Smart actuator and sensor networks for icing condition monitoring and low-consumption de-icing system control – SmartICE

The project focuses on addressing aircraft icing issues in the context of decarbonizing aviation. Aircraft icing, which affects lift, drag, and engine performance, is a significant risk, especially as climate change creates more adverse weather conditions like freezing rain. Future energy-efficient aircraft designs will require advanced ice protection systems (IPS) due to their lighter structures and the use of materials that are incompatible with current de-icing technologies.

Current IPS technologies, such as thermal electric heating mats and pneumatic de-icing boots, have limitations in terms of power consumption and maintenance. This project proposes the development of more intelligent, resonant electromechanical de-icing systems using piezoelectric actuators, which vibrate the aircraft surface to shed ice. These systems amplify vibrations at mechanical resonance, reducing power requirements while maintaining effectiveness. Former collaborative projects have led to the development of functional prototypes tested in freezing chambers and icing wind tunnels.

The present project aims to create a smart network of sensors and actuators for efficient ice detection and control, allowing de-icing systems to activate only when necessary, optimizing power usage and minimizing weight. The project’s goals include the development of test prototypes, control strategies for resonant IPS, and methods for estimating icing conditions using reduced-order models.