Warm air canopy system for providing ice-free zone

摘要

Novel methods and means are provided for providing a substantially ice-free zone around a vessel out to 100 feet or more. The method includes the steps of (a) creating a finite substantially enclosed zone completely around the periphery of the vessel above the waterline, such zone including a peripheral zone approaching the waterline; then (b) continuously circulating warm air within the finite substantially enclosed zone; and finally (c) continuously injecting warm air into the peripheral zone to prevent ice formation within the peripheral zone. The apparatus includes (a) a plurality of floating modules disposed around, and each connected at one end to, the vessel; (b) a continuous, downwardly depending skirt extending completely around the outer periphery of the plurality of floating modules; and (c) a water/air heat exchanger in a selected plurality of such floating modules. The combination of the floating canopies around the vessel, and the hot air provides an ice-free zone around the vessel.