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Sub Module 17.5 Propeller Ice Protection
MODULE 17
Sub Module 17.5
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Sub Module 17.5 Propeller Ice Protection
Contents
INTRODUCTION1
FLUID(LIQUID)ICEPROTECTIONSYSTEMS2
ELECTRICALICEPROTECTIONSYSTEMS4
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Sub Module 17.5 Propeller Ice Protection
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Sub Module 17.5 Propeller Ice Protection
INTRODUCTION
Propellers and spinners are exposed to an environment that
under certain climatic conditions can lead to ice on the surface
rapidly impairing their efficiency, leading to a loss of thrust and
an increase in weight. Another problem with ice formation on a
propeller is that if unevenly distributed, it can lead to an
imbalance that will cause excessive vibration. Ice build up on a
propeller can also lead to ice throw, where chunks of ice are
thrown off the propeller at high speed due to centrifugal force.
These lumps of ice can cause considerable damage.
Anti-Icing
De-icing
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Figure 17.5.01
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Figure 17.5.02
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Figure 17.5.03
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Figure 17.5.04
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Figure 17.5.05
Figure 17.5.06
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Figure 17.5.07
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System Operation
During each cycle rapid heating and cooling takes place. A thin
layer of ice is allowed to form on the leading edges of the
propeller blades. This thin layer of ice acts as an insulator so
that when the current is switched on by the cyclic timer the
temperature rises more rapidly than it would on an unprotected
surface.
The ice layer next to the heating element melts and the thin
layer of ice is easily dispersed by centrifugal and aerodynamic
forces. The cyclic timer now transfers the power from the blade
to the engine intake, and the leading edge of the blade rapidly
cools allowing another thin layer of ice to form and the cycle is
repeated.
Electrical power is carried to the propeller blades and spinner by
a brush box, which contains several carbon brushes which are
spring loaded to contact slip rings on the rear plate of the
propeller's hub. The current is then carried to the blades by
cables to the blade roots.
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Sub Module 17.5 Propeller Ice Protection
Figure 17.5.08
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The pilot can easily tell whether or not the de-icing system is
operating correctly in the Automatic mode by watching the
propeller ammeter. It will indicate a flow of current each time
one of the heater elements draws current.
The timer sends current through the right propeller for about 90
seconds, then switches over and sends current through the left
propeller for 90 seconds.
Some propeller de-icing systems have two separate heating
elements on each blade. Current flows through the right
propeller outboard element for about 30 seconds, then through
the right propeller inboard element for the same length of time.
After the right propeller is de-iced, the timer shifts over and
sends current through the left propeller outboard elements and
then the left propeller inboard elements.
Current cycles of the two propellers are controlled by the timer
as long as the propeller Auto Prop De-ice switch is on. When
the Manual Prop De-icer switch is held in its momentary on
position, the two manual-override relays are energized and
current flows directly from the bus to the blades without going
through the timer.
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Sub Module 17.5 Propeller Ice Protection
Figure 17.5.14