Patent ID: 9580181
Date: 2017-02-28
CPC Classifications: B64C,B64D,F03D,H02N,Y02E

Claim:
1. De-icing arrangement for de-icing a structural element, said arrangement comprising: an ice-detecting element configured to detect a current ice state of said structural element wherein the current ice state is determined based at least in part on a measured ice thickness; a power source being electrically connected to an electrode configuration, said electrode configuration comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first and second electrode collectively define a plate capacitor, said power source being electrically connected to the electrode configuration; and a control unit connected to said power source and the ice-detecting element, wherein: the control unit is configured to, based upon said detected current ice state, determine whether said current ice state fulfills a predetermined ice criterion, wherein the current ice state is determined based at least in part on the measured ice thickness and the measured ice thickness is in the range of 1-10 millimeters; the control unit is configured to, based upon said current ice state fulfilling said predetermined ice criterion, electrically charge, via the power source, said electrode configuration to a predetermined state such that an electrical field is established between the first electrode and the second electrode, said predetermined state and said electrical field generated corresponding to said current ice state detected and that fulfills said predetermined ice criterion, wherein said predetermined state and said electrical field vary according to the measured ice thickness; said electrode configuration is positioned adjacent said structural element such that an impulsive force generated by an applied voltage punctures ice adhered on said structural element in a direction substantially normal to said structural element; said impulsive force is generated during charging to and discharging from said predetermined state; during said discharging said impulsive force is caused at least in part by said electrical field; and said impulsive force has an amplitude corresponding to said current ice state, such that said generated impulsive force punctures and removes ice adhered on said structural element.