Electrothermal inlet ice protection system
A modular fan inlet ice protection system includes a center ring, an outer ring and a plurality of struts. The struts are each coupled at a first end to the center ring, and at a second end to the outer ring. A plurality of shell members are each configured to be removably coupled to a corresponding strut. Moreover, the shell members each include an electrothermal heater element. Preferably the system further includes a plurality of inlet guide vanes each including an electrothermal heater element.
1. A modular fan inlet ice protection system, comprising:
a center ring;
an outer ring;
a plurality of struts each coupled at a first end to the center ring, and at a second end to the outer ring;
a plurality of shell members, each shell member being configured to be removably coupled to a corresponding strut, and each shell member including an electrothermal heater element.
2. A modular fan inlet ice protection system as defined in claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of inlet guide vanes each including an electrothermal heater element.
3. A modular fan inlet ice protection system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of shell members each define a longitudinal groove for being received onto a corresponding strut.
4. A modular fan inlet ice protection system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the center ring is fabricated at least in part from an organic matrix composite.
5. A modular fan inlet ice protection system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the outer ring is fabricated at least in part from an organic matrix composite.
6. A modular fan inlet ice protection system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of struts are each fabricated at least in part from an organic matrix composite.
7. A modular fan inlet ice protection system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of shell members are each fabricated at least in part from an organic matrix composite.