The Importance of Ice Detection on Wind Turbines

At Windpark Eemshaven Zuidoost, in the northernmost part of Groningen, we had to close the road near a wind turbine last year due to ice formation. This required coordination between four parties: the road manager, the environmental service, surrounding companies, and the company managing the ice detection system. Everyone needed to be aware of what was happening and what their role was. In such a situation, good communication and clear agreements with all involved parties are of great importance. Our management team coordinates this and ensures safety during ice formation.

Ice formation on wind turbines is a significant challenge, especially during the colder months of the year. From approximately November to April, there is the greatest chance of ice. This can not only create risks for the environment, but also cause damage to the turbines themselves. Our Asset Management team understands like no other that effective ice detection and risk management are important to guarantee safety and efficiency.

Environmental risks

Preventing risks begins in the design phase. If a turbine is located close to a parking lot, for example, consideration must be given in advance to how to deal with ice formation. In areas where wind turbines are located close to roads, buildings or bike paths, falling ice can pose a danger. Think of pieces of ice falling from great heights; these can cause damage to property or even pose danger to people. Therefore, it is important to take into account the risks of ice formation at a very early stage, during the planning and construction of wind farms.

Effects on the Turbines

Ice formation on the rotor blades not only impacts the turbine’s performance but can also lead to imbalance during operation, which can also shorten its lifespan. Fortunately, modern wind turbines have a self-protective system that shuts down the turbine as soon as ice formation is detected. This prevents damage and minimizes risks. If turbines do not have this, it is therefore extra important to monitor the turbines.

Measures and technology

Wanneer onze GreenTrusters beginnen met een project, voeren ze analyses uit om de risico’s te bepalen. Op basis daarvan bepalen ze welke systemen en processen nodig zijn, zoals: 

  • Protocol development: Detailed plans outlining how we deal with ice formation and the associated communication.
  • Ice detection systems: Advanced sensors that detect ice formation before it becomes a problem.
  • Parking position: Determining and setting the safest positions for the wind turbine rotor to yaw.
  • Signage: Warning signs with flashing lights to inform people and maintain a safe distance.
  • Closures: At locations with heavy traffic, we close roads or areas when necessary. This is done in consultation with road managers and other involved parties. Once everything is set up and functioning, we evaluate how the process went and make adjustments where needed.

Innovations and Optimizations

Our engineers continuously look for ways to optimize systems. They evaluate the sensitivity of ice detection systems and the impact on production and examine how we can make turbines run more efficiently without increasing risks. This requires good knowledge of how different systems function and which parameters you can adjust.

Increasingly unpredictable weather

Ice formation mainly occurs during the winter months, from November through February, but sometimes also in April. The number of incidents varies by year and location. Wind turbines in northern Netherlands deal with ice formation more often than turbines in other parts of the country. Due to climate change, weather is becoming increasingly unpredictable, with possibly more extreme conditions in the future.