Electric Aircraft Deicing Vehicle Layout for Zero-Emission Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diesel powered aircraft deicing vehicles emit air and noise pollution, including nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and greenhouse gases, necessitating the development of a pollution-free deicing solution.
Innovation Solution
An electrically operated aircraft deicing vehicle equipped with a rechargeable battery system, electric drive motor, hydraulic pump system, and heat transfer unit, which powers movement, fluid spraying, and heating operations without emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If diesel powered deicing trucks are used, then deicing operations can be performed, but air and noise pollution is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the diesel engine (mechanical combustion system) with an electric drive motor powered by a battery system. This substitution eliminates the combustion process that generates air pollution (nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, greenhouse gases) and noise pollution, while maintaining the vehicle's mobility and deicing operational capabilities through electrical power transmission to the wheels and hydraulic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy source parameter from chemical energy (diesel fuel) to electrical energy (battery system). This parameter change fundamentally alters the vehicle's operation to produce zero emissions and reduced noise, while the battery system's high energy density and regenerative braking capability ensure sufficient energy supply for deicing operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If battery system is positioned forward of front axle, then center of gravity is optimized, but space allocation becomes constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the battery system in three-dimensional space forward of the front axle and above the front wheels, utilizing vertical and longitudinal dimensions rather than only lateral space. This spatial arrangement optimizes the center of gravity for stability while accommodating the battery within the vehicle's overall footprint without interfering with other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system is integrated into the vehicle's chassis structure, with the battery enclosure forming part of the vehicle's structural framework. This nesting approach allows the battery to occupy space that would otherwise be structurally unused, optimizing both center of gravity and space utilization simultaneously.
3Strength
If electric drive motor is positioned between longitudinally extending beams, then structural integration is improved, but access and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the electric drive motor as a modular component that can be independently accessed and removed from the chassis. The motor is mounted between the longitudinally extending beams but is positioned to allow removal through the side of the vehicle, enabling segmented access without disassembling the entire chassis structure. This maintains structural integrity while facilitating maintenance.
4Temperature
If heat transfer unit is positioned forward of battery modules, then thermal management is optimized, but space for other components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer unit serves as a thermal intermediary between the battery modules and the external environment. It is positioned forward of the battery modules to efficiently manage battery temperature through heat exchange, while its compact design and strategic placement minimize space consumption and allow other components to be arranged around it within the vehicle's footprint.
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 electric deicing vehicle effectively performs deicing functions while eliminating air and noise pollution, enhancing aviation safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A heat transfer unit is coupled to the chassis. The heat transfer unit is positioned forward of the one or more battery modules and is configured to thermally condition the one or more battery modules.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically operated aircraft deicing vehicle includes a chassis having longitudinally extending beams. The chassis supports a rechargeable battery system including one or more battery modules and a charging unit, front and rear axles, a positioning system for a fluid spraying system and a fluid tank system containing deicing fluid. An electric drive motor is operably coupled to the battery system. The electric drive motor is positioned aft of the front axle and between the longitudinally extending beams of the chassis. The electric drive motor is operable to rotate the front wheels. A hydraulic pump system is powered by the battery system. The hydraulic pump system is operably coupled to the positioning system enabling movement of the fluid spraying system. A heat transfer unit is positioned forward of and is operably coupled to the battery system for thermally conditioning the battery system.