Aircraft Surface Deicing Device Using Electromagnetic Transparent Heat Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deicing devices for aircraft surfaces, particularly those near sensitive electromagnetic systems like radars and antennas, face issues with electromagnetic interference due to metallic components and inefficiencies in heat distribution and recovery, especially over curved surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A deicing device utilizing a closed circuit with a heat-transfer fluid that includes a condenser and evaporator to generate and absorb latent heat, using materials transparent to electromagnetic fields, and a capillary or gravity heat pipe for efficient heat transfer without metallic elements, allowing deicing without electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If metallic materials are used for piping and injection systems to withstand high temperatures (>250°C), then temperature resistance is improved, but electromagnetic interference is generated affecting radar and antenna operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes metallic materials from the piping and injection system components that are near sensitive electromagnetic systems. Instead of using metal throughout, the invention extracts the metallic function only where high temperature resistance is critical (near the engine), and replaces metal with non-conductive materials (such as ceramic-coated metals or composite materials) in sections near radar and antennas, thereby eliminating electromagnetic interference while maintaining temperature resistance where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different sections of the deicing system based on local requirements. Sections near the engine that require high temperature resistance use heat-resistant materials, while sections near sensitive electromagnetic equipment use non-conductive materials. This local differentiation allows the system to simultaneously achieve temperature resistance and electromagnetic compatibility.
2Productivity
If electrically conductive elements are used for deicing surfaces, then deicing effectiveness is improved, but electromagnetic fields are generated that disturb sensitive systems like radar and antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical heating system (which uses electrically conductive elements to generate heat through Joule heating) with a thermal conduction-based heating system. The engine's hot exhaust gases are directed through non-conductive piping to heat the deicing surfaces directly through thermal contact or convection, eliminating the need for electrical conductors and associated electromagnetic fields while maintaining deicing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating mechanism from electrical resistance heating to thermal conduction/convection heating. By utilizing the engine's existing thermal energy and transferring it through non-conductive pathways to the deicing surfaces, the system maintains the necessary temperature for effective deicing without generating electromagnetic interference.
3Loss of energy
If hot air is diffused as laminar flow over curved surfaces like radomes, then heat distribution efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to difficulty in achieving and recovering laminar flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs natural convection and buoyancy forces to distribute hot air over the radome surface without requiring complex active flow control systems. The hot air, being less dense, naturally rises and flows over the curved surface in a controlled manner, achieving effective heat distribution through passive thermal convection rather than active laminar flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the curved geometry of the radome itself to guide and distribute the hot air flow. The spherical or dome-shaped surface naturally directs the convective flow patterns, allowing efficient heat distribution across the curved surface without requiring additional shaping elements or complex flow control mechanisms.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If air temperature in radome passages is kept moderate for material compatibility, then material durability is improved, but deicing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition of water (from liquid to solid) and the associated latent heat release to enhance deicing efficiency. By controlling the thermal environment to allow periodic freezing and thawing cycles, or by utilizing the latent heat released during ice formation, the system achieves effective deicing while maintaining air temperatures within material compatibility limits.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively deices surfaces near sensitive instruments while preventing electromagnetic interference, improving the accuracy and operation of these instruments by using a heat-transfer fluid with latent heat energy, optimizing efficiency and temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
at least one condenser facing, in contact with, or positioned in, the wall that is to be deiced, and in which the heat-transfer fluid condenses, generating energy in the form of latent heat which is transmitted to the wall that is to be deiced
Implementation Method 2
at least one evaporator facing, in contact with, or positioned in, the heat source, and in which the heat-transfer fluid evaporates, absorbing energy in the form of latent heat from the heat source
Implementation Method 3
a capillary or gravity heat pipe for efficient heat transfer without metallic elements
Data Source
AI summary
A device for deicing a wall of an aircraft, comprising a closed circuit. The closed circuit comprises at least one condenser, positioned in the environment of the wall that is to be deiced, and in which a heat-transfer fluid condenses, generating energy in the form of latent heat which is transmitted to the wall that is to be deiced, at least one evaporator positioned in the environment of a heat source sited remotely with respect to the wall, and in which the heat-transfer fluid evaporates, absorbing energy in the form of latent heat coming from the heat source. At least part of the closed circuit is facing, in contact with, or positioned in, the wall that is to be deiced, being made of a material transparent to electromagnetic fields.