A CFD Study of Preventing Snow Accumulations on Roofs using Airflows

Abstract

Today, there is an abundance of roof designs for buildings, each possessing distinct characteristics when subjected to snowy and cold conditions. Snow buildup on roofs poses various risks, including structural damage and personal injuries. Snow loads can lead to severe building damage or even collapse. The presence of intricate roof shapes and valleys exacerbates the potential harm caused by snow. Additionally, sloped roofs above lower levels can become hazardous if a substantial amount of snow accumulates before sliding off. Furthermore, the orientation of the roof site is crucial in relation to prevailing wind patterns and sunlight exposure. The primary objective of this thesis is to explore the feasibility of utilizing airflows as a means to prevent snow accumulation on roofs. The goal is to introduce an innovative solution to mitigate snow buildup. The concept involves harnessing the drag force generated by wind speeds of both 3 and 27 m/s to dislodge various types of snow crystals, such as powder, needles, spatial, dendrites, rimed, and graupels crystals. By directing these airflows to remove snow crystals before they settle on the roof's surface, the intention is to make the process easier and safer compared to removing accumulated snow. The aim is to employ the appropriate wind velocity to effectively divert snow particles by generating sufficient drag force. After experimenting with various flow inclinations, an angle of 45 degrees was selected. To achieve this objective, the necessary airflow rates are calculated empirically, and different flow patterns are simulated using ANSYS® Workbench.