Icephobic coating on the condenser cold side

Abstract

An icephobic coating is disposed on at least a cold side of a condenser in an environmental control system (ECS) of an aircraft. By applying the icephobic coatings to the condenser, the adhesive strength of the ice can be significantly reduced. As a result, it is difficult for ice to stick on the condenser. The vibration in the system and the force of the air flow can then knock the ice particles off of the condenser, resulting in reduced ice buildup.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An environmental control system comprising:
 a turbine supplying sub-freezing air to a condenser;   a condenser adapted to receive the sub-freezing air; and   an icephobic coating disposed on at least a cold side of the condenser.   
     
     
         2 . The environmental control system of  claim 1 , wherein the icephobic coating is disposed on the entire condenser. 
     
     
         3 . The environmental control system of  claim 1 , wherein the icephobic coating includes a silicone resin binder containing fumed silica particles and a chemical cross linker. 
     
     
         4 . A method for preventing ice buildup on a condenser, the method comprising:
 coating at least a cold side of the condenser with an icephobic coating.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the icephobic coating is disposed on the entire condenser. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the icephobic coating is disposed on a cold side of the condenser. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the icephobic coating includes a silicone resin binder containing fumed silica particles and a chemical cross linker. 
     
     
         8 . A method for preventing ice buildup on a condenser, the method comprising:
 coating at least a cold side of the condenser with an icephobic coating, wherein the icephobic coating includes a silicone resin binder containing fumed silica particles and a chemical cross linker.