Wind Turbine Ice Protection system Benchmark Analysis

The goal of this project was to anonymously benchmark state-of-the-art wind turbines equipped with Ice Protection Systems (IPS, active blade heating using anti- or de-icing strategy) used to mitigate production losses due to icing in icing climates. The performance and maturity of Enercon, Vestas, Nordex Group and Dongfang +2MW wind turbines in various icing climates were analysed using historical SCADA data. Also weather observations (WIceAtlas) and modelling (WRF) data were used to assess site specific icing conditions for IPS gain evaluation.
2 sites out of 4 showed a gain of production compared to reference turbine icing losses without IPS. For the 2 sites that showed production gain, the average gain and uncertainty was 48 ± 21 % being comparable in lowering the IEA Ice Class icing losses by class. These analysed gains are mostly comparable with other public results for IPS production gain. Remaining 2 sites out of 4 did not show gain in production. For turbine and IPS level maturity, site B showed major maturity challenges.
In general, the IPS is showing promising results in the ability to mitigate icing losses. However, there are needs and opportunities to improve the efficiency and reliability of the turbine and IPS in various winter conditions by IPS optimization and increased system maturity.
This report was funded by BlaikenVind Ab, Vattenfall AB, Taaleri Energia Oy and VTT.