Electro-expulsive De-icing Arrangement for Aircraft Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing de-icing methods for aircraft and wind power installations are inefficient, causing air turbulence, material damage, and energy consumption, particularly due to protrusions that disrupt laminar airflow and lead to ice reformation or glazing effects.
Innovation Solution
A de-icing arrangement using a pair of electrodes with a dielectric element, where one electrode is fixed and the other is movable, generating impulsive forces through voltage pulses to dislodge ice without significant structural intrusion, utilizing a plate capacitor configuration for efficient energy use and minimal material impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal heating is used to melt ice, then ice removal is achieved, but energy consumption increases and material aging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal heating with a mechanical impact system. Electro-expulsive elements generate impulsive forces that mechanically fracture and dislodge ice through controlled surface deformation, eliminating the need for thermal energy input and associated material aging effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter from thermal energy to mechanical impulse. By using electro-expulsive elements that generate rapid surface displacement and impact forces, the system achieves ice removal through mechanical stress rather than thermal melting, fundamentally altering the energy interaction mode.
2Reliability
If protruding de-icing devices are used, then ice removal capability is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to laminar flow disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin flexible dielectric layer that conforms to the aerodynamic surface contour. This thin-film structure provides the necessary mechanical coupling for ice removal while maintaining surface smoothness and preserving laminar airflow characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamically activated electro-expulsive elements that generate impulsive forces only when needed for ice removal. The system transitions from a static protruding structure to a dynamic surface that remains smooth during normal operation and activates momentarily for de-icing, thus preserving aerodynamic performance.
3Reliability
If mechanical stresses are applied continuously, then ice removal is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic impulsive forces rather than continuous mechanical stress. The electro-expulsive elements are activated in pulses to fracture and remove ice, then remain inactive during normal flight conditions, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective ice rejection capability.
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 removes ice with low energy consumption, preserves aerodynamic smoothness, and reduces the risk of ice damage, while being adaptable to both polymeric and metallic surfaces, enhancing performance and safety in harsh weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
generating an impulsive force for removal of ice adhered on said structural element when charging to and dis-charging from said predetermined state
Implementation Method 2
A de-icing arrangement using a pair of electrodes with a dielectric element, where one electrode is fixed and the other is movable, generating impulsive forces through voltage pulses
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a de-icing arrangement for de-icing a structural element {170; 270; 370). The structural element could be made of a whole polymeric or metallic material. The arrangement comprises a power source (250) being electrically connected to an electrode configuration (200), said power source is arranged to, when applicable, electrically charge said electrode configuration (200). The electrode configuration (200) is arranged to generate an impulsive force (Fn) for removal of ice adhered on said structural element (170; 270; 370). The invention relates to a method for de-icing a structural element. The invention also relates to a computer programme and a computer programme product. The invention also relates to a platform carrying the arrangement.