Design optimization of energy efficient self-heating systems using CNT-and CF-embedded sectional heating cement composites

Cement-based heating systems have garnered increasing interest due to their wide range of applications, such as road de-icing and underfloor heating. Conventional systems, however, often employ entire structural elements as heating components, which leads to elevated costs and limits their practical industrial use. This study introduces novel designs of self-heating systems based on sectional heating cement composites aimed at addressing these challenges. By integrating heating composites into traditional mortar specimens, localized heat generation and subsequent distribution across the system are achieved. Numerical thermal analyses showed that sigmoid designs achieved over 85% heat transfer efficiency and were identified as optimal for empirical testing. The fabrication of the specimens was carried out according to the designs used in the thermal analyses and the performances were evaluated. Comprehensive model validation was conducted by comparing results from numerical analyses with experimental data, confirming the accuracy and effectiveness of the models.