Although many technical advances have made civil aviation a widespread and safe means of transportation, the phenomenon of icing is still a major safety hazard. For airliners the problem of de-icing was solved long before by means of thermal de-icing with bleed
Although many technical advances have made civil aviation a widespread and safe means of transportation, the phenomenon of icing is still a major safety hazard. For airliners the problem of de-icing was solved long before by means of thermal de-icing with bleed air. However, smaller aircraft and the new generation of CFC airliners need new de-icing systems.
Furthermore icing is a problem, not only limited to aviation. It strongly effects also wind energy or transportation by ship and rail. Even the common household fridge is effected by icing.
AAC has been investigating the topic of Anti-Ice coatings since 2010. Our approach is twofold:
- Anti-Ice Coatings
- Anti-Ice Coatings in combination with eg. electro-thermal de-icing
Anti-Ice Coatings are defined as coatings where ice exhibits a low adhesion. The force of the own weight or wind shear will subsequently remove the ice from the surface. Ideally icing is also delayed on such surfaces.
These passive anti ice layers can be used also in combination with active anti-icing/de-icing technologies. For example to lower necessary release forces for mechanical de-icing systems or thermal de-icing systems. Especially in the latter case, AAC offers to build unique integrated systems.