Concrete Heating System with Segmented Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete heating systems for melting snow and ice face challenges in adjusting power levels and targeting specific areas for de-icing, as conductive concrete methods can be difficult to control and may not efficiently heat only desired parts of a structure.
Innovation Solution
A concrete heating system comprising a heating device with a spacing member and conductors extending outward at angles, connected by electrodes to a power source, allowing for adjustable heating patterns and inclusion of a thermal switch for temperature-controlled operation, which can be embedded in conductive concrete to create conductive blocks for heating non-conductive concrete structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conductive concrete is used for electrical melting of ice and snow, then the heating function is achieved, but it is difficult to adjust the power level and target specific areas
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into multiple independent heating zones, each with its own conductors and control capabilities. This segmentation allows different power levels to be applied to different areas, enabling both power adjustment and targeted heating without requiring a completely separate control system for each zone.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the heating system can have different electrical properties by varying the conductor spacing, conductor material, or concrete composition locally. This allows specific areas to be heated with different power levels tailored to their specific de-icing needs, improving both operability and energy efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If electrical heating is applied to melt ice and snow, then the de-icing function is achieved, but it is difficult to keep only targeted parts of the structure free of ice and snow
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system divides the structure into multiple independently controllable zones with separate conductor sets. Each zone can be activated or deactivated individually, allowing precise targeting of areas that need de-icing while leaving other areas unheated, thereby reducing energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of heating the entire structure uniformly, the system applies heating only to the specific portions that require it. By using selective zone activation based on actual de-icing needs, the system avoids excessive heating in areas where it is not required, improving energy efficiency.
3Area of stationary object
If conductors are spaced apart to cover larger area, then the heating coverage is improved, but the power density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the heating area into multiple zones with different conductor spacings. Areas requiring higher power density (such as high-traffic driveway sections) can have closely spaced conductors, while areas needing broader coverage but lower power (such as roadside areas) can have widely spaced conductors.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor spacing and electrical properties are optimized locally for each zone based on its specific requirements. This allows the system to achieve both high power density where needed and broad coverage where sufficient, without compromising overall system performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables precise and adjustable heating of targeted areas, improving power efficiency and allowing for automatic temperature-controlled operation, effectively melting snow and ice on structures like driveways and roads.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of conductors conduct an electrical current between the first electrode and the second electrode when the concrete heating device is embedded in conductive concrete and the power source applies a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A concrete heating system for electrically melting snow and ice. The concrete heating system generally includes a heating device for embedding in conductive concrete, the device having a spacing member and a plurality of electrically isolated conductors extending outward at an angle from the spacing member along its length. The device also includes a first electrode near the first end of the spacing member, and a second electrode extending outward from the spacing member at the second end. The plurality of conductors conduct an electrical current between the first electrode and the second electrode when the concrete heating device is embedded in conductive concrete and the power source applies a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode.