摘要 |
In a first aspect the invention relates to a sensor system (10) for determining a proximity to icing conditions of an environment. The system includes a sensor having a sensor surface (12) for exposure to the environment, an electrically powered heat pump means (16) for cooling and/or heating the surface (12), and a temperature detector (14) for providing a signal representative of the temperature of the surface (12). An environment temperature is determined, and a processor determines, from the temperature detected by the temperature detector (14) and the environment temperature, a proximity to icing conditions of the environment to which the surface (12) is exposed. In a second aspect of the invention the sensor system includes a power monitor for determining an amount of power required to heat or cool the surface through a temperature indicative of ice formation. The processor determines the proximity to icing conditions from the detected temperatures and the amount of cooling or heating power.
|