Low Power Rechargeable Anti-Icing System for Urban Air Mobility Vehicles

Next-generation Urban Air Mobility vehicles will require All Weather Capability, including flight into known icing conditions. Ice or frost build-up on propeller surfaces decreases aerodynamic efficiency, resulting in loss of lift when even a small amount of ice builds on rotor-blade surfaces. This can lead to the loss of the aircraft in just minutes. Electrically powered quad-copters have no viable ice protection options today, primarily due to power and weight limitations.nbsp;IDI proposes development of a Low Power Anti-Icing System specific for short range, short endurance UAM missions. The proposed approach will feature a fast response icing sensor combined with a unique Rechargeable Rotor-Blade Anti-Icing System utilizing smart materials and embedded energy storage components that can be pre-charged independent of the UAM main battery pack. Unique to this design is the ability to wirelessly recharge the rotor de-ice system at electric vehicle docking stations using inductive coupling during scheduled UAM battery pack recharge cycles.nbsp;During the Phase I Program IDI will develop a rechargeable ice protection system design and power management strategy. A prototype will be demonstrated in the Penn State AERTS Rotor Blade Icing Test Facility. Phase II will continue the development and test on a full scale UAM.