Arc detection and remaining service life prediction of probe heater PHM

Abstract

A system for an aircraft includes an aircraft component, the aircraft component including a heater directed through the aircraft component, the heater including a resistive heating element and an insulator surrounding the resistive heating element. A first current flows into the resistive heating element to provide heating to the aircraft component, and a second current flows out of the resistive heating element. The system also includes: a first sensor, the first sensor configured to generate a first sensor signal representing the first current; a second sensor, the second sensor configured to generate a second sensor signal representing the second current; a leakage sensor, the leakage sensor configured to generate a leakage sensor signal representing the leakage current; and a signal processor configured to sample and measure the first current, the second current, and the leakage current using a high frequency sampling rate to identify the presence of arcing. Arcing detection is used to predict future heater failures and estimate the remaining useful life of the heater.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to probes, and more particularly to prediction of air data probes. Background Art

[0002] Probes are used to determine environmental characteristics. For example, in an aircraft system, air data probes may be implemented on the exterior portion of the aircraft to help determine conditions such as airspeed, altitude, and angle of attack. Due to severe flight conditions at high altitudes, ice may form on portions of the air data probes. To address this problem, heaters are implemented within the air data probes to prevent ice formation that could affect the proper functioning of the air data probes.

[0003] When air data probes fail, they typically need to be replaced prior to subsequent takeoff. The heater of the air data probe is typically the component with the most limited life. Therefore, once the heater fails, the air data probe needs to be replaced. It would be desirable to predict when the air data probe will need to be replaced. Summary of the invention

[0004] A system for an aircraft includes an aircraft component, the aircraft component including a heater directed through the aircraft component, the heater including a resistive heating element and an insulator surrounding the resistive heating element. A first current flows into the resistive heating element to provide heating to the aircraft component, and a second current flows out of the resistive heating element. The system also includes: a first sensor, the first sensor configured to generate a first sensor signal representing the first current; a second sensor, the second sensor configured to generate a second sensor signal representing the second current; a leakage sensor, the leakage sensor configured to generate a leakage sensor signal representing the leakage current; and a signal processor, the signal processor configured to sample and measure the first current, the second current, and the leakage current using a high frequency sampling rate to identify the presence of arc discharge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an aircraft including a plurality of air data probes.

[0006] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of an air data probe including a heater and circuitry electrically connected to the heater.

[0007] Figure 2B It is along Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the heater of the air data probe taken along line BB.

[0008] Figure 2C is a partial cross-sectional view showing an open circuit in the heater.

[0009] Figure 2Dis a partial cross-sectional view showing a short circuit in the heater.

[0010] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the function of a signal processor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Generally speaking, the present disclosure describes measuring and sampling the primary heater current and insulator leakage current using a high frequency sampling rate (150 KHz to 500 KHz) to detect arcing which is indicative of future heater failure and can be used to estimate the remaining useful life of the heater.

[0012] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing an aircraft 10 including a plurality of air data probes 12a to 12n. Although shown as a commercial aircraft, other vehicles such as unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, and land vehicles may also include air data probes 12a to 12n configured to sense environmental characteristics. The air data probes 12a to 12n are aircraft components. The air data probes 12a to 12n may be any type of probe such as, but not limited to, a pitot probe, a pitot-static pressure probe, a total atmospheric temperature (TAT) probe, an angle of attack (AOA) sensor, and any other probe that may include a heater.

[0013] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of an air data probe 12a including a heater 14 and a circuit 16 electrically connected to the heater 14. Figure 2A 1. The air data probe 12a is shown as a TAT probe 12a, but the air data probe 12a may be any other type of air data probe 12a-12n or sensing element. Figure 2B It is along Figure 2A 2 is a cross-sectional view of the heater 14 of the air data probe 12 a taken along line BB in FIG. Figure 2C 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an open circuit O in the heater 14 . Figure 2D is a partial cross-sectional view showing a short circuit S in the heater 14. Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2D .

[0014] The air data probe 12a is an aircraft component and includes a heater 14. The air data probe 12a is electrically connected to a circuit 16 including a voltage source Vs, a first sensor 17A, a second sensor 17B, a leak sensor 17C, a signal processor 18, and a prediction processor 20. The heater 14 includes a resistive heating element 22, an insulator 24, and a sheath 26.

[0015] The heater 14 (which may be, for example, a heater wire) is guided through the air data probe 12a and electrically connected to an electrical circuit 16 within the aircraft 10. The heater 14 receives power from an electrically connected voltage source Vs of the electrical circuit 16 to provide heating for the air data probe 12a. The voltage source Vs may provide direct current (DC) power or alternating current (AC) power to the heater 14 depending on the type of air data probe 12a in which the heater 14 is located. The first current I1 is a main current flowing at a first end of the heater 14. The second current I2 is a main current flowing at a second end of the heater 14 opposite to the first end of the heater 14. For example, as Figure 2A As shown, a first current I1 (which may be a DC or AC current) flows into the heater 14, and a second current I2 (which may be a DC or AC current) flows out of the heater 14. The first current I1 flows through the first sensor 17A to generate a sensed voltage or a first sensor signal V1. In this embodiment, the first sensor 17A is a first sensing resistor R1. The second current I2 flows through the second sensor 17B to generate a sensed voltage or a second sensor signal V2. In this embodiment, the second sensor 17B is a second sensing resistor R2. The leakage current I L is the current leaking from the heater 14 to the electrical ground. L flows through the leakage sensor 17C to generate a sensed voltage or leakage sensor signal V L In this embodiment, the leakage sensor 17C is a leakage sensing resistor R L Since the first sensing resistor R1, the second sensing resistor R2 and the leakage sensing resistor R L is a known resistor, so the first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2 and the leakage sensor signal V L The first current I1, the second current I2 and the leakage current I L The first current I1, the second current I2 and the leakage current I are respectively represented by L The first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2 and the leakage sensor signal V L Changes as a function of time. In alternative embodiments, the first sensor 17A, the second sensor 17B and the leak sensor 17C may be any suitable sensor.

[0016] The signal processor 18 is electrically connected to the heater 14. The time-varying first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2 and the leakage sensor signal V L is provided to the signal processor 18. The signal processor 18 generates a difference voltage V by subtracting the second sensor signal V2 from the first sensor signal V1. D The first sensor signal V1 and the second sensor signal V2 represent the current at opposite ends of the heater 14. Therefore, VD represents the difference between the first current I1 and the second current I2, which represents the current leaking from the heater 14 and is therefore equal to the leakage sensor signal V L And is a function of time. The first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2, the leakage sensor signal V L and the difference voltage V D is digitized, filtered, and transformed from the time domain to the frequency domain to generate a first sensor signal V1, a second sensor signal V2, a leakage sensor signal V L And the difference voltage V D The signal processor 18 outputs the first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2, the leakage sensor signal V L and the difference voltage V D Fourier transform data. Represents the first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2, the leakage sensor signal V L and the difference voltage V D The Fourier transform data of indicates whether arc discharge occurs in the heater 14. The first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2, and the leakage sensor signal V L And the difference voltage V D are also digitized and filtered, so that the signal processor 18 also outputs the first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2, the leakage sensor signal V L and the difference voltage V D .

[0017] The prediction processor 20 is electrically connected to the signal processor 18 to receive signals representing the first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2, the leakage sensor signal V L and the difference voltage V D The prediction processor 20 also receives the first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2, the leakage sensor signal V L and the difference voltage V D In addition to the first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2, the leakage sensor signal V L and the difference voltage V D In addition, the prediction processor 20 also uses the first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2, the leakage sensor signal V L and the difference voltage V D The Fourier transform data of the heater 14 outputs a state 21. The heater 14 may have a state 21 of "normal", "expected open circuit", "expected short circuit" and / or "future failure / remaining useful life".

[0018] like Figure 2B As shown, the heater 14 has a resistive heating element 22, which is a resistor that receives a first current I1 from a voltage source Vs and outputs a second current I2 to the voltage source Vs. The first current I1 flows into the resistive heating element 22, and the second current I2 flows out of the resistive heating element 22. The resistive heating element 22 can be made of an oxidation-resistant material such as a nickel-chromium alloy or any other suitable material. An insulator 24 surrounds the resistive heating element 22. The insulator 24 can be made of silicon dioxide, ceramic, or any other suitable insulating material. The sheath 26 is metal and surrounds the insulator 24, so that the insulator 24 is located between the resistive heating element 22 and the sheath 26. The sheath 26 can be made of a nickel alloy, a copper alloy, or any other suitable oxidation-resistant material.

[0019] When the air data probe 12a is exposed to low temperatures during flight at high altitudes, the heater 14 prevents ice from forming on the air data probe 12a. The voltage source Vs supplies power to the resistance heating element 22, so that a first current I1 is supplied to and driven through the resistance heating element 22, thereby generating heat required by the air data probe 12a, and a second current I2 flows out of the resistance heating element 22.

[0020] Insulator 24 protects and electrically insulates resistive heating element 22. For example, resistive heating element 22 is insulated from metal sheath 26 by insulator 24. Sheath 26 protects resistive heating element 22 and insulator 24, such as by preventing moisture and contaminants from damaging insulator 24.

[0021] If the sheath 26 is ruptured, oxygen, moisture, dust, carbon, oil, and other contaminants may leak through the sheath 26 to the insulator 24 and then to the resistive heating element 22, causing the materials of the insulator 24 and the resistive heating element 22 to oxidize, change properties, and / or otherwise decompose. Loss of function of the insulator 24 results in the resistive heating element 22 being shorted to the sheath 26, or a short circuit S. Rupture and degradation of the resistive heating element 22 may result in an open circuit O. For example, oxidation or rupture of the insulator 24 may result in a gap in the insulator 24 and the resistive heating element 22, or an open circuit O, and loss of function of the heater 14, such as Figure 2C In addition, loss of function of the insulator 24 may result in the resistance heating element 22 contacting the sheath 26 or shorting S, and loss of function of the heater 14, such as Figure 2DAs shown. Both open circuit O and short circuit S indicate a failure of the heater 14 because current can no longer flow through the heater 14. In the early stages of open circuit O and short circuit S, intermittent arcing occurs due to discharge through a small conductive air gap in the insulator 24. Ionization of the air in the gap in the insulator 24 allows charge to pass through the air, thereby generating a plasma that can cause visible light. As the resistive heating element 22 degrades, arcing may also occur within the resistive heating element 22, such as in open circuit O. In the case of short circuit S, arcing may occur between the resistive heating element 22 and the sheath 26. Arcing may cause the function of the heater 14 to be temporarily restored, which is caused by closing the gap in the case of open circuit O or opening the gap in the case of short circuit S. The arcing itself is typically present in the first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2, and the leakage sensor signal V at a frequency range that is much higher than the operating frequency. L For example, the arc discharge may be present in a range of about 50 KHz to about 200 KHz.

[0022] The signal processor 18 uses a high frequency sampling rate to sample the first current I1, the second current I2 and the leakage current I from the heater 14. L The first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2 and the leakage sensor signal V L The high frequency sampling rate is at least two times greater than the highest frequency of the electrical noise generated by the arc discharge (this may be limited by anti-aliasing filters), such as from about 150 KHz to about 500 KHz.

[0023] Since arc discharge is a precursor to an open circuit O or short circuit S fault of the heater 14, the prediction processor 20 determines the state 21 of the heater 14 based on the presence of arc discharge. The arc discharge manifests itself as the first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2, the leakage sensor signal V L and the difference voltage V D This high-frequency noise is expressed in the first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2, the leakage sensor signal V L and the difference voltage V D The prediction processor identifies the presence of arcing in the heater 14 based on the detection of the high frequency noise to determine future failure of the heater 14 .

[0024] When the first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2, the leakage sensor signal V L and the difference voltage V DWhen there is no high frequency noise in the Fourier transform data of the first sensor signal V1 and the second sensor signal V2, the prediction processor 20 will output a "normal" state, indicating that the heater 14 is operating normally. L And the difference voltage V D When the signal level of the leakage sensor signal V does not increase or rise, the prediction processor 20 will output an "expected open circuit" state, indicating an impending future open circuit O. L And the difference voltage V D The signal level of the first sensor signal V1 and the second sensor signal V2 is significantly increased or raised when there is high frequency noise in the Fourier transform data representing the first sensor signal V1 and the second sensor signal V2, and when there is high frequency noise in the Fourier transform data representing the leakage sensor signal V L and the difference voltage V D When there is high frequency noise in the Fourier transform data of the prediction processor 20, the prediction processor 20 will output a state of "expected short circuit" to indicate an upcoming future short circuit. The prediction processor 20 will output a state of "expected short circuit" based on the first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2, the leakage sensor signal V L and the difference voltage V D The characteristics (specific shape) and magnitude of the Fourier transform data are used to output the state of "future failure / remaining service life" indicating the remaining service life of the heater 14. Although the reference leakage sensor signal V L And the difference voltage V D As described above, if the signal processor 18 does not generate the difference voltage V D , the prediction processor 20 can use only the leakage sensor signal V L (representing the leakage current) makes the same prediction, or if no leakage sensor signal V is provided to the signal processor 18 L , you can use only the difference voltage V D (denoting leakage current) makes the same prediction.

[0025] The heater 14 ensures that the air data probe 12a operates properly. The heater 14 may fail suddenly due to an open circuit O or a short circuit S, which results in a sudden loss of function of the air data probe 12a. Since the normal operation of the air data probe 12a is necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft 10, the prediction of the heater 14 improves the reliability of the air data probe 12a. Predicting future failures of the heater 14 allows the user to replace the heater 14 when necessary (such as between flights or at another convenient time) and prevent unpredictable failures of the heater 14, which reduces flight delays, improves flight safety, and reduces aircraft maintenance and flight operation costs.

[0026] Figure 3is a schematic diagram showing the functionality of the signal processor 18, which includes generating a digitized and filtered first sensor signal V1, a second sensor signal V2, a leakage sensor signal V L and the difference voltage V D , and generating the digitized and filtered first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2, the leakage sensor signal V as a function of frequency L and the difference voltage V D The signal processor 18 processes the first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2, and the leakage sensor signal V L and the difference voltage V D A / D conversion 28A to 28D, filtering 30A to 30D, and fast Fourier transform (FFT) 32A to 32D are performed. In addition, the signal processor 18 includes amplifiers 34C and 34D and a comparator 36.

[0027] The signal processor 18 receives the first sensor signal V1. The signal processor 18 digitizes the first sensor signal V1 using the A / D converter 28A and filters the digitized first sensor signal V1 to a frequency range of interest, such as a frequency range from about 50 KHz to about 200 KHz, using the filter 30A. The signal processor 18 generates Fourier transform data representing the first sensor signal V1 using a fast Fourier transform 32A. The Fourier transform data representing the first sensor signal V1 represents the first sensor signal V1 as a function of frequency, and the first sensor signal represents the first current I1 of the heater 14.

[0028] The signal processor 18 receives the second sensor signal V2. The signal processor 18 digitizes the second sensor signal V2 using the A / D converter 28B and filters the digitized second sensor signal V2 to a frequency range of interest, such as a frequency range from about 50 KHz to about 200 KHz, using the filter 30B. The signal processor 18 generates Fourier transform data representing the second sensor signal V2 using a fast Fourier transform 32B. The Fourier transform data representing the second sensor signal V2 represents the second sensor signal V2 as a function of frequency, and the second sensor signal represents the second current I2 of the heater 14.

[0029] The signal processor 18 receives the leakage sensor signal V L The signal processor 18 uses the amplifier 34C to amplify the leakage sensor signal V L , and uses the A / D converter 28C to digitize the amplified leakage sensor signal V L The signal processor 18 uses the filter 30C to convert the digitized leakage sensor signal V LThe signal processor 18 generates a signal V representing the leakage sensor signal using a fast Fourier transform 32C. L Fourier transform data. Represents the leakage sensor signal V L The Fourier data representation of the leakage sensor signal V as a function of frequency L , the leakage sensor signal represents the leakage current I of the heater 14 L .

[0030] The signal processor 18 receives the first sensor signal V1 and the second sensor signal V2. The signal processor 18 uses the comparator 36 to subtract the second sensor signal V2 from the first sensor signal V1 to generate a difference voltage V D The signal processor 18 uses the amplifier 34D to amplify the difference voltage V D , and uses the A / D converter 28D to digitize the amplified differential voltage V D The signal processor 18 uses the filter 30D to convert the digitized difference voltage V D The signal processor 18 uses a fast Fourier transform 32D to generate a signal representing the difference voltage V D Fourier transform data. Represents the difference voltage V D The Fourier data represents the difference voltage V as a function of frequency D , the differential voltage represents the leakage current I of the heater 14 L .

[0031] The signal processor 18 samples the first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2, the leakage sensor signal V3, and the like at a sampling rate of at least twice the frequency range of interest, such as from about 150 KHz to about 500 KHz. L And the difference voltage V D Sampling is performed. The first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2, the leakage sensor signal V L And the difference voltage V D is digitized, filtered and transformed into the frequency domain so that the first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2, the leakage sensor signal V L And the difference voltage V D In addition to monitoring the first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2, the leakage sensor signal V L And the difference voltage V D In addition to the signal level of the first sensor signal V1, the second sensor signal V2, the leakage sensor signal V L And the difference voltage V DAnalysis of the frequency spectrum of each of the 100 MHz and 100 MHz signals may determine the presence of high frequency noise indicative of arcing. The frequency data is transmitted to a predictive processor 20 which determines a condition 21 of the heater 14 based on such data, including the remaining useful life of the heater 14 .

[0032] Although described with respect to high frequency sampling, lower frequency sampling may also be used to detect arc discharge. At lower frequency sampling rates, arc discharge may appear as a leakage sensor signal V L And the difference voltage V D The random high amplitude pulses and random noise in the time signal data of the heater 14 can be removed. In this way, future failures of the heater 14 and the remaining service life of the heater 14 can also be identified at a lower frequency sampling rate.

[0033] Furthermore, although described with respect to an air data probe, such as air data probe 12a, heater 14 may be any heater for any suitable aircraft component, such as a wing anti-ice heater.

[0034] Discussion of possible implementation plans

[0035] The following is a non-exclusive description of possible embodiments of the invention.

[0036] A system for an aircraft includes an aircraft component, the aircraft component including a heater guided through the aircraft component, the heater including: a resistive heating element; and an insulator surrounding the resistive heating element; wherein a first current flows into the resistive heating element to provide heating to the aircraft component, and a second current flows out of the resistive heating element; a first sensor, the first sensor configured to generate a first sensor signal representing the first current; a second sensor, the second sensor configured to generate a second sensor signal representing the second current; a leakage sensor, the leakage sensor configured to generate a leakage sensor signal representing a leakage current; and a signal processor configured to sample and measure the first current, the second current, and the leakage current using a high frequency sampling rate to identify the presence of arc discharge.

[0037] Additionally and / or alternatively, the system of the previous section may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations and / or additional components:

[0038] The predictive processor is configured to determine a future heater failure based on the arcing.

[0039] The prognostic processor is configured to determine a remaining useful life of the aircraft component.

[0040] The predictive processor is configured to identify the presence of arcing in the heater based on high frequency noise in the first current and the second current.

[0041] The signal processor is configured to digitize the first sensor signal, the second sensor signal, the leakage sensor signal, and a differential voltage, which is a difference between the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal.

[0042] The signal processor is configured to amplify the leak sensor signal.

[0043] The signal processor samples the first sensor signal, the second sensor signal, and the leakage sensor signal at a frequency of about 150 KHz to about 500 KHz.

[0044] The signal processor filters the first sensor signal, the second sensor signal, and the leakage sensor signal to a frequency range of about 50 KHz to about 200 KHz.

[0045] The prediction processor is configured to predict a remaining useful life of the heater based on characteristics and magnitudes of Fourier transformed data representing the first sensor signal, the second sensor signal, and the leakage sensor signal.

[0046] The signal processor is configured to output Fourier transformed data representing the first sensor signal, the second sensor signal, and the leakage sensor signal.

[0047] The prediction processor is configured to identify a future short circuit or a future open circuit based on Fourier transformed data representing the first sensor signal, the second sensor signal, and the leakage sensor signal.

[0048] The prediction processor is configured to identify a future open circuit when Fourier transform data representing the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal indicates high frequency noise and the leakage sensor signal is not elevated.

[0049] The prediction processor is configured to identify a future short circuit when Fourier transform data representing the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal indicate high frequency noise, Fourier transform data representing the leakage sensor signal also indicates high frequency noise, and the leakage sensor signal rises.

[0050] The signal processor is configured to output Fourier transformed data representing a difference between the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal, the difference being equal to the leakage sensor signal.

[0051] The heater also includes a metal sheath surrounding the insulator such that the insulator is located between the resistive heating element and the metal sheath.

[0052] The voltage source is used to provide a first current to the resistive heating element.

[0053] The first and second currents provided to the resistive heating element may be AC ​​or DC power.

[0054] The first sensor is a first sensing resistor, the second sensor is a second sensing resistor, and the leakage sensor is a leakage sensing resistor.

[0055] The signal processor samples the first sensor signal, the second sensor signal, and the leakage sensor signal at a frequency twice greater than a highest frequency of electrical noise generated by arc discharge.

[0056] The aircraft component is the air data probe.

[0057] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and elements thereof may be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present invention without departing from the essential scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is expected that the present invention is not limited to one or more specific embodiments disclosed, but that the present invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for an aircraft, the system comprising: An aircraft component comprising a heater directed through the aircraft component, the heater comprising: a resistive heating element; and an insulator surrounding the resistive heating element; wherein a first current flows into the resistive heating element to provide heating to the aircraft component, and a second current flows out of the resistive heating element; a first sensor configured to generate a first sensor signal representative of the first current; a second sensor configured to generate a second sensor signal representative of the second current; a leakage sensor configured to generate a leakage sensor signal representative of a leakage current; and a signal processor configured to sample and measure the first current, the second current, and the leakage current using a high frequency sampling rate to identify the presence of arc discharge, The high frequency sampling rate is at least twice greater than the highest frequency of the electrical noise generated by the arc discharge.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a predictive processor configured to determine a future heater failure based on the arcing. 3 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising a prediction processor configured to determine a remaining useful life of the aircraft component. 4 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising a predictive processor configured to identify the presence of arcing in the heater based on high frequency noise in the first current and the second current. 5 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the signal processor is configured to digitize the first sensor signal, the second sensor signal, the leakage sensor signal, and a differential voltage, the differential voltage being a difference between the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal. 6 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the signal processor is configured to amplify the leak sensor signal. 7 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the signal processor samples the first sensor signal, the second sensor signal, and the leakage sensor signal at a frequency of 150 KHz to 500 KHz.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the signal processor filters the first sensor signal, the second sensor signal, and the leakage sensor signal to a frequency range of 50 KHz to 200 KHz.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a prediction processor configured to predict a remaining useful life of the heater based on characteristics and magnitudes of Fourier transformed data representing the first sensor signal, the second sensor signal, and the leakage sensor signal.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the signal processor is configured to output Fourier transformed data representing the first sensor signal, the second sensor signal, and the leakage sensor signal.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a prediction processor configured to identify a future short circuit or a future open circuit based on the Fourier transformed data representing the first sensor signal, the second sensor signal, and the leakage sensor signal.

12. The system of claim 10, further comprising a predictive processor configured to identify a future open circuit when the Fourier transformed data representing the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal indicates high frequency noise and the leakage sensor signal is not elevated.

13. The system of claim 10, further comprising a predictive processor that identifies a future short circuit when the Fourier transform data representing the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal indicate high frequency noise, the Fourier transform data representing the leakage sensor signal also indicates high frequency noise, and the leakage sensor signal rises.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the signal processor is configured to output Fourier transformed data representing a difference between the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal, the difference being equal to the leakage sensor signal.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the heater further comprises a metal sheath surrounding the insulator such that the insulator is located between the resistive heating element and the metal sheath.

16. The system of claim 1, further comprising a voltage source for providing the first current to the resistive heating element.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second currents provided to the resistive heating element may be AC ​​or DC power.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the first sensor is a first sensing resistor, the second sensor is a second sensing resistor, and the leakage sensor is a leakage sensing resistor.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the aircraft component is an air data probe.

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