Wind Turbine Icing and De-Icing

Abstract

This paper presents the wind turbine icing challenge, explains the wind turbine icing process and how to address the problem of icing and de/anti-icing wind turbines. The physics of ice accretion is explained such as rime and glaze ice accretion as well as how meteorological parameters such as air speed and temperature, altitude, liquid water content and water droplet median volumetric diameter, as well as wind turbine rotational speed and blade profile impact on ice accretion. Numerical methods to predict water droplet trajectories, ice accretion and aerodynamic performance degradation are presented. These methods can aid in the positioning of de/anti-icing systems. A recommendation for the positioning of deicing systems in the profile section and along the blade is provided.