Aircraft Propeller Ice Management Using Modulation and Targeted Heating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
VTOL aircraft are susceptible to ice accretion on propellers and surfaces, which degrade performance and pose safety hazards, particularly in urban environments where propellers operate at lower speeds, and certification for flight in icing conditions requires effective ice protection systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing propeller modulation cycles and thermal management systems to prevent or mitigate ice accretion, including oil flow paths and electrical heating methods to manage ice on propellers and surfaces, reducing the need for dedicated ice protection systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated ice protection systems are installed on propellers, then ice accretion is prevented, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller utilizes its own rotational kinetic energy to generate ice shedding force through periodic modulation, eliminating the need for external heating systems or additional weight. The system serves itself by using operational motion to prevent ice accretion
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller implements periodic modulation cycles that alternate between high-speed rotation (for ice shedding) and normal operation, creating rhythmic mechanical forces that prevent ice accumulation without requiring continuous energy input from dedicated protection systems
2Reliability
If propeller speed is increased to shed ice, then ice accretion is reduced, but noise and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses intermittent periodic modulation rather than continuous high-speed operation, allowing the propeller to return to normal lower speeds between ice shedding cycles, thereby reducing overall noise exposure while maintaining effective ice prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller dynamically adjusts its rotation speed based on real-time ice detection and flight conditions, increasing speed only when and where ice shedding is necessary, rather than maintaining constantly high speed, thus optimizing the balance between ice prevention and noise reduction
3Reliability
If propeller modulation cycles are implemented, then ice management is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller modulation system leverages the existing mechanical energy required for normal propeller operation to achieve ice shedding, converting a portion of the necessary propulsion energy into ice prevention action without requiring additional power input
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies modulation cycles at partial duty cycles rather than continuous operation, using excessive speed only momentarily when needed for ice shedding, then returning to normal operational speeds, thereby limiting additional power consumption to minimum necessary levels
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 additional weight or power consumption, enhancing safety and compliance with icing certification standards while minimizing drag and noise.
Implementation Method 1
an oil flow path configured to thermally couple the heat exchanger to the motor assembly
Implementation Method 2
the 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
Implementation Method 4
the third segment passes along the lower lip
Implementation Method 5
the oil flow path configured to thermally couple the heat exchanger to the motor assembly
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
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 selectively modulate propeller parameters in a way that does not disrupt a flight trajectory; direct oil from a lubrication and cooling path to targeted sections of ice-prone surfaces to manage ice accretion in a way that does not unduly increase the total volume of oil, require larger pumps, or complicate the system; or generate heat at targeted areas of a propeller assembly by electric heating systems that utilize propeller motion.