Sensor Arrangement

A system for measuring the rate of ice formation, the system comprising:

• a thermally conductive element according to claim 20;
• a heater/cooler for cooling or heating the second surface of the thermally conductive element;
• a temperature detector for providing a signal representative of the temperature of the first surface of the thermally conductive element;
• a power monitor for determining an amount power required to heat or cool the first surface to a temperature indicative of ice formation on said first surface;
• and
• a processor for determining, from the detected temperatures and the amount of heating or cooling power, a rate of ice formation of the environment to which the first surface is exposed.

A method of measuring the rate of ice formation in an icing environment, comprising the steps of:

• i) providing a thermally conductive element comprising a first and second surface wherein the surface area of said first surface is smaller than the second surface,
• ii) causing said first surface to be exposed to the environment;
• iii) cooling or heating the second surface;
• iv) monitoring the temperature of the first surface;
• v) determining an amount of power required to heat or cool the second surface to a temperature to overcome the latent heat of ice formation on said first surface;
• and
• vi) determining, from the monitored temperatures and the amount of heating or cooling power, a rate of ice formation of the environment to which the first surface is exposed.

A method of measuring the rate of ice formation in an icing environment, comprising the steps of:

• i) providing a thermally conductive element comprising a first and second surface wherein the surface area of said first surface is smaller than the second surface,
• ii) causing said first surface to be exposed to the environment;
• iii) cooling or heating the second surface;
• iv) monitoring the temperature of the first surface;
• v) determining the temperature difference between the first and second surfaces, calculating the heat flux through the thermally conductive element at a temperature to overcome the latent heat of ice formation on said first surface;
• and
• vi) determining, from the monitored temperatures and the heat flux, a rate of ice formation of the environment to which the first surface is exposed.

A method of determining a proximity to icing conditions of an environment, comprising the steps of:

• i) providing a thermally conductive element comprising a first and second surface wherein the surface area of said first surface is smaller than the second surface,
• ii) causing said first surface to be exposed to the environment;
• iii) cooling or heating the second surface;
• iv) monitoring the temperature of the first surface;
• v) determining an amount of power required to heat or cool the second surface to a temperature indicative of ice formation on said first surface;
• and
• vi) determining, from the monitored temperatures and the amount of heating or cooling power, a proximity to icing conditions of the environment to which the first surface is exposed.

A method of determining a proximity to icing conditions of an environment, comprising the steps of:

• i) providing a thermally conductive element comprising a first and second surface wherein the surface area of said first surface is smaller than the second surface,
• ii) causing said first surface to be exposed to the environment;
• iii) cooling or heating the second surface;
• iv) monitoring the temperature of the first surface;
• v) determining the temperature difference between the first and second surfaces, calculating the heat flux through the thermally conductive element at a temperature indicative of ice formation on said first surface;
• and
• vi) determining, from the monitored temperatures and the heat flux, a proximity to icing conditions of the environment to which the first surface is exposed.