Project Title:

A Low Cost Passive Infrared Sensor in the Remote Detection of Ice

94-1	03.01	2820		

A Low Cost Passive Infrared Sensor in the Remote Detection of Ice

Abstract:

Visidyne proposes to develop a novel low cost uncooled passive 
infrared sensor system to detect remotely ice accretion on 
propellers and rotors for all-weather operations. The ability to 
measure ice accretion through the latent heat released as 
supercooled water freezes on a rotor has been demonstrated using 
passive infrared (IR) thermometry. The latent heat release causes 
a characteristic temperature profile with increased temperature on 
the iced leading edge of the propeller/rotor compared with the 
uniced trailing edge. Preliminary tests have been conducted on both 
static and dynamic rotor models for a variety of wet (glaze) and 
dry (rime) ice conditions. The anticipated surface temperature 
profiles were observed and the passive IR system successfully 
detected the ice accretion remotely. This approach represents the 
first practical technique to obtain direct measurements of ice 
accretion without resorting to contact methods which are 
unreliable. Visidyne will explore the feasibility of using a low 
cost uncooled infrared detector in the development of an 
operational system using this passive technique for the remote ice 
detection of propellers and rotors.

Potential commercial applications include helicopter rotor ice 
detection systems for both military and civil operations, ice 
detectors for propellers on general aviation aircraft and 
helicopter tail rotors, integrated ice protection system 
controller, wind turbine ice detection (e.g. windmills).

Key Words 

Visidyne, Inc.
10 Corporate Place
South Bedford Street
Burlington, MA 01803