Embedded Resistive Heating in Thin Static Vanes for Anti-Icing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thin static vanes in gas turbine engines face challenges with anti-icing/de-icing functionality due to incompatible wall thicknesses with pneumatic systems and electrothermal heaters, as they are too thin for conventional heating solutions.

Innovation Solution

A vane heating system utilizing an electrically resistive material within the vane cavity, powered by an electric power source, to increase the temperature of the static vanes for anti-icing/de-icing without relying on pneumatic or electrothermal heaters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If thin static vanes are designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but the wall thickness becomes incompatible with pneumatic anti-icing systems and conventional electrothermal heaters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic efficiencyVSAvoidcompatibility with anti-icing systems

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the heating approach from pneumatic (requiring thick walls for pressure containment) and conventional electrothermal (requiring minimum thickness for heater insertion) to a resistive material embedded within the thin vane structure. This parameter change in heating mechanism enables anti-icing functionality while maintaining thin vane geometry for aerodynamic efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrothermal heating system with an electrical resistive heating system. Instead of using pneumatic pressure or external electrothermal heaters that require minimum wall thickness, the solution embeds resistive material directly in the thin vane, substituting the heating mechanism to accommodate thin-gauge structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Temperature

If conventional electrothermal heaters are used for thin static vanes, then heating capability is provided, but the minimum thickness requirement for heater insertion and positioning cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidvane wall thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds the resistive heating material within the vane cavity structure, nesting the heating function inside the thin vane itself. This eliminates the need for external heaters and allows the heating element to be integrated within the limited thickness available in thin static vanes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional electrothermal heaters with an embedded resistive material system. This substitution eliminates the minimum thickness requirement for heater insertion by using a heating mechanism that can be integrated directly into the thin vane structure without requiring external placement or thick walls for accommodation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Temperature

If pneumatic anti-icing systems are used, then heating capability is provided, but the pressure requirements are incompatible with thin vane wall thicknesses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidpressure compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the pneumatic heating system with an electrical resistive heating system. This substitution eliminates the high pressure requirements of pneumatic systems by using electrical resistance heating, which operates without pressure and can be embedded in thin structures without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the heating mechanism from pneumatic (pressure-based) to electrical resistive (current-based). This parameter change in the heating approach eliminates the pressure compatibility issue by using a heating method that does not require pressure containment, enabling use in thin-walled static vanes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Provides effective anti-icing/de-icing capability with minimal weight addition and increased structural strength, while avoiding moving parts and potential damage from foreign objects.

Implementation Method 1

an electrically resistive material disposed within the vane cavity of each static vane... When the electric current is supplied to the electrically resistive material, a temperature of the static vane increases

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20250243779A1Vane heating system and method

Publication Date: 2025.07.31 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A vane heating system for an engine includes a plurality of static vanes, an electrically resistive material, and an electric power source. The static vanes are disposed within the engine, and each static vane has an inner surface that defines a vane cavity. The electrically resistive material is disposed within the vane cavity of each static vane. The electric power source is electrically coupled to, and is configured to selectively supply an electric current to, the electrically resistive material in each static vane. When the electric current is supplied to the electrically resistive material, a temperature of the static vane increases.