Geothermal Switch Heater Installation, Testing and Monitoring – Phases 1 & 2

Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI), Norfolk Southern (NS), and John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe) completed Phases 1 and 2 of a project on a working prototype geothermal switch heating system designed to test the concept and efficiency of using low-temperature geothermal energy (55°F) to heat a railroad switch plate. Research results indicate that geothermal switch heating technology is a viable alternative to traditional active heating systems for keeping track switches free of ice and snow in winter. Future work would be aimed at improving heat source, changing the tubing or switchplate design, using a geothermal pit instead of a well, and streamlining the assembly and installation process.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/details/L18293
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Technology Center, Incorporated

  55500 DOT Road, P.O. Box 11130
  Pueblo, CO  United States  81001

  Federal Railroad Administration

  Office of Railroad Policy and Development, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590

  Federal Railroad Administration

  Office of Research, Development, and Technology
  Washington, DC  United States 
• Authors:
  • Basye, Colin
• Publication Date: 2016-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Draft Final Report
• Features: Figures; Maps; Photos; References;
• Pagination: 49p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Geothermal resources; Heating systems; Installation; Monitoring; Prototypes; Railroad switches; Snow and ice control
• Subject Areas: Maintenance and Preservation; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01608582
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT/FRA/ORD-16/30
• Contract Numbers: DTFR53-11-D-00008; Task Order 303
• Files: TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 29 2016 11:10AM