Roadway Solar Radiation Mapping for Precision Salt Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current snow and ice mitigation methods, such as uniform salt distribution, are inefficient and wasteful, particularly in areas with varying solar radiation, leading to unnecessary salt usage and potential environmental damage, without adequately addressing safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A method to calculate the solar potential of road networks at high granularity using high-resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and LiDAR data, combined with GIS and hemispherical viewshed algorithms, to create solar radiation maps, which inform precise snow melt capacity assessments and salt dispensation strategies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uniform salt distribution is applied across the road network, then snow and ice mitigation coverage is improved, but salt usage efficiency deteriorates and environmental damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by dividing the road network into zones with different solar radiation characteristics and assigning different salt application rates to each zone. Roads with high solar melt rates receive reduced or no salt application, while roads with low solar melt rates receive standard salt application, optimizing salt usage efficiency while maintaining adequate snow and ice mitigation coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of salt application rate from a uniform value to a variable value based on solar radiation characteristics. By calculating solar potential and solar melt rates for different road segments, the system dynamically adjusts salt application parameters to match actual snow melt needs, improving both coverage reliability and substance efficiency.
2Reliability
If salt is distributed in environmentally sensitive areas, then snow and ice mitigation is improved, but environmental damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies environmentally sensitive areas and applies differentiated salt management strategies to these locations. By combining solar radiation data with environmental sensitivity information, the system reduces or eliminates salt application in sensitive areas where solar melt rates are sufficient, thereby protecting the environment while maintaining snow and ice mitigation in areas that require it.
3Loss of substance
If high-resolution solar radiation mapping is implemented, then salt distribution optimization is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of solar radiation characteristics and solar melt rates for all road segments before the snow removal operation. By pre-processing LiDAR data, digital elevation models, and solar radiation models to create a solar potential map, the system prepares optimization information in advance, reducing the complexity of real-time decision-making during actual salt distribution operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for targeted salt application based on solar radiation, optimizing snow removal while minimizing material usage and ensuring public safety by identifying areas of high and low snow melt rates, thereby reducing costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
LiDAR is a technology that is used for determining the topography of earth's surface... LiDAR elevation data are calculated by measuring the time required for the signal to travel to the object surface and back to the sensor
Implementation Method 2
received solar radiation is impacted by the time of the year, weather, road slope and aspect, and shading effects
Implementation Method 3
sunlight generally has the most important effect on snow melt
Data Source
AI summary
A method for precision snow removal analysis provides a melt rate in inches per day for roadways in a geometric region is provided. Elevation data is used to calculate upward looking hemispherical viewsheds at each roadway coordinate to determine the total solar radiation. The snowmelt capacity and slope are determined at each coordinate and the data is displayed on a geographical map of the roadway. The processing speed of the computer is improved since the snowmelt capacity is only determined for a roadway subset of the region coordinates.