New prototype for an Autonomous Icing Protection Solution (AIPS) for Unmanned Aircrafts - Employing aviation standards for UAV systems

Abstract

Icing hazards pose a risk to all of aviation, including the use of unmanned aircrafts. Ice accumulation on the forward facing surfaces of an aircraft changes the dynamic properties of the vehicle, which drastically increases the probability of loss of equipment. This thesis builds upon research previously conducted here at NTNU in attempting to develop an autonomous icing protection solution for unmanned aircrafts. The solution consists of detection algorithms combined with electro-thermal zones strategically installed on the surface of an aircraft. The thesis contains a literature review of relevant industry standards and tests. Based on the findings, a system analysis and a list of requirements have been made for a Mini-Cruiser, the designated unmanned aerial vehicle platform for the icing protection solution prototype. A development platform and communication framework with a start-up routine has been designed with the focus of making the solution as modular as possible. A power distribution unit that controls the current to the electro-thermal zones have been designed, developed and partially tested. Software and hardware initiatives related to making the solution energy efficient, robust and fail-safe with respect to faults are also presented.