Patent Application
20180051432
The disclosed embodiments generally relate to a snow melting device, and more specifically to a snow melting device designed to melt snow beneath and around the device utilizing solar energy.
Snow and ice melting devices typically comprise a system using chemicals that produce heat or lower the melting point of snow or ice, or using electrically or electronically produced heat in order to melt snow and ice. As such, these systems are often used in colder climates to remove snow and ice that accumulates on surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, parking lots and the like. Also, snow and ice melting devices have been designed to eliminate the need to physically remove snow or ice from a location by shoveling, snow-blowing or plowing.
Currently various snow and ice melting devices are on the market that utilize chemicals, electricity, or some heat exchange medium. Chemicals are corrosive, require constant reapplication and timing according to weather conditions, and frequently have a negative impact on the environment. Electrical systems can be complex and costly to install and maintain, and also may not be moved easily from one location to another. Systems which transfer solar energy from a collecting medium to a heat exchange medium in order to melt snow may be energetically inefficient. Also, both chemicals and electricity typically aid melting but not evaporation, which can cause pooling of water into large puddles which may refreeze and become hazardous. Additionally, these existing processes for melting snow and ice are relatively slow.
Thus there is a need in the art fora product and system that address all of the above listed disadvantages while remaining light weight, easy to handle and relocate, low cost, non-corroding and high efficiency.
A first embodiment described herein is a snow and ice melting device that comprises a spiral shaped coil comprising a taper, wherein the taper increases the individual rotational ability of the device to work itself down into a pile of snow or ice rather than sitting on the surface, a notched, grooved or porous surface that facilitates capillary action and thus evaporation of melt water, and a pitch geometry that enables placement within close proximity to other coils.
Another embodiment described herein is a device configured to melt at least one of snow and ice, comprising a coil formed from an elongated member having a first end and a second end, the elongated member having a surface comprising at least one of grooves, notches and pores configured to facilitate movement of liquid by capillary action.
A further embodiment is a method of melting at least one of snow and ice, comprising forming a coil comprising an elongated member having a first end and a second end, the elongated member being formed from a material that absorbs radiant solar energy, and having a surface comprising at least one of grooves, notches and pores configured to facilitate movement of liquid by capillary action, connecting the coil to at least one other coil having a similar configuration, and placing the connected coils in contact with at least one of snow and ice.
The present disclosure will be better understood by those skilled in the pertinent art by referencing the accompanying drawings, where like elements are numbered alike in the several figures, in which:
Sustained temperatures above 32 degrees Fahrenheit are generally required to melt snow and ice. Even during winter months in cold climates, the sun creates a sufficient amount of energy required to achieve this. However, due to the Albedo effect, 90 percent of that energy is reflected by snow and ice, rather than being absorbed. Thus, snow remains intact even after exposure to bright sunlight.
In one embodiment, the device can interrupt the Albedo effect by enabling absorption of radiant solar energy and direct conversion to thermal energy. The device then conducts thermal energy to the surrounding snow and ice, more efficiently melting it, The resulting melt water is then drawn upwards onto the surface of the device not in contact with the ground by capillary action, where it can then evaporate.
In embodiments, the device comprises a spiral shaped coil to melt snow and ice. The cross-sectional shape of the spiral coil is not limited to a circular-shaped spiral. It can be oval, rectangular, triangular or can have other possible geometries.
In embodiments, the spiral coil is formed by extrusion and subsequent shaping of a length of extruded material, such as a resin composite. In embodiments, the coil is formed by injection molding, compression molding, or an additive manufacturing technique such as 3D printing or vat polymerization.
In some cases, the taper may increase the individual rotational ability of the device to work itself down into a pile of snow or ice rather than sitting on top of the surface. The taper variability also allows the coil to remain effective in bright, still conditions and remain uncovered in blowing snow conditions.
The color of the coil can vary. On the one hand, radiant energy from the sun is efficiently absorbed by the dark colored coil and converted into thermal energy. This heat is conducted throughout the coil. The portion of the coil in contact with snow and ice is sufficiently and continually heated to cause melting. On the other hand, the color of the device can provide aesthetic appealing to clients. It is not limited to black.
In embodiments, the coil's shape, geometry, size and dimensions present a constant 90 degree angle to the sun's rays which maximizes radiation absorption at low winter sun elevations.
Typically, melt water refreezes, which stalls the melting process. In one embodiment, the device melts snow in between storm events and thus prevents or reduces the buildup of resulting precipitation. The rate of melting is dependent on sunlight intensity, time of exposure, the evaporative effect, humidity levels, wind speed, and density of surrounding ice and snow. Occasional readjustment of tethered assemblies or individual coils of the disclosed embodiments onto the surface of remaining snow and ice will also increase melt rate.
In embodiments, the device may comprise a thermally conductive material. The material can be metal, thermoplastic, thermoset, ceramic, and/or otherwise filled thermoplastic or thermoset material, or other suitable thermally conductive material. In one embodiment, a thermoplastic resin polymer is used to make the device. This type of material has advantages of light weight, easy handling, and cost efficiency. The thermoplastic resin is configured as a generally spiral compound curve. In embodiments, the coil is formed from a material having a thermal conductivity of at least 2 watts per meter-Kelvin. The resin blend can be modified to maximize thermal conductivity in the range of 2-20 watts per meter-Kelvin (W/mK), or about 6 to about 16 W/mK, or about 10 to about 14 W/mK. In embodiments, the thermoplastic resin can be produced at a low cost of production by extrusion, injecting molding compression molding or similar methods, often requiring secondary thermoforming to achieve a spiral shape. In one embodiment, the surface of thermoplastic resin can be partially or completely coated by a metal. A wide selection of metal types can be used. Non-limiting examples of suitable metals include copper, silver and/or iron, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable thermoplastic and thermoset materials include composites and copolymers formed from polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon and or polyurethane that, in some cases, have been modified to increase their thermal conductivity. Darkening pigments can be added to the bulk material, or coated on the outer surface, to increase the rate of absorption of radiant solar energy by the material. The surface exhibits hydrophilic tendencies.
The device may consist of individual coils, or tethered assemblies consisting of a plurality of coils linked or otherwise connected together, arranged in flat circular, alternating parallel or other arrangements.
The dimensions of the device can accommodate weather conditions ranging from light blowing snow to being placed on many feet of heavy, compacted snow and ice. The device is able to rest on top of the surface on which it is placed without being completely covered by falling precipitation, unlike a thin flat sheet of plastic or other material which could become buried. The device is also able to roll along a surface, so that some portion is constantly exposed to the sun. This maximal exposure of the device to the sun increases melting and evaporative activity.
The ends of each spiral cone or coil are finished to facilitate tethering, and because of the consistent geometry, individual coils can be stacked inside one another for easy storage and shipping. The coils can be reused over several winter seasons without a decrease in functionality. In embodiments, the coil comprises an elastic spring that flattens if it is stepped on by a walker.
It should be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, and “third”, and the like may be used herein to modify elements performing similar and/or analogous functions. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.
While the disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62376494 | Aug 2016 | US |
