ELECTRO-THERMAL DE-ICING SYSTEM FOR HELICOPTER BLADES Russian patent published in 2004 - IPC

FIELD: aviation; de-icing systems for flying vehicles; protection of main and steering rotors against ice. SUBSTANCE: proposed electro-thermal de-icing system includes thermoelectric heaters connected in series with thyristor switches. Thermoelectric heaters are mounted in pairs which are connected by means of conductors in tip section of blades; each subsequent pair embraces previous one. Heaters have variable resistance over entire length of blade. Current transformers whose windings are connected with operational amplifiers are used for check of system for defects. Power supply for heaters is effected by control unit according to cyclogram at time delay between cycles depending on ambient temperature. EFFECT: reduction of mass; enhanced reliability of de-icing system. 7 cl, 4 dwg