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Ice-Phobic Coatings for Wind Tower Blades and Structures

Ice build-up on wind power blades can affect efficiency by reducing the aerodynamics of the blades. The sudden release of ice through centripetal force can result in dangerous projectiles in the large chunks of released ice. 

Product Number: 41213-794-SG
Author: Rob Thomaier
Publication Date: 2013
Industry: Coatings
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$20.00

Ice build-up on wind power blades can affect efficiency by reducing the aerodynamics of the blades. The sudden release of ice through centripetal force can result in dangerous projectiles in the large chunks of released ice. Moreover, icing can add additional mass to the turbine structure, causing stress on supporting members and shortening the structure’s life span—strains which can culminate in catastrophic failure. Ice-phobic coatings aid in the release of ice and can even reduce ice build-up. A variety of test methods were used to test ice adhesion: the Zero Degree Cone test, a modified test from a NASA test method1 and, finally, an evaluation of the adhesion of ice to rotating blades in an icing chamber. The Zero Degree Cone test measures the force required to push a pin out an ice mold. The test measures the shear force required to pull a frozen-in-place ice block from a coated panel. Finally, the rotating blade test measures how much force is required to remove an icing layer from an aerodynamic surface. Several coatings, mainly silicone materials, were evaluated using the above testing. The results are presented in the following paper.

Ice build-up on wind power blades can affect efficiency by reducing the aerodynamics of the blades. The sudden release of ice through centripetal force can result in dangerous projectiles in the large chunks of released ice. Moreover, icing can add additional mass to the turbine structure, causing stress on supporting members and shortening the structure’s life span—strains which can culminate in catastrophic failure. Ice-phobic coatings aid in the release of ice and can even reduce ice build-up. A variety of test methods were used to test ice adhesion: the Zero Degree Cone test, a modified test from a NASA test method1 and, finally, an evaluation of the adhesion of ice to rotating blades in an icing chamber. The Zero Degree Cone test measures the force required to push a pin out an ice mold. The test measures the shear force required to pull a frozen-in-place ice block from a coated panel. Finally, the rotating blade test measures how much force is required to remove an icing layer from an aerodynamic surface. Several coatings, mainly silicone materials, were evaluated using the above testing. The results are presented in the following paper.

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