Micro-power solar highway loop heat pipe ice and snow melting system and operation method

Abstract

The application discloses a micro-power solar highway loop heat pipe ice and snow melting system and an operation method, and belongs to the technical field of road traffic safety and new energy utilization. The system comprises a solar collector, a water tank, a water pump, a control valve, a pressure balance pipe, a pressure balance tank, a liquid distribution pipe, a loop heat pipe evaporation section, a loop heat pipe rising pipe, a loop heat pipe condensation section, a loop heat pipe descending pipe and a highway pavement. The solar collector transmits heat energy to circulating water and stores the heat energy in the water tank. When a temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the pavement is lower than 0 DEG C or a weather module predicts snowfall, a storage battery starts the water pump and opens the valve. Hot water in the water tank is sprayed to the loop heat pipe evaporation section through the pressure balance tank and the liquid distribution pipe. The circulating working medium in the heating pipe is vaporized. The gaseous working medium enters the condensation section under the pavement along the rising pipe to release latent heat and melt ice and snow. The condensed working medium flows back along the descending pipe. The pressure balance pipe assists the system to operate with micro power. A photovoltaic array supplies power to the storage battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the interdisciplinary field of road traffic safety and new energy utilization, specifically relating to a low-power solar energy highway loop heat pipe snow melting system and its operation method. Background Technology

[0002] As my country's expressway network continues to expand, severe winter weather poses a serious challenge to the safe operation of expressways. Snow and ice on the road not only reduce traffic efficiency but also create significant safety hazards.

[0003] Currently, the widely adopted measures include two traditional methods: mechanical snow removal and the application of de-icing agents. While these can alleviate the problem of snow and ice accumulation on roads to some extent, they have significant drawbacks. Mechanical snow removal requires the temporary closure of some lanes or road sections, resulting in low operational efficiency and an inability to effectively prevent black ice that may form on the road surface late at night. On the other hand, de-icing agents are mainly composed of chloride salts. Although the cost per application is low, their long-term use is highly corrosive, which can severely damage the main structure of the road and roadside traffic facilities. It can also cause persistent pollution to the surrounding soil and groundwater, resulting in a huge environmental cost.

[0004] In addition, the electric heating de-icing technology has the problem of excessive energy consumption, making the operating cost unbearable. At the same time, the uneven heating of this technology can easily cause aging and cracking of asphalt pavement. Therefore, it is not feasible to promote it on a large scale.

[0005] Although attempts have been made in recent years to use geothermal and solar energy as renewable energy sources for ice melting, most of these systems are still constrained by a number of problems, including high initial investment, strong dependence on geographical conditions, and low energy collection and transfer efficiency. In particular, they require a high-power external power source, which makes it difficult for them to achieve truly stable and economical near-zero energy consumption operation.

[0006] Common solar-powered snow melting systems also suffer from insufficient intelligence, making it impossible to perform snow melting operations as needed based on actual snow and ice conditions. This has become a bottleneck for their widespread application. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a low-power solar-powered highway loop heat pipe snow and ice melting system and its operation method, which solves the problems of traditional snow-melting agents being prone to corroding road facilities and polluting the environment, as well as the low efficiency of mechanical snow removal and the high energy consumption of electric heating snow melting technology, which makes it difficult to promote on a large scale.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0009] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a low-power solar-powered highway loop heat pipe snow melting system, comprising a solar collector, a water tank, a water pump, a control valve, a pressure balancing pipe, a pressure balancing box, a liquid distribution pipe, a loop heat pipe evaporation section, a loop heat pipe riser, a loop heat pipe condensation section, a loop heat pipe downcomer, a highway surface, a temperature sensor, a weather module, a battery, a photovoltaic array, and connecting pipes; the solar collector is connected to the water tank via the connecting pipes, the water tank is connected to the pressure balancing box via the pressure balancing pipe and the connecting pipes, the pressure balancing box is connected to the liquid distribution pipe via the connecting pipes, the loop heat pipe evaporation section, the loop heat pipe riser, the loop heat pipe condensation section, and the loop heat pipe downcomer are sequentially connected to form a circulation pipeline, the loop heat pipe condensation section is buried under the highway surface, the temperature sensor is installed on the highway surface, the photovoltaic array is electrically connected to the battery, the battery is electrically connected to the water pump and the control valve respectively, and the control valve is installed on the connecting pipes.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the outlet of the solar collector is connected to the inlet of the water tank via the connecting pipe, and the return outlet of the solar collector is connected to the outlet of the water tank via the connecting pipe, forming a circulating water path for transferring heat energy.

[0011] In one possible implementation, one end of the pressure balancing pipe is connected to the upper part of the water tank via the connecting pipe, and the other end of the pressure balancing pipe is connected to the upper part of the pressure balancing box via the connecting pipe. The water pump is installed on the connecting pipe between the bottom of the water tank and the pressure balancing box, and the control valve is installed on the connecting pipe between the water pump and the pressure balancing box.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the liquid distribution pipe is located above the evaporation section of the loop heat pipe, and the liquid distribution pipe is provided with liquid distribution holes facing the evaporation section of the loop heat pipe. The distribution density of the liquid distribution holes gradually increases as they approach the riser of the loop heat pipe.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the loop heat pipe evaporation section is arranged at an inclined angle of 5°, the loop heat pipe condensation section is buried under the highway surface at an inclined angle of 10°, and the loop heat pipe downpipe is connected to both the loop heat pipe condensation section and the loop heat pipe evaporation section at an inclined angle.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the temperature sensor is signal-connected to the system control unit, and the temperature sensor transmits the temperature signal of the highway surface to the control unit. The weather module is signal-connected to the control unit, and the weather module transmits the forecast signal to the control unit. The control unit is signal-connected to the control valve and the water pump, and the control unit controls the opening and closing of the control valve and the starting and stopping of the water pump according to the temperature signal and the forecast signal.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the loop heat pipe evaporator section, loop heat pipe riser, loop heat pipe condenser section, and loop heat pipe downcomer are filled with circulating working fluid R245fa, which flows within the circulation pipeline.

[0016] Secondly, this invention provides an operation method for a micro-power solar-powered highway loop heat pipe snow melting system, applicable to the aforementioned micro-power solar-powered highway loop heat pipe snow melting system. The solar collector absorbs heat and transfers it to circulating water; the heated circulating water is stored in the water tank; a temperature sensor detects the highway surface temperature; and a weather module generates a forecast signal. When the highway surface temperature is below 0°C or the weather module predicts snowfall, the battery powers the water pump and opens the control valve. Hot water from the water tank is injected into the pressure balance box; the hot water flows through the liquid distribution pipe to the evaporation section of the loop heat pipe, transferring heat to the circulating working fluid within the evaporation section; the circulating working fluid absorbs heat and vaporizes, entering the condensation section of the loop heat pipe along the riser pipe; the circulating working fluid releases heat in the condensation section to melt ice and snow on the highway surface; the circulating working fluid condenses into a liquid after releasing heat and flows back to the evaporation section of the loop heat pipe along the downcomer pipe; the photovoltaic array supplies electrical energy to the battery to charge it.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the temperature sensor transmits the detected temperature signal to the system control unit, and the weather module transmits the forecast signal to the system control unit; the system control unit controls the battery to start based on the temperature signal and the forecast signal; the water pump consumes electrical energy upon startup, and the pressure balancing pipe balances the pressure between the water tank and the pressure balancing box; subsequent hot water flow occurs spontaneously due to gravity and pressure difference; the distribution density of the distribution holes in the liquid distribution pipe gradually increases as it approaches the riser of the loop heat pipe; hot water is evenly sprayed onto the surface of the evaporation section of the loop heat pipe through the distribution holes; the circulating working fluid absorbs heat and vaporizes, flowing rapidly along the riser of the loop heat pipe; the circulating working fluid releases latent heat of phase change in the condensation section of the loop heat pipe, thereby melting ice and snow on the highway surface.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the evaporation section of the loop heat pipe is arranged at a 5° angle to facilitate receiving the hot water transported by the liquid distribution pipe; the condensation section of the loop heat pipe is buried at a 10° angle under the highway surface to facilitate the rising of the circulating working fluid after vaporization; the liquid circulating working fluid flows back to the evaporation section of the loop heat pipe by gravity along the inclined condensation section and the downcomer pipe; the photovoltaic array continuously absorbs solar energy and converts it into electrical energy; the converted electrical energy is continuously transmitted to the battery to maintain a stable battery charge; the system control unit adjusts the opening of the control valve and the operating status of the water pump in real time based on the signals from the temperature sensor and the weather module.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this invention are as follows:

[0020] ① This invention, through the connection structure of the pressure balance pipe and the pressure balance box, combined with the power supply of the battery by the photovoltaic array, enables the water pump to consume only a small amount of electrical energy at the moment of startup. The subsequent flow of the working fluid relies on gravity and pressure difference to proceed spontaneously, which greatly reduces the external power consumption, realizes micro-power operation, effectively solves the problem of excessive energy consumption of traditional electric heating ice melting technology, and at the same time reduces the dependence on external power sources and reduces long-term operating costs.

[0021] ② The liquid distribution pipe of this invention adopts a non-uniformly distributed liquid distribution hole design. The density of the liquid distribution holes gradually increases as they approach the riser pipe of the loop heat pipe, which can ensure that hot water is delivered more accurately to the key heat transfer areas. At the same time, the evaporation section of the loop heat pipe is arranged at a 5° angle and the condensation section is buried at a 10° angle under the highway road surface. The inclined structure can promote the efficient phase change and flow of the circulating working fluid R245fa, optimize the heat transfer path, and allow heat to be transferred to the road surface evenly and quickly, thereby improving the melting speed and thermal efficiency of ice and snow, and avoiding the problem of local ice and snow residue on the road surface caused by the low efficiency and uneven heating of traditional mechanical snow removal.

[0022] ③ This invention uses a temperature sensor to detect the highway road surface temperature in real time, and combines it with a snowfall prediction signal generated by a weather module to form a dual signal triggering mechanism. It only starts when the road surface temperature is below 0°C or when snowfall is predicted, avoiding energy waste when there is no need to melt ice and snow. It achieves intelligent on-demand operation and, compared with the traditional passive response method of melting ice and snow, can intervene in ice and snow prevention and removal more promptly, reducing the impact of road icing on traffic.

[0023] ④ This invention does not require the use of de-icing agents throughout the entire process. It relies on solar energy and loop heat pipes to complete the snow and ice melting process. Unlike traditional de-icing agents, it will not cause corrosion to road structures or roadside traffic facilities, nor will it pollute the surrounding soil and groundwater. While ensuring the safety of highway traffic in winter, it also takes into account environmental protection and reduces road maintenance and environmental management costs. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the micro-power solar-powered highway loop heat pipe snow melting system in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Reference numerals: 1. Solar collector; 2. Water tank; 3. Water pump; 4. Control valve; 5. Pressure balancing pipe; 6. Pressure balancing box; 7. Liquid distribution pipe; 8. Loop heat pipe evaporation section; 9. Loop heat pipe riser; 10. Loop heat pipe condenser; 11. Loop heat descender; 12. Highway pavement; 13. Temperature sensor; 14. Weather module; 15. Battery; 16. Photovoltaic array. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] Example:

[0029] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the embodiments of this invention are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0030] In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the micro-power solar-powered highway loop heat pipe snow and ice melting system according to an embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 1 This invention provides a low-power solar-powered highway loop heat pipe snow melting system, comprising a solar collector, a water tank, a water pump, a control valve, a pressure balancing pipe, a pressure balancing box, a liquid distribution pipe, a loop heat pipe evaporation section, a loop heat pipe riser, a loop heat pipe condensation section, a loop heat pipe downcomer, a highway surface, a temperature sensor, a weather module, a battery, a photovoltaic array, and connecting pipes. The solar collector is connected to the water tank via connecting pipes, the water tank is connected to the pressure balancing box via pressure balancing pipes and connecting pipes, and the pressure balancing box is connected to the liquid distribution pipe via connecting pipes. The loop heat pipe evaporation section, loop heat pipe riser, loop heat pipe condensation section, and loop heat pipe downcomer are sequentially connected to form a circulation pipeline. The loop heat pipe condensation section is buried under the highway surface. The temperature sensor is installed on the highway surface. The photovoltaic array is electrically connected to the battery. The battery is electrically connected to the water pump and the control valve, respectively. The control valve is installed on the connecting pipes.

[0032] In some embodiments, the outlet of the solar collector is connected to the inlet of the water tank via a connecting pipe, and the return outlet of the solar collector is connected to the outlet of the water tank via a connecting pipe, forming a circulating water path for transferring heat energy.

[0033] In some embodiments, one end of the pressure balancing pipe is connected to the upper part of the water tank via a connecting pipe, and the other end of the pressure balancing pipe is connected to the upper part of the pressure balancing box via a connecting pipe. The water pump is installed on the connecting pipe between the bottom of the water tank and the pressure balancing box, and the control valve is installed on the connecting pipe between the water pump and the pressure balancing box.

[0034] In some embodiments, the liquid distribution pipe is located above the evaporation section of the loop heat pipe, and the liquid distribution pipe is provided with liquid distribution holes facing the evaporation section of the loop heat pipe. The distribution density of the liquid distribution holes gradually increases as they approach the riser pipe of the loop heat pipe.

[0035] In some embodiments, the loop heat pipe evaporation section is arranged at an inclined angle of 5°, the loop heat pipe condensation section is buried under the highway surface at an inclined angle of 10°, and the loop heat pipe downpipe is connected to both the loop heat pipe condensation section and the loop heat pipe evaporation section at an inclined angle.

[0036] In some embodiments, the temperature sensor is signal-connected to the system control section, transmitting the temperature signal of the highway surface to the control section. The weather module is signal-connected to the control section, transmitting the forecast signal to the control section. The control section is signal-connected to the control valves and the water pump, controlling the opening and closing of the control valves and the starting and stopping of the water pump based on the temperature signal and the forecast signal.

[0037] In some embodiments, the loop heat pipe evaporator section, loop heat pipe riser, loop heat pipe condenser section, and loop heat pipe downcomer are filled with circulating working fluid R245fa, which flows within the circulation pipeline.

[0038] This invention also provides an operation method for a micro-power solar-powered highway loop heat pipe snow melting system, applicable to the aforementioned micro-power solar-powered highway loop heat pipe snow melting system. A solar collector absorbs heat and transfers it to circulating water; the heated circulating water is stored in a water tank; a temperature sensor detects the highway surface temperature, and a weather module generates a forecast signal; when the highway surface temperature is below 0°C or the weather module predicts snowfall, the battery powers the water pump and opens a control valve; the water pump injects hot water from the water tank into a pressure balance tank; the hot water flows through a distribution pipe to the loop heat pipe evaporation section, transferring heat to the circulating working fluid within the loop heat pipe evaporation section; the circulating working fluid absorbs heat and vaporizes, entering the loop heat pipe condensation section along the loop heat pipe riser pipe; the circulating working fluid releases heat in the loop heat pipe condensation section, melting snow and ice on the highway surface; the released heat circulating working fluid condenses into a liquid state and flows back to the loop heat pipe evaporation section along the loop heat pipe downcomer pipe; the photovoltaic array supplies electrical energy to the battery, charging the battery.

[0039] In some embodiments, the temperature sensor transmits the detected temperature signal to the system control unit, and the weather module transmits the forecast signal to the system control unit; the system control unit controls the battery to start based on the temperature signal and the forecast signal; the water pump consumes electrical energy at startup, and the pressure balancing pipe balances the pressure between the water tank and the pressure balancing box; the subsequent hot water flow relies on gravity and pressure difference to proceed spontaneously; the distribution density of the liquid distribution holes in the liquid distribution pipe gradually increases as it approaches the riser pipe of the loop heat pipe; the hot water is evenly sprayed onto the surface of the evaporation section of the loop heat pipe through the liquid distribution holes; the circulating working fluid absorbs heat and vaporizes, flowing rapidly along the riser pipe of the loop heat pipe; the circulating working fluid releases the latent heat of phase change in the condensation section of the loop heat pipe, realizing the melting of ice and snow on the highway surface.

[0040] In some embodiments, the evaporation section of the loop heat pipe is arranged at a 5° angle to facilitate the reception of hot water transported by the liquid distribution pipe; the condensation section of the loop heat pipe is buried at a 10° angle under the highway surface to facilitate the vaporization and ascent of the circulating working fluid; the liquid circulating working fluid flows back to the evaporation section of the loop heat pipe by gravity along the inclined condensation section and the downcomer of the loop heat pipe; the photovoltaic array continuously absorbs solar energy and converts it into electrical energy; the converted electrical energy is continuously transmitted to the battery to maintain a stable battery charge; the system control section adjusts the opening of the control valve and the operating status of the water pump in real time based on signals from the temperature sensor and the weather module.

[0041] As a preferred example, such as Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the micro-power solar highway loop heat pipe snow melting system proposed in this embodiment mainly includes a solar collector, a water tank, a water pump, control valves, a pressure balancing pipe, a pressure balancing box, a liquid distribution pipe, a loop heat pipe evaporation section, a loop heat pipe riser, a loop heat pipe condenser, a loop heat pipe downcomer, a highway pavement, a temperature sensor, a weather module, a battery, a photovoltaic array, and connecting pipes.

[0042] The solar collectors collect heat energy and transfer it to the circulating water. The circulating water heats up after exchanging heat energy with the solar collectors. The heated water is then transported to a water tank through connecting pipes. The water tank stores this hot water to reserve heat for the subsequent snow and ice melting process.

[0043] When the system obtains a snowfall forecast signal through the weather module, or when the temperature sensor detects that the highway surface temperature is below 0°C, the battery continuously charged by the photovoltaic array will automatically start. After the battery starts, it provides the power required for the water pump to operate and controls the control valve to open, so that the system enters the working state.

[0044] At this time, the hot water stored at the bottom of the water tank is injected into the pressure balance tank through the connecting pipe under the action of the water pump. Since there is a pressure balance pipe connecting the water tank and the pressure balance tank, the pressure balance pipe can quickly eliminate the pressure difference on both sides, so that the internal pressure of the water tank and the pressure balance tank is consistent. Therefore, the water pump only needs to consume a small amount of electrical energy to drive the initial flow of hot water at the moment of startup. The subsequent flow of the working fluid does not need to be continuously driven by the water pump. It can be carried out spontaneously by gravity and pressure difference, realizing the micro-power operation of the system.

[0045] Subsequently, hot water flows out of the pressure balance box and enters the liquid distribution pipe through the connecting pipe. The liquid distribution pipe adopts a non-uniform opening structure, and the distribution density of the liquid distribution holes gradually increases as they approach the riser pipe of the loop heat pipe. This distribution method can ensure efficient heat transfer while ensuring that the working fluid inlet of the heat pipe is in a superheated state.

[0046] Hot water is evenly sprayed onto the surface of the evaporation section of the loop heat pipe, which is arranged at a 5° angle, through the distribution holes on the distribution pipe. The heat carried by the hot water is efficiently transferred to the circulating working fluid R245fa inside the pipe through the pipe wall of the loop heat pipe evaporation section.

[0047] After absorbing heat, the circulating working fluid R245fa rapidly vaporizes to form a gaseous working fluid. The gaseous working fluid flows upward along the riser pipe of the loop heat pipe and eventually enters the condensation section of the loop heat pipe, which is inclined at 10° and buried under the highway surface.

[0048] In the condensation section of the loop heat pipe, the gaseous working fluid exchanges heat with the highway pavement, releasing latent heat of phase change to the pavement. This heat is used to melt ice and snow on the highway pavement. After releasing heat, the gaseous working fluid loses heat and condenses into a liquid working fluid. Under the action of gravity, the liquid working fluid flows into the downcomer of the loop heat pipe along the inclined condensation section, and then flows back to the evaporation section of the loop heat pipe through the downcomer, thus completing a continuous, automatic and low-energy-consumption ice and snow melting cycle.

[0049] It should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0050] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0051] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0052] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical concept and features of the present invention, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made based on the essence of the content of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A low-power solar-powered highway loop heat pipe snow melting system, characterized in that, The system includes a solar collector, a water tank, a water pump, control valves, a pressure balancing pipe, a pressure balancing box, a liquid distribution pipe, a loop heat pipe evaporation section, a loop heat pipe riser, a loop heat pipe condensation section, a loop heat pipe downcomer, a highway surface, a temperature sensor, a weather module, a battery, a photovoltaic array, and connecting pipes. The solar collector is connected to the water tank via the connecting pipes. The water tank is connected to the pressure balancing box via the pressure balancing pipe and the connecting pipes. The pressure balancing box is connected to the liquid distribution pipe via the connecting pipes. The loop heat pipe evaporation section, loop heat pipe riser, loop heat pipe condensation section, and loop heat pipe downcomer are sequentially connected to form a circulation pipeline. The loop heat pipe condensation section is buried under the highway surface. The temperature sensor is installed on the highway surface. The photovoltaic array is electrically connected to the battery. The battery is electrically connected to the water pump and the control valve, respectively. The control valve is installed on the connecting pipes.

2. The micro-power solar-powered highway loop heat pipe snow melting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet of the solar collector is connected to the inlet of the water tank through the connecting pipe, and the return outlet of the solar collector is connected to the outlet of the water tank through the connecting pipe, forming a circulating water path for transferring heat energy.

3. The micro-power solar-powered highway loop heat pipe snow melting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the pressure balancing pipe is connected to the upper part of the water tank through the connecting pipe, and the other end of the pressure balancing pipe is connected to the upper part of the pressure balancing box through the connecting pipe. The water pump is installed on the connecting pipe between the bottom of the water tank and the pressure balancing box, and the control valve is installed on the connecting pipe between the water pump and the pressure balancing box.

4. The micro-power solar-powered highway loop heat pipe snow melting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid distribution pipe is located above the evaporation section of the loop heat pipe. The liquid distribution pipe is provided with liquid distribution holes, which are arranged facing the evaporation section of the loop heat pipe. The distribution density of the liquid distribution holes gradually increases as they approach the riser pipe of the loop heat pipe.

5. The micro-power solar-powered highway loop heat pipe snow melting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The loop heat pipe evaporation section is arranged at an angle of 5°, and the loop heat pipe condensation section is buried under the highway surface at an angle of 10°. The loop heat pipe downpipe is connected to both the loop heat pipe condensation section and the loop heat pipe evaporation section at an angle.

6. The micro-power solar-powered highway loop heat pipe snow melting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature sensor is connected to the system control unit via signal transmission. The temperature sensor transmits the temperature signal of the highway surface to the control unit. The weather module is connected to the control unit via signal transmission. The weather module transmits the forecast signal to the control unit. The control unit is connected to the control valve and the water pump via signal transmission. The control unit controls the opening and closing of the control valve and the starting and stopping of the water pump based on the temperature signal and the forecast signal.

7. The micro-power solar-powered highway loop heat pipe snow melting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The loop heat pipe evaporator section, loop heat pipe riser, loop heat pipe condenser section, and loop heat pipe downcomer are filled with circulating working fluid R245fa, which flows within the loop.

8. A method for operating a low-power solar-powered highway loop heat pipe snow melting system, characterized in that, The solar collector absorbs heat and transfers it to the circulating water; the heated circulating water is stored in the water tank; the temperature sensor detects the highway surface temperature, and the weather module generates a forecast signal; when the highway surface temperature is below 0°C or the weather module predicts snowfall, the battery powers the water pump and opens the control valve; the water pump injects hot water from the water tank into the pressure balance box; the hot water flows through the distribution pipe to the evaporation section of the loop heat pipe, transferring heat to the circulating working fluid within the evaporation section; the circulating working fluid absorbs heat and vaporizes, entering the condensation section of the loop heat pipe along the riser pipe; the circulating working fluid releases heat in the condensation section to melt ice and snow on the highway surface; the released heat condenses into a liquid and flows back to the evaporation section of the loop heat pipe along the downcomer pipe; the photovoltaic array supplies electrical energy to the battery to charge it.

9. The operation method of the micro-power solar highway loop heat pipe snow melting system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The temperature sensor transmits the detected temperature signal to the system control unit, and the weather module transmits the forecast signal to the system control unit. The system control unit controls the battery to start based on the temperature signal and the forecast signal. The water pump consumes electrical energy at startup, and the pressure balancing pipe balances the pressure between the water tank and the pressure balancing box. Subsequent hot water flow relies on gravity and pressure difference to occur spontaneously. The distribution density of the liquid distribution holes in the liquid distribution pipe gradually increases as it approaches the riser pipe of the loop heat pipe. Hot water is evenly sprayed onto the surface of the evaporation section of the loop heat pipe through the liquid distribution holes. The circulating working fluid absorbs heat and vaporizes, flowing rapidly along the riser pipe of the loop heat pipe. The circulating working fluid releases latent heat of phase change in the condensation section of the loop heat pipe, realizing the melting of ice and snow on the highway surface.

10. The operation method of the micro-power solar-powered highway loop heat pipe snow melting system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The evaporation section of the loop heat pipe is inclined at 5 degrees to facilitate receiving hot water transported by the liquid distribution pipe; the condensation section of the loop heat pipe is buried under the highway surface at 10 degrees to facilitate the vaporization and ascent of the circulating working fluid; the liquid circulating working fluid flows back to the evaporation section of the loop heat pipe by gravity along the inclined condensation section and the downcomer pipe; the photovoltaic array continuously absorbs solar energy and converts it into electrical energy; the converted electrical energy is continuously transmitted to the battery to maintain a stable battery charge; the system control unit adjusts the opening of the control valve and the operating status of the water pump in real time based on signals from the temperature sensor and weather module.

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