Satellite Antenna De-Icing Systems
Detailed specifications

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Reliable satellite communications during the winter.

FEATURES

• Automatic operation
• Built-in fault protection
• Both deicing and anti-icing available
• Ultra reliable heater technology
• Lowest purchase and operating costs
• Easy field or factory installation
• 15 year maintenance free design life

DESCRIPTION

Deicing Systems provide high performance and reliability with exceptionally low purchase and operating costs. All systems include a Snow Switch for reliable automatic control along with main reflector, sub-reflector and feed heaters and interconnecting wiring. A unique Deicing Systems is engineered for each antenna to insure optimum performance and installation simplicity.

Deicing Systems accommodate antennas through 10 meter apertures. Standard nominal power densities include 40 watts per square foot for deicing and 140 watts per square foot for anti-icing. The supply voltage depends on the power required and customer preference. Typical voltages include 100, 120, 200, 230 and 240 volts single phase and 208, 240, 277, 345, 416 and 480 volts 3-phase.

Heaters use high temperature and mechanically robust Tefzel® insulation to insure a long trouble-free heater service life of at least 15 years. With the exception of improved mechanical properties, Tefzel® is very similar to Teflon®. A shield braid provides mechanical and electrical protection in the event of heater damage. For heat transfer and ease of installation, the CSA Certified and NRTL Recognized heaters are sandwiched between layers of self-adhesive aluminum foil. Integral weather resistant connectors further simplify heater installation. High performance heaters make anti-icing power densities of 140 watts per square foot practical while maintaining the same reliability as the standard 40 watts per square foot power density.

Deicing Systems are supplied with Snow Switch controls for reliable automatic control and safety. A SNOW SWITCH provides patented integral ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) capability as required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) electrical and shock protection.

Electrical faults in reflectors fabricated from sheet molding compound may not be detectable by the GFCI. This leads to undetected arc tracking which is a fire hazard. The DC TRACE and ARC FAULT options detect these problems with surface mounted and embedded heater respectively.