Method and apparatus for sprinklerless snow control

Abstract

A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a sprinklerless snow control system for reducing the buildup of snow upon an exterior surface such as a roadway, parking lot, roof structure or the like including a water lift well extending beneath the surface of the earth and positioned adjacent to an exterior surface to be protected from the buildup of snow. A pump is positioned wiithin the water lift well to raise relatively warm subsurface water having a temperature greater than freezing from the earth and delivering the relatively warm water into a conduit heat exchange system positioned beneath an exterior surface to be protected from snow buildup. At least one recharging well is positioned adjacent to the exterior surface to be protected and receives water from the conduit system positioned beneath the surface to be protected for permitting the water to re-enter the ground to be recharged with solar and/or geothermal heat stored within the ground. A non-return valve is positioned at a highest point between the pump and the heat exchange conduit system for permitting venting or drainoff of the system and air to enter the heat exchanger conduit system upon termination of subsurface water pumping. A vacuum relief means is provided for preventing a vacuum from being created within the water lift well in the event the well system is covered with snow accumulation or the like.