WO2020043555A1 - Dégivrage de structures à l'aide de véhicules aériens sans pilote et d'air chaud et/ou de rayonnement infrarouge/hyperfréquence - Google Patents

Dégivrage de structures à l'aide de véhicules aériens sans pilote et d'air chaud et/ou de rayonnement infrarouge/hyperfréquence Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020043555A1
WO2020043555A1 PCT/EP2019/072283 EP2019072283W WO2020043555A1 WO 2020043555 A1 WO2020043555 A1 WO 2020043555A1 EP 2019072283 W EP2019072283 W EP 2019072283W WO 2020043555 A1 WO2020043555 A1 WO 2020043555A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
uav
icing
ice
heat source
heat
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2019/072283
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Joachim KARTHÄUSER
Stein Dietrichson
Original Assignee
Icesolution As
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Icesolution As filed Critical Icesolution As
Publication of WO2020043555A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020043555A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64F—GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR REPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B64F5/00—Designing, manufacturing, assembling, cleaning, maintaining or repairing aircraft, not otherwise provided for; Handling, transporting, testing or inspecting aircraft components, not otherwise provided for
    • B64F5/20—Ground installations for de-icing aircraft
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D15/00—De-icing or preventing icing on exterior surfaces of aircraft
    • B64D15/12—De-icing or preventing icing on exterior surfaces of aircraft by electric heating
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U50/00—Propulsion; Power supply
    • B64U50/30—Supply or distribution of electrical power
    • B64U50/34—In-flight charging
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U10/00—Type of UAV
    • B64U10/10—Rotorcrafts
    • B64U10/13—Flying platforms
    • B64U10/14—Flying platforms with four distinct rotor axes, e.g. quadcopters
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U80/00—Transport or storage specially adapted for UAVs
    • B64U80/80—Transport or storage specially adapted for UAVs by vehicles
    • B64U80/86—Land vehicles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with one or more heat sources, to be applied for de-icing of structures such as airfoils, wind turbine blades, airplane wings, helicopter wings, marine structures, power lines and the like and associated method.
  • UAVs unmanned aerial vehicles
  • UAV unmanned aerial vehicle
  • WO2013172762 describes de-icing of e.g. wind power turbine blades whereby electromagnetic induction or IR/microwave radiation is used to heat up a layer or a coating on said surface of the structure heatable by microwave or infrared radiation or electromagnetic induction. Radiation can be supplied both from the inside of the structure as well as from the outside, for instance by means of magnetrons placed inside or on the structure.
  • the method is not suitable for retrofitting as it requires application of the layer or coating on the structure and is therefore difficult to implement in already existing structures.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a solution which achieves these advantages.
  • This object is achieved in a first aspect of the invention, in which there is provided an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) suitable for de-icing a structure, the UAV comprising at least one heat source mounted thereon and arranged to deliver heat to a surface of said structure in order to melt ice accreted on the surface of said structure.
  • UAV unmanned aerial vehicle
  • the at least one heat source comprises a hot air blower, an infrared (IR) heater and/or a microwave generator.
  • the UAV may carry hot air generation equipment, or it may carry IR and/or microwave radiation sources, or both, as the case may be.
  • These heat sources have the advantage over the prior art that the heat is generated in real time locally on the UAV, and that they are substantially unlimited as long as sufficient electrical power supply is provided and relatively light-weight compared to water.
  • the at least one heat source is arranged to deliver said heat from a distance of 0.1-3 m, preferably from 0.15-2 m.
  • the heat source is sufficiently powerful to direct the heat to the desired areas from a distance which facilitates maneuvering in relation to the structure and minimizes heat loss to the surroundings.
  • the at least one heat source is arranged to deliver a power density to the surface of said structure in the range 0.1-20 kW/m 2 , preferably 0.2-5 kW/m 2 .
  • the power density is chosen to be sufficient for melting accreted ice as fast as possible but without damaging the underlying structure.
  • the UAV further comprises an electrical cable arranged to be connected to an electrical power supply separate from the UAV.
  • the electrical cable allows for unlimited supply of electrical energy which not only allows for continuous flight of the UAV, but also continuous delivery of heat for melting the ice, such that the UAV does not need to land in order to restock (hot) water or charge batteries.
  • the UAV is arranged to carry payloads in the range 2-150 kg.
  • the payload capacity of the UAV is adapted to the specific components required for the de-icing or anti-icing procedure.
  • the UAV further comprises means for monitoring the progress of the de-icing, said monitoring means being arranged to detect presence and/or magnitude of ice and/or temperature of the surface of said structure.
  • Monitoring the progress of de-icing is advantageous as it enables the operator to quickly proceed to the next section of the structure as soon as the ice has been removed, avoiding superfluous or excessive heating of the structure.
  • UAV unmanned aerial vehicle
  • the UAV comprising at least one heat source arranged to deliver heat to a surface of said structure
  • the method according to the present invention may be used for anti-icing, i.e. preventive heating of certain sections, especially the leading edge of an airfoil or wind turbine blade
  • the at least one heat source comprises a hot air blower, an infrared (IR) heater and/or a microwave generator.
  • IR infrared
  • the surface of said structure is heated to above 0 °C to facilitate removal of ice and/or prevent accretion of ice.
  • said structure is selected from airfoils, wind turbine blades, aircraft wings, helicopter wings, marine structures, off-shore platforms, ships, and power lines.
  • maneuvering the UAV further comprises positioning the UAV at a distance in the range 0.1-3 m, preferably 0.2-2 m from the surface of said structure.
  • the method further comprises maneuvering the UAV in a predetermined sequence along the surface of said structure.
  • a more efficient de-icing procedure is achieved in that accreted ice is removed from one section of the structure at a time.
  • the method further comprises monitoring the progress of the de-icing by detecting presence and/or magnitude of ice and/or temperature of the surface of said structure.
  • the invention describes useful embodiments for de-icing and anti-icing of wind turbines, aircrafts, civil engineering objects and off-shore constructions.
  • Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an unmanned aerial vehicle in perspective according to one embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of an unmanned aerial vehicle from the side according to one embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of an unmanned aerial vehicle used in a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure for de-icing the blades a wind turbine;
  • an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone 8 is shown in a schematic view.
  • the UAV comprises a construction or body 1 supporting four rotating propellers 2, each mounted on an axis 3.
  • the number of propellers may be varied according to the desired flight characteristics, payload etc. of the UAV 8.
  • the body 1 may carry electronics, batteries for independent flight mode etc., and is strong enough to carry payloads of e.g. 2-150 kg.
  • Fig. 2 there is shown a drone suitable for executing the de- icing tasks according to the invention, viewed from the side.
  • Propellers 2 are connected through axis 3 to the main body 1 which in turn carries heat source equipment such as infrared heaters/lamps, hot air blowers/generators or microwave equipment, and visible/IR cameras as known in the art.
  • the equipment box 4 is connected to the body 1 with connectors 5.
  • a drone 8 is equipped with one or more heat sources 4 in the form of electrical hot air generators and blowing devices.
  • the drone 8 is equipped with infrared lamps. Such lamps emit radiation e.g. between the red edge of the visible spectrum at 700 nanometers (nm) to 1 millimeter (mm). This range of wavelengths corresponds to a frequency range of circa 430 THz to 300 GHz. Such lamps are also known and used industrially for e.g. paint curing.
  • the drone is equipped with microwave-generating radiation sources. In this case, the structure to be de-iced has previously been equipped with a layer or a coating which absorbs microwaves efficiently, such as disclosed in WO2013172762.
  • the typical power input can be 1 kW to 100 kW or more but guaranteeing a limitation of heating of the object to be de-iced to max. 70 °C, preferably max. 50 °C.
  • Ice detectors are available, e.g. based on spectroscopy techniques, which can detect presence as well as magnitude of ice on the surface to be de-iced.
  • the temperature of the surface can be monitored using IR cameras or pyrometers.
  • Optical cameras can provide visual information. Lamps can be installed for night-time de-icing. These optical techniques can be used for guiding and steering the UAV which ideally should“fly” alongside the structure to be de-iced in a distance between e.g. 0,1 m and 0,5 m.
  • a control software can be employed in order to perform the de-icing process using an UAV and hot air/IR/microwaves automatically and according to prevailing conditions, in any sequence. It is highly practical to heat smaller sections, e.g. 1-10 m 2 at a time, quickly, and heat the next sections once the first section is de-iced, and so forth. Blades may be turned downwards for individual de-icing and avoiding of ice throw.
  • the independent methods of hot air blown to a surface carrying ice and the radiation with infrared lamps are combined, and the two methods cooperate in synergy.
  • Hot air is helping with the removal of liquid water or molten ice, such that IR radiation is primarily used for melting of still solid ice.
  • an airflow in the opposite direction, compared with the hot air flow, may be generated.
  • a drone 8 carrying out a de-icing mission on a wind turbine 7.
  • the drone 8 receives e.g. electricity or air from a support truck 10 on the ground through electrical cable 9.
  • the electrical energy may be supplied from an electrical generator on the support truck 10, or from a stationary electricity source.
  • the drone 8 can land on the support truck 10 and may be transported to the next de-icing task.
  • electricity to the UAV 8 is supplied by a stationary electrical power supply on the ground, e.g. from the wind turbine base.
  • the electrical cable 9 may transport any voltage, with higher voltages such as 400 V or 690 V being preferred as a lighter cable can be used.
  • Equipment for converting high voltage to the voltage required by the hot air and/or IR generating equipment 4 can be placed on the UAV 8.
  • the drone 8 may be powered by on-board batteries.
  • IR radiators may be powered by an on-board fuel cylinder containing natural gas, propane or hydrocarbon fuel. IR radiators may also be powered by electricity instead of fuel.
  • gas and electricity can be supplied from the ground via cables and pressure hoses.
  • the microwave technology preferred in this invention is described in PCT/EP/2015/078990. More particular, the microwaves generated by solid state radio frequency (RF) power transistors is in the range of 500 MHz to 100 GHz, preferably 900 MHz to 6 GHz, most preferably at 915 MHz or 2,45 GHz.
  • RF radio frequency
  • the choice of wavelength or frequency is made depending on various parameters, including cost of equipment, choice of equipment (magnetrons or solid-state radio frequency equipment), distance of UAV to the structure (as high frequency radiation is easier to direct, i.e. can be directed less divergent), regulations relating to RF emissions and others.
  • the microwaves are transmitted by required components, such as waveguides or antennas, to a microwave absorbing layer so as to heat up said microwave absorbing layer by the same being absorbing microwaves to above 0 °C and thereby facilitating removal of ice or preventing accretion of ice on said structure.
  • the UAV is used to carry the microwave and electrical equipment, and the UAV is directed towards the parts of the structure which require de-icing.
  • Video control onboard the UAV, including infrared cameras, may be used to control the de-icing process.
  • a plurality of said solid state radio frequency power transistors, alternatively magnetrons or klystrons, including suitable antennas are placed suitably close to an area of a structure which requires heating in case a de-icing or anti-icing operation.
  • Power densities of 1-5 kW/m2, calculated as energy absorbed by the microwave-absorbing layer or more are preferred in order to achieve fast de-icing, but guaranteeing a limitation of heating of the absorbing layer to max. 50 or 60 or 70 or 80 °C.
  • the method disclosed regarding hot air and IR radiation is particularly useful for retrofitting of existing wind turbine blades or other structures operating in cold climates.
  • the method is advantageous compared to UAV-assisted de-icing with water jets as the UAV does not have to carry the considerable weight of a water supply hose including the water column.
  • the method is further useful for de-icing and anti-icing in aircrafts.
  • a particular advantage is that no chemicals such as anti-freeze solvents have to be employed. Those would be lost during the process, and they would enter the
  • One specific embodiment relates to keeping overhead power lines, especially earth lines, free from ice.
  • the UAV is optionally controlled from a ground-based vehicle.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Wind Motors (AREA)

Abstract

Cette invention concerne un véhicule aérien sans pilote (UAV) (8) approprié pour dégivrer une structure (7), le véhicule aérien sans pilote (8) comprenant au moins une source de chaleur (4) montée sur celui-ci et agencée pour délivrer de la chaleur à une surface de ladite structure (7) afin de faire fondre le givre accumulé sur la surface de ladite structure (7). L'invention concerne en outre un procédé correspondant de dégivrage d'une structure (7) à l'aide d'un véhicule aérien sans pilote.
PCT/EP2019/072283 2018-08-27 2019-08-20 Dégivrage de structures à l'aide de véhicules aériens sans pilote et d'air chaud et/ou de rayonnement infrarouge/hyperfréquence WO2020043555A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE1800163 2018-08-27
SE1800163-6 2018-08-27

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WO2020043555A1 true WO2020043555A1 (fr) 2020-03-05

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Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113864138A (zh) * 2021-11-18 2021-12-31 西安热工研究院有限公司 一种用于风电叶片除冰的系统与方法
CN114056569A (zh) * 2021-11-22 2022-02-18 西安热工研究院有限公司 一种基于无人机的风电叶片除冰系统和方法
CN114084348A (zh) * 2021-11-22 2022-02-25 西安热工研究院有限公司 一种风电叶片的微波除冰系统和方法
CN114524093A (zh) * 2021-06-02 2022-05-24 深圳市申瑞达科技有限公司 一种输电线除冰用无人机
DE102021208671B3 (de) 2021-08-10 2022-11-24 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Verfahren zum Enteisen von Fahrzeugen mittels Drohnen
CN115583344A (zh) * 2022-11-02 2023-01-10 国家电网有限公司 一种用于电力线路除冰的柔性六旋翼电力除冰无人机
US11854411B2 (en) 2020-12-22 2023-12-26 Florida Power & Light Company Coordinating drone flights in an operating wind farm

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WO2013172762A1 (fr) 2012-05-16 2013-11-21 Jka Kemi Ab Dégivrage d'une surface de structures en général telles que des pales d'aérogénérateurs, des ailes d'aéronefs à l'aide de l'induction ou du rayonnement
CN104810775A (zh) * 2015-05-26 2015-07-29 邢永安 高压输电线路感应式取电的自动化四旋翼激光除冰装置
CN105244833A (zh) * 2015-11-22 2016-01-13 无锡同春新能源科技有限公司 一种安装有光热装置的除冰无人机
CN105977895A (zh) * 2016-06-23 2016-09-28 国网河南新安县供电公司 一种输变电线路冬季用的融冰装置及方法
CN106347647A (zh) * 2016-09-30 2017-01-25 安徽翼讯飞行安全技术有限公司 一种电力线路巡查检修专用无人机的铲冰结构
EP3231252A1 (fr) * 2014-12-10 2017-10-18 Icesolution AS Dégivrage de structures à l'aide d'hyperfréquences générées par des transistors
CN206830388U (zh) * 2017-06-12 2018-01-02 北京唐浩电力工程技术研究有限公司 一种风机叶片除冰无人机
CN207510719U (zh) * 2017-11-20 2018-06-19 中能电力科技开发有限公司 一种风电机组叶片除冰无人机
US20180291579A1 (en) * 2017-02-04 2018-10-11 Shadecraft, Inc. Snow/Ice Melting Drone Device
CN109178314A (zh) * 2018-10-22 2019-01-11 唐山新时电气有限公司 一种长航时无人机及应用方法

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013172762A1 (fr) 2012-05-16 2013-11-21 Jka Kemi Ab Dégivrage d'une surface de structures en général telles que des pales d'aérogénérateurs, des ailes d'aéronefs à l'aide de l'induction ou du rayonnement
EP3231252A1 (fr) * 2014-12-10 2017-10-18 Icesolution AS Dégivrage de structures à l'aide d'hyperfréquences générées par des transistors
CN104810775A (zh) * 2015-05-26 2015-07-29 邢永安 高压输电线路感应式取电的自动化四旋翼激光除冰装置
CN105244833A (zh) * 2015-11-22 2016-01-13 无锡同春新能源科技有限公司 一种安装有光热装置的除冰无人机
CN105977895A (zh) * 2016-06-23 2016-09-28 国网河南新安县供电公司 一种输变电线路冬季用的融冰装置及方法
CN106347647A (zh) * 2016-09-30 2017-01-25 安徽翼讯飞行安全技术有限公司 一种电力线路巡查检修专用无人机的铲冰结构
US20180291579A1 (en) * 2017-02-04 2018-10-11 Shadecraft, Inc. Snow/Ice Melting Drone Device
CN206830388U (zh) * 2017-06-12 2018-01-02 北京唐浩电力工程技术研究有限公司 一种风机叶片除冰无人机
CN207510719U (zh) * 2017-11-20 2018-06-19 中能电力科技开发有限公司 一种风电机组叶片除冰无人机
CN109178314A (zh) * 2018-10-22 2019-01-11 唐山新时电气有限公司 一种长航时无人机及应用方法

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11854411B2 (en) 2020-12-22 2023-12-26 Florida Power & Light Company Coordinating drone flights in an operating wind farm
CN114524093A (zh) * 2021-06-02 2022-05-24 深圳市申瑞达科技有限公司 一种输电线除冰用无人机
CN114524093B (zh) * 2021-06-02 2024-01-16 深圳市申瑞达科技有限公司 一种输电线除冰用无人机
DE102021208671B3 (de) 2021-08-10 2022-11-24 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Verfahren zum Enteisen von Fahrzeugen mittels Drohnen
CN113864138A (zh) * 2021-11-18 2021-12-31 西安热工研究院有限公司 一种用于风电叶片除冰的系统与方法
CN114056569A (zh) * 2021-11-22 2022-02-18 西安热工研究院有限公司 一种基于无人机的风电叶片除冰系统和方法
CN114084348A (zh) * 2021-11-22 2022-02-25 西安热工研究院有限公司 一种风电叶片的微波除冰系统和方法
CN114084348B (zh) * 2021-11-22 2024-03-29 西安热工研究院有限公司 一种风电叶片的微波除冰方法
CN115583344A (zh) * 2022-11-02 2023-01-10 国家电网有限公司 一种用于电力线路除冰的柔性六旋翼电力除冰无人机

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