Low Power Ice Detection with Capacitive and Impedance Spectroscopy-Based Measurements

Ahstract- The influence of ice accretion can have a crucial impact on the performance of systems operating in cold regions, could lead to safety issues or cause permanent damage. Ice on overhead power lines, antennas or wind turbines are examples of the problem. In some regions wind turbines, must be switched off in the event of ice for safety reasons due to the risk of ice thrown from the blades. For those systems it is essential to detect a potential ice event at an early state. The aim of this work is the design and evaluation of a low power wireless sensor, which is able to distinguish between water and ice. This is done using electrodes on the outer shell of the sensor, with the help of capacitive and impedance spectroscopy based measurements. It can be shown, that the impedance spectroscopy enables the system to achieve more information about a potential icing event and is able to enhance the ice detection. Another aim of this work is to measure the power consumption of the sensor and its individual components and to analyze the possibilities for low power applications.

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