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Study on ice melting state changes and energy consumption in electrothermal anti-icing process of wind turbine blades

Author

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  • Liu, Zhiyuan
  • Li, Xiaojuan
  • Yang, Shengbing
  • Liang, Dong
  • Li, Yan

Abstract

Icing on wind turbine blades poses significant hazards, altering their aerodynamic shape and leading to power losses or even complete shutdown of turbines in severe cases. This study investigated the electrothermal anti-icing performance of wind turbine blades under rime and glaze ice conditions. The de-icing patterns under different wind speeds, angles of attack, and heating powers were compared and analyzed. By calculating the ice accumulation cross-sectional area during the de-icing process and the energy consumption required to maintain an ice-free blade surface, the numerical relationships between wind speed, heating power, and ice type on de-icing effectiveness were quantified. The results indicate that under rime ice conditions at wind speeds of 5 and 10 m/s, a heating power of 9 kW/m2 and an energy consumption of 1.5 kJ can effectively prevent ice accumulation and maintain an ice-free blade surface. At a wind speed of 15 m/s, a higher heating power of 13 kW/m2 is required to achieve complete de-icing. The study provides insights for the design and optimization of electrothermal anti-icing systems for wind turbine blades.

Suggested Citation

  • Liu, Zhiyuan & Li, Xiaojuan & Yang, Shengbing & Liang, Dong & Li, Yan, 2026. "Study on ice melting state changes and energy consumption in electrothermal anti-icing process of wind turbine blades," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PI).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pi:s0960148125023882
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124724
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    References listed on IDEAS

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