Induction De-icing for Pitot Tubes Using Suscepting Alloy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pitot tubes used to measure aircraft speed are affected by ice accumulation, leading to reduced accuracy and increased drag, with existing de-icing systems offering limited controllability and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of induction heating technology using coils that generate high-frequency electromagnetic fields to heat a smart suscepting alloy, which absorbs the energy and generates eddy currents for de-icing without direct contact, providing efficient and reliable energy delivery across the flight envelope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resistive heating systems are used for de-icing, then ice accumulation can be removed, but the systems have limited controllability and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional resistive heating systems with induction heating technology. The induction heating system uses electromagnetic fields to generate eddy currents in a conductive layer, which produces heat without direct electrical contact with the heated surface. This substitution improves reliability by eliminating contact-related failures while maintaining de-icing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a smart suscepting alloy layer as an intermediary between the induction coil and the surface to be heated. This alloy layer absorbs electromagnetic energy and converts it to heat through eddy currents, acting as a mediator that enables efficient energy transfer while providing controlled and reliable heating for ice removal.
2Productivity
If induction heating is used to de-ice, then energy delivery efficiency improves, but power consumption must be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the temperature-dependent magnetic properties of the smart suscepting alloy to control energy absorption. As the alloy temperature changes, its magnetic susceptibility changes, which directly affects the eddy current generation and heat production. This automatic parameter change allows the system to adjust power consumption based on real-time heating needs, improving efficiency while managing energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through the temperature-dependent magnetic properties of the smart suscepting alloy. As the alloy heats up, its magnetic properties change, which automatically modulates the eddy current generation and heat production. This inherent feedback mechanism optimizes power consumption by reducing energy input when the desired temperature is reached, thereby improving de-icing efficiency while managing power usage.
3Power
If heating coils are placed close to the heated surface, then heating efficiency increases, but corrosion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a smart suscepting alloy layer as an intermediary between the induction coil and the surface to be heated. This alloy layer serves as a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the coil and the heated surface, thereby eliminating corrosion risk while maintaining efficient electromagnetic energy transfer for high-power heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct thermal contact heating with induction heating through electromagnetic fields. This substitution allows the heating coil to be positioned close to the surface for high heating power without physical contact, thereby eliminating corrosion from direct exposure to moisture and environmental factors while maintaining efficient energy transfer.
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
This solution enhances the reliability and efficiency of de-icing, reduces corrosion risk, and minimizes thermal cycling, while requiring lower power consumption and providing improved performance and durability compared to resistive heating systems.
Implementation Method 1
coils that generate high-frequency electromagnetic fields to heat a smart suscepting alloy, which absorbs the energy and generates eddy currents for de-icing
Implementation Method 2
generates eddy currents in the anti-icing portion that provide heating of the anti-icing portion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~7
AI summary
A de-icing system is provided that includes a member, a coil, and a power supply. The member includes an anti-icing portion. The coil is inductively coupled to the anti-icing portion of the member. The power supply is coupled to the coil, and is configured to provide voltage to the coil. The coil emits electromagnetic energy responsive to power supplied by the power supply. Responsive to the electromagnetic energy, eddy currents are generated in the anti-icing portion that provide heating of the anti-icing portion.