IDS 20 – Ice Detection Sensor for Measurement of Icing, Freezing Rain and Ice Thickness

The Ice Detection Sensor IDS-20, in the shape of a cube or rods, is used for the reliable and precise measurement of icing in aviation, wind power plants, high voltage power lines, cable cars, antennas, overhead wires, streets, buildings, construction and wherever the formation of ice constitutes a potential risk.

Measuring Principle

The innovative ice sensor makes use of the different physical characteristics of air, water and ice at varying frequencies. Measuring the complex impedances within the medium around the sensor, the IDS-20 is able to distinguish between water and ice, therefore recognizing the formation of ice.

Increased data quality due to plausibility check

The formation and accretion of ice depends on specific climatic conditions determined by the state of the air temperature, humidity and the temperature of the surface, where the ice adheres to.  The unique and valuable feature of the IDS-20 is that it additionally considers meteorological data for the purpose of a plausibility check: Parallel to the ice sensor the system measures the air temperature and humidity and thereby calculates the dew point and frost point.  The sensor system then uses this data for a plausibility check together with the ice values measured.  Therefore, it is possible to qualitatively increase the reliability of the measurements and improve the ice detection results.