Development and Demonstration of Low Power Electrothermal De-icing System

Low Power Electrothermal De-icing (LPED) provides the potential for an improvement in ice protection performance, reliability, and a reduction in the bleed air energy extracted from the engine during icing flight conditions. The novel Low Power Electro De-icing system was developed to reduce the need for high energy levels as is required for conventional electro thermal ice protection systems. A low thermal mass and low energy system, with an average power density of less than 1.5 W/in 2 at -4 degrees Fahrenheit, was developed and manufactured compatible with the wear and erosion expectations of typical airfoil surfaces. The Low Power Electro Thermal De-icing system was successfully developed and tested in the Goodrich Icing Wind Tunnel (IWT), in flight behind an icing tanker and in flight in natural icing conditions on a technology demonstrator airplane during the 2003/2004 winter season. Test results have demonstrated the capability of the system to remove ice with minimal runback ice accumulation. The paper covers the Low Power Electro Thermal De-icing concept, development, test results from the Goodrich Icing Wind Tunnel (IWT), and test results from a technology demonstrator aircraft in flight behind an icing tanker and in natural icing conditions. Nomenclature