Development of Anti-/De-Icing System based on Active Thermography

Abstract

Ice accretion remains a pervasive challenge for infrastructure in cold climates, posing threats to both human safety and machine operability. Addressing this issue, our work introduces an innovative, automated ice detection/mitigation system leveraging active infrared thermography. This technology enables the detection of ice on low-temperature surfaces exhibiting thermal contrast. The system integrates low cost thermal infrared cameras and gridded-gradient heaters to remotely operate and mitigate the identified ice patches. The operational workflow begins with the system mapping the region of interest, identifying iced surface patches within its field of view. Subsequently, the system makes calculated decisions to initiate mitigation measures for the detected regions. The evaluation of the system encompasses key factors such as heat transfer, power converter efficiency, and dynamic switching behaviour. The study explores the impact of two heating techniques: continuous power heating and modified pulsed power heating, conducting a comparative analysis to discern their respective efficacy. This research not only introduces an effective solution for ice detection and mitigation but also contributes valuable insights into optimizing the efficiency and performance of such systems. By addressing the challenges posed by ice accretion, our work aims to enhance the safety and functionality of onshore and offshore infrastructure in cold climatic regions.