Electrically Operated Aircraft Deicing Vehicles

Abstract

An electrically operated aircraft deicing vehicle includes a chassis having longitudinally extending beams. The chassis supports a rechargeable battery system including one or more battery modules and a charging unit, front and rear axles, a positioning system for a fluid spraying system and a fluid tank system containing deicing fluid. An electric drive motor is operably coupled to the battery system. The electric drive motor is positioned aft of the front axle and between the longitudinally extending beams of the chassis. The electric drive motor is operable to rotate the front wheels. A hydraulic pump system is powered by the battery system. The hydraulic pump system is operably coupled to the positioning system enabling movement of the fluid spraying system. A heat transfer unit is positioned forward of and is operably coupled to the battery system for thermally conditioning the battery system.

Claims

1. An electrically operated aircraft deicing vehicle comprising: a chassis including first and second longitudinally extending beams; front and rear axles coupled to the chassis; a positioning system coupled to the chassis; a fluid spraying system coupled to the positioning system; a fluid tank system coupled to the chassis, the fluid tank system in fluid communication with the fluid spraying system; a rechargeable battery system coupled to the chassis, the battery system including one or more battery modules and a charging unit; an electric drive motor operably coupled to the battery system, the electric drive motor positioned aft of the front axle and between the first and second longitudinally extending beams, the electric drive motor operably coupled to the front axle to rotate one or more front wheels; a hydraulic pump system operably coupled to the battery system, the hydraulic pump system operably coupled to the positioning system to maneuver the fluid spraying system; and a heat transfer unit coupled to the chassis, the heat transfer unit positioned forward of the one or more battery modules and configured to thermally condition the one or more battery modules.

2. The deicing vehicle as recited in claim 1 wherein, at least a portion of the battery system is positioned forward of and above the front axle.

3. The deicing vehicle as recited in claim 1 further comprising a mounting assembly for the electric drive motor, the mounting assembly including a first bracket coupled to the first longitudinally extending beam and a second bracket coupled to the second longitudinally extending beam.

4. The deicing vehicle as recited in claim 1 wherein, the electric drive motor is positioned below the battery system.

5. The deicing vehicle as recited in claim 1 wherein, the electric drive motor has an axis of rotation that is positioned along a longitudinal centerline of the deicing vehicle.

6. The deicing vehicle as recited in claim 1 further comprising a mounting assembly for the hydraulic pump system, the mounting assembly coupled to the first longitudinally extending beam.

7. The deicing vehicle as recited in claim 1 wherein, the hydraulic pump system is positioned outboard of the first longitudinal member, between the front and rear axles and lateral of the electric drive motor.

8. The deicing vehicle as recited in claim 1 wherein, the hydraulic pump system includes one or more hydraulic pumps each having an electric motor operably coupled to the battery system.

9. The deicing vehicle as recited in claim 1 wherein, the heat transfer unit is configured to heat the one or more battery modules during operating cycles and cool the one or more battery modules during charging cycles.

10. The deicing vehicle as recited in claim 1 wherein, the charging unit is positioned below the heat transfer unit.

11. The deicing vehicle as recited in claim 1 wherein, the positioning system further comprises a rotatable tower coupled to the chassis, a telescoping boom coupled to the tower, an operator cabin coupled to the telescoping boom and a telescoping arm coupled to the operator cabin.

12. The deicing vehicle as recited in claim 11 wherein, the positioning system further comprises a turret coupled to the telescoping boom; and wherein, the operator cabin is mounted on the turret.

13. The deicing vehicle as recited in claim 11 further comprising a heating system at least partially disposed within the operator cabin, the heating system operably coupled to the battery system.

14. The deicing vehicle as recited in claim 1 wherein, the fluid tank system includes a plurality of fluid tanks.

15. The deicing vehicle as recited in claim 1 wherein, the fluid tank system includes at least one deicing fluid tank and at least one anti-icing fluid tank.

16. The deicing vehicle as recited in claim 1 further comprising a fluid pump system configured to provide fluid from the fluid tank system to the fluid spraying system.

17. The deicing vehicle as recited in claim 16 wherein, the fluid pump system includes one or more fluid pumps each having a hydraulic motor operably coupled to the hydraulic pump system.

18. The deicing vehicle as recited in claim 1 further comprising a radiator positioned forward of and in fluid communication with the heat transfer module.

19. The deicing vehicle as recited in claim 1 further comprising: an air compressor positioned forward of the front axle, the air compressor including an electric motor operably coupled to the battery system; a power distribution unit positioned lateral of and operably coupled to the battery system; and a DC-to-DC converter system positioned between the air compressor and the power distribution unit.

20. The deicing vehicle as recited in claim 1 further comprising a vehicle control unit positioned lateral of the battery system.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the detailed description along with the accompanying figures in which corresponding numerals in the different figures refer to corresponding parts and in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an electrically operated aircraft deicing vehicle engaging in a deicing operation of an aircraft in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIGS. 2A-2D are isometric and side views of an electrically operated aircraft deicing vehicle in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an operator cabin for an electrically operated aircraft deicing vehicle in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIGS. 4A-4F are isometric views of an electrically operated aircraft deicing vehicle in various states of assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of weld-on frame members that are added to a common chassis for an electrically operated aircraft deicing vehicle in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of bolt-on frame members that are added to a modified chassis for an electrically operated aircraft deicing vehicle in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIGS. 7A-7F are various view of an electrical system subassembly for an electrically operated aircraft deicing vehicle in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a systems diagram of an electrically operated aircraft deicing vehicle in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0017] FIG. 9 is a systems diagram of a hydraulic system for an electrically operated aircraft deicing vehicle in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] While the making and using of various embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure provides many applicable inventive concepts, which can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative and do not delimit the scope of the present disclosure. In the interest of clarity, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0019] In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present disclosure, the devices, members, apparatuses, and the like described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms such as above, below, upper, lower or other like terms to describe a spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the components or a spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, as the devices described herein may be oriented in any desired direction. As used herein, the term coupled may include direct or indirect coupling by any means, including by mere contact or by moving and/or non-moving mechanical connections.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1 in the drawings, a ground support vehicle depicted as an electrically operated aircraft deicing vehicle is schematically illustrated and generally designated 10. In the illustrated embodiment, deicing vehicle 10 is spraying deicing fluid or anti-icing fluid, which will be referred to herein as deicing fluid 12, on a wing of an airplane 14. Deicing vehicle 10 is a wheeled vehicle that includes a pair of front wheels 16 and a pair of rear wheels 18. In the illustrated embodiment, front wheels 16 are the drive wheels for deicing vehicle 10 as well as the steering control wheels for deicing vehicle 10 such that front wheels 16 control the direction of travel of deicing vehicle 10 when deicing vehicle 10 is moving. Deicing vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 20 that is supported by a chassis. A hydraulically controlled positioning system of deicing vehicle 10 includes a tower 22 that is located proximate the aft end of deicing vehicle 10 and is rotatable relative to body 20, a telescoping boom assembly 24 that is configured to pivot in a vertical direction relative to tower 22, an operator cabin 26 that is positioned at a distal end of telescoping boom assembly 24 and is mounted on a turret 28 such that operator cabin 26 may rotate relative to telescoping boom assembly 24, and a telescoping arm 30 that supports a fluid spraying system 32 depicted as including one or more spray nozzles for discharging deicing fluid 12 onto aircraft surfaces, such as wing 34 and tail 36, to remove ice and snow and/or prevent the accumulation of ice and snow thereon.

[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2D of the drawings, additional details relating to deicing vehicle 10 will be disclosed. Deicing vehicle 10 is a fully self-contained deicing vehicle that has a tank system 40 including multiple fluid tanks, such as fluid tanks 40a, 40b, 40c, that are used to contain, heat and transport deicing fluid 12 from an airport hangar to and between aircraft requiring deicing. Fluid tanks 40a, 40b, 40c may contain the same or different fluids therein such as one or more mixtures of deicing fluid and anti-icing fluid. Deicing vehicle 10 includes an electrically operated heating system 42 that is in fluid communication with one or more heat exchangers positioned inside one or more of fluid tanks 40a, 40b, 40c to maintain deicing fluid 12 at the desired temperature. Deicing fluid 12 is supplied from tank system 40 to fluid spraying system 32 at a high pressure via a piping system 44, a fluid pump system 46 including a plurality of fluid pumps each having a hydraulic motor and a tubing system (not visible) disposed within telescoping boom assembly 24. Deicing vehicle 10 has a hydraulic system that includes a hydraulic fluid tank 48, a hydraulic pump system 50 including a plurality of electrically operated hydraulic pumps and a variety of hydraulically operated components such as the fluid pumps and the vehicle braking system that are in fluid communication with hydraulic fluid tank 48 and/or a hydraulic pump system 50 via a network of hydraulic lines. In addition, pressurized hydraulic fluid is used by the positioning system to rotate tower 22, raise, lower, extend and retract boom assembly 24, rotate operator cabin 26 and raise, lower, extend and retract arm 30.

[0022] Deicing operations are commonly performed using diesel powered aircraft deicing vehicles that include one or more diesel engines that provide the power for movement of the vehicle, operating the hydraulic system, heating fluids stored in the tank system, heating the operator cabin and generating electricity. It has been found, however, that diesel powered aircraft deicing vehicles create air and noise pollution including emitting nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere during operations. The present embodiments, however, are capable of performing the required deicing functions without producing the undesirable air and noise pollution by utilizing a rechargeable battery system to enable a fully electrically operated aircraft deicing vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, rechargeable battery system 52 provides the energy necessary to power the movement of deicing vehicle 10. Specifically, deicing vehicle 10 has a drivetrain 54 depicted as including an electric drive motor 56 that receives electrical energy from battery system 52, a driveshaft 58 and a front axle (see also FIG. 4B) that is operably coupled to front wheels 16 such that torque and rotational energy is delivered from battery system 52 to front wheels 16. In addition, battery system 52 provides power to operate hydraulic pump system 50, heating system 42, a heating system 62 of operator cabin 26 (see also FIG. 3) as well as the various control systems used to operate deicing vehicle 10 including touchscreen monitor 64 in operator cabin 26. Battery system 52 is charged via a charging port 66 positioned behind an access panel of 68 of deicing vehicle 10. Charging port 66 may be a combined charging system (CCS) that enables fast charging via a level 3 direct current input or slower charging via a level 1 or level 2 alternating current input. For DC fast charging of battery system 52, charging port 66 may be coupled directly to battery system 52. For AC charging of battery system 52, charging port 66 may be coupled to battery system 52 via an onboard charging unit and power distribution system as discussed herein.

[0023] Referring additional to FIG. 3 of the drawings, deicing vehicle 10 is configured to be controlled by a single operator from operator cabin 26. In the illustrated embodiment, operator cabin 26 is a fully enclosed space providing a comfortable environment for operating deicing vehicle 10. Operator cabin 26 includes a door 70 to enable ingress to and egress from operator cabin 26. Operator cabin 26 includes an operator seat 72 from which the operator controls deicing vehicle 10 in both a driving mode of deicing vehicle 10 when cabin 26 is positioned on body 20 and a spraying mode of deicing vehicle 10 when cabin 26 is raised above body 20 by telescoping boom assembly 24. It should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that when deicing vehicle 10 is in the spraying mode, the operator remains able to drive deicing vehicle 10 around an aircraft being deiced. Operator cabin 26 has vehicle controls including a steering controller 74 that is operably coupled to front wheels 16 and motion controllers 76a, 76b, depicted as pedals, for accelerating and stopping deicing vehicle 10. Operator cabin 26 also has deicing controllers 78a, 78b, depicted as joysticks, for controlling the operations and positioning of fluid spraying system 32. Operator cabin 26 includes touchscreen monitor 64 that displays operating information and provides an interface for controlling various deicing vehicle functionality. Heating system 62 is positioned within operator cabin 26 beneath one or more floor panels 86. Heating system 62 is configured to heat operator cabin 26. In the illustrated embodiment, heating system 62 includes an electrical resistance heater 62a including, for example, as a positive-temperature-coefficient (PCT) heating element and an adjustable-speed direct current blower 62b, each of which is operably coupled to and powered by battery system 52. Blower 62b and heater 62a are coupled together with ducting 62c. The heated air from heater 62a is circulated into operator cabin 26 via ducting 62d and a venting system 62e.

[0024] Deicing vehicle 10 includes has various body panels 80 that are visible in FIG. 2A but have been removed in FIGS. 2B-2C to reveal the internal components of deicing vehicle 10. For example, deicing vehicle 10 includes one or more right side body panels 80a, one or more roof body panels 80b, one or more left side body panels (not visible) and one or more aft body panels (not visible). It should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that the right side and the left side of deicing vehicle 10 will be with reference to the operator of deicing vehicle 10 when operator cabin 26 is in the driving configuration depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C with the right side of deicing vehicle 10 corresponding to the right side of the operator and the left side of deicing vehicle 10 corresponding to the left side of the operator. As best seen in FIG. 2A, the rightward direction is indicated by rightward arrow 82a and the leftward direction is indicated by leftward arrow 82b. The rightward and leftward directions also represent the lateral direction of deicing vehicle 10 with the forward and backward directions being normal thereto and represented by forward arrow 84a and backward arrow 84b. The forward and backward directions also represent the longitudinal direction of deicing vehicle 10. The backward direction may also be referred to herein as the aftward direction. Body panels 80 provide an outer skin for deicing vehicle 10 and protect the various operating components of deicing vehicle 10 disposed therein. Body panels 80 are preferably comprised of metal or metal alloy, such as aluminum. Body panels 80 may include one or more access panels (not shown) to enable access to the various operating components positioned behind body panels 80.

[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4F of the drawings, an electrically operated aircraft deicing vehicle 100 in various states of assembly will now be described. It should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that deicing vehicle 100 is representative of deicing vehicle 10 discussed herein. As best seen in FIG. 4A, structural support for deicing vehicle 100 is provided by a chassis 102, on or around which the various components of deicing vehicle 100 are assembled. Chassis 102 is formed of a plurality of structural frame members that are preferably welded together. The structural frame members include a right longitudinally extending beam 104a and a left longitudinally extending beam 104b with brace members extending therebetween such as cross member 106a and cross channel 106b. A cabin platform frame 108 that includes a front bumper 110 forms the forward end of chassis 102. A tower mount frame 112 that includes a rear bumper 114 forms the aft end of chassis 102. Chassis 102 also includes upper and lower mounting rails 116a, 116b that extend laterally outboard from right longitudinally extending beam 104a as well as a plurality of mounting brackets, such as mounting brackets 118a, 118b. Chassis 102 is comprised of metal or metal alloy, such as steel. In this state, chassis 102 may be referred to as a common chassis as chassis 102 may be used as the foundation for multiple different deicing vehicles including electrically operated aircraft deicing vehicle 100 as well as certain diesel powered aircraft deicing vehicles.

[0026] As best seen in FIG. 4B, a front axle 120 is coupled to chassis 102 via a front suspension (not shown). Front wheels 122 are coupled to front axle 120 and are configured to rotation about a front axle axis of rotation 124. In addition, a rear axle 126 (see also FIG. 4F) is coupled to chassis 102. Rear wheels 128 are coupled to rear axle 126 and are configured to rotation about a rear axle axis of rotation 130. When front wheels 122 and rear wheels 128 are coupled thereto, chassis 102 may be referred to as a wheeled chassis. Deicing vehicle 100 has a longitudinal centerline 132 that extends substantially parallel to and between longitudinally extending beams 104a, 104b and through the center of front axle 120. Deicing vehicle 100 has a vertical axis 134 that intersects longitudinal centerline 132 and axis of rotation 124.

[0027] As best seen in FIG. 4C, the common chassis of FIGS. 4A-4B is modified with additional frame members in order to form the welded chassis assembly for deicing vehicle 100. To make this modification, additional weld-on frame members 140 are added to chassis 102 (see also FIG. 5). In the illustrated embodiment, the weld-on frame members 140 include heat transfer unit frame member 142 that is welded to longitudinally extending beams 104a, 104b above front axle 120; charging unit frame member 144 that is welded to longitudinally extending beams 104a, 104b above front axle 120; forward battery module frame members 146a, 146b that are welded to longitudinally extending beams 104a, 104b above front axle 120; aft battery module frame members 148a, 148b that are welded to longitudinally extending beams 104a, 104b above front axle 120 with aft battery module frame member 148b welded to longitudinally extending beams 104a, 104b via right brace assembly 150a and left brace assembly 150b; electric drive motor inverters frame members 152a, 152b that are welded to right brace assembly 150a and left brace assembly 150b aft of front axle 120; electric drive motor frame members 154a, 154b, 154c that are welded to longitudinally extending beams 104a, 104b forward of front axle 120; and hydraulic pump system frame member 156 that is welded to mounting rail 116b. In this manner, the common chassis is modified with additional frame members to form chassis 102 for deicing vehicle 100.

[0028] As best seen in FIG. 4D, the modified chassis 102 includes suitable bolt patterns such that additional frame members may be bolted on chassis 102 to support various electric components of deicing vehicle 100. It should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that even though FIG. 4D depicts bolt-on frame assemblies 160 attached to chassis 102 without supported components attached thereto, in some cases, certain supported components may be attached to bolt-on frame assemblies 160 prior to coupling bolt-on frame assemblies 160 to chassis 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the bolt-on frame assemblies 160 (see also FIG. 6) include forward battery module frame assembly 162 that is bolted on top of forward battery module frame members 146a, 146b; aft battery module frame assembly 164 that is bolted on top of aft battery module frame members 148a, 148b; right and left electric drive motor inverter bracket assemblies 166, 168 that are bolted on top of electric drive motor inverters frame members 152a, 152b; forward electric drive motor bracket assembly 170a that is bolted on top of electric drive motor frame member 154a; right aft electric drive motor frame bracket assembly 170b that is bolted to electric drive motor frame members 154b; left aft electric drive motor frame bracket assembly 170c that is bolted to electric drive motor frame members 154c; hydraulic pump system frame assembly 172 that is bolted to hydraulic pump system frame member 156 and upper laterally extending mounting rail 116a; and an upper frame assembly 174 that is bolted on top of upper laterally extending mounting rail 116a.

[0029] As best seen in FIGS. 4E-4F, deicing vehicle 100 includes a high voltage electric system 200 that is coupled to chassis 102 using weld-on frame members 140 and bolt-on frame assemblies 160. As discussed herein, the electric components of high voltage electric system 200 may be coupled to respective bolt-on frame assemblies 160 prior to or after bolt-on frame assemblies 160 have been attached to chassis 102. In some embodiments, high voltage electric system 200 may be bolted on a modified chassis 102 as one or more subassemblies of a kit. In the illustrated embodiment and referring additionally to FIGS. 7A-7F, high voltage electric system 200 includes a rechargeable battery system 202 depicted as having a rechargeable forward battery module 202a, a rechargeable aft battery module 202b and a charging unit 202c, a thermal management system 204 depicted as having a radiator 204a and a heat transfer unit 204b, a DC-to-DC converter system 206 depicted as having an upper DC-to-DC converter 206a and a lower DC-to-DC converter 206b, an air compressor 208, a hydraulic pump system 210 depicted as having a right hydraulic pump 210a and a left hydraulic pump 210b, an electric drive motor 212, an electric drive motor inverter system 214 depicted as having a right inverter 214a and a left inverter 214b, a power distribution unit 216, a vehicle control unit 218 and a cabin heating system 62 (see also FIG. 3).

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, forward battery module 202a is coupled to chassis 102 using forward battery module frame assembly 162 that is bolted on top of forward battery module frame members 146a, 146b. An aft battery module 202b is coupled to chassis 102 using aft battery module frame assembly 164 that is bolted on top of aft battery module frame members 148a, 148b. Battery modules 202a, 202b may be high voltage battery modules providing, for example, 800 VDC and may be connected in parallel to power distribution unit 216. Battery modules 202a, 202b are positioned aft of thermal management system 204, lateral of DC-to-DC converter system 206, lateral of power distribution unit 216, above electric drive motor 212, above longitudinal centerline 132 of deicing vehicle 100 and above longitudinally extending beams 104a, 104b. Charging unit 202c is positioned below heat transfer unit 204b and forward of battery modules 202a, 202b. A portion of battery system 202 is positioned forward of axis of rotation 124 and a portion of battery system 202 is positioned aft of axis of rotation 124 and between axes of rotation 124, 130. Even though deicing vehicle 100 has been depicted and described as having a battery system including two battery modules, it should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that a deicing vehicle of the present disclosure could have a battery system including other numbers of battery modules either less than or greater than two. For example, for deicing vehicle having a heavy duty cycle, three or more battery modules may be used.

[0031] Heat transfer unit 204b is coupled to chassis 102 using heat transfer unit frame member 142 that is welded to longitudinally extending beams 104a, 104. Heat transfer unit 204b is configured to thermally condition battery modules 202a, 202b including heating battery modules 202a, 202b during operating cycles and cooling battery modules 202a, 202b during charging cycles. Heat transfer unit 204b is operably coupled to battery system 202 via power distribution unit 216. Heat transfer unit 204b is positioned forward of battery modules 202a, 202b, aft of radiator 204a, lateral of air compressor 208, above charging unit 202c, above longitudinal centerline 132 of deicing vehicle 100 and above longitudinally extending beams 104a, 104b. A portion of heat transfer unit 204b is positioned forward of axis of rotation 124 and a portion of heat transfer unit 204b is positioned aft of axis of rotation 124 and between axes of rotation 124, 130.

[0032] DC-to-DC converter system 206 is coupled to chassis 102 using upper frame assembly 174 that is bolted on top of mounting rail 116a. DC-to-DC converter system 206 is operably coupled to battery system 202 via power distribution unit 216. DC-to-DC converter system 206 down converts the 800 VDC to one or more suitable voltages for operating lower voltage electric components such vehicle control unit 218 and touchscreen monitor 64 which may operate at 24 VDC, 12 VDC, 5 VDC or other suitable voltage. DC-to-DC converter system 206 is positioned lateral of battery module 202a, forward of power distribution unit 216, aft of air compressor 208, aft of axis of rotation 124, between axes of rotation 124, 130 and outboard of right longitudinally extending beam 104a. Air compressor 208 is coupled to chassis 102 using upper frame assembly 174 that is bolted on top of mounting rail 116a. Air compressor 208 includes an electric motor that is operably coupled to battery system 202 via power distribution unit 216. Air compressor 208 is positioned lateral of heat transfer unit 204b, forward of power distribution unit 216, forward of DC-to-DC converter system 206, forward of axis of rotation 124 and outboard of right longitudinally extending beam 104a.

[0033] Hydraulic pump system 210 is coupled to chassis 102 using a mounting assembly depicted as hydraulic pump system frame assembly 172 that is bolted to mounting rail 116a and frame member 156 which is welded to mounting rail 116b with mounting rails 116a, 116b coupled to and extending laterally outboard from longitudinally extending beam 104a. Hydraulic pumps 210a, 210b each include an inverter and an electric motor that is operably coupled to battery system 202 via power distribution unit 216. Hydraulic pumps 210a, 210b provide high pressure hydraulic fluid to operate fluid pumps 46, the vehicle braking system and the positioning system of deicing vehicle 100 including tower 22, boom assembly 24, operator cabin 26 and arm 30, for example. Hydraulic pumps 210a, 210b are positioned aft of DC-to-DC converter system 206, power distribution unit and air compressor 208, lateral of electric drive motor 212 and longitudinal centerline 132 of deicing vehicle 100, aft of axis of rotation 124, between axes of rotation 124, 130 and outboard of right longitudinally extending beam 104a.

[0034] Electric drive motor 212 is coupled to chassis 102 using a mounting assembly depicted as bracket assembly 170a that is bolted on top of frame member 154a, bracket assembly 170b that is bolted to frame member 154b and bracket assembly 170c that is bolted to frame member 154c with frame members 154b, 154c welded respectively to longitudinally extending beams 104a, 104b. Electric drive motor 212 is the prime mover of deicing vehicle 100 and is operably coupled to battery system 202 via power distribution unit 216. Electric drive motor 212 has an axis of rotation that is coincident with longitudinal centerline 132 of deicing vehicle 100 such that electric drive motor 212 is aligned with front axle 120. Electric drive motor 212 is positioned below battery module 202b, lateral of hydraulic pump system 210, between longitudinally extending beams 104a, 104b, aft of axis of rotation 124 and between axes of rotation 124, 130.

[0035] Electric drive motor inverter system 214 is coupled to chassis using bracket assemblies 166, 168 that are bolted on top of frame members 152a, 152b which are welded to right brace assembly 150a and left brace assembly 150b. Inverters 214a, 214b are operably coupled to battery system 202 via power distribution unit 216 and are configured to convert the DC voltage from battery system 202 to AC voltage for electric drive motor 212. Electric drive motor inverter system 214 is positioned above electric drive motor 212, below battery module 202b, lateral of hydraulic pump system 210, between longitudinally extending beams 104a, 104b, aft of axis of rotation 124 and between axes of rotation 124, 130.

[0036] Power distribution unit 216 is coupled to chassis 102 using upper frame assembly 174 that is bolted on top of mounting rail 116a. Power distribution unit 216 is operably coupled to battery system 202 and distributes power from battery modules 202a, 202b to thermal management system 204, DC-to-DC converter system 206, air compressor 208, hydraulic pump system 210 and electric drive motor 212, for example. In addition, power distribution unit 216 distributes power from charging unit 202c to battery modules 202a, 202b. Power distribution unit 216 is positioned aft of DC-to-DC converter system 206, aft of air compressor 208, lateral of battery module 202a, aft of axis of rotation 124, between axes of rotation 124, 130 and outboard of right longitudinally extending beam 104a.

[0037] Vehicle control unit 218 is coupled to chassis 102 using upper frame assembly 174 that is bolted on top of mounting rail 116a. Vehicle control unit 218 receives inputs from vehicle controllers such as motion controllers 76a, 76b and deicing controllers 78a, 78b as well as from various sensors of deicing vehicle 100. In addition, vehicle control unit 218 provides commands for vehicle operations including commands to electric drive motor 212, the vehicle braking system and hydraulic pump system 210 to enable positioning and operation of spray system 32, for example. Vehicle control unit 218 is positioned aft of power distribution unit 216, aft of DC-to-DC converter system 206, aft of air compressor 208, lateral of battery module 202a and/or battery module 202b, aft of axis of rotation 124, between axes of rotation 124, 130 and outboard of right longitudinally extending beam 104a.

[0038] Deicing vehicle 100 includes a high voltage test point 220 the provides a protected location to test for voltage within high voltage electric system 200. High voltage test point 220 is a safety device used, for example, to validate that battery system 202 has been disconnected from the other elements within high voltage electric system 200 to assure that no voltage is present within high voltage electric system 200 prior to preforming maintenance or other operations relating to any of the components of high voltage electric system 200. In the illustrated embodiment, high voltage test point 220 is coupled to upper frame assembly 174 via a mounting bracket 222. High voltage test point 220 is positioned above hydraulic pumps 210a, 210b, aft of DC-to-DC converter system 206, power distribution unit and air compressor 208, lateral of electric drive motor 212 and longitudinal centerline 132 of deicing vehicle 100, aft of axis of rotation 124, between axes of rotation 124, 130 and outboard of right longitudinally extending beam 104a.

[0039] Referring additionally to FIG. 8 of the drawings, a systems diagram of a deicing vehicle 300 will be discussed. It should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that deicing vehicle 300 is representative of deicing vehicles 10, 100 discussed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, deicing vehicle 300 includes a rechargeable battery system 302 that may include one or more rechargeable battery modules that provide power for the electric components of deicing vehicle 300. Battery system 302 is thermally conditioned by a thermal management system that heats the battery modules during operating cycles, cools the battery modules during charging cycles and that includes heat transfer unit 304 and radiator 306. Heat transfer unit 304 receives power from battery system 302 via a power distribution unit 308. The battery modules are charged via a charging port 310 that enables DC fast charging the battery modules via a direct connection or AC charging of the battery modules via charging unit 312 and power distribution unit 308. In addition, power distribution unit 308 distributes power from battery system 302 to a DC-to-DC converter system 314, an air compression 316, a hydraulic pump system 318, a cabin heating system 320 and an electric drive motor 322. DC-to-DC converter system 314 down converts the high voltage DC to one or more lower DC voltages to power, for example, a vehicle control unit 324. Hydraulic pump system 318 is in fluid communication with a variety of hydraulically operation systems of deicing vehicle 300 including, for example, a positioning system 326 that may include a rotatable tower, a telescoping boom, a rotatable operator cabin and a telescoping arm that collectively position a fluid spraying system 328 relative to, for example, an aircraft wing requiring deicing. In addition, hydraulic pump system 318 is in fluid communication with a fluid pump system 330 that provides high pressure deicing fluid from a tank system 332 to fluid spraying system 328.

[0040] Referring additionally to FIG. 9 of the drawings, a systems diagram of a hydraulic system 400 for a deicing vehicle, such as deicing vehicles 10, 100, 300, will now be discussed. Hydraulic system 400 includes a rechargeable battery system 402 that provides power for hydraulic pumps 404, 406 via a power distribution unit 408. Hydraulic pumps 404, 406 are independent of one another and support specific hydraulically powered devices via independent hydraulic networks allowing each of hydraulic pumps 404, 406 to be operated at a desired speed depending upon the demands of the deicing vehicle. Hydraulic pumps 404, 406 may share a common hydraulic fluid reservoir or may have independent hydraulic fluid reservoirs associated therewith. In generally, hydraulic pump 404 supports various hydraulically powered fluid pumps of the deicing vehicle and hydraulic pump 406 supports the movement of various vehicle systems of the deicing vehicle.

[0041] More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, hydraulic pump 404 supports the deicing fluid pumps 410 associated with each of the fluid tanks of the tank system, one or more water pumps 412, one or more heat exchanger pumps 414 as well as any other fluid pumps 416 used by the deicing vehicle including one or more rotary pump and/or one or more circulation pumps. In addition, hydraulic pump 404 may supports a snow blower system 418. In the illustrated embodiment, hydraulic pump 406 supports the positioning system associated with deicing operations including, the hydraulic control systems associated with rotating tower 420; raising, lowering, extending and retracting boom assembly 422; rotating operator cabin 424; raising, lowering, extending and retracting telescoping arm 426; raising, lowering, extending and retracting nozzle arm 428; and tilting nozzle 430. In addition, hydraulic pump 406 may also support the steering system 432 of the deicing vehicle, the braking system 434 of the deicing vehicle and the blower system 436 associated with a diesel burner of the deicing vehicle. Using multiple variable-speed electrically operated hydraulic pumps 404, 406 offers several benefits over prior hydraulic systems for deicing vehicle including greater flexibility, efficiency, reliability and adaptability. For example, hydraulic pumps 404, 406 can be individually adjusted to different speeds, allowing for more precise control of flow rates and pressures. Hydraulic pumps 404, 406 can be set to run at optimal speeds for different loads, reducing energy consumption and pump wear. Hydraulic pumps 404, 406 can be turned on and off as needed to meet varying demand, reducing energy usage when demand is low.

[0042] The foregoing description of embodiments of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosure. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principals of the disclosure and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments as well as other embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments.