Microwaves see thin ice: a review of ice and snow sensing using microwave techniques

Shah, A., Niksan, O., Jain, M. C., Colegrave, K., Wagih, M. and Zarifi, M. H. (2023) Microwaves see thin ice: a review of ice and snow sensing using microwave techniques. IEEE Microwave Magazine, 24(10), pp. 24-39. (doi: 10.1109/MMM.2023.3293617)

Abstract

Ice and snow are a reality that a large percentage of the global population experiences on a regular basis, with more than 31% of the Earth’s landmass [2] experiencing seasonal snow and ice accretion (as shown in Figure 1 , a satellite image of the global snow cover for February 2022) [1] . In the United States alone, ice and snow impact 70% of the population, resulting in more than 1,300 annual deaths from icing-related roadway accidents and causing an estimated US$2.3 billion to be spent each year on roadway snow and ice control operations [3] . The infrastructure in regions that receive ice and snow must be specially designed to reliably operate in winter weather conditions, with specific considerations for power grids [4] , antenna communication structures, and cable bridges [5] . Expanding marine shipping and industrial operations in arctic regions have increased the need for safe and reliable operation of equipment and ships in atmospheric accretion and salty-icing conditions [6] . Wind turbines with blades rotating at great speeds high up in the air require thorough design considerations for atmospheric ice formation to prevent damage from icing, which can result in substantial power reduction or complete outage [7] . Similarly, ice accretions on flying objects, such as aircraft wings or turbopropellers, are highly critical challenges and have been a focus for sensing and de-icing for decades [8] because of the fatal effects of icing on airplanes [9] .

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Ice sensing, antennas-based sensing, antenna ice sensor, RFID, RF sensors, microwave sensing, wireless ice monitoring, wireless ice sensing, printed antennas, RFID sensing, remote ice monitoring.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Wagih, Dr Mahmoud
• Authors: Shah, A., Niksan, O., Jain, M. C., Colegrave, K., Wagih, M., and Zarifi, M. H.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
• Journal Name: IEEE Microwave Magazine
• Publisher: IEEE
• ISSN: 1527-3342
• ISSN (Online): 1557-9581
• Published Online: 12 September 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 IEEE
• First Published: First published in IEEE Microwave Magazine 24(10):24-39
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher