Ice detection
AssigneeROLLS-ROYCE plc
InventorDavid P. Scothern
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present disclosure concerns the detection of ice within a system. More specifically, but not exclusively, the disclosure concerns the detection of ice accretion within a gas turbine engine. The apparatus and method relies on heating a first region (38) of a component (44) and comparing the measured temperature of the first region (38) with a second temperature value, possibly measured at a distinct second region (40) of the component (44).
Claims18
An apparatus for detecting ice accretion on a component, wherein the component is located within a gas turbine engine, the apparatus including a first heater for applying heat to a first region of the component and a first temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the first region, and a comparator for comparing the temperature determined by the first temperature sensor with a second temperature value, the apparatus further comprising a second heater for applying heat to a second region of the component and a second temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the second region, wherein the second temperature sensor provides the second temperature value, and
- wherein either of the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor are positioned aft of a leading edge of the component,
- the first region comprises a pressure surface of the component, and the second region comprises a suction surface of the component, and
- the first temperature sensor is disposed on the pressure surface, and the second temperature sensor is disposed on the suction surface.
An apparatus for detecting ice accretion on a component, wherein the component is located within a gas turbine engine, the apparatus comprising a first heater, a first temperature sensor disposed in a first region of the component, a second temperature sensor disposed in a second region of the component, and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to read computer readable instructions to execute the steps of:
- applying heat from the first heater to the first region of the component during use of the component;
- monitoring a first temperature of the first region with the first temperature sensor during use;
- and
- comparing the monitored first temperature of the first region with a second temperature of the second region obtained from the second temperature sensor;
- wherein the first region comprises a pressure surface of the component, and the second region comprises a suction surface of the component,
- the first temperature sensor is disposed on the pressure surface, and the second temperature sensor is disposed on the suction surface,
- either of the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor are positioned aft of a leading edge of the component, and
- ice accretion is detected based on the comparison of the monitored first temperature of the first region with the second temperature value during use of the component.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.