In addition to using natural elements such as grain dust, starch, cellulose, straw, and wheat to make this product, he has used whey permeate from cheese manufacturing. Sit's generally coated with sand prior to application so it doesn't get blown by the wind. A whey-based product such as this one could go a long way toward ameliorating both the corrosion problem caused by salt and the environmental problem caused by the disposal of whey. The dairy industry faces a serious predicament because cheese manufacturing produces massive quantities of whey that are not used. Kansas State University is negotiating possible licenses to manufacturers who will first market to municipality entities but will likely market the whey-based product to consumers soon thereafter.
Water absorbs thermal energy at a heat source.
Then the thermal energy is transferred by the water via pipes, and ultimately expelled into a space that's heated by way of a heat emitter. When the water or water mixture is heated by a boiler, for example, the surface of the pavement is heated enough to melt the ice and snow and dry the pavement. As for other heat sources, Troy points out that greywater, such as hot water from showers, laundry, etc., is another viable, eco option. This could be part of a greywater system that reuses the water for irrigation, or the water could go into a conventional system after doing its snow melting job. The number of solar collectors needed depends on variables such as the variation of temperature in your area and the location of your home.