Frozen Precipitation Sensor for Wind Turbines (FPS)

Podium’s frozen precipitation sensor is a surface based sensor which continuously monitors the surface of wind turbine components including the rotor blades themselves. Unlike currently available ice accretion detection methods which can be unreliable and inaccurate, the FPS detects the very commencement of ice buildup both reliably and at very low cost. This allows operators to take appropriate action to prevent damage of rotor blades and promote wind turbine life span and cost effectiveness.

 

The FPS was developed to address the current state of unreliable, expensive and inaccurate methods currently available for detecting ice accretion in the wind energy industry. The FPS is positioned to provide turbine manufacturers and operators a way to differentiate from competition and offer a solution to a problem no one else can offer.
 
The Problem of Ice Accretion on Wind Turbines
 

In areas with icing conditions, ice accretion on blades of wind turbines creates several detrimental consequences. Some examples include errors which may occur from controllers and instruments, changes in blade aerodynamic characteristics and loss of power. In cold regions where turbine icing occurs, a reduction of the power coefficient in the range of 20-50% may occur, as well as a loss in annual energy production of up to 17%. Turbine control, blade design, and the amount of ice accretion on the rotor blades all affect the amount of wind power loss, and thus the need for an efficient sensor to detect the presence of ice is important.

In addition to power loss, different components are affected by additional wear and tear due to icing on rotor blades. The turbine’s main component fatigue design life can be adversely affected by even small amounts of ice. For example, in icing climates, if no measures are taken to prevent ice accretion on rotor blades, a considerable reduction in fatigue design life (up to 55%) can be seen. As ice accretion increases load on the blades and on the tower structure, high amplitude vibrations and mass imbalances between blades may occur as well, resulting in mechanical failures and further fatigue on components.

 Retrofitting & Integration with Current Anti/De-icing Methods

To have a complete proactive and autonomous blade maintenance system, an effective accurate and reliable frozen precipitation sensor must compose its core. Podiums FPS technology is specifically built to be integrated with and advance all existing ice and snow removal systems on the market.

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Passive Anti-Icing Techniques

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In the case of passive anti-icing techniques such as hydrophobic and ice phobic coatings the FPS can be used to measure their effectiveness and when necessary, the FPS can also engage safety measures such as slowing or stopping the rotor blades.

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Active De-Icing Techniques

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For active de-icing techniques such as drone, expulsive, ultrasonic, microwave and pneumatic de-icing, the FPS can be used to determine when to initiate these techniques, as well as, activate safety measures when needed in order to prevent damage. In addition, the FPS can be used to analyze the effectiveness of various anti/de-icing techniques so that energy requirements can be optimized.

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Uses in Sand and Dirt Detection

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The FPS is not only effective in detecting frozen precipitation but is equally effective at detecting sand, dirt and other debris. This versatility helps the FPS compose the core of a complete and autonomous blade maintenance system in a variety of geographic locations and weather conditions.

 

This is important as poorly maintained blades can cause a 4-6% (up to 8% where the blade’s leading edge has eroded) loss in annual energy production.

 

Using the FPS as part of an autonomous blade maintenance system has the potential to considerably extend the lifespan of components, optimize and reduce power requirements, reduce operating costs and ultimately increase return on investment.

 

The versatility of the FPS helps the operator achieve these goals in any climate or weather condition, allowing a firm to dominate the industry in respective jurisdictions.