Miriam Hospital’s Emergency Room entrance in Providence, RI, was prepared and ready to deal with the recent freezing temperatures and icy pavement! Their new Snow Melt System installed by Arden Engineering Constructors is providing that security and peace of mind.
The hydronic snow melting system utilizes a mixture of hot water and propylene glycol (antifreeze) that circulates through a closed-loop flexible polymer (Pex) tubing that is installed in the pavement. The hot liquid is circulated from a centrally located water heater/boiler through the tubing to warm the Emergency entrance and sidewalks. Because this liquid mixture retains heat for a long period of time, even after the boiler shuts down, the system can reduce energy use, adding to its efficiency and making it environmentally friendly.
The hydronic snow melting system utilizes snow sensors to detect precipitation and temperature to activate the system only when it is needed. The thermostat installed communicates with the hospital’s internal weather control station to agree on a synchronized start time. The result is a boiler that runs more efficiently and cycles less.
