Design and Performance Analysis of a Multilayer Sea Ice Temperature Sensor Used in Polar Region

Temperature profiles of sea ice have been recorded more than a few decades. However, few high-precision temperature sensors can complete the observation of temperature profile of sea ice, especially in extreme environments. At present, the most widely used sea ice observation instruments can reach an accuracy of sea ice temperature measurement of 0.1 °C. In this study, a multilayer sea ice temperature sensor is developed with temperature measurement accuracy from −0.0047 °C to 0.0059 °C. The sensor system composition, structure of the thermistor string, and work mode are analyzed. The performance of the sensor system is evaluated from −50 °C to 30 °C. The temperature dependence of the constant current source, the amplification circuit, and the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuit are comprehensive tested and quantified. A temperature correction algorithm is designed to correct any deviation in the sensor system. A sea-ice thickness discrimination algorithm is proposed in charge of determining the thickness of sea ice automatically. The sensor system was field tested in Wuliangsuhai, Yellow River on 31 January 2018 and the second reservoir of Fen River, Yellow River on 30 January 2018. The integral practicality of this sensor system is identified and examined. The multilayer sea ice temperature sensor will provide good temperature results of sea ice and maintain stable performance in the low ambient temperature.