An ICCSRR Microwave Sensor-Electrothermal Coupling Flexible Anti-/De-Icing Integrated Array System

This article presents an integrated flexible ice-sensing sensor array system based on microwave resonance. The system combines ice detection with electric heating de-icing, establishing a 3-D electromagnetic model for the microwave resonator. A novel interdigital circular complementary split-ring resonator (ICCSRR) structure [evolved from complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR)] enables high-precision ice thickness detection (0–8 mm, ±0.1-mm resolution, and <300-ms response). Innovatively, the resonant microstrip integrates with a flexible heating film to form a self-sensing-self-heating composite unit, using impedance phase characteristics for real-time de-icing feedback and dynamic power adjustment (6–10 W). Its fully flexible design suits drone icing areas, while array-based detection provides multipoint ice shape data. Verified via an ice simulation-S21 testing platform, the system distinguishes 0.1-mm ice at -21 °C, removes 4-mm ice within 10 s at - 20 °C in high-power mode, and prevents icing via low-power pre-activation. Sensors offer synchronous de-icing progress feedback, demonstrating excellent ice-sensing and de-icing performance.