DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DE-ICING AN ELONGATE STRUCTURAL ELEMENT

摘要

The invention concerns a device and a method for de-icing an elongate structural element with closed outline. The device is formed by a couple of electrically conductive and insulated wires, pre-formed to be wound, side by side, along and around the structural element along a helical path matching the structural element outline with some clearance. The conductive wires have ends for receiving electromagnetic pulses, and opposite ends electrically interconnected. The conductive wires have a calibre capable of tolerating a repulsive force whereof the intensity is capable of breaking the ice or frost on the structural element by spacing the conductive wires from each other in response to the repulsion. The conductive wires have properties of rigidity and elasticity such that they recover their shape around the structural element after being spaced by the repulsion.