Adaptive de-icing system – numerical simulations and laboratory experimental validation

Abstract

The performance of many mechanical structures highly depends on weather conditions in region of operation. One of the main limiting factors of their performance in cold regions is the icing process. Icing of structures can be a reason of mechanical and electrical failures and can be dangerous for people working closely to, for instance, rotating wind turbine blades. To prevent de-icing process an inspection system informing about the possibility of collecting ice on surface of operating structures is of particular interest. The following work considers a numerical modeling approach and experimental investigations of the ice detection and de-icing process. The proposed numerical model is based on the cohesive-zone approach used to simulate the delamination at the ice/aluminum interface. Model parameters are specified in terms of fracture energy as a function normal and shear deformation at the interface. A linear elastic traction separation law prior to damage and progressive degradation of the material stiffness after failure is assumed. The ice detection and removal is accomplished by ultrasonic waves excited by the piezoelectric transducers. The experimental results for aluminum plate with ice layers are presented. The results confirmed possibility of icing identification by means of piezoelectric transducers, although ice removal effectiveness depends on the thickness of ice layers. Finally, a proposal of a new deicing adaptive system is given.