University of Houston System

University of Alaska

Christiana Chang

Gangbing Song

Zhaohui Yang

Mithun Singla

Ting Yang

Yi Lung Mo

A system and method for heating structures to either prevent the build-up of freezing precipitation or eliminate freezing precipitation on an exposed outer surface of the structures. The system includes a heating assembly integrally formed with a structure to apply thermal energy to the exposed outer surface of the structure. Optionally, the heating assembly includes heating elements formed of carbon fiber. The system optionally includes a control assembly operatively coupled to the heating assembly. The control assembly selectively powers the heating assembly and can be configured for remote operation. In use, the control assembly can be selectively activated from a remote location to power the heating assembly and heat the structure. Optionally, the structure is a concrete structure.

Heating panels and systems and methods of using same

A system and method for heating concrete structures to either prevent the build-up of freezing precipitation or eliminate freezing precipitation on a top surface of the concrete structures. The system includes a heating assembly integrally formed with a concrete structure to apply thermal energy to the top surface of the concrete structure. Optionally, the heating assembly includes heating elements formed of carbon fiber tape. Following formation of the concrete structure, the heating assembly is configured for unified movement with the concrete structure. The system optionally includes a control assembly operatively coupled to the heating assembly. The control assembly selectively powers the heating assembly and can be configured for remote operation. In use, the control assembly can be selectively activated from a remote location to power the heating assembly and heat the concrete structure.

Systems and methods for heating concrete structures

Electric, self-heating concrete systems that uses embedded carbon macrofiber or nanofibers paper as electric resistance heating elements are disclose. The self-heating concrete systems may utilize the conductive properties of carbon macrofiber or nanofiber materials to heat a surface overlay of concrete with various admixtures to improve the concrete's thermal conductivity. The self-heating concrete systems allow concrete roadways or the like to be heated to above freezing temperatures in a freezing environment in a reasonable amount of time.

Growing community of inventors

Houston, TX, United States of America

Christiana Chang