’s rays shining on it (Bright Hub). This heat would heat water in underground pipes. This idea was rejected because we could not decide which material would be used for the “solar” asphalt. We did not have to go very far from these ideas to come up with the GIHS. The concept of indoor water heating, which uses geothermal energy, was introduced. Geothermal heating is said to be more efficient than using solar panel (Consumer Energy Center). So, combining geothermal heating and heat from warm water in pipes rising to the surface of asphalt, we came up with the Geothermal Ice Heating System. Design ProcessConsequences There was an average of 467 deaths from car crashes between the years of in America (Icy Roads Fatality Statistics). By using GIHS, it would protect the lives of many and save them money. By using this system, it will decrease salt waste and pollution, and plants will be healthier. There might be repairs needed eventually, which will take time and money, but it also creates jobs to repair it. Factories that produce the salt specifically for the deicing, and D.O.T. workers that remove ice and put the salt on the ice may lose their jobs. Harmful toxins, such as arsenic, benzene, formaldehyde, and cadmium, which have been known to cause cancer, will be released in the air from asphalt plants. There is a possibility, when drilling, that geothermal wells may cause earthquakes (The Washington Story). Also, the hot water from underground may dissolve minerals in the earth, and they may pollute the air and water. The thermal heated water can only be pumped so far before the temperature would fall below a level needed to keep the roads clear of ice. Many thermal wells would be needed in large cities. Home

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