System for de-icing a surface of an aircraft

Abstract

The invention relates to a de-icing system (101) capable of de-icing a surface (103) of an aircraft (105), the system comprising a fluid circuit (119) that comprises at least: ‐ a pressurised tank (113); ‐ at least one pneumatic de-icing device (109), ‐ at least one first switching means (115); ‐ at least one second switching means (117); and ‐ a pressurised fluid distribution device (111) configured to bring about: o the delivery of a pressurised fluid to the pneumatic de-icing device (109) via the pressurised tank (113) and the switching means (115); and / or o the removal of the pressurised fluid from the pneumatic de-icing device (109) via the first switching means (115) and the second switching means (117).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] TITLE: DE-ICING SYSTEM FOR AN AIRCRAFT SURFACE

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The invention relates to the field of managing the condition of a surface of an aircraft. It relates in particular to a de-icing system for a surface of an aircraft and a method of using such a de-icing system.

[0005] PRIOR ART

[0006] The state of the art includes in particular documents W0-A1-2015110974, GB-A-2355243, US-A1-3720388 and CA-A1-3073456.

[0007] To eliminate any ice that may be present on the surface of an aircraft, it is known to use de-icing devices whose operation is based on the use of a pressurized fluid, for example pressurized air, otherwise known as pressurized air.

[0008] Such de-icing devices must be supplied with pressurized air in order to cause de-icing, often by mechanical action, of a surface of an aircraft on which they are installed.

[0009] In the known state of the art, the pressurized air used to supply the de-icing devices is taken from an aircraft engine, for example from an air flow circulating in a turbomachine. This is called engine air sampling.

[0010] However, such operation has several disadvantages. Indeed, the engine air bleed has an effect on the aircraft engine speed and therefore on its performance. In addition, the pressurized air bleed has pressure and temperature values ​​higher than those strictly necessary for the operation of the de-icing devices. In addition, the energy consumption linked to the power supply of the de-icing devices is also higher than that required, which may require sizing specifically adapted to the needs of the de-icing devices.

[0011] Finally, such defrosting devices must be kept under vacuum when no defrosting is required, involving permanent air consumption and therefore also energy loss.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention provides a solution to these drawbacks.

[0014] Thus, one objective of the invention is to propose a defrosting system which does not require the use of engine air sampling while presenting optimized efficiency.

[0015] To this end, the invention according to a first aspect relates to a de-icing system, capable of allowing de-icing of a surface of an aircraft, comprising a fluid circuit integrating at least:

[0016] - a pressure tank;

[0017] - at least one pneumatic defrosting device;

[0018] - at least one first switching means; and

[0019] - at least one second switching means.

[0020] More particularly, the fluid circuit comprises at least one device for distributing fluid under pressure, configured to drive:

[0021] - a delivery of a pressurized fluid to the pneumatic defrosting device, via the pressure tank and the first switching means, and / or

[0022] - a withdrawal of the pressurized fluid from the pneumatic defrosting device, via the first switching means and the second switching means.

[0023] Furthermore, the pressurized fluid distribution device may be configured to cause the pneumatic defrosting device to be evacuated, via the first switching means and the second switching means.

[0024] The defrosting system according to the invention may comprise a control unit configured to control a pressurization of the pressure tank, an inflation, a deflation and / or a vacuuming of the pneumatic defrosting device.

[0025] The defrosting system according to the invention may have one or more of the following features, taken individually or in combination with each other, according to which the defrosting system may comprise:

[0026] - a compressor, in particular an electric compressor, as a device for distributing fluid under pressure;

[0027] - at least one sensor, capable of measuring a pressure of the pressurized fluid, at the level of the pneumatic defrosting device;

[0028] - a non-return valve, in particular heated, arranged in the fluid circuit, at the outlet of the pressurized fluid distribution device;

[0029] - at least one means of drainage, in particular a drainage valve;

[0030] - a pressure limiter arranged, in the fluid circuit, at an outlet of the pressure tank; and / or

[0031] - the second switching means comprises a path configured to allow injection of external fluid into the fluid circuit, in particular pressurized air from a cabin of the aircraft.

[0032] The invention according to a second aspect also relates to a method of using at least one system for de-icing a surface of an aircraft, in particular according to the first aspect, comprising at least:

[0033] - a filling step, during which a pressure tank is filled with pressurized fluid;

[0034] - an inflation step, during which at least one pneumatic defrosting device is inflated from the pressurized fluid contained in the pressure tank; and

[0035] - a deflation step, during which the pneumatic defrosting device is deflated.

[0036] In addition, the method of use according to the invention may comprise at least:

[0037] - a vacuum step, during which the pneumatic defrosting device is evacuated; and / or - a filling step, during which the pressure tank is filled with the pressurized fluid from the pneumatic defrosting devices;

[0038] Furthermore, according to the method of use according to the invention, the inflation step and the deflation step can be repeated successively.

[0039] Finally, according to various additional characteristics, the method of use according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in combination with each other, according to which:

[0040] - the filling step may comprise at least one of the following sub-steps consisting of: o a pressure measurement step, during which a pressure sensor measures a pressure in the pressurized tank; o a step of activating the distribution device, during which the pressurized fluid distribution device is put into operation, so as to supply the pressurized tank with pressurized fluid; o a step of configuring in “filling” mode, during which:

[0041] ■ an output of a first switching means connected to a second switching means is open;

[0042] ■ an input of the first switching means connected to the pressure tank, in particular via a pressure limiter, is closed; and

[0043] ■ an output of the second switching means connected to the pressure tank is open:

[0044] - the inflation step may include at least the following sub-step consisting of: o a configuration step in “inflation” mode, during which:

[0045] ■ the second switching means is closed; ■ an output of the first switching means connected to the second switching means is closed; and

[0046] ■ an output of the first switching means connected to the pneumatic defrosting device is open.

[0047] - the deflation step may comprise at least one of the following sub-steps consisting of o a step of activating the distribution device, during which the pressurized fluid distribution device is put into operation, so as to deflate and / or evacuate the pneumatic defrosting device; o a step of configuring in “deflation” mode, during which:

[0048] ■ an input of the first switching means connected to the pressure tank, in particular via the pressure limiter, is closed; and

[0049] ■ an output of the first switching means connected to the second switching means is open.

[0050] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] The invention will be better understood and other characteristics and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description which follows, comprising embodiments given solely as non-limiting examples with reference to the appended figures, which may serve to complete the understanding of the invention and the description of its implementation and, where appropriate, contribute to its definition, in which:

[0052] - Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a defrosting system according to the invention; and,

[0053] - Figure 2 is a diagram of the implementation of a method of using a defrosting system according to the invention.

[0054] DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a de-icing system 101 according to the invention. Such a de-icing system 101 is intended to ensure de-icing of a surface 103 of an aircraft 105.

[0055] In the non-limiting example described with reference to FIG. 1, the aircraft 105 is equipped with a plurality of de-icing systems 101. For the sake of clarity, only one de-icing system 101 is visible in FIG. 1.

[0056] As presented, the de-icing system 101 is assigned to the de-icing of the surface 103, in particular of a wing of the aircraft 105.

[0057] Generally speaking, the invention makes it possible, by means of a de-icing system 101 or a plurality of de-icing systems 101, to eliminate ice from one or more zones of the surface 103 of the aircraft 105.

[0058] Furthermore, according to the invention, the different defrosting systems101 can be independent of each other and / or connected to each other by at least one fluid connection, where appropriate via at least one valve.

[0059] According to the present invention, the defrosting system 101 comprises at least one pneumatic defrosting device 109. In the example presented in FIG. 1, the defrosting system 101 comprises four pneumatic defrosting devices 109.

[0060] Such a pneumatic defrosting device may be, according to a non-limiting example, a device as described in European patent application EP-A1-3097017, in particular called “pneumo-expulse”.

[0061] More generally, the pneumatic defrosting device 109 according to the invention is capable of inflating, deflating and / or being placed under vacuum, depending on whether it is supplied by a pressurized fluid or not.

[0062] Inflation of the pneumatic deicing device 109 causes deicing of the surface 103 of the aircraft 105 at which the pneumatic deicing device 109 is positioned.

[0063] Furthermore, the defrosting system 101 also comprises a pressurized fluid distribution device 111, such as in particular a compressor 111, configured to drive - a delivery of a pressurized fluid to the pneumatic defrosting device 109, ensuring the inflation of the pneumatic defrosting device 109, and / or

[0064] - a withdrawal of the pressurized fluid to the pneumatic defrosting device 109, ensuring the deflation of the pneumatic defrosting device 109.

[0065] According to the invention, the deflation of the pneumatic defrosting device 109 can be complete in the sense that the pneumatic defrosting device 109 is placed under vacuum, via the action of the pressurized fluid distribution device 111.

[0066] In a particular embodiment, the pressurized fluid distribution device 111 is an electric compressor.

[0067] In the non-limiting example shown, in addition to the elements already described, the defrosting system 101 notably comprises

[0068] - a pressure tank 113,

[0069] - at least one first switching means 115, in particular a first valve 115, in particular a first “three-way” valve 115 and

[0070] - at least one second switching means 117, in particular a second valve 117, in particular a second “three-way” valve 117.

[0071] The pressure tank 113 is supplied with pressurized fluid, in particular pressurized air, by the pressurized fluid distribution device 111. The pressure tank 113 is capable of:

[0072] - store the fluid under pressure,

[0073] - release the pressurized fluid to the pneumatic defrosting device 109 via at least one fluid connection.

[0074] The first switching means 115, respectively the second switching means 117, is capable of allowing circulation of the pressurized fluid from at least a first path of the switching means to at least a second path of the switching means and this in all the configurations made possible by the first switching means 115, respectively the second switching means 117.

[0075] The constituent elements of the defrosting system 101, that is to say in particular the pressurized fluid distribution device 111, the pressure tank 113, the first switching means 115, the second switching means 117 and the pneumatic defrosting device 109, are integrated into a fluid circuit 119.

[0076] For this purpose, the fluid circuit 119 comprises at least one fluid connection, such as for example pressurized fluid circulation conduits, between the constituent elements of the defrosting system 101 so that the pressurized fluid can circulate from one constituent element of the defrosting system 101 to another constituent element of the defrosting system 101. In particular, the fluid circuit 119 is such that the pressurized fluid distribution device 111 is capable of driving:

[0077] - the delivery of the pressurized fluid to the pneumatic defrosting device 109, via the pressure tank 113 and the first switching means 115, and / or

[0078] - the withdrawal of the pressurized fluid and / or the evacuation of the pneumatic defrosting device 109, via the first switching means 115 and the second switching means 117.

[0079] Thus, the fluid circuit 119 comprises:

[0080] - a supply line, symbolized by solid arrows 121 in FIG. 1, going from the pressurized fluid distribution device 111 to the pneumatic defrosting device 109, in order to supply the pneumatic defrosting device 109 with pressurized fluid, and

[0081] - a withdrawal line, symbolized by dotted arrows 123 in FIG. 1, and extending from the pneumatic defrosting device 109 to the pressurized fluid distribution device 111, in order to carry out the withdrawal of the pressurized fluid and / or the evacuation of the pneumatic defrosting device 109. In particular, for a portion of the fluid circuit 119 between the pneumatic defrosting device 109 and the first switching means 115, the supply line and the withdrawal line may be constituted by the same and single fluid connection.

[0082] Thus configured, the fluid circuit 119 is such that:

[0083] - the supply line constitutes a downstream part of the fluid circuit 119 between the pressurized fluid distribution device 111 and the pneumatic defrosting device 109 in the direction of flow of the pressurized fluid, and

[0084] - the withdrawal line constitutes an upstream part of the fluid circuit 119 between the pneumatic defrosting device 109 and the pressurized fluid distribution device 111 according to the direction of flow of the pressurized fluid.

[0085] Alternatively, the fluid circuit 119 is configured such that the supply line and the withdrawal line are distinct. Thus,

[0086] - a first fluid connection connects the first switching means 115 to the pneumatic defrosting device 109, in order to supply the pneumatic defrosting device 109 with pressurized fluid; and

[0087] - a first fluid connection connects the pneumatic defrosting device 109 to the first switching means 115 to the pneumatic defrosting device 109, in order to carry out the removal of the pressurized fluid and / or the evacuation of the pneumatic defrosting device 109.

[0088] More precisely, according to the embodiment presented, the fluid circuit

[0089] 119 is configured such that:

[0090] - the pneumatic defrosting device 109 has a fluid connection with the first switching means at 115,

[0091] - the first switching means 115 has a fluid connection with o on the one hand, the second switching means 117 and o on the other hand, the pressure tank 113, and - the pressurized fluid distribution device 111 has a fluid connection with o on the one hand, the second switching means 117 and o on the other hand, the pressure tank 113.

[0092] Furthermore, in the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 1, the defrosting system 101 comprises a control unit 127. The control unit 127 is capable of controlling the operation of the defrosting system 101 as a whole, in particular by controlling all or part of the constituent elements of the defrosting system 101, as shown in fine dotted lines 143 in FIG. 1.

[0093] In particular, the control unit 127 implements control laws of the defrosting system 101 which cause the pressurization of the pressure tank 113, the inflation, deflation and / or the vacuuming of the pneumatic defrosting device 109.

[0094] The control laws can be implemented via logic dedicated to each of the actions of pressurizing the pressure tank 113, of inflating, of deflating and / or of creating a vacuum in the pneumatic defrosting device 109, for example via specific electronic circuits, in particular included in an electronic box.

[0095] In another embodiment, the control laws may be integrated into a remote control system, for example an avionics system of the aircraft 105.

[0096] The control unit 127 can also monitor the proper functioning of the de-icing system 101. Such monitoring can be carried out by managing the signals from at least one sensor 133 and feeding back information relating, in particular, to cases of breakdowns at the level of the aircraft 105.

[0097] In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 1, the defrosting system 101 comprises two first switching means 115 respectively connected to two pneumatic defrosting devices 109.

[0098] The invention applies more generally to a defrosting system 101 which comprises at least one first switching means 115 having a fluid connection with at least one pneumatic defrosting device 109.

[0099] As previously mentioned, in the example shown in FIG. 1, several defrosting systems 101 can be connected, fluidically, via at least one isolation valve 125, capable of being controlled by the control unit 127. Thus, pressurized fluid can circulate between at least two defrosting systems 101, when the isolation valve 125 is open. In particular, the defrosting system 101 can thus support another defrosting system 101 when the latter is faulty.

[0100] In addition, the pressurized fluid distribution device 111 of a first deicing system 101 may act as a backup pressurized fluid distribution device 111 of a second deicing system 101 and, thus, provide pressurized fluid and / or deflate pneumatic deicing devices 109 of the second deicing system 101 and / or to evacuate pneumatic deicing devices 109 of the second deicing system 101, in the event of failure of the pressurized fluid distribution device 111 of the second deicing system 101.

[0101] In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 1, the defrosting system 101 may also comprise at least one sensor 133, in particular a pressure sensor 133, at least one non-return valve 135 and / or at least one pressure limiter 137.

[0102] In particular, the sensor 133 is a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of the pressurized fluid, at the pneumatic defrosting device 109. In the non-limiting example shown, the sensor 133 can be associated with a pair of pneumatic defrosting devices 109 to measure a value of the pressure at the pneumatic defrosting devices 109.

[0103] However, in different embodiments of the invention, the defrosting system 101 comprises at least one sensor 133. The number of sensors 133 and their arrangement are likely to be adapted to the number of pneumatic defrosting devices 109 used and / or to the need to control the operation of the defrosting system 101.

[0104] Advantageously, the sensor 133 makes it possible to determine, for example to transmit information to the control unit 127 controlling the defrosting system 101, a pressure value at the pneumatic defrosting device 109 and, consequently, to adapt, if necessary, the control of the constituent elements of the defrosting system 101, in particular by controlling and / or controlling the pressurized fluid distribution device 111.

[0105] In addition, the sensor 133 can also be used to detect pressure failures of the pressurized fluid in the fluid circuit 119. Furthermore, such a sensor 133 can be positioned at another location in the fluid circuit 119, such as for example at the outlet of the pressurized fluid distribution device 111 and / or at the outlet of the pressure tank 113 to allow monitoring and, if necessary, adjustment, of the pressure level in the defrosting system 101.

[0106] The non-return valve 135 can be arranged, in the fluid circuit 119, at the outlet of the pressurized fluid distribution device 111, that is to say between the pressurized fluid distribution device 111 and the pressure tank 113. The non-return valve 135 makes it possible to block any possible backflow of pressurized fluid towards the pressurized fluid distribution device 111, which would be likely to damage it.

[0107] Furthermore, as for the first switching means 115, the second switching means 117 and / or the isolation valve 125 integrated in the deicing system 101, as equipment intended to be used in the aircraft 105 and potentially subjected to low temperatures, or even negative temperatures, the non-return valve 135 can be heated (for example by means of integrated or non-integrated heating means) to avoid a possible malfunction.

[0108] Likewise, for similar reasons, the first switching means 115, the second switching means 117 and / or the isolation valve 125 may be heated to avoid a possible malfunction. Furthermore, the pressure limiter 137 may be arranged, in the fluid circuit 119, at the outlet of the pressure tank 113. Thus, when the pressure tank 113 is full, and / or when the pressure tank 113 has reached a nominal pressure value, i.e. a pressure value intended for the operation of the defrosting system 101, the pressure limiter 137 is capable of allowing evacuation of any additional pressurized fluid potentially delivered by the pressurized fluid distribution device 111. The pressure limiter 137 thus makes it possible to maintain the pressure in the pressure tank 113 at the nominal pressure value.

[0109] Typically, when no defrosting is required, the pressurized fluid distribution device 111 may nevertheless be activated to regulate the vacuum level in the pneumatic defrosting device 109, for example following a measurement made by the sensor 133. In such a case, if the pressure tank 113 has already reached the nominal pressure, the pressure limiter 137 may allow the fluid to be evacuated from the pressurized fluid distribution device 111.

[0110] Furthermore, the defrosting system 101 may also comprise at least one drainage means 139, in particular a drainage valve 139, to allow evacuation of any condensed water which may be present in the defrosting system 101.

[0111] Figure 2 is an implementation diagram of a method of using 201 the defrosting system 101 such as that described with reference to Figure 1. The method of using 201 comprises at least one filling step 203, during which the pressure tank 113 is filled, consisting of pressurizing the pressure tank 113 with a pressurized fluid, in particular pressurized air. The method of using 201 may also comprise a vacuum step, during which at least one pneumatic defrosting device 109 is evacuated. The vacuum step may be carried out after, before or simultaneously with the filling step 203. The filling step 203 may comprise a configuration step in “filling” mode, during which:

[0112] - an output of the first switching means 115 connected to the second switching means 117 is open;

[0113] - an input of the first switching means 115 connected to the pressure tank 113, in particular via the pressure limiter 137, is closed; and

[0114] - an output of the second switching means 117 connected to the pressure tank 113 is open.

[0115] In addition, the filling step 203 may comprise at least one of the following sub-steps consisting of:

[0116] - a pressure measurement step, during which the sensor 133 measures the pressure in the pressure tank 113; and / or

[0117] - a step of activating the distribution device, during which the pressurized fluid distribution device 111 is put into operation, so as to supply the pressurized reservoir 113 with pressurized fluid.

[0118] More particularly, the step of activating the distribution device provides for activation of the pressurized fluid distribution device 111 as long as the pressure measured in the pressure tank 113 is lower than the nominal pressure.

[0119] In addition, optionally, the filling step 203 may comprise, in particular during the configuration step in “filling” mode, an opening step, during which an inlet of the second switching means 17 connected to the outside of the fluid circuit 119 may be opened to reach the nominal pressure in the pressure tank 113.

[0120] The method of use 201 also comprises at least one inflation step 205, during which an inflation, i.e. a supply of pressurized fluid, of the pneumatic de-icing device 109 is provided from the pressurized fluid contained in the pressurized tank. The inflation step 205 may comprise a configuration step in “inflation” mode, during which:

[0121] - the second switching means 117 is closed;

[0122] - an output of the first switching means 115 connected to the second switching means 117 is closed; and

[0123] - an output of the first switching means 115 connected to the pneumatic defrosting devices 109 is open.

[0124] Furthermore, the inflation step 205 may provide for an opening of the output of the first switching means 115 connected to the pneumatic defrosting device 109 for a determined duration, so as to ensure the inflation of the pneumatic defrosting device 109 to the nominal pressure. Consequently, when the nominal pressure of the pneumatic defrosting device 109 is reached, the inflation step 205 may provide for a closing of the output of the first switching means 115 connected to the pneumatic defrosting devices 109.

[0125] The method of use 201 also comprises at least one deflation step 207, during which deflation and / or vacuuming of the pneumatic defrosting device 109 is provided.

[0126] The deflation step 207 may include a filling step, during which the pressure tank 113 is filled with the pressurized fluid from the pneumatic defrosting device 109.

[0127] The deflation step 207 may comprise at least one step consisting of a step of activating the distribution device, during which the pressurized fluid distribution device 111 is put into operation, so as to deflate and / or place under vacuum the pneumatic defrosting device 109.

[0128] In addition, the deflation step 207 may include a configuration step in “deflation” mode, during which:

[0129] - an input of the first switching means 115 connected to the pressure tank 113, in particular via the pressure limiter 137, is closed; and, - an output of the first switching means 115 connected to the second switching means 117 is open.

[0130] Furthermore, the deflation step 207 may provide for an opening of the output of the first switching means 115 connected to the second switching means 117 for a determined duration, so as to ensure the deflation and / or the vacuuming of the pneumatic defrosting device 109.

[0131] In practice, the inflation step 205 and the deflation step 207 can be carried out iteratively and / or repetitively until complete deicing of the surface 103 concerned of the aircraft 105 is obtained.

[0132] Furthermore, when the de-icing system 101 comprises several pneumatic de-icing devices 109 respectively dedicated to different parts of the surface 103 of the aircraft 105, the method of use 201 can provide simultaneous, successive, alternative or combined activation of the pneumatic de-icing devices 109, of the first switching means 115 and / or of the second switching means 117.

[0133] It is thus possible to define at least one de-icing cycle, covering all or part of the surface 103 of the aircraft 105, by dedicated activation of all or part of the pneumatic de-icing devices 109, the first switching means 115 and / or the second switching means 117, during which the inflation step 205 and the deflation step 207 are repeated successively.

[0134] Such a defrosting cycle can thus be repeated until the entire surface 103 covered by a defrosting system 101 is treated.

[0135] Thus, advantageously, thanks to the arrangement of the different elements consisting of the defrosting system 101 included in the same fluid circuit 119, the pressurized fluid used by the pneumatic defrosting device 109 is sucked up again, during deflation and / or the vacuuming of the pneumatic defrosting devices 109, to be stored in the pressurized tank 113. The defrosting system 101 therefore makes it possible to recycle the fluid so as not to lose energy in recompressing the fluid newly injected into the defrosting system 101.

[0136] Furthermore, the second switching means 117 may comprise a path configured to allow the injection of external fluid, i.e. external to the fluid circuit 119, into the fluid circuit 119.

[0137] Thus, in the embodiment shown, pressurized fluid from another system, for example pressurized air from a cabin of the aircraft 105, symbolized by an arrow 141 in FIG. 1, is injected into the fluid circuit 119 at the level of the second switching means 117.

[0138] The external fluid injected into the fluid circuit 119 then circulates in the fluid circuit 119 and contributes to filling the pressure tank 113 under the effect of the pressure fluid distribution device 111.

[0139] Advantageously, the injection of air from the cabin of the aircraft 105 makes it possible to directly use air at a certain pressure value and to limit or even eliminate the energy required, i.e. consumed by the pressurized fluid distribution device 111, for pressurizing the injected air.

[0140] In conclusion, in addition to the absence of engine air sampling which results from the recycling of the air used by the defrosting system 101, the defrosting system 101 according to the invention also makes it possible to reduce electrical consumption thanks to the recycling of the pressurized fluid operated.

[0141] Furthermore, the association of several de-icing systems 101 in an assembly makes it possible to obtain a modular assembly meeting a need for multi-zone de-icing while guaranteeing, via redundancy of the de-icing systems 101, a required level of safety associated with use in an aircraft.

[0142] Obviously, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided solely by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms and other variants that may be envisaged by those skilled in the art within the framework of the present invention and in particular all combinations of the different operating modes described above, which may be taken separately or in association.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. De-icing system (101), capable of enabling de-icing of a surface (103) of an aircraft (105), comprising a fluid circuit (119) integrating at least: - a pressure tank (113), - at least one pneumatic defrosting device (109), - at least one first switching means (115), and - at least one second switching means (117), characterized in that the fluid circuit (119) comprises at least one pressurized fluid distribution device (111), configured to drive: - a delivery of a pressurized fluid to the pneumatic defrosting device (109), via the pressure tank (113) and the first switching means (115), and / or - a withdrawal of the pressurized fluid from the pneumatic defrosting device (109), via the first switching means (115) and the second switching means (117).

2. Defrosting system (101) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressurized fluid distribution device (111) is configured to cause a vacuum to be created in the pneumatic defrosting device (109), via the first switching means (115) and the second switching means (117).

3. Defrosting system (101) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a control unit (127), configured to control a pressurization of the pressure tank (113), an inflation, a deflation and / or a vacuuming of the pneumatic defrosting device (109).

4. Defrosting system (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressurized fluid distribution device (111) is a compressor, in particular an electric compressor.

5. Defrosting system (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor (133), capable of measuring a pressure of the pressurized fluid, at the level of the pneumatic defrosting device (109).

6. Defrosting system (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a non-return valve (135), in particular heated, arranged, in the fluid circuit (119), at the outlet of the pressurized fluid distribution device (111).

7. Defrosting system (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one drainage means (139), in particular a drainage valve (139).

8. Defrosting system (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a pressure limiter (137) arranged, in the fluid circuit (119), at an outlet of the pressure tank (113).

9. De-icing system (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second switching means (117) comprises a path configured to allow injection of external fluid into the fluid circuit (119), in particular pressurized air from a cabin of the aircraft (105).

10. Method of using (201) at least one de-icing system (101) of a surface (103) of an aircraft (105), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least: - a filling step (203), during which a pressure tank (113) is filled with pressurized fluid; an inflation step (205), during which at least one pneumatic de-icing device (109) is inflated from the pressurized fluid contained in the pressure tank (113); and - a deflation step (207), during which the pneumatic defrosting device (109) is deflated.

11. Method of use (201) according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises at least one vacuum step, during which a vacuum is provided for the pneumatic defrosting device (109).

12. Method of use (201) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it comprises at least one filling step, during which the pressure tank (113) is filled with the pressurized fluid from the pneumatic defrosting device (109).

13. Method of use (201) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflation step (205) and the deflation step (207) are repeated successively.

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