Thermodynamic analysis of airport snow melting systems and feasibility assessment of low-emission alternatives

Abstract

Industrial airport snow melters are high-emission, hydrocarbon-based systems. This thesis investigated low-emission alternatives through a feasibility study and developed a transient thermodynamic model via Python based on the widely used submerged combustion industrial snow melter design. Case studies at two Canadian airports using historical climate data quantified seasonal environmental and economic impacts of these airports' snow mitigation operations. Findings revealed that stand-alone electrification is currently impractical due to extreme power and capital requirements. However, fuel substitution offers significant benefits: relative to diesel, natural gas reduced seasonal operating costs by 87% and direct CO2 emissions by 19%. Hydrogen eliminates direct emissions while reducing costs by up to 38%. The research contributes a novel framework for evaluating decarbonization pathways and optimizing operational loader pacing based on local climate conditions. Ultimately, this work provides a suitable model that transforms snow melting into a predictable, optimized component of airport logistical and sustainability strategies.