The importance of ice detection in wind turbines

At Windpark Eemshaven Zuidoost, in the highest point 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 businesses and the company managing the ice detection system. Everyone had to be aware of what was happening and what their job was. In such a situation, good communication and clear agreements with everyone involved are very important. Our management team coordinates this and ensures safety during icing. 
 


Ice formation on wind turbines is a significant challenge, especially in the colder months of the year. From about November to April, there is the greatest chance of ice. This may not only pose risks to the surrounding area, but also cause damage to the turbines themselves. Our Asset Management team understands better than anyone that effective ice detection and risk management are important to ensure safety and efficiency.

Risks to the environment

Preventing risk begins in the design phase. For example, if a turbine is located close to a parking lot, consideration must be given in advance to how to deal with icing. In areas where wind turbines are close to roads, buildings or bike paths, falling ice can be a hazard. Consider pieces of ice that fall from a great height; these can cause damage to property or even endanger people. Therefore, it is important to consider the risks of ice formation at a very early stage, when planning and building wind farms.

Effects on turbines

Ice formation on rotor blades not only impacts turbine performance but can also lead to imbalance during operation, which can also shorten the service life. Fortunately, modern wind turbines have a self-protecting system that shuts down the turbine as soon as icing is detected. This prevents damage and minimizes risk. Therefore, should turbines not have this, it is extra important to check the turbines.

Measures and technology

When our GreenTrusters begin a project, they perform analyses to determine the risks. Based on that, they determine what systems and processes are needed, such as:

  • Protocol development: Detailed plans outlining how we handle icing and related communications.
  • Ice detection systems: Advanced sensors that detect icing before it becomes a problem.
  • Parking position: determine and set the safest positions for the wind turbine engine to creep.
  • Signal signs: Warning signs with flashing lights to inform people and keep a safe distance.
  • Closures: At high traffic locations, we close roads or areas when necessary. This is done in consultation with road authorities and other interested parties. Once everything is set up and functioning, we review how the process went and make adjustments where necessary.

Innovations and optimizations

Our engineers are constantly looking for ways to optimize systems. For example, they evaluate the sensitivity of ice detection systems and the impact on production and look at how we can run turbines more efficiently without increasing risks. Here you need good knowledge about how different systems work and what parameters you can adjust.

Increasingly unpredictable weather

Ice formation occurs mainly during the winter months, from November through February, but sometimes in April. The number of incidents varies by year and location. Wind turbines in the north of the Netherlands are more likely to experience icing than turbines in other parts of the country. Climate change is making the weather increasingly unpredictable, with potentially more extreme conditions in the future.