Automatic Energy Consumption Control System for Heated Sidewalks Based on Resistive Cables

Purpose: development of an approach to automatic power consumption control for electric sidewalk heating systems based on resistive heating cables, ensuring minimal electricity consumption while maintaining the required level of anti-icing protection. Methods: a review and classification of existing control principles for snow melting systems is performed, ranging from simple air temperature thermostats to combined systems with surface temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and weather-dependent algorithms. For a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of various control strategies, a simplified thermal model of a heated slab is used, implemented using the numerical integration method (Euler’s method) with a discretization step of 5 minutes Energy consumption assessment is carried out based on the heat balance equation, taking into account the supplied power, heat losses, and the energy required for phase transition. Results: a block diagram of the automatic control system is proposed, including a power section, measuring components (air temperature, surface temperature, and humidity sensors), and a microprocessor controller capable of implementing logic and PID algorithms. Based on simulation of the system’s daily operation, it is established that switching from simple air temperature control to surface temperature control reduces energy consumption by 35 %, while applying a combined algorithm that accounts for the presence of moisture/precipitation reduces it by 60 % (from 2.5 to 1.0 kWh/m²). It is shown that the integration of forecast data and zonal power limiting creates additional energy saving potential. Practical importance: the obtained results can be used in the design of new and modernization of existing electric heating systems for sidewalks, entrance areas, ramps, and other urban infrastructure facilities. The proposed algorithms and system architecture allow for a well-founded choice of control strategy, ensuring a significant reduction in operational electricity costs without compromising pedestrian safety conditions.