U.S. patent application number 14/541644 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-19 for building cladding heater apparatus and system.
This patent application is currently assigned to THERMAL FLUIDICS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Richard Losi. Invention is credited to Richard Losi.
Application Number | 20160138812 14/541644 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55961345 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160138812 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Losi; Richard |
May 19, 2016 |
BUILDING CLADDING HEATER APPARATUS AND SYSTEM
Abstract
A building cladding heater apparatus comprising: a heating
element; an insulation layer on one side of the heating element; an
adhesive layer on one side of the heating element, on the side
opposite of the insulation layer; a first bus braid located in the
heating element; a second bus braid located in the heating element.
A building cladding heater system comprising: a building; a
building cladding forming generally the skin of the building; a
first building cladding heater apparatus affixed to an inner
surface of the building cladding, the building cladding heater
apparatus comprising: a heating element; an insulation layer on one
side of the heating element; an adhesive layer on one side of the
heating element, on the side opposite of the insulation layer; a
first bus braid located in the heating element; a second bus braid
located in the heating element; a power source located on the
interior side of the building cladding and in operable
communication with the first building cladding heater
apparatus.
Inventors: |
Losi; Richard; (Wallingford,
CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Losi; Richard |
Wallingford |
CT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
THERMAL FLUIDICS, INC.
Wallingford
CT
|
Family ID: |
55961345 |
Appl. No.: |
14/541644 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/27 ;
219/213 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02B 30/00 20130101;
E04F 13/0866 20130101; Y02B 30/26 20130101; F24D 13/022 20130101;
E04F 13/0875 20130101; E04F 13/0885 20130101; E04D 13/103
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24D 13/02 20060101
F24D013/02; E04D 13/10 20060101 E04D013/10; E04F 13/072 20060101
E04F013/072 |
Claims
1. A building cladding heater apparatus comprising: a heating
element; an insulation layer on one side of the heating element; an
adhesive layer on one side of the heating element, on the side
opposite of the insulation layer, the adhesive layer configured to
adhere to an inner surface of a building cladding and thereby
attach the building cladding heater apparatus to the inner surface
of the building cladding; a first bus braid located in the heating
element; a second bus braid located in the heating element.
2. The building cladding heater apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
heating element comprises: a semi-conductive core a dielectric
insulation jacket surrounding the semi-conductive core.
3. The building cladding heater apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
first bus braid is parallel to the second bus braid.
4. The building cladding heater apparatus of claim 1, further
comprising: a plurality of slots located on the building cladding
heater apparatus and configured to provide flexibility to the
building cladding heater apparatus.
5. The building cladding heater apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
thickness of the building cladding heater is about 1/2 inch.
6. The building cladding heater apparatus of claim 1, further
comprising: a power supply in operational communication with the
first and second bus braids.
7. The building cladding heater apparatus of claim 6, wherein the
power supply is a low voltage power supply of about 12 volts to
about 48 volts
8. A building cladding heater system comprising: a building; a
building cladding forming generally the skin of the building; a
first building cladding heater apparatus affixed to an inner
surface of the building cladding, the building cladding heater
apparatus comprising: a heating element; an insulation layer on one
side of the heating element; an adhesive layer on one side of the
heating element, on the side opposite of the insulation layer; a
first bus braid located in the heating element; a second bus braid
located in the heating element; a power source located on the
interior side of the building cladding and in operable
communication with the first building cladding heater
apparatus.
9. The building cladding heater system of claim 8, further
comprising: a second building cladding heater apparatus affixed to
the inner surface of the building cladding and in operable
communication with the power source.
10. The building cladding heater system of claim 8, further
comprising: a plurality of additional building cladding heater
apparatuses affixed to an inner surface of the building cladding;
wherein the first building cladding heater apparatus and the
plurality of additional building cladding heater apparatuses are
connected serially by one or more cables.
11. The building cladding heater system of claim 8, further
comprising: a plurality of additional building cladding heater
apparatuses affixed to an inner surface of the building cladding;
wherein the each of the additional building cladding heater
apparatuses are connected to one or more power supplies.
12. The building cladding heater apparatus system of claim 8,
wherein the heating element comprises: a semi-conductive core a
dielectric insulation jacket surrounding the semi-conductive
core.
13. The building cladding heater apparatus system of claim 8,
wherein the first bus braid is parallel to the second bus
braid.
14. The building cladding heater apparatus system of claim 8,
further comprising: a plurality of slots located on the building
cladding heater apparatus and configured to provide flexibility to
the building cladding heater apparatus.
15. The building cladding heater apparatus system of claim 8,
wherein the thickness of the building cladding heater is about 1/2
inch.
16. The building cladding heater apparatus system of claim 8,
wherein the power source is a low voltage power source of about 12
volts to about 48 volts.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to a building cladding heating
apparatus and system, and more particularly, to a building cladding
heating apparatus and system that will prevent ice, and snow from
building up on non-vertical surfaces of buildings.
BACKGROUND
[0002] High rise buildings in cold regions have been limited in
their design and architecture by the danger of snow and ice
accumulating on any inclined or horizontal surfaces of the
building, and shearing off and falling to the ground with the
potential of property damage and injury or death to pedestrians
below. Architects, building designers, and building owners are in
need of an apparatus and system that prevents the buildup of snow
and ice that is functional yet, does not impact the aesthetics of
the building's facade, and that will allow them greater flexibility
in the design and functionality of today's high rise
structures.
[0003] Known heating systems are generally applied to the exposed
surface of the structure and deter from the aesthetics of the
building. Also, these heating systems do little to prevent the
build-up of snow and/or ice, but are generally only intended to
allow melt water to exit the surface without re-freezing. Their use
is primarily to facilitate the flow of melt water off a roof or
gutter system.
[0004] Thus there is a need for a building cladding heating
apparatus and system that overcomes the above listed and other
disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The disclosed invention relates to a building cladding
heater apparatus comprising: a heating element; an insulation layer
on one side of the heating element; an adhesive layer on one side
of the heating element, on the side opposite of the insulation
layer; a first bus braid located in the heating element; a second
bus braid located in the heating element.
[0006] The invention also relates to a building cladding heater
system comprising: a building; a building cladding forming
generally the skin of the building; a first building cladding
heater apparatus affixed to an inner surface of the building
cladding, the building cladding heater apparatus comprising: a
heating element; an insulation layer on one side of the heating
element; an adhesive layer on one side of the heating element, on
the side opposite of the insulation layer; a first bus braid
located in the heating element; a second bus braid located in the
heating element; a power source located on the interior side of the
building cladding and in operable communication with the first
building cladding heater apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] 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:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
building cladding heater apparatus;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the building cladding heater
apparatus installed on a building;
[0010] FIG. 3 a front schematic view of the building cladding
heater apparatus;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a front view of another embodiment of the building
cladding heater apparatus;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a front view of still another embodiment of the
building cladding heater apparatus;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a top view of one embodiment of the building
cladding heater apparatus;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a front view of two building cladding heater
apparatus connected by a cable and connectors;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a side view of a cable with a male connector;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a front view of a male connector;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a side view of a cable with a female
connector;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a front view of the female connector;
[0019] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a plurality of building
cladding heater apparatuses attached to a building cladding;
and
[0020] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a plurality of building
cladding heater apparatus attached to a different building cladding
configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the disclosed building
cladding heater apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 comprises a heating
element 14. The heating element 14 may be sandwiched between an
insulation layer 18, and an adhesive layer 22. The heating element
14, insulation layer 18, and adhesive layer 22 may form a generally
square or rectangular shape in one embodiment. A power supply 26 is
in operable communication with the heating element 14. The
thickness of the heating element shown by t.sub.h may be about
0.0625'' to about 0.125''.The thickness of the total apparatus 10,
that is the thickness of the heating element, insulation layer, and
adhesive layer, shown by t.sub.h+i+a, my range from about 0.125''
to about 2.125''. The apparatus may be applied to the inner surface
of a building cladding, with the adhesive layer 22 used to attach
the apparatus 10 to the inner surface of the building cladding.
Building cladding is generally the exterior skin, or envelope of a
building, and includes all moisture barriers and siding materials
used to cover the outside of the structure. Building cladding can
serve both a decorative and a functional purpose. It is used to
complement the architectural style of the building while also
offering protection from rain, wind, snow, and other outside
elements. Building cladding can also add insulation to the
structure while minimizing sound transmission through the walls.
While the term cladding is widely used in Europe and Australia,
these exterior finish materials are typically known as siding in
North America.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a building 30, with
building cladding 34. The disclosed building cladding heater
apparatus 10 is shown attached to the inner surface of the building
cladding 34 on a non-vertical surface 38. In this view the power
supply 26 is not shown.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a view of the disclosed building cladding heater
apparatus 10 attached to a building cladding panel 38. Facing the
viewer in FIG. 3 is the insulation layer 18. The heating element 14
is behind the insulation layer 18 in this view, as is the adhesive
layer 22. The heating element 14 and adhesive layer 22 are not
visible in this figure. The adhesive layer 22 is between the
heating element 14 and the building cladding panel 38. Electrical
conductors 42 are shown in communication with the heating element
14. The electrical conductors 42 will be in communication with the
power supply 26, not shown in this figure.
[0024] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the heating element 14.
The heating element 14 may comprise a semi-conductive core 46, and
a dielectric insulation 50 in the form of a polyethylene film. In
one embodiment, the dielectric insulation 50 is a component of the
heating element 14. The heating element 14 may comprise a plurality
of slots 54. The slots will increase the flexibility of the heating
element 14, therefore allowing for a large element 14 that will not
tend to break when flexed or slightly bent. The width of the
element 14 with slots 54 may be about 3 inches to about 12 inches,
as shown by W.sub.s. The heating elements may have bus braids 58
that are embedded in the heating element 14, and that are
configured to be in communication with a power supply. In one
embodiment, the slots 54 go all the way through the heating element
14.
[0025] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the heating element 14.
In this embodiment, there are no slots 54. Thus, the maximum size
of the heating element 14 is reduced due to the relative
inflexibility of the heating element 14 with slots. The width of
this heating element 14, shown by W.sub.ns may range from about 3
inches to about 5 inches.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a top view of one embodiment of the building
cladding heater apparatus 10. The thickness t.sub.h+i+a may be
about 1/2 inch.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a front view of two building cladding heater
apparatuses 10 attached via a cable 62 and male connectors 66 and
female connectors 70.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a side view of one embodiment of the male
connector 66 and cable 62. FIG. 8 shows a partial cutaway view of
the cable 62. FIG. 9 is a front view of the male connector 66.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a side view of one embodiment of the female
connector 70 and cable 62. FIG. 10 shows a partial cutaway view of
the cable 62. FIG. 11 is a front view of the female connector
70.
[0030] FIG. 12 shows one embodiment of multiple building cladding
heater apparatuses 10 designed to be attached to a building
cladding 34. Cables 62 connect the building cladding heater
apparatuses 10 to several power supplies 26.
[0031] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of multiple building
cladding heater apparatuses 10 designed to be attached to a
building cladding 34. Cables 62 connect the building cladding
heater apparatuses 10 to several power supplies 26.
[0032] This square or rectangular shape of the building cladding
heater apparatus 10 is easy to ship and store, and is easy to use.
However, the shape of the building cladding heater apparatuses 10
may be any shape suitable to attach to a building cladding panel,
including circular, oval, trapezoidal, triangular, etc. The heating
element 14 may be a positive coefficient polymer. The positive
coefficient polymer may be configured such that it produces more
power as the temperature falls and reduces its power output as the
temperature rises.
[0033] The heating element comprises self-regulating technology
that provides even heat distribution with generally no hot spots.
The heating elements are self-regulating, that is as the ambient or
air temperature drops, the heating element produces more heat.
Inversely, the warmer the ambient or air temperature, the less heat
is produced. The disclosed system is designed to install on the
interior surface of cladding, and provides enough heat to prevent
the buildup of damaging ice/snow on any horizontal or inclined
surfaces. Since the building cladding heater apparatuses 10 are
installed on the internal side of the building cladding, the
visibility of unsightly wires/cables, power supplies, etc., are
eliminated. The heaters can be sized and configured to fit
generally any de-icing requirements. The system is low voltage, and
thus eliminates the need or requirement for costly ground fault
protection requirements. The system has a generally simple and
modular design which facilitates ease of installation in the field.
In one embodiment, the maximum exposure temperature may be about
176.degree. F. (80.degree. C.); the power density ranges from about
0.054 watts/ in.sup.2 to about 0.22 watts/in.sup.2. The voltage may
range from about 5V to about 30V, and use an AC or DC source. The
power leads may be 3' long tinned copper. The system may use
modular male/female connectors for are available for building
cladding heater apparatuses 10 that will be connected in series.
The building cladding heater apparatus may have a silicone, rubber,
or Mylar overjacket with an optional pressure sensitive
adhesive.
[0034] The building cladding heater apparatus 10 are designed to
prevent the accumulation of Ice/Snow on the building surface by
producing a nominal power output of 20-30 watts/sq.ft. The building
cladding heater apparatuses 10 may be installed on the interior
side of the building's curtain wall/cladding. The building cladding
heater apparatus 10 may be an ETL recognized heaters. The building
cladding heater apparatus 10 may comprise a PTC heating element
insulated by sheets of polyester and/or polyethylene co-laminate.
The resistance of the heating element will vary with temperature
butt will consistently yield a nominal watt density equal to 20-30
watts/sq.ft. +/-. Insulation will generally be factory applied to
one side of the heating element. The building cladding heater
apparatuses 10 may come standard with 10' long, 12 AWG Insulated
Cold leads. Each building cladding heater apparatus 10 may be
supplied with a factory applied Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive for
ease of installation. The building cladding heater apparatuses 10
may operate on 24 volts with the use of transformers. The disclosed
system may be controlled by a switch, an ambient sensing
thermostat, or an automatic snow controller through an appropriate
contactor.
[0035] This invention has many advantages. The building cladding
heater apparatus 10 may be easily installed on the interior of
building claddings. The disclosed system will generally be out of
sight to the public, because of its internal installation. The
building cladding heater apparatus and system will prevent the
buildup of ice and snow on non-vertical building surfaces when
installed. The disclosed system is self-regulating, in that the
heating element will increase in temperature when the ambient
temperature is lowered, and the heating element will decrease in
temperature when the ambient temperature is higher. The disclosed
system uses a low voltage system that does not require costly
ground fault protection requirements.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
* * * * *