Snow Melting Apparatus with Segmented Conduit Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snow management equipment lacks high thermal and energy efficiency in melting large volumes of snow, as most systems rely on hot air or water as primary heat sources, which may not provide uniform heat distribution and are less effective in high-capacity operations.
Innovation Solution
A snow melting apparatus with a large capacity hopper fitted with multiple heating conduits connected to separate hot air sources, featuring horizontally disposed sections and vertical downdraft outlets, creating a high energy thermal zone for direct snow contact, combined with a heat exchanger system for enhanced melting efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hot air or water is used as primary heat source, then snow melting function is provided, but thermal and energy efficiency is insufficient for large volume snow melting
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independent heating conduits distributed throughout the hopper, each capable of receiving hot air from separate sources. This segmentation allows for more uniform heat distribution across large volumes of snow, improving both melting capacity and thermal efficiency by eliminating cold spots and reducing energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating approach transitions from a single-dimension (bottom heating only) to multi-dimensional heating by incorporating vertical conduits along side walls and horizontal conduits at the bottom. This three-dimensional heat distribution network dramatically improves thermal efficiency for large volume snow melting operations.
2Productivity
If conventional heating systems are used, then snow melting is achieved, but uniform heat distribution is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into multiple discrete conduits positioned at various locations (bottom, side walls, upper regions) to ensure uniform heat distribution throughout the snow mass, eliminating the non-uniform heating problem of conventional single-location heating systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the hopper receive heating tailored to their specific needs: horizontal conduits at the bottom provide intensive heating where snow accumulates, while vertical conduits along side walls address lateral heat distribution requirements, creating locally optimized thermal zones throughout the structure.
3Loss of energy
If multiple heating conduits with separate hot air sources are used, then thermal and energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating conduits are designed with dual functionality: vertical sections along side walls provide both structural support and heating, while horizontal sections at the bottom serve as both structural base and heating elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, offsetting the complexity of having multiple conduits.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple heating functions are merged into an integrated conduit system where vertical and horizontal sections work together as unified thermal zones. The conduits combine structural support, heat distribution, and snow melting functions in a single integrated network, reducing overall system complexity despite multiple heating zones.
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 apparatus achieves high thermal and energy efficiency in melting large volumes of snow, ensuring uniform heat distribution and increased melting capacity, making it suitable for large-scale operations like major cities and airports.
Implementation Method 1
The conduits are commingled and have substantially horizontally disposed sections which run in parallel or other arrangements substantially across a bottom region of the hopper to form a high energy thermal zone for direct contact by snow and ice
Implementation Method 2
Each conduit further has a generally vertical section which extends from a distal end of the horizontal section upward from a lower region of the hopper along and inside a side wall of the hopper and terminates in a downdraft outlet or nozzle directed at an upper region of the hopper
Implementation Method 3
In another device snow is loaded into a water filled pit or melting tank which incorporates a burner system. The burner fires downward through a tube which is immersed in the water. Heated combustion products from the burner are mixed with the water and travel up through a weir tube together. Cooled gases escape to the atmosphere and warm water is sprayed over the snow to promote further melting
Implementation Method 4
An open protective grate overlies at least a portion of the horizontally disposed sections of the conduits. A resulting water bath 52 in the bottom of the hopper is hydrodynamically maintained above or below the grate by drainage control
Data Source
AI summary
A high capacity snow melting apparatus has a hopper with one or a plurality of dedicated heater/blower units coupled to a plurality of commingled heat radiant conduits for contact with snow, ice and water, and manifolds connected to the conduits for additional heat exchange and to direct heated air onto snow in the hopper. Terminal sections of the conduits are elevated to an upper region of the hopper and have downwardly directed exhaust ports for substantial and efficient preheating of new snow loads. Heat exchanger passages through the heated air conduits allow water to flow in the path of heated air in the conduits to substantially increase snow and ice melting efficiency of the conduits. A water bath in the bottom of the hopper is level controlled to cover the conduits and drain water from the hopper.