Anti-icing, de-icing, and heating configuration, integration, and power methods for aircraft, aerodynamic, and complex surfaces
AssigneeBattelle Memorial Institute
InventorsBrett R. Burton, Ioan I. Feier, Timothy J. Lastrapes
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Abstract
Anti-icing methods and aerodynamic structures having laminated resistive heaters for de-icing are described. Several of the inventive aspects utilize laminated resistive heaters comprising a carbon nanotube layer and/or capacitors to store and supply electricity. The invention also includes methods of making aerodynamic structures having de-icing or anti-icing functionality.
Claims12
An airfoil comprising a capacitor comprising a CNT resistive heater layer, a layer comprising a carbon composite or metal surface, and a dielectric layer disposed between the CNT resistive layer and the carbon composite or metal surface;
- and further comprising a first electrical lead connected to the CNT resistive heater layer, and a second electrical lead connected to the layer comprising a carbon composite or metal surface;
- and
- wherein the carbon composite or metal surface forms a structural component of the airfoil.
A method for an anti-icing, de-icing, and/or a heating system for aircraft wings and forward facing aerodynamic surfaces, comprising a first heated section near the central stagnation zone of the aerodynamic surface, and at least one upper and one lower heater section in areas aft of the central heater, wherein power supplied to the central heated section is continuously applied, and wherein power supplied to the at least one upper and one lower heater section is intermittently applied from charge stored in a capacitor;
- and
- wherein the capacitor comprises a layer comprising a carbon composite or metal surface, and a dielectric layer disposed between the CNT resistive layer and the carbon composite or metal surface;
- wherein the carbon composite or metal surface forms a structural component of the airfoil.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.