Japan Uses Electrically Heated Sidewalks to Prevent Snow Accumulation on Roadways

Electrical Technology

Japan Uses Heated Sidewalks to Combat Heavy Snowfall, Ensuring Pedestrian Safety and Lowering Snow Removal Costs

Japan, known for its innovative approaches to infrastructure and urban planning, has implemented an effective solution to combat heavy snowfall: heated sidewalks. This initiative has transformed the way cities in Japan handle the challenges brought by harsh winter conditions. It is especially effective in the regions like Hokkaido, Niigata and coast of Honshu, which experience significant snow accumulation each year. These heated driveways ensure safer pedestrian pathways as well as reduce the costs associated with traditional snow removal methods.

Similar to Japan, the use of electrically heated sidewalks to melt heavy snowfall has been adopted by various regions and countries facing harsh winter conditions. These systems are successfully installed and operational in different countries such as Michigan (USA), Norway, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Montreal.

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The Need for Heated Sidewalks

The northern regions of Japan, such as Hokkaido, regularly experience heavy snowfall each winter. On average, areas like Sapporo receive over 6 meters (19 feet) of snow annually. This makes snow removal a constant requirement during winter.

Clearing heavy snow from sidewalks and roads is labor-intensive and costly. Municipalities in heavy snowfall areas spend millions of yen each year on snow removal and maintenance.

Snow accumulation in densely populated urban areas creates numerous challenges: it restricts pedestrian movement, increases the risk of slips and falls, and poses logistical issues for transportation systems. Traditional snow removal methods, such as plowing and salting, are costly, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. Moreover, the use of salt and chemicals can negatively impact the environment and corrode infrastructure over time.

To address these concerns, Japanese municipalities have adopted a modern and energy-efficient solution as heated driveway. By utilizing technology embedded within walkways, cities are able to provide clear paths for residents, improve overall safety, and decrease the economic burden associated with continuous snow removal.

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How Heated Sidewalks Work

Heated sidewalks use either electric heating systems or hydronic systems to melt snow and ice as soon as they come into contact with the pavement.

Electric Heating Systems: This type of system involves embedding electric heating cables or mats beneath the pavement surface. When activated, the cables convert electrical energy into heat. This heating effect of current is transferred through the sidewalk material, effectively melting any accumulated snow. On average, electric heated sidewalks consume 123 watts per square meter (≈ 1316 watts per square foot) to melt the snow at intensity of 1.49 cm per hour.
Hydronic Systems: Hydronic systems use heated water or glycol-based antifreeze, which circulates through a network of pipes installed beneath the sidewalk. The warm liquid heats the surface, preventing snow accumulation. This method is often favored in Japan, as it can be powered by renewable energy sources like geothermal energy, making it more environmentally friendly and efficient.

In some areas, the geothermal resources naturally available in Japan are utilized to heat the fluid in hydronic systems. Geothermal wells pump warm water through the pipes beneath the sidewalk, keeping them clear of snow without relying on additional energy sources. This sustainable approach makes the solution not only effective but also eco-friendly.

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Benefits of Heated Sidewalks

Ensuring Pedestrian Safety: The primary benefit of heated sidewalks is the enhanced safety they provide for pedestrians. Snow-covered and icy driveway are a leading cause of winter-related accidents, including slips and falls. By keeping sidewalks free of snow and ice, heated sidewalks help reduce the number of injuries during winter. Hence, it ensures promoting a safer environment for residents and tourists alike.
Reducing Snow Removal Costs: Traditional snow removal methods, including plowing, salting, and manual shoveling, require significant labor and financial resources. Heated sidewalks significantly reduce the need for these labor-intensive processes, leading to long-term cost savings for municipalities. Additionally, by cutting back on the need for frequent plowing and salting, cities also reduce wear and tear on roads and pavements. Over a 20-year span, heated driveway can be more cost-effective compared to continuous manual snow removal.
Environmental Benefits: Heated sidewalks contribute to a reduction in the use of salt and other de-icing chemicals that can harm local ecosystems. Salt runoff can contaminate water supplies and damage nearby vegetation. By minimizing the use of such chemicals, heated sidewalks help to protect the local environment. Furthermore, when powered by renewable energy sources, these systems offer a sustainable solution to snow management.
Reducing Congestion: Snow accumulation on sidewalks often forces pedestrians to walk on the roads, which can lead to increased traffic congestion and higher risks of accidents. Heated driveway keep pedestrian pathways clear, reducing the likelihood of pedestrians encroaching on roadways and thereby contributing to smoother traffic flow.

Implementation and Success in Japan

Cities in Japan such as Sapporo, known for its heavy snowfall, have successfully implemented heated sidewalks in key urban areas. The Sapporo Snow Festival, one of the largest winter festivals in Japan, brings millions of visitors each year. In Sapporo, a combination of electric cables and hydronic systems over 20,000 square meters of heated sidewalks are installed with an estimated reduction in winter maintenance costs of over 30%.

In Niigata, another region that experiences 6.0cm/day snowfall, heated sidewalks have been installed in residential neighborhoods and public areas. The system ensures safe access to schools, hospitals, and public transportation. These driveways often use hydronic systems powered by local geothermal resources, contributing to the community’s renewable energy initiatives.

Challenges and Considerations

While heated sidewalks offer numerous advantages, there are some challenges to their implementation. The initial installation cost can be high, particularly in retrofitting existing sidewalks with heating systems. However, the long-term benefits, including reduced snow removal costs and improved public safety, make the investment worthwhile for many municipalities.

Energy consumption of snow melting system is another factor to consider. While geothermal-powered hydronic systems are environmentally friendly, electric heating systems can have significant energy demands, especially during prolonged snowfall. To mitigate this, some cities use automated sensors that activate the heating systems only when snow or ice is detected, thus conserving energy when conditions are dry.

Future of Heated Sidewalks

The successful implementation of heated sidewalks in Japan serves as a model for other regions worldwide. These includes Norway, Iceland, the Netherlands, Michigan – USA which facing similar challenges with heavy snowfall.

As technology advances, the systems are becoming more energy-efficient and affordable, which could lead to increased adoption in other cold-climate cities. The use of renewable energy sources such as geothermal and solar power further enhances the appeal of this solution. This approach aligns with global efforts toward sustainability and reduced carbon footprints.

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