Nanotube Deicing

[labbadabba]

Makes sense to me in concept. Nanotubes being inefficient conductors of electricity will generate a lot of heat while needing very little electricity compared to existing electrically heated deice systems.

The technology can be sprayed or applied in sheets. According to some information that I've read, applying full deicing capability to an airliner the material is light enough to be measured in grams.

Don't know if this is a pipe dream but the principle seems sound to me. But then again, I studied music in college...

http://www.battelle.org/media/press...-icing-technology-for-drones-passes-milestone

 

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

Makes sense to me in concept. Nanotubes being inefficient conductors of electricity will generate a lot of heat while needing very little electricity compared to existing electrically heated deice systems.

The heat energy released is exactly equal to the electrical energy applied (assuming none of the electricity is used to perform work or generate light). So these will be exactly as efficient as any other electrical resistance device.

Now, having said that, a spray on coating may be more convenient than trying to apply wires like you have in the back window of your car, and/or cost less than other technologies e.g. http://www.pgwglass.com/PRODUCTS/Pages/OEMgWeathermaster.aspx

 

[Henning]

The heat energy released is exactly equal to the electrical energy applied (assuming none of the electricity is used to perform work or generate light). So these will be exactly as efficient as any other electrical resistance device.

Now, having said that, a spray on coating may be more convenient than trying to apply wires like you have in the back window of your car, and/or cost less than other technologies e.g. http://www.pgwglass.com/PRODUCTS/Pages/OEMgWeathermaster.aspx

How does the coating thickness affect power consumption? I guess it all works out the same except for getting the extra mass warmed. Being able to spray on a film is indeed convenient, as for cost, well, we'll see how much the stuff sells for. Unobtainium tends to be expensive regardless what form it comes in.

 

[Cap'n Jack]

How does the coating thickness affect power consumption? I guess it all works out the same except for getting the extra mass warmed. Being able to spray on a film is indeed convenient, as for cost, well, we'll see how much the stuff sells for. Unobtainium tends to be expensive regardless what form it comes in.

See below. If the weight is just a few grams, the coating can't be very thick on an airliner, can it?

Makes sense to me in concept. Nanotubes being inefficient conductors of electricity will generate a lot of heat while needing very little electricity compared to existing electrically heated deice systems.

The technology can be sprayed or applied in sheets. According to some information that I've read, applying full deicing capability to an airliner the material is light enough to be measured in grams.

Don't know if this is a pipe dream but the principle seems sound to me. But then again, I studied music in college...

http://www.battelle.org/media/press...-icing-technology-for-drones-passes-milestone