Patent ID: 8696196
Filing Date: 2014-04-15
Classification: B64D,G01K,G01M,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A method of detecting bleed air leakage onboard an aircraft comprising: measuring voltage or current associated with a plurality of disparately-located temperature-sensitive elements connected in electrical series, each of said temperature-sensitive elements having an electrical resistance associated therewith, the plurality of disparately-located temperature-sensitive elements comprising a first series-connected temperature sensitive element and a second series-connected temperature-sensitive element, the first series-connected temperature-sensitive element having a first test heater located in proximity thereto; upon being heated by the first test heater, said first series-connected temperature-sensitive element selectively activating, after a delay time sufficient to test responsivity of the first temperature-sensitive element to heating by the first test heater, a second test heater located in proximity to the second series-connected temperature-sensitive element; detecting bleed air leakage by analyzing said measured voltage or current to determine whether at least one of said temperature-sensitive elements has indicated abnormally high temperature; and conditioned on said analysis, selectively providing an alert and/or operating a shutoff valve to at least reduce further bleed air leakage.