ERDC Team Patents Breakthrough Active Ice Management System

VICKSBURG, Miss. – The battle against ice in cold-weather operations has taken a significant step forward with the newly patented “Active Ice Management Systems and Methods” (Patent No. 11898315), or AIMS. Developed by a dedicated team at the U.S. Army Engineer and Research and Development Center (ERDC), this innovative system provides a proactive approach to managing ice accumulation in a variety of settings.

“The AIMS incorporates some of the positive U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Ice Cage features to protect the skimmer from damage due to ice. In addition, it includes an active ice management component to prevent ice from accumulating directly around its perimeter which would prevent oil from reaching the skimmer,” said Kristi McKinney of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), whose support and expertise have been instrumental in refining AIMS for real-world applications.

Under the leadership of Nathan Lamie, a team of skilled professionals from ERDC has been awarded a patent for the invention, the “Active Ice Management Systems and Methods,” in February 2024.

Lamie’s team included Leonard Zabilansky, a former research civil engineer; Christopher Donnelly, mechanical engineering technician; Jordan Hodge, mechanical engineering technician; and William Burch, mechanical engineering technician.

Ice accumulation presents significant challenges in various sectors, particularly in construction, transportation, and military operations. Traditional methods for managing ice, such as de-icing chemicals or physical removal, often prove to be time-consuming and inefficient, especially in extreme cold environments. However, this patent introduces a novel system that actively prevents or mitigates ice buildup through real-time management techniques.

The Active Management Systems and Methods utilize advanced sensors and control mechanisms designed to detect the early formation of ice on surfaces such as roads, bridges and infrastructure. The system automatically triggers preventive measures, such as the application of heat or ice-reducing materials, ensuring that the environment remains safe and operational without the need for constant human intervention.

This proactive approach is expected to improve safety, reduce operational delays and decrease the long-term costs associated with ice damage or removal. The potential applications of this system are vast, extending beyond military use to industries such as transportation, infrastructure maintenance, and even renewable energy, where ice buildup can hinder operations.

From keeping roads safer during winter storms to ensuring the continued operation of vital systems in arctic environments, the Active Ice Management Systems and Methods is poised to revolutionize how we combat the challenges posed by ice.

“The system performance looks promising from visual inspection, and I look forward to further analyzing the recovery efficiency data,” said Lamie. “We’re excited about the continued success and progression of the AIMS. The USCG and Ohmsett team have added valuable input and excitement towards this prototype system.”

As the ERDC team continues to explore the full potential of this technology, there is great anticipation that it could lead to further innovations in cold-weather engineering. By actively preventing ice formation before it becomes a problem, this system marks a shift toward more efficient, automated solutions that reduce the need for costly, labor-intensive methods.

The Active Ice Management Systems and Methods stand as a testament to ERDC’s commitment to advancing technologies that not only meet the demands of today’s operations but also anticipate the needs of the future.

This patent highlights ingenuity and forward-thinking approaches being developed at ERDC, reinforcing the organization’s role as a leader in solving some of the most complex engineering challenges in harsh environments.