Hello inventive solutions:

Firstly let me wish you good luck in your business venture invention.

Have you searched the 'Invention' site of the US and the UK and The Northern Countries as well as Canada?

I would imagine something like you suggest has been invented. And, by the way, I hope you have registered your idea or design because if not you should not be talking about it on-line. Giving all your secrets away.

http://irc.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/pubs/cbd/cbd160_e.html <<< this is a site which talks about exactly what you have in mind.

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This is the seach page for Canada.

http://index.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/cgi-bin/search-recherche.cgi?collection=nrc_exnet&form=irc_e&simple=true&query=thermostatic%20ice%20melting%20control%20on%20roofs&scope=&s_irc=true&start_rank=141

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babybear

Thanks for the reply I will search the invention sites as you have suggested. It is not my intent to develop this system for a product invention but to hopefully as you suggest one allready developed. This is a serious problem in our area and causes considerable damage to homes not to mention wasteing a considerable amount of energy if the tapes are left.

Thanks for the reply

inventive solutions

i saw one on the net one day that mounts under the eaves and measures humidity and temp but that doesnt account for the unique conditions of the house such as lack of insulation and ventilation-the real culprits of ice damming

thanks for the reply.

inventive solutions

I have used a electrical control called a Freeze-Stat in the past to monitor icing conditions. Just a sensing tube and a set of contacts. The ones I used were SPDT so they were very easy to place into just about any type control circuit. They were fairly inexpensive too: about $30 ea. but that was a number of years ago.

I will try and find that control and see if it meets my requirements.

thanks for the reply

inventive solutions

Hello,

There are self regulating heating cables that only require cutting to length sealing at the end and connecting to the 230V supply.

Used mostly for pipe protection they operate fully at around 5 degrees C and reduce current gradually when the temperature within them rises.

I do not know the full spec but have used them quite successfully in the past.

These cables were capable of 10W per meter, called Freeze Guard from Tyco Electronics.

Not too expensive either so you can always run 2 side by side for extra Wattage.

Hello Guest,

I have not checked the Makers you list but, it sounds like that would be perfect?

Take care..........

baby bear

thanks for the reply

inventive solutions

The problem with just controling by temp alone requires the tapes to be on whenever the temp reaches that point even if there is no ice present. This wastes electric power that is what I am trying to prevent.

thanks for the response

inventive solutions

Hello, Inventive solutions,

So you do not want to heat up the roof if there is no ice present?

Then temperature is not the only factor for measurement.

What about snow?

When is the best time to heat the roof ?

My guess would be when the outside temperature goes from below to above freezing, and of course when a load of snow or ice is on it that is thawing.

The self monitoring tapes I mentioned previously would probably not be of any use here since more power will be needed to melt the formations.

My own view would be to cut a path through the ice / snow before it can build up this would leave large open furrows, even if the covering is several inches deep in unheated areas.

Whatever tape you use maybe it could be coupled with a PLC (mini minder type) that is pre-programed only to switch the power to the tapes when the temperature has been below freezing, and now is above.

Also you need to sense roof covered by ice or snow, this could be by strain gauge, to sense the extra weight, or ultrasonics to sense roof distance to sensor changes, even opto devices such as used on gate closers to scan across a wide area.

I do not know of any other cheap and reliable means to sense the build up, other sensors would be industrial and probably far to expensive to be in a domestic situation.

Regards,

Dave Reynolds.

Hi Dave

I know how to build the unit using off the shelf electrical items. The only thing I would need to have fabricated it the roof sensors. The reason I posted the question is to see if the whole system is available off the shelf. I am going to build a prototype and when I get it done I will send you a picture and schematic off how it works.

inventive solutions

You are correct in the idea of melting a path for the melted snow to flow off the roof. This is the idea behind the system I am proposing.

Hello Guest,

I look forward to seeing your ideas!

Good luck..........

Hi,

there is a product by easyheat which monitors temp and moisture ( rs2 ?) and turns on heaters, also one by danfoss, with the same functions.

duane in new york

Duane

Temperature is not the answer there are already temp sensors that will turn a heat tape on at a set temperature. The problem with that is they will be on even if there is not a problem with a buildup of ice. The real solution to prevent ice buildup is to have a sensor that will sense the ice buildup and then turn the tapes on to provide a channel for the melted snow to flow off the roof. If I had a sensor that will sense the ice I will be able to install the sensors like a bridge over the heat tape. They would be placed on the leading edge of the roof overhang and be wired in parrell so if a ice buildup is sensed in any are on the roof the tapes would turn on. By place the sensors as a bridge over the heat tapes it would melt the ice and remove the signal so the heat tapes would shut off when they are not needed. This is not as complicated as it might sound and the benefits would be considerable. If you don't understand what I am trying to explain please let me know.

Inventive solutions

You have now had time to perfect it.

Has it worked?

Regards,

Dave Reynolds.

Hello again,

Did you do it?

Does it work?

Regards,

Dave Reynolds.