eVTOL Accretion Modeling for Supporting Algorithmic Icing Detection

eVTOL aircraft operating within the air transportation system will undoubtably be exposed to inclement and adverse weather conditions, which may well include operation in icing conditions, whether planned or encountered inadvertently. Design compromises necessary to provide VTOL operations may make continued operation in an icing environment particularly challenging, especially for eVTOL aircraft having only limited excess power for operation of anti-icing or deicing equipment. This paper describes a research program to assess the impact of accreted icing on the performance of eVTOL aircraft, as part of a program for implementation of an Icing Detection Filter that leverages detailed knowledge of that performance impact on the distributed electrical propulsion and lift systems on the vehicle. Modeling approaches for prediction of icing accretion and the associated performance losses, particularly as they can be measured through monitoring of the onboard electrical power system, are described.