Intelligent Leading Edge Deicing/Anti-Icing System

Cornerstone Research Group Inc. (CRG) proposes to develop an innovative concept for a lightweight, low-cost, multi-functional intelligent deicing/anti-icing system. The proposed concept utilizes an integrated piezoelectric (PZT) sensor/actuator network to autonomously monitor system function, the leading edge of the rotor for ice accretions, damage due to FOD, and to perform or assist in deicing/anti-icing functions. Discretized thin-film heaters are incorporated into the concept to provide augmentation or back-up to the piezoelectric deicing/anti-icing system and are controlled by an intelligent control system. Data acquired from the PZT network is used by the intelligent control system for autonomous decision making. The concept system provides capabilities not available in singular current systems to monitor the rotor blade structure in near real time while in service, and automatically activate the deicing/anti-icing system when necessary.