Effect of Ice accretion on the aerodynamic characteristics of wind turbine blades

Cold regions with high air density and wind speed attract wind energy producers across the globe exhibiting its potential for wind exploitation. However, exposure of wind turbine blades to such cold conditions bring about devastating impacts like aerodynamic degradation, production loss and blade failures etc. A series of wind tunnel tests were performed to investigate the effect of icing on the aerodynamic properties of wind turbine blades. A baseline clean wing configuration along with four different ice accretion geometries were considered in this study. Aerodynamic force coefficients were obtained from the surface pressure measurements made over the test model using MPS4264 Simultaneous pressure scanner. 3D printed Ice templates featuring different ice geometries based on Icing Research Tunnel data is utilized. Aerodynamic characteristics of both the clean wing configuration and Ice accreted geometries were analysed over a wide range of angles of attack (α) ranging from 0° to 24° with an increment of 3° for three different Reynolds number in the order of 105. Results show a decrease in aerodynamic characteristics of the iced aerofoil when compared against the baseline clean wing configuration. The key flow field features such as point of separation, reattachment and formation of Laminar Separation Bubble (LSB) for different icing geometries and its influence on the aerodynamic characteristics are addressed. Additionally, attempts were made to understand the influence of Reynolds number on the iced-aerofoil aerodynamics.