Roberta Aguirre
While heated runways are not common, they have been trialled at some airports. The high costs of installing and operating such systems have been a deterrent for airports. Researchers have explored alternative power sources, such as solar energy, to heat runways and reduce snow-clearing efforts. However, the aviation industry has been reluctant to adopt these technologies due to practical and economic considerations. As a result, airports in the US primarily rely on plows and sweepers to clear runways during winter operations, which can lead to delays.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| US airports with heated runways | None |
| Reasons | High energy costs, not a compelling need for these systems in the industry, potential for warmer air above the runway to interfere with landing planes, snow ploughs are a cheaper and more effective solution, negative environmental impact of chemical deicers |
| Alternative solutions | Solar-powered runway heating systems, using photovoltaics to supply underground heating for airport pavements |
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What You'll Learn
The cost of heating
The cost of installing heated runways is a significant factor in why US airports have not adopted this technology. The estimated cost of implementing runway heating technology in busy areas of an average-sized airport is around $200 million. This expense is a major barrier, as it is much cheaper to use traditional snow removal methods such as plows and manpower, which are effective in keeping downtime to a minimum.
The high energy costs associated with operating heated runways are another concern. A large airport with multiple runways and extensive taxiways would require a substantial amount of power to melt snow and keep the runways clear. For example, during a snowstorm, Chicago O'Hare airport would need about 600,000 kWh of power per hour to melt the snow on its runways.
Additionally, the durability and strength of the heating system are important factors. Airports would require a system that can withstand the weight of aircraft, which have much higher weight on each tire than cars. This adds to the cost of installing and maintaining a heating system that is robust enough for runway use.
While researchers have explored alternative power sources, such as solar-powered heating systems, these options still pose cost challenges. It has been suggested that incorporating a water heating system and utilizing the systems throughout the year could help mitigate the costs. However, the overall expense of heated runways is generally considered not worthwhile, especially when compared to the effectiveness of traditional snow removal methods.
The cost-benefit analysis of installing heated runways at US airports considers the potential increase in economic welfare, taking into account the benefits to travellers and airlines, weighed against the substantial installation and operational costs. As of now, US airports have not found a compelling need for these systems, and the high costs have prevented the widespread adoption of heated runways.
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Alternative de-icing methods
While heated runways are being considered at some airports, they are not widely used due to the high energy costs and challenges posed by certain weather conditions. As a result, various alternative methods are employed to de-ice runways and keep them safe for aircraft operations during winter.
One common approach is to use mechanical methods such as snow ploughs, blowers, and sweepers to physically clear snow and ice from the runway. This method is generally favoured over the use of salt, which can be corrosive to aircraft and is not effective in extremely low temperatures. Grit is sometimes used to provide traction on icy surfaces, but it is not a common solution for runways as it could be dangerous for aircraft operations.
Chemical de-icers are also widely used to melt ice and prevent it from bonding to the runway surface. These include potassium acetate, sodium acetate anhydrous, and formate-based deicers such as acetate and chloride. These products are applied before or after snowfall, depending on whether they are liquid or solid, and make it easier to remove any accumulated snow and ice.
Other techniques, such as hydrophobic coatings, are also being explored as potential alternatives to traditional de-icing methods. Additionally, researchers are investigating the use of solar power to heat runways and reduce the environmental and economic impact of traditional heating systems.
Overall, while heated runways may not be practical or economical, there are a variety of alternative de-icing methods that airports can utilise to maintain safe operations during winter. These methods vary in terms of their effectiveness, environmental impact, and cost, and airports must carefully consider which approaches are most suitable for their specific needs and constraints.
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Fog and air density
While heated runways are not common, there are a few airports that have implemented them. One example is Keflavik Airport in Iceland, which uses heated runways to deal with challenging winter conditions. However, the concept of heated runways is not widely adopted due to various factors, including cost and energy requirements.
Now, regarding fog and air density:
Fog can be a significant issue during winter operations at airports. When runways are heated, there is a possibility that the heating process may create fog above the runway, reducing visibility for pilots. This fog can be a result of the melting snow or ice on the runway surface, and it can further impact the air density.
Air density is influenced by temperature and pressure. Warmer air is less dense than colder air. When a runway is heated, the air above it can become warmer, reducing the air density. This change in air density can affect aircraft performance during takeoff and landing. Therefore, it is crucial for pilots to be aware of the air density variations caused by heated runways and make the necessary adjustments to ensure safe flight operations.
Additionally, the presence of fog can further impact air density. Fog is essentially a cloud that is in contact with the ground, and it usually consists of tiny water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the air. These droplets or crystals can influence the density of the air, particularly when the fog is dense. Pilots need to consider the impact of reduced visibility due to fog and the potential changes in air density when operating in such conditions.
While heated runways may contribute to fog formation, it is important to note that fog can also occur naturally, especially during winter when there is a significant temperature difference between the warm ground and the cold air above it. Airports located in areas prone to fog may experience more frequent air density variations, and pilots must be trained to handle these conditions safely.
In summary, fog and air density are critical considerations for airports, especially during winter operations. While heated runways may contribute to fog formation, the primary concern is ensuring safe operations during reduced visibility and varying air density conditions. Proper training, instrumentation, and procedures are essential to mitigate the risks associated with fog and air density fluctuations at airports, regardless of the presence of heated runways.
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Clearing snow with ploughs
Keeping runways clear of snow is a challenging task for airports. While heated runways have been considered, the high energy costs and electricity requirements have prevented their widespread adoption. As a result, airports rely on various methods, including ploughs, to clear snow and maintain runway operations during winter.
The process of snow removal with ploughs is carefully orchestrated and heavily regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Runways need to be periodically shut down to allow armies of trucks with giant ploughs to clear the snow and reach the bare pavement. This reduces the airport's capacity, as planes must be de-iced, and baggage handling operations are slowed due to slippery conditions.
The type of snow also influences the snow removal process. Airports that experience heavy, wet snow rely primarily on ploughs for removal, while those with dry, blowing snow may use giant spinning brooms for clearance. Additionally, modern chemicals are used to prevent ice formation on runways, as ice can be challenging to remove and significantly impact airport operations.
While snow ploughs are effective in clearing runways, they are just one part of a comprehensive winter operations strategy. Airports invest in specialized equipment and formulas to manage various winter weather conditions and prioritize keeping runways clear and safe for aircraft operations.
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Solar-powered heating
Keeping airport runways clear of ice and snow is a challenging task, and sources suggest that heated runways are not a common feature at airports. However, researchers have explored the possibility of solar-powered heating systems for runways to address this issue.
The technology behind solar-powered runway heating involves using photovoltaics to supply underground heating for airport pavements. This system captures and stores summer heat from runways in underground ThermalBanks, utilising a variant of underfloor heating. By circulating heat back to the runway during winter, the surface can be maintained above the freezing point, effectively preventing ice formation.
Benefits and Challenges
Current Implementation
While solar-powered runway heating systems are still in the research and development phase, there have been successful demonstrations. For instance, the Toddington demonstration maintained a road surface above freezing for two years using solar-captured heat, preventing freezing day and night. Additionally, Heathrow Airport in London has implemented ICAX Solar Road Systems for aircraft stand snow removal and ice control, showcasing the potential for solar-powered solutions in airport operations.
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Frequently asked questions
To my knowledge, no US public commercial airports have installed heated runways.
The main reason is the high cost of installing and operating heating equipment over a large area. It has been estimated that the technology to heat a runway would cost about $200 million to install in the busiest areas of an average-size airport.
US airports mainly use plows and sweepers to clear runways and taxiways. Some airports also use chemical deicers, but these can be harmful to the environment.
