DEVICE FOR PREVENTING ROOF AND DRAINAGE ICE FROM BUILDINGS

Description

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of construction, namely to devices for preventing and melting ice and snow deposits on roofs and in gutters of buildings, and can be used to remove and prevent the accumulation of ice and snow deposits.

[0002] A device for melting ice from roofs is known from the prior art [RU28882U1, published 20.04.2003], comprising a circuit of pipelines with at least one supply and one outlet pipeline with a coolant, a device for heating the coolant connected to a heating source, an expansion tank connected to the circuit, a circulation pump, a control device, characterized in that the circuit is made closed and with a section of the joint of the outlet and supply pipelines, interacting with the heating device, the heating source of which is made in the form of a heating system, the circulation pump is connected to the circuit and to a control sensor, and a frost-resistant material is used as the coolant, wherein the heating device is made in the form of a boiler with a coil connected to the central heating system, the control device is made in the form of a temperature sensor, and antifreeze is used as the frost-resistant material.

[0003] The disadvantage of this device is the need to lay a large diameter pipeline along the roof and gutters, as well as the significant heat loss of such a pipeline, due to the material of the pipeline and the thickness of its walls.

[0004] The closest in technical essence is a device for preventing icing [RU100533U1, published 20.12.2010], containing a pipeline circuit with a frost-resistant coolant, including at least one heating branch, a heat exchanger connected to a water heating system, a circulation pump and a control system, characterized in that the control system includes a temperature sensor connected to the circulation pump, and the heating branch contains a shut-off valve and a precipitation sensor connected to each other, wherein the pipeline circuit is made in the form of a metal-plastic or rubber pipe with an internal cross-section of 9 to 12 mm.

[0005] The main technical problem of the prototype is the need to lay a large-diameter pipeline along the roof and gutters, as well as the significant heat loss of such a pipeline, due to the material of the pipeline and the thickness of its walls.

[0006] The purpose of the utility model is to eliminate the shortcomings of the prototype.

[0007] The technical result of the utility model is to increase the energy efficiency of the device.

[0008] The specified technical result is achieved due to the fact that the device for preventing icing of roofs and gutters of a building contains a hydraulically connected three-way valve, a heat exchanger, a pump and a pipeline filled with a non-freezing liquid coolant, characterized in that the pipeline contains a coating of synthetic ultraviolet-resistant heat-insulating moisture-absorbing material.

[0009] In particular, the pipeline coating is made in the form of a braid made of threads of synthetic ultraviolet-resistant heat-insulating moisture-absorbing material.

[0010] Specifically, the cross-sectional diameter of the pipeline is 9-11mm, the wall thickness of the pipeline is 0.9-1.3mm, and the coating thickness of the synthetic ultraviolet-resistant heat-insulating moisture-absorbing material is 2-4mm.

[0011] In particular, the pipeline further comprises an anti-vandal permeable protective coating placed over a coating made of synthetic ultraviolet-resistant heat-insulating moisture-absorbing material, wherein the anti-vandal permeable protective coating covers no more than 20% of the surface area of ​​the coating made of synthetic ultraviolet-resistant heat-insulating moisture-absorbing material.

[0012] In particular, the synthetic ultraviolet-resistant heat-insulating moisture-absorbing material is polyester, nylon, polypropylene, polyamide and their variants modified with inorganic components.

[0013] In particular, the anti-vandal permeable protective coating is a coating of braided wire made of stainless steel.

[0014] In particular, the heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger.

[0015] Specifically, the pump is a rotary vane pump, gear pump, diaphragm pump or plunger pump.

[0016] In particular, the device contains a control device made in the form of a programmable controller with sensors.

[0017] In particular, the pipeline is made of polyurethane, cross-linked polyethylene or polyamide.

[0018] In particular, the non-freezing liquid heat transfer fluid is an aqueous solution of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin or bischofite.

[0019] Brief description of drawings:

[0020] Fig. 1 shows the general appearance of the device.

[0021] Fig. 2 shows a section of a pipeline with a coating of synthetic ultraviolet-resistant heat-insulating moisture-absorbing material and an anti-vandal permeable protective coating.

[0022] The figures indicate: 1 - heat exchanger, 2 - pump, 3 - three-way valve, 4 - pipeline, 5 - coating made of synthetic ultraviolet-resistant heat-insulating moisture-absorbing material, 6 - vandal-proof permeable protective coating, 7 - servo drive, 8 - hydraulic accumulator.

[0023] Implementation of a utility model.

[0024] The roof and gutter de-icing system comprises a heat exchanger 1, hydraulically connected to a pump 2, a three-way valve 3, and a pipeline 4, forming a single closed hydraulic circuit in which a non-freezing liquid coolant circulates. Three-way valve 3, equipped with a servo drive 7, is used to set the external circuit coolant heating temperature and regulate the amount of thermal energy supplied to the external circuit. When operating a roof gutter heating system, it is necessary to vary the external circuit temperature, for example, during warm and cold winters, as well as during heavy and prolonged precipitation.It's worth noting that this technical solution allows for the supply of a significant amount of thermal energy to the external circuit when needed, for example, during prolonged and heavy snowfall or freezing rain, eliminating the need for emergency calls to construction climbers and preventing critical roofing situations. Electric gutter heating systems, by definition, lack this feature, as electric heating cables have a predetermined heat output per linear meter. This option in this technical solution is a distinctive feature and a significant advantage over electric roof gutter heating systems.In this case, pipeline 4 contains a coating of synthetic ultraviolet-resistant heat-insulating and moisture-absorbing material 5, which modifies the heat transfer characteristics from the non-freezing liquid coolant to the melted snow and ice cover. Such a material must have high resistance to natural ultraviolet radiation (sunlight), good heat-insulating properties, be resistant to natural decomposition and degradation in environmental conditions, and, at the same time, possess good absorption properties. Materials such as polyester, nylon, polypropylene, and polyamide fibers, as well as modified versions of these fibers, impregnated or treated by spraying with inorganic elements and compounds, such as silicon dioxide (SiO2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, meet the necessary requirements.

[0025] Preferably, heat exchanger 1 is connected to a heat source, which can be, for example, the heating system of the building in which the device is installed. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the device, pipeline 4 also comprises a vandal-resistant, permeable protective coating 6 over the coating of synthetic, ultraviolet-resistant, heat-insulating, moisture-absorbing material 5, preferably in the form of a coating of braided stainless steel wire. Such a coating provides additional mechanical strength to pipeline 4 and the coating of synthetic, ultraviolet-resistant, heat-insulating, moisture-absorbing material 5, ensuring their integrity during installation and operation and reducing the risk of coolant leaks.In this case, the anti-vandal permeable protective coating 6 covers no more than 20% of the surface area of ​​the coating made of synthetic ultraviolet-resistant heat-insulating moisture-absorbing material 5, maintaining the possibility of contact of the coating made of synthetic ultraviolet-resistant heat-insulating moisture-absorbing material 5 with moisture and ice.

[0026] Also, in a preferred embodiment of the utility model, the coating of the pipeline 4 is made in the form of a braid made of threads of synthetic ultraviolet-resistant heat-insulating moisture-absorbing material 5, which makes the pipeline 4 extremely flexible and movable, the presence of the braid significantly reduces the likelihood of a break or bend in the pipeline and blocking the flow of the coolant.

[0027] Heat exchanger 1 is preferably a plate heat exchanger, which is caused by the need to significantly increase reliability in order to avoid possible leaks, while heat exchanger 1 performs hydraulic separation of the pipeline circuit 4 and pump 2 and the heat supply circuit, which also minimizes possible damage and energy loss during depressurization of the hydraulic circuit of the device and prevents freezing of the coolant on the roof.

[0028] The pump preferably used is a vane-rotor, gear, diaphragm, or plunger (piston) pump capable of generating high pressure. The high-pressure pump ensures that the required amount of coolant is pumped through pipeline 4, which is made of thin tubing, preferably with a cross-sectional diameter of 9-11 mm and a wall thickness of 0.9-1.3 mm. This solution significantly reduces the cross-sectional area and diameter of pipeline 4, which is installed on the roof in gutters and downspouts. The pipeline is preferably made of polyurethane, cross-linked polyethylene, or polyamide, since one of the main challenges during installation is routing pipeline 4 through narrow channels and small-radius bends. The specified materials for pipeline 4, its cross-section, and wall thickness are selected to reliably withstand the maximum pressure developed by the pump at the maximum temperature at the heat exchanger outlet.

[0029] It is preferable to use a programmable controller with sensors that monitor the presence of precipitation and the ambient temperature to control the device. As a rule, at temperatures below -15°C, snowfall is not observed, and therefore the programmable controller has the ability to regulate the intensity of coolant circulation or completely turn off pump 2.

[0030] Another advantage of this device over similar products is its use of a smaller diameter pipeline, which allows for smaller bending diameters in gutters, allowing for quick and easy installation on the roof. Furthermore, eliminating electric heating and replacing it with a cheaper heat source, while significantly reducing heat loss, allows for a fivefold or more reduction in heating costs. The direct economic benefit depends on the specific heat source selected.

[0031] The device operates as follows.

[0032] Heat exchanger 1 is connected to a heat source, preferably the heating system of the building in which the device is installed. Pipeline 4 is placed on the roof and in the building's gutter system to ensure contact between pipeline 4, which carries the non-freezing heat-transfer fluid heated by heat exchanger 1, and any snow or ice buildup. Pump 2 circulates the non-freezing heat-transfer fluid in the device's hydraulic circuit, and three-way valve 3 regulates the coolant temperature. In areas of the roof and gutter system free of snow or ice accumulation, a coating of synthetic, ultraviolet-resistant, moisture-absorbing heat-insulating material 5 provides direct heat insulation, reducing unnecessary heat loss to the environment.At the same time, in the snow or ice accumulation zone (i.e., the melt zone), meltwater is absorbed by the coating of synthetic ultraviolet-resistant heat-insulating and moisture-absorbing material 5, sharply reducing its thermal insulation properties. This significantly enhances heat transfer from the coolant to the snow and ice accumulations. The constant influx of water formed in this zone as a result of melting maintains the heat transfer from the coolant to the snow and ice deposits, melting them and preventing ice formation. Since thermal energy is concentrated in the melt zone, a self-regulating effect—zonal melting—occurs. One zone of the pipeline expends heat and melts the ice, while another, now dry zone, saves heat.

[0033] Examples of implementation of the utility model.

[0034] According to the utility model, a device for preventing icing of roofs and gutters of a building was designed and tested.

[0035] As part of the experimental design work, a device was manufactured and tested to prevent icing of the roof and drainage system of a multi-story residential building located in a climate zone with an outside air temperature of up to -30°C.

[0036] A plate heat exchanger (type BB-18) was connected to the building's central heating system. A gear pump with an 80W electric motor, capable of generating pressure up to 6 bar, was used as the pump. A three-way valve with a servo drive was integrated into the hydraulic circuit to regulate the coolant flow. The pump and valve were controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC), which received signals from an outside air temperature sensor and a humidity (precipitation) sensor mounted on the roof. The device's closed hydraulic circuit was filled with a non-freezing liquid coolant—a 40% aqueous propylene glycol solution, safe in the event of any leaks. The unit's piping was installed along the roof edge, in gutters, and inside downspouts.The piping used was a polyurethane tube with an internal diameter of 10 mm and a wall thickness of 1.1 mm, providing the necessary flexibility for installation in narrow gutter channels. A 3 mm thick braid of modified polyester, a synthetic material with the necessary properties for the device, was placed over the polyurethane tube: UV resistance, low thermal conductivity, and hydrophilicity (the ability to absorb moisture). A vandal-resistant, permeable coating of braided stainless steel wire was applied over this layer to protect against mechanical damage (birds, branches, and friction against the gutter). The braiding was performed at a pitch that ensured coverage of no more than 15% of the underlying polyester layer to maintain moisture access to the hydrophilic material.

[0037] To evaluate the effectiveness, a comparative analysis of the heat loss and energy efficiency of the proposed device and the prototype device according to patent RU100533U1 was conducted. A similar rig was assembled as a prototype model, using a metal-plastic pipe with an internal cross-section of 10 mm. Testing was conducted in two stages with a stabilized coolant inlet temperature of 60°C and an ambient air temperature of -10°C.

[0038] In the first stage, the operation of the devices was simulated in the absence of snow and ice. The heat flux dissipated by one linear meter of pipeline was measured as a control parameter. For the prototype, specific heat loss averaged 32 W / m. This high figure is explained by the good thermal conductivity of the pipe material and the lack of effective insulation, which resulted in unnecessary heating of the surrounding air. Meanwhile, for the proposed device, thanks to the presence of a coating made of synthetic, ultraviolet-resistant, heat-insulating, moisture-absorbing material with a low thermal conductivity coefficient (0.04-0.05 W / m K) when dry, specific heat loss was only 12 W / m.

[0039] During the second stage of testing, a layer of model ice, simulating the ice in a drainpipe, was applied to the surface of both pipelines. To ensure the integrity of the experiment, the ice had an initial temperature of -5°C. Water formed in the contact zone due to melting. For the proposed device, this water was instantly absorbed by the hydrophilic polyester coating, causing the thermal conductivity of the water-saturated material to increase dramatically. This led to a "zonal melting" effect: heat was actively dissipated from the pipe precisely in areas where the coating was wet, i.e., directly into the contact zone with the ice, while heat loss in areas of the "dry" coating remained low. The specific heat output in the melting zone of the prototype remained unchanged (32-35 W / m), as the insulating properties of its wall remained unchanged, and the thin water film created additional thermal resistance.At the same time, the claimed device's heat flux from the coolant to the ice surface in the contact zone with wet ice was 58 W / m, ensuring rapid thawing of the channels in the gutters and pipes and subsequent drying of the pipeline coating, which again reduced its heat transfer. The combination of low losses in dry areas and high heat transfer in wet areas accelerated the thawing process and reduced the device's overall energy consumption by ~52% compared to the prototype, where the pipeline heated the surrounding air along its entire length with uniform intensity.

[0040] The technical result of the utility model is to increase the energy efficiency of the device.

[0041] The stated technical result is achieved by coating the pipeline with a synthetic, ultraviolet-resistant, heat-insulating, moisture-absorbing material. This material provides effective thermal insulation when dry, reducing wasteful heat loss from the coolant to the environment. It also absorbs moisture upon contact with meltwater formed in the melting zone of snow or ice, dramatically increasing its thermal conductivity. This concentrates the heat flow from the coolant precisely in areas where ice and snow accumulate, intensifying their melting, while the remaining sections of the pipeline remain thermally insulated. This ensures targeted delivery of heat energy only to where it is truly needed, eliminating excess heat consumption and improving the overall energy efficiency of the system.

[0042] The braided coating of the specified material imparts flexibility and mechanical resistance to kinks and fractures to the pipeline, ensuring the integrity of the hydraulic circuit and stable coolant circulation. A disruption in circulation could lead to localized underheating and, consequently, ice formation in the drainpipes and their failure.

[0043] The selection of specific geometric parameters—a pipeline cross-section diameter of 9-11 mm, a wall thickness of 0.9-1.3 mm, and a coating thickness of 2-4 mm—optimizes heat transfer from the coolant to the external heat sink (snow and ice). A thin wall made of a low-thermal-conductivity material further enhances heat transfer to the outside when the pipeline and its coating are immersed in water. The coating thickness is selected to ensure sufficient thermal resistance when dry and to ensure rapid wetting and efficient heat exchange when wet.

[0044] Additionally, the presence of a vandal-resistant, permeable protective coating placed over the moisture-absorbing layer prevents mechanical damage to the pipeline during installation and operation (e.g., from birds, branches, vandals, or friction against sharp gutter edges), thereby maintaining the integrity of the insulation layer and preventing coolant leaks. Leaks lead to failure of the gutter heating device, as air enters the pipeline, and the pump stops circulating the coolant through the hydraulic circuit. Limiting the vandal-resistant stainless steel braided coating to no more than 20% of the moisture-absorbing layer surface ensures that moisture access to the hydrophilic material is not significantly impaired, and the zonal melting effect is maintained.Additionally, the use of an anti-vandal coating made of braided stainless steel wire ensures the necessary strength and durability, without impeding moisture absorption and preserving all the functional properties of the underlying layer.

[0045] The use of a plate heat exchanger ensures efficient heat transfer from an external source (heating system) to the device circuit with hydraulic isolation, which minimizes the risk of leaks and associated energy losses, and increases the reliability of the system as a whole.

[0046] The use of a high-pressure pump (rotary vane, gear, diaphragm, or plunger) allows the coolant to be pumped through a small-diameter pipeline at a sufficient speed, ensuring the required heat transfer intensity in the melting zones. Furthermore, the ability to generate high pressure allows the use of thin-walled tubes with a small cross-section, which reduces material consumption and heat loss due to the smaller contact surface.

[0047] The inclusion of a programmable controller with temperature and precipitation sensors allows for automatic circulation only when conditions are ripe for ice formation and shuts it off when it's not needed (for example, in very low temperatures when snow doesn't melt, or in dry weather). This eliminates idle pump operation and unnecessary heating of the pipeline, directly saving energy and heat.

[0048] The choice of pipeline material made of polyurethane, cross-linked polyethylene or polyamide is due to their chemical resistance to antifreeze, mechanical flexibility and resistance to kinks at bends, which allows the pipeline to be laid in hard-to-reach places.

[0049] Using aqueous solutions of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin, or bischofite as a non-freezing heat transfer fluid ensures system operation at sub-zero outside temperatures. Freezing of the heat transfer fluid would stop circulation and cause loss of functionality, and could also cause a pipeline rupture with subsequent emergency heat loss. Using non-freezing fluids ensures the unit remains operational throughout the cold season.

[0050] Only if all of the above characteristics are present will the device operate effectively. Failure to meet or eliminate even one of these characteristics will result in high heat loss, disruption of coolant circulation, and reduced efficiency of heat transfer from the coolant to the melted snow and ice, which will ultimately defeat the stated technical purpose of the device. This technical solution ensures simple, effective, and reliable removal of snow, ice, and icicles from roofs and gutters, while significantly reducing operating costs.

Claims

1. A device for preventing icing of roofs and gutters of a building, comprising a hydraulically connected three-way valve with a servo drive, a heat exchanger, a pump and a pipeline filled with a non-freezing liquid heat carrier, characterized in that the pipeline contains a coating of a synthetic ultraviolet-resistant heat-insulating moisture-absorbing material.

2. A device for preventing icing of roofs and gutters of a building according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the pipeline coating is made in the form of a braid made of threads of synthetic ultraviolet-resistant heat-insulating moisture-absorbing material.

3. A device for preventing icing of roofs and gutters of a building according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the diameter of the pipeline cross-section is 9-11 mm, the thickness of the pipeline wall is 0.9-1.3 mm, and the thickness of the coating made of synthetic ultraviolet-resistant heat-insulating moisture-absorbing material is 2-4 mm.

4. A device for preventing icing of roofs and gutters of a building according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the pipeline additionally contains an anti-vandal permeable protective coating placed over a coating made of synthetic ultraviolet-resistant heat-insulating moisture-absorbing material, wherein the anti-vandal permeable protective coating covers no more than 20% of the surface area of ​​the coating made of synthetic ultraviolet-resistant heat-insulating moisture-absorbing material.

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