Modular climate change tarp system

Abstract

A heat transfer system having a flexible surface member having a first side and a second side, forming a heat transfer surface, and two or more thermal conduits, spaced apart and extending across a portion of the heat transfer surface, the two or more thermal conduits adapted to receive a thermal media to form a heat source (heating) or heat sink (cooling) across the heat transfer surface. The flexible surface member may have a plurality of edge regions, the two or more thermal conduits extending between edge regions, such as adjacent edge regions or opposing edge regions. The flexible surface member may have a plurality of corner regions, the two or more thermal conduits extending between corner regions, such as adjacent corner regions or opposing corner regions.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to a portable heat transfer surface. More particularly, the present invention relates to a modular system including a flexible membrane associated with connectable hoses adapted to circulate a thermal media.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]In industrial construction such as earthwork / earth moving, construction of oil & gas pipelines, maintenance of vessels or tanks, building construction, and other operations require heating or cooling in order to provide for operations to safely and efficiently continue in adverse climates or adverse ambient conditions. The equipment, work, and personnel may require protection from the ambient conditions and / or the localized ambient conditions may require management.[0003]In cold climates, the topsoil or at least some depth of the earth's surface may freeze which may inhibit earthwork, such as digging or trenching. Traditionally thawing or warming of the ground may be accomplished ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one disadvantage of previous methods and apparatus for controlling a localized climate or ambient condition.

Problems solved by technology

These operations may be time consuming and inefficient in both set up and operation.

These stringent requirements can be difficult to meet in times of cold or hot temperatures.

One challenge is that the makeshift enclosure (such as hoarding) may be susceptible to wind damage.

Another challenge is that the cold air can be very dry, and once heated that very dry hot air can pull moisture from the poured concrete, making it difficult to maintain the humidity for proper curing.

In addition, the air heater, which may include an open flame, is an added fire risk.

Due to its design which includes a thermal conduit (or hose) with one inlet and one outlet for each surface member (or tarp) a large installation may become somewhat complex requiring preliminary layout design and use of additional headers or connecting hoses.

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