Electrothermal heater mat

Abstract

An electrothermal heater mat (3) is provided for an ice protection system for an aircraft (1) or the like. The heater mat (3) is a laminated heater mat and comprises dielectric layers (50-58), a heater element (501) and a conductive ground plane (71-74) for detecting a fault with the heater element (501). The dielectric layers (50-58) are made of thermoplastic material, and the ground plane (71-74) is formed by spraying metal such as copper onto the thermoplastic material of one of the dielectric layers.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to electrothermal anti-icing systems suitable for use in aircraft or other aerodynamic structures such as wind turbine blades to prevent ice formation and / or remove ice that has formed . These two functions may be referred to as anti-icing and de-icing, respectively. Background technique [0002] It is undesirable for an aircraft to form ice on the outer surface of the aircraft during flight. Ice disrupts the smooth flow of air over the surface of the aircraft, increases drag and reduces the ability of the airfoil to perform its intended function. [0003] In addition, ice generation can impede the movement of movable control surfaces such as . Ice from the engine air intake can suddenly break off in large chunks, and the chunks can be sucked into the engine causing damage. [0004] Therefore, it is common for aircraft, especially commercial aircraft, to include anti-icing systems. Commercial aircraft use a ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Ice disrupts the smooth flow of air over the surface of the aircraft, increasing drag and reducing the ability of the wing to perform its intended function

[0003] Additionally, ice creation can impede the movement of movable control surfaces such as

Ice from the engine air intake can suddenly break off in large chunks, and the chunks can be sucked into the engine causing damage

Images