eVTOL Propeller Ice Shedding Through Modulation and Thermal Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
VTOL aircraft face challenges with ice accretion on propellers and surfaces, particularly in icing conditions, which degrade performance and pose safety hazards due to asymmetric ice formation and reduced propeller efficiency, necessitating effective ice management systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing propeller modulation cycles and thermal management systems to prevent and mitigate ice accretion, using distributed propulsion architectures for balanced ice shedding and thermal coupling to manage ice on propellers and air inlets, reducing the need for additional ice protection systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional ice protection systems are installed on the aircraft, then ice accretion prevention capability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft utilizes its own operational parameters (propeller rotation, engine heat, aerodynamic flow) to manage ice accretion without requiring separate dedicated ice protection systems. The propeller modulation system serves dual purposes: propulsion and ice shedding, while engine exhaust and aerodynamic heating provide passive ice prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller system performs multiple functions including propulsion, ice shedding through modulation cycles, and aerodynamic heating. The engine system provides both thrust and thermal management for ice prevention. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate ice protection equipment.
2Reliability
If propeller modulation cycles are implemented to shed ice, then ice accretion is mitigated, but flight trajectory stability may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The ice shedding system employs periodic propeller modulation cycles that alternate between ice-shedding phases and normal operation phases. This periodic action allows ice to be removed in controlled intervals while maintaining overall flight stability, as the system returns to normal propeller operation between modulation cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller modulation system dynamically adjusts propeller parameters (pitch, RPM) in response to detected ice conditions. The system transitions between different operational states based on real-time ice accretion levels, allowing adaptive ice shedding that maintains flight trajectory stability through controlled dynamic adjustments.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively manages ice accretion without disrupting flight trajectory, reducing weight and cost, and enhancing safety by balancing ice distribution and thermal management, thus meeting FIKI certification requirements.
Implementation Method 1
transfer heat from the motor assembly to an external environment outside the propeller assembly by thermal conduction through the propeller blades
Implementation Method 2
an oil flow path configured to thermally couple the heat exchanger to the motor assembly
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger; an oil flow path configured to thermally couple the heat exchanger to the motor assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for averting, shedding, or otherwise managing ice accretions that may develop during flight of an aircraft. Example systems and methods generate heat at targeted areas of a propeller assembly by electric heating systems that utilize propeller motion.