Wind turbine blade profile thickness effects on atmospheric ice accretion

摘要

Choice of blade profile (airfoil) is a crucial step in wind turbine design for cold climate operations in order to obtain a competitive performance and to make a tradeoff between aerodynamic performance and structural requirements. A numerical study has been carried out to understand the effects of wind turbine blade profile geometric thickness on resultant ice accretion. Five different blade profiles (airfoils) were used for this study. Based upon the flow field calculations and the super cooled water droplet collision efficiency, rate and shape of accreted ice was simulated for dry ice conditions on each airfoil. Analysis showed a change in airflow and droplet behavior with the blade profile thickness. Results show a decrease in ice growth and thickness at leading edge of the blade profile with the increase of its thickness.