Slaveykov, S. (2014). Design and development of a new kind of “smart” electro conductive snow melting membrane for lightweight structures [Master Thesis, Technische Universität Wien]. reposiTUm. https://doi.org/10.34726/hss.2014.24510
An application of Smart Polymers and nanotechnologies in membrane structure materials was observed. The objective of research is to explore the opportunities provided by emerged technology of Smart Polymers. The particular object of investigation is conductive polymers and a feasibility study their applications in membrane structures materials design and fabrication. The possibility of creating a new kind of electro conductive fabrics and their performance are explored experimentally. Theory and applications of conductive polymers are surveyed extensively in help of future works on conductive fabrics. The case study application is electrical heating of high conductive fabric and the use that heating for deicing and snowmelt. Since the conductive/resistive material is a part of structural fabric a sustain efficiency improvement is expected. The basic theory of electric heating is provided for understand the principle of operation and limitations of fabric embedded eclectic heaters. The problems of electrically heated deicing and snow melting systems are observed in perspective of its application in tensile structures, air-supported domes and other lightweight structures. The experimental part is modeling snow melding by conductive fabric specimen in realistic conditions. Some problems of practical implementation are listed and addressed such as wiring, secondary power supply (voltage converters), electrical safety etc. Special attention is paid to paneling, optimal power distribution, which is considered to be critical issues in conductive polymer heating application in membrane structures design. A feedback, environment sensing and rely smart operation by means of embedded electronic devices is discussed as way to achieve reactivity, user-friendly operation and power savings.