Optical Tip Timing Sensor Switching for Blade-Tip Deicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jet turbine engine systems do not effectively heat blade tips to prevent ice accumulation, which can cause imbalance and vibration issues.
Innovation Solution
An optical tip timing sensor is used to detect ice formation on blade tips and switch to a deicing mode, increasing power to heat the tips and prevent ice accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing deicing systems are used to heat fan blades, then ice accumulation is prevented, but blade tips remain unheated and vulnerable to ice accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor is configured to operate in different power modes depending on the detected location. When ice accumulation is detected at the blade tip (rather than the blade root), the sensor increases its power output to provide localized heating specifically at the tip region. This local quality approach ensures that heating is applied precisely where needed rather than uniformly across the entire blade.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor dynamically adjusts its power output based on real-time detection of icing conditions and blade position. The controller receives signals from the optical sensor and modulates the power delivery accordingly, transitioning between low-power monitoring mode and high-power deicing mode as conditions require. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both deicing effectiveness and energy efficiency.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If optical sensor power is increased to heat blade tips, then deicing is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor operates in periodic cycles, alternating between low-power monitoring mode and high-power deicing mode. During normal operation, the sensor consumes minimal power while monitoring for icing conditions. When ice accumulation is detected, the sensor transitions to high-power mode to heat and eliminate the ice, then returns to low-power mode. This periodic action pattern reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-power operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor system is self-regulating, using its own detected information about icing conditions to control its power consumption. The controller monitors the optical sensor's detection of ice accumulation and automatically adjusts power output accordingly, eliminating the need for external control systems or continuous high-power operation. The system serves its own control needs through integrated sensing and actuation.
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 prevents ice accumulation on blade tips by detecting icing conditions and applying heat, thereby reducing imbalance and vibration issues.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor configured to detect a time of arrival (TOA) of a blade tip while operating in a TOA mode
Implementation Method 2
The at least one controller is also configured to control the optical sensor to operate in a deicing mode to increase power of the optical sensor and heat the tip of the blade
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an optical sensor and at least one controller operably coupled to the optical sensor. The optical sensor is configured to detect a time of arrival (TOA) of a blade while operating in a TOA mode. The at least one controller is configured to determine that conditions on a tip of the blade are subject to icing while the optical sensor is operating in the TOA mode. The at least one controller is also configured to control the optical sensor to operate in a deicing mode to increase power of the optical sensor and heat the tip of the blade.