Abstract: A mechanical scraper with synchronized pulse electrothermal deicing includes a heating element that is coupled to a power supply and that is operable to convert power from the power supply into heating energy. A controller controls the magnitude and duration in which power is applied to the heating element, such that only an interfacial layer of ice at an ice-object interface is disrupted for a sufficient period of time to allow the scraper to move or remove the dislodged ice/snow. A scraper then works over the surface to be deiced, thus removing the ice before the interfacial layer re-freezes. Another method of the present invention electromagnetically induces current at the ice-to-object interface, to melt interfacial ice, using coils and a high frequency power supply disposed proximal to the scraper.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel fins-on-tubes type evaporator/heat exchanger system that is optimized for energy-saving inductive heating thereof, for example by way of application of Pulse Electro-Thermal Deicing/Defrosting (PETD) or equivalent technique thereto, by configuring it to increasing its resistance to a value at which the system's reactance at its working frequency is comparable to, or less than, its electrical resistance. Advantageously, the inventive system may be advantageously configured to comprise the same form factor and interface as a conventional fins-on-tubes type evaporator/heat exchanger component, such that the inventive evaporator/heat exchanger system may be readily utilized for replacement thereof.