Methods and structures for removing ice from surfaces
AssigneeTrustees of Dartmouth College
InventorsVictor Petrenko, Charles Sullivan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In one embodiment, a system for modifying ice adhesion strength of ice adhered to an object. The system includes an electrode that is electrically insulated from the object and a DC source, e.g., a battery coupled to the object and the electrode. The source generates a DC bias to an interference between the ice and the object when the ice completes the circuit. The system preferably includes an electrically insulating material disposed-between the object and the electrode. In another embodiment, a coating comprising a ferroelectric, lossy dielectric, ferromagnetic or semiconductor material is applied to a object. Electromagnetic energy causes the coating to generate heat, which melts snow and ice.
Claims22
A system of removing ice and snow from a power line, comprising:
- a power line comprising an electrical conductor and an outer surface;
- an AC power source to provide high-frequency AC current through the electrical conductor;
- and
- ice formed on at least part of the surface, the ice being capable of absorbing energy from a high-frequency alternating electric field to generate heat.
A system of removing ice and snow from a surface, comprising:
- an electrical conductor;
- an AC power source to provide high-frequency AC current through the conductor;
- and
- ice formed on at least part of the surface, the ice being capable of absorbing energy from a high-frequency alternating electric field to generate heat.
A system of removing ice and snow from a surface, comprising:
- an electrical conductor;
- an AC power source to provide an AC current through the conductor;
- a coating at the surface, the coating having a thickness and being capable of absorbing energy from an alternating electric field to generate heat;
- and
- an outer conductive shell, wherein the coating is between the-electrical conductor and the outer conductive shell.
A method of removing ice and snow from a surface of a power line, comprising steps of:
- flowing a high-frequency AC current through the power line to provide a high-frequency alternating electric field at a surface, whereby ice located on the surface absorbs energy from the alternating electric field to generate heat.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.