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.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

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 façade, and that will allow them greater flexibility in the design and functionality of today's high rise structures.

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.

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

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.

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

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:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the building cladding heater apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the building cladding heater apparatus installed on a building;

FIG. 3 a front schematic view of the building cladding heater apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a front view of another embodiment of the building cladding heater apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a front view of still another embodiment of the building cladding heater apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a top view of one embodiment of the building cladding heater apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a front view of two building cladding heater apparatus connected by a cable and connectors;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a cable with a male connector;

FIG. 9 is a front view of a male connector;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a cable with a female connector;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the female connector;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a plurality of building cladding heater apparatuses attached to a building cladding; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a plurality of building cladding heater apparatus attached to a different building cladding configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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_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_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.

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.

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.

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_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.

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_ns may range from about 3 inches to about 5 inches.

FIG. 6 is a top view of one embodiment of the building cladding heater apparatus 10. The thickness t_h+i+a may be about ½ inch.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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° F. (80° C.); the power density ranges from about 0.054 watts/ in² to about 0.22 watts/in². 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ½ 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 ½ 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.