Title:
【発明の名称】氷付着強度を変えるためのシステムおよび方法
Document Type and Number:
Japanese Patent JP2003517555
Kind Code:
A
Abstract:
The invention includes 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 interface between the ice and the object when the ice completes the circuit. The object is conductive or is doped as a semiconductor so that the DC bias applies a voltage to the interface which modifies the ice adhesion strength selectively as compared to the ice adhesion strength with substantially zero bias voltage at the interface. The strength can be increased or decreased relative to its static state (i.e., the state without applied voltage). In this manner, ice such as ice on an aircraft wing can be removed with less work. The system preferably includes an electrically insulating material disposed between the object and the electrode; the insulating material is substantially conformal to the object and the electrode. In most applications, the electrode includes a grid electrode shaped to conform to a surface of the object and each point of the grid electrode is in electrical contact with the source. Accordingly, a grid insulator is generally disposed between the object and the grid electrode. The invention of one embodiment incorporates porous materials to selectively dope the ice on a surface; and the invention of another embodiment incorporates self assembling monolayers to reduce the strength of hydrogen bonding between ice and metals. In one embodiment, the invention provides for coating a power line that changes properties with temperature such that the coating melts snow in freezing conditions.
Inventors:
Petrenko, Victor
Application Number:
JP2000578210A
Publication Date:
May 27, 2003
Filing Date:
October 26, 1999
Export Citation:
Assignee:
Trustees of Dartmouth College
International Classes:
G01N33/00; B60S1/02; B64D15/00; B64D15/12; E01C11/26; E01D19/00; F25C5/02; G01N27/04; H05B3/56; H05B3/84; (IPC1-7): F25C5/02; B60S1/02; G01N27/04
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Shusaku Yamamoto