A Modern Thermo-Kinetic Warm Fog Dispersal System for Commercial Airports

Abstract

An extensive investigation has been made to arrive at near-optimum specifications for a thermo-kinetic warm fog dispersal system. This study included passive heat tests, subscale heat/momentum tests, and tests with a single full-scale runway combustor and an approach zone combustor. These tests were augmented with extensive analytical modeling of buoyant jets under co-flowing and counter-flowing wind conditions. The approach category and the minimum volume to be cleared within each category are the primary factors affecting the size of the thermal fog dispersal system (TFDS). Based on these studies and the clearing geometries defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization, it is shown that a Category II TFDS employs 16% fewer combustors and uses 63% less fuel than a Category I TFDS. A Category III TFDS uses 35% fewer combustors and 78% less fuel than a Category I TFDS. The combustor specifications and orientation are presented for the three approach categories.