Abstract
State Departments of Transportation (DOTs), cities, and private entities spend millions each year to provide safe surfaces for vehicles and pedestrians. Numerous technologies and advances in materials, energy transfer, and artificial intelligence controllability exist to keep the surface of pavement warm and free from snow and ice throughout cold regions. However, such systems are expensive and require significant planning for installation during reconstruction activities and in most situations, are not practically feasible. This study provides pilot-scale development and verification of a low-cost, self-contained solar ice control system appropriate for implementation at transit stops and high-risk sidewalk locations using the Transient System Simulation (TRNSYS) tool. The intent of the proposed system is to create a more environmentally friendly alternative to the frequently used salt deicers on urban roads. The results from this work showed that the surface temperature of concrete was kept well above freezing (>10 ℃) for 24 hrs. of operation.