Multiphysics based numerical study of atmospheric ice accretion on a full scale horizontal axis wind turbine blade

Abstract

Atmospheric icing on wind turbines have been recognized as a hindrance to the development of the wind power in cold regions, where uncertainty surrounding the effects of icing on energy production may prevent otherwise good wind resources from being utilized. This research paper is focused on to numerically simulate the rate and shape of atmospheric ice accretion on a full-scale horizontal axis wind turbine blade. Computational fluid dynamics based multiphase numerical analyses have been carried out where results showed a decrease in atmospheric ice growth rate along leading edge with the increase of blade profile size, both in terms of local ice mass and thickness. Streamlined ice shapes were observed near the blade root section, as compared to the blade tip section.