Low-Temperature Soil Heating Using Renewable Energy

Abstract

Data from a pilot study, in which renewable energy was used for low-temperature subsurface heating in a northern climate, suggests that such an approach may be useful for remediating low permeable soils. Low-temperature soil heating is expected to enhance remediation effectiveness by increasing contaminant volatility, diffusion, desorption, and microbiological activity. Direct and indirect solar energy was harvested with a hybrid photovoltaic/wind electric system. The electrical energy generated by the hybrid renewable energy system was distributed to the subsurface using a control system and wire, then converted to heat energy using a resistive element emplaced in an unsaturated silty layer