Aircraft Rotor Ice Accretion Detection Using Torque Modeling
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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 multiple rotor configurations, particularly in vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a processing system to detect ice accretion on aircraft rotors by comparing actual and estimated torque, generating alerts, and providing deicing indications without significant energy or weight increase, utilizing a flight control computer and ice accretion detection system with motor and rotor models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ice detection and deicing systems are installed on UAM/UAV aircraft, then ice accretion can be detected and deicing can be performed, but electric energy consumption, cost, and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical/optical ice detection systems with a mechanical torque-based detection method. The system uses the flight control computer to monitor torque data from the motor already required for rotor operation, eliminating the need for separate electrical ice detection sensors and their power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the flight control computer perform multiple functions: it controls motor operation and simultaneously detects ice accretion by analyzing torque data. This multi-functionality eliminates dedicated ice detection hardware and its associated energy consumption, while the motor controller also serves dual purposes for motor control and torque data provision.
2Reliability
If traditional ice detection and deicing systems are installed on UAM/UAV aircraft, then ice accretion can be detected and deicing can be performed, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the flight control computer perform multiple functions: it controls motor operation and simultaneously detects ice accretion by analyzing torque data. This multi-functionality eliminates dedicated ice detection hardware and its associated energy consumption, while the motor controller also serves dual purposes for motor control and torque data provision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the ice detection function with the existing flight control and motor control systems. By combining these functions into existing components, the patent eliminates the need for separate ice detection hardware, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining ice detection capability.
3Reliability
If traditional ice detection and deicing systems are installed on UAM/UAV aircraft, then ice accretion can be detected and deicing can be performed, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical/optical ice detection systems with a mechanical torque-based detection method. The system uses the flight control computer to monitor torque data from the motor already required for rotor operation, eliminating the need for separate electrical ice detection sensors and their power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the flight control computer perform multiple functions: it controls motor operation and simultaneously detects ice accretion by analyzing torque data. This multi-functionality eliminates dedicated ice detection hardware and its associated energy consumption, while the motor controller also serves dual purposes for motor control and torque data provision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rotors are used in VTOL aircraft configuration, then vertical take-off and landing capability is achieved, but ice accretion risk increases due to stowed rotor position during cruise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection of ice accretion on rotors during the cruise phase when rotors are in stowed position. By detecting ice buildup early using torque analysis before the aircraft transitions to vertical flight, the system allows for preventive deicing actions to be taken, eliminating the need for heavy deicing systems while maintaining safety.
Data Source
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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.