Icing of Wind Turbines

Icing of wind turbines occurs regularly in varying latitudes and altitudes around the world. The frequency is dependent on the local climate, terrain and height of the turbines. Icing of wind turbines is included as a part of Narvik University Colleges’ Cold Climate Research Centre. This is done in cooperation with the local power company, Narvik Energi.

Through ownership in a subsidiary, Nordkraft Vind, three 2.3 MW Siemens wind turbines were erected autumn 2005. The turbines are located at Nygårdsfjell mountain, about 30 km from Narvik. The turbines are around 400 m above sea level and often experience both low temperatures and icing during the winter.

Work in this area has resulted so far in one publication in an international, refereed journal.

Atmospheric icing on a wind turbine at Nygårdsfjell (Photo: Jan-Arne Pettersen)

Picture gallery: Icing observations on Fagernesfjellet in Narvik (Photos: Pål Erik Pedersen) PhD work One PhD student is working in this area with a preliminary thesis title, Sensors for detection of icing. The research includes several areas regarding icing of wind turbines. Some of the areas where work is expected to be performed are: 1. Simulation and testing of icing sensors and methods to optimize suitability for wind turbines. 2. Mathematical and computer models for icing. 3. Meteorological conditions during icing. 4. Effects of icing on wind turbine operation, production and loading Interesting articles: 1. Homola, M.C., P.J. Nicklasson, P.A. Sundsbø (2006), "Ice sensors for wind turbines", Cold Regions Science and Technology 46, 125-131. doi:10.1016/j.coldregions.2006.06.005 2. Ronsten, G. (2004), ”Svenska erfarenheter av vindkraft i kallt klimat – nedisning, iskast och avisning", (Swedish) Elforsk rapport 04:13, May

T23 icingsensor (beta version) from HoloOptics installed at Nygårdsfjell.

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