Zero Ice Shield: D•ICE Ice Protection for Aviations Green Evolution

Zero Ice Shield is a pioneering project on the topic of green aviation, aimed at developing innovative ice protection systems for zero-emission aircraft such as fully-electric, hybrid-electric, and electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This innovation addresses a crucial safety concern: in-flight icing, which can severely impact aircraft performance and safety. The aviation industry is transitioning towards more environmentally friendly technologies which are key to achieving Norway’s ambitious climate. These new technologies focus on developing low-emission or zero-emission aircraft that rely on using mostly electric or hydrogen energy for propulsion. Such green aircraft face large innovation challenges and need to be very energy efficient. Traditional ice protection systems that are in use today, are too heavy and energy-inefficient to be used for these green aircraft designs. UBIQ Aerospace has developed its innovative D•ICE ice protection systems for uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs). In this project, UBIQ and their partner the NTNU UAV Icing Lab, will develop ice protection systems specifically for green aircraft. Together, the partners will adapt and motify UBIQ#s existing D•ICE system, originally designed for drones, to meet the needs of larger, faster zero-emission aircraft. Their focus will be also to enhance the systems capabilities to detect icing and to protect aircraft against the dangers of ice. The project will also address the challenge of testing and certifying this innovative technology for the aviation market. By ensuring that zero-emission aircraft can operate safely in all weather conditions, this project will help reduce the aviation industry's carbon footprint significantly and support global climate goals. The innovative ice protection technology developed will not only enhance flight safety but also open new markets, creating opportunities for economic growth and job creation in the green technology sector.

Atmospheric in-flight icing is a critical risk to the safety of all aircraft. To ensure safe operation in all weather conditions, aircraft are equipped with ice protection systems. Ice protection systems do not fulfill the tight size, weight, and performance requirements of the next generation of zero-emission aircraft, such as fully-electric or electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL). Consequently, all zero-emission aircraft technologies require developing novel ice protection systems prioritizing energy efficiency, minimal weight, and ease of maintenance. Without innovative ice protection systems, the safe operation of zero or low-emission aircraft is not possible in adverse weather, stalling the green transition in aviation. UBIQ Aerospace's project aims to revolutionize ice protection in aviation, particularly for zero-emission aircraft such as eVTOLs and fully electric planes. Building on the success of their D•ICE system originally developed for UAVs, UBIQ is proposing to adapt this technology to zero-emission aircraft. This involves enhancing the system to handle higher velocities and larger airframes, crucial for maintaining safety and performance in diverse weather conditions. The project's primary objectives include adapting the existing D•ICE system, consisting of an electrothermal ice protection system and an ice detection system for compatibility with large passenger aircraft, scaling for high airspeeds, enhancing the ice detection system with additional capabilities required for passenger transport, and developing a comprehensive certification roadmap in line with FAA and EASA standards. Additionally, extensive experimental testing, focusing on icing wind tunnel tests, is planned to validate and certify the technology. Last but not least, we continue to seek collaboration with partners who can collaborate on real flight tests.