Proper Placement of Heat
Prevents Ice Build-up
Problem: An OEM working with a major aircraft manufacturer needed
to evenly distribute heat inside an
aircraft wind direction vane to prevent
ice build-up. These instruments help pilots navigate through strong winds while in-flight or landing. Previous experience with ceramic heaters showed that heat was not adequately distributed to the
front edge of the vane which allowed for ice build-up. In order to accurately register wind direction, the vane must not have any ice build-up and
be able to move freely without any type of interference.
 Solution: The aero-dynamic shape of the vane
meant that to adequately provide heat to the entire surface, a heater must form to the shape of the vane. The requirement for complex geometry and direct contact with the heat sink led to the decision to use a flexible heater. To accommodate the required high watt density for a small area (4in2 or 10.16 cm2), materials included All-Polyimide insulation with high temperature silicone based pressure sensitive adhesive. Integrated into the heater was a plantinum surface mount RTD to accurately sense the temperature. The inside cavity of the wind vane was re-designed so that it was equally thick across the surface to be heated then the flexible heater/sensor was factory mounted inside the vane.
Engineering Tip: The closer you can install your heater to the working surface the more efficient your system will be. Don't let tight space requirements or legacy heater technology limit your options.
Now available in Webcast or Podcast:
"5 Tips on How to Avoid Thermal Design Constraints"
Includes case studies on what you should know about installation scope, operation/storage environmental conditions, and component integration.
Minco designs, manufactures and markets critical components for critical applications. We are unsurpassed in our ability to integrate and assemble Thermofoil Heaters, Flex Circuits, Sensors and Instruments into a single component for greater efficiency. We will help you minimize the risk of product failure by providing highly reliable components and expert design services.
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