Rotor Ice Accretion Detection Using Motor Torque Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice accretion detection systems for UAM/UAV aircraft increase electric energy consumption, cost, and weight, which are not suitable for aircraft with multiple rotors and control surfaces, particularly during vertical take-off and landing phases.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a processing system to receive torque data, implement motor and rotor models, compute load differences, and generate alerts when ice accretion exceeds a predetermined magnitude, without increasing energy consumption or weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ice detection and deicing systems are installed on UAM/UAV aircraft, then ice accretion detection capability is improved, but electric energy consumption, cost, and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the motor's own torque sensor and existing control algorithms to detect ice accretion, allowing the motor to serve dual purposes (propulsion and ice detection) without requiring separate detection hardware, thereby avoiding additional energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The torque sensor originally designed for motor control is repurposed to detect ice accretion by monitoring load variations, making the existing component multi-functional and eliminating the need for dedicated ice detection sensors that would consume additional energy
2Reliability
If traditional ice detection and deicing systems are installed on UAM/UAV aircraft, then ice accretion detection capability is improved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the motor's inherent torque sensing capability to detect ice accretion, eliminating the need for separate ice detection sensors and associated hardware, thereby avoiding additional weight
Solution Approach 2:
The existing motor and torque sensor are made multi-functional by using them for both propulsion control and ice detection, removing the need for dedicated ice detection components and reducing overall system weight
3Reliability
If traditional ice detection and deicing systems are installed on UAM/UAV aircraft, then ice accretion detection capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the motor controller's existing processing capabilities to analyze torque data for ice detection, eliminating the need for separate detection hardware and reducing system cost
Solution Approach 2:
The motor controller is made multi-functional by adding ice detection algorithms to its existing control functions, eliminating the need for separate detection systems and reducing overall system cost
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rotors are used in VTOL aircraft, then vertical take-off and landing capability is improved, but ice accretion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system independently monitors torque data from each motor- rotor unit, allowing individual detection and management of ice accretion on each rotor, thereby managing the increased risk associated with multiple rotors
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors torque variations in real-time and provides feedback to the flight control system, enabling immediate response to ice accretion on any rotor, which is critical for VTOL aircraft with multiple rotating components
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting ice accretion on a rotor of an aircraft includes a processing system that is configured to: receive torque data indicative of actual torque supplied from an electric motor to the rotor; implement a model of the electric motor and the rotor that determines an estimated torque that should be supplied from the electric motor to the rotor; compute a load on the rotor from the actual torque and the estimated torque; compare the computed load to a predetermined magnitude; and when the computed load exceeds the predetermined magnitude, generate an alert that indicates ice is accreting on the rotor.