Simultaneous ice detection and removal based on dielectric barrier discharge actuators

Abstract

This paper presents a new technique for ice detection using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuator. The DBD ice sensor consists of a pair of electrodes and a test capacitor. Both numerical simulation and experimental studies were conducted. The electrical characteristics of the DBD actuator were measured in the presence of ice. The presence of ice (or water) leads to an increase of the capacitance compared to air and can thus be detected. Dynamic variation of the actuator capacitance and evolution of ice layer melting process was measured. Moreover, multi-DBD actuator was studied for generating icing map on the surface.