Optimizing microwave-sensitive coatings for enhanced de-icing efficiency: Effects of frequency, antenna design, and surface geometry

Microwave de-icing technology demonstrates significant application potential for anti-icing and de-icing various infrastructures due to its environmentally friendly, non-contact, and straightforward operation. However, further research and optimization are required under different microwave conditions, antenna types, and complex engineering surface structures. This paper employs numerical simulation methods to investigate the temperature rise behavior of coating surfaces under varying microwave power and irradiation times, validated through physical experiments. The results indicate that at an irradiation distance of 5 cm, the critical microwave incidence angle is approximately 20°, with minimal impact on the heating effect of the coating. Increasing the microwave frequency accelerates the heating rate but reduces uniformity, with 5.8 GHz causing uneven heating and 0.915 GHz providing more uniform heating. A frequency of 2.45 GHz is recommended to achieve a balance between heating rate and uniformity. Additionally, as the irradiation distance increases, heating efficiency decreases. Horn antennas demonstrate advantages over standard rectangular waveguide antennas by reducing energy loss over long distances, covering a larger area, and improving heating uniformity. Curved surface coatings demonstrate superior heating characteristics, offering valuable insights for de-icing structures with complex shapes.