UP-Wing - energy-efficient vibration-based de-icing for aircraft wings

Icing as a challenge for climate-friendly aviation

Ice buildup on the leading edge of the wing alters aerodynamics, increases drag, and jeopardizes flight safety. Conventional bleed-air anti-icing systems use hot engine exhaust air; while they operate reliably, they are among the largest consumers of energy on board and hinder the development of efficient or zero-emission propulsion systems. With the electrification of aviation, new, significantly more energy-efficient de-icing systems are coming into focus—they are considered a crucial enabler for making truly low-emission, green aviation possible in the first place.

VIDS: de-icing via structural vibrations

As part of the Clean Aviation project “UP-Wing,” we are developing the Vibration Induced De-Icing System (VIDS), an electromechanical de-icing system that directly sets the load-bearing wing structure into vibration. Highly dynamic piezoelectric actuators are integrated into the leading edge of the wing and excite the structure at frequencies in the kilohertz range. The resulting surface vibrations generate tensile and shear stresses in the ice, which initiate cracks and cause the ice layer to detach from the surface.

The system has been successfully tested on a wing leading edge made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and is fundamentally suitable for all relevant wing materials. This means that VIDS can potentially be used in all major aircraft classes—from regional aircraft to short- and medium-range aircraft (e.g., the A320 class)—and is particularly well-suited for future, energy-efficient propulsion concepts.

Adaptive closed-loop approach for minimal energy consumption

A distinctive feature of VIDS is its adaptronic closed-loop approach. Sensors continuously monitor the structural dynamics of the wing, determine the current resonance frequencies, and transmit this information to a control unit. The control unit then adjusts the excitation signal so that excitation always occurs at the resonance frequency, thereby removing the ice with minimal energy consumption. Since the resonance frequencies change when ice forms, ice accumulation can be detected and used for control purposes at the same time.

Experimental validation in the icing wind tunnel

For experimental validation, the Fraunhofer LBF constructed a 75-cm-long wing model with a NACA profile made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic and featuring integrated piezoelectric actuators. The system was tested in Cranfield University’s icing wind tunnel under realistic CS-25 Appendix C conditions. In temperature ranges from approximately −7 °C to −20 °C, the area around the stagnation point could be completely de-iced; ice layers up to 3 cm thick were reliably removed. At the same time, promising results were achieved in both de-icing and anti-icing modes, and the system’s technology readiness level (TRL) was raised to TRL 4.

Energy efficiency and potential for new key markets

Through targeted resonance excitation, VIDS reduces energy consumption by approximately 80% compared to conventional hot-air de-icing and by about 25% compared to electrothermal systems. The system thus directly addresses the key market theme of climate-friendly mobility and is particularly relevant for electric or hybrid-powered regional, short-haul, and medium-haul aircraft, which have limited electrical power available.

As a retrofit solution requiring only a small mechanical interface on the inside of the wing, VIDS is also attractive for existing aircraft models to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Furthermore, application areas are opening up in wind energy, on high-voltage power lines, and in maritime shipping—anywhere where ice formation compromises operational safety and energy efficiency is critical.

We contribute our expertise in structural dynamics, adaptronic systems, and mechatronic actuator-sensor integration. From the numerical analysis of vibration modes through the selection of actuators and power electronics to testing in the icing wind tunnel, we are responsible for the complete system design of structural dynamic de-icing. In this way, we make a key contribution to the development of systems with future viability, energy-efficient characteristics, and high safety standards for the aviation of tomorrow.