Wind Turbines: Cold Weather Issues

Henry Kurniadi

Cold Weather Issues

Issue 1: Materials Failure at Low

Temperatures

Low Temperatures

final height initial height

Impact loading: -- severe testing case -- makes material more brittle -- decreases toughness

Impact Testing(Charpy)

Temperature Effect on Metal Failures

More brittle More ductile

Temp. (oC)

Impact Properties:Ductile to Brittle Transition Temperature (DBTT)

lowerhighe

r

Transition at certain temperature range

Material becomes brittle (more susceptible to impact) at low temperature

Use materials that suitable for low temperatures.

Welding completed with special low temperature flux.

Lubricants & oils suitable for low temperature.

Solutions

GE Wind Turbine Technical Changes for Cold Weather

GE Wind Turbine Metallurgy for Cold Weather

Minimize impact loading from braking

Guides on Welding for Low Temperatures

Issue 2: Icing (Ice Accretion/積冰 )

Icing (Ice Accretion)

Icing and Performance Reduction

Icing and Performance Reduction

Blade Ice Formation

Low elevation or polar regionHigh elevation or mountain region

Anti- and De-Icing Technologies for Several Cold Weather Wind Turbines

Other Method: Painted Black

Issue 3:Presence of Snow

Snow Environment

Snow (雪 ) = Water (水 ) = Damp/Moisture (濕度 /濕氣 )

IEA Wind Recommended Practices 13: Wind Energy Projects in Cold Climates, Ed. 2011, published May 22, 2012.

NREL, Wind Energy: Cold Weather Issues, June 2000. GE Wind Energy: Cold Weather Turbine Operation,

June 2005. KOBELCO Welding, A Quick Guide to Suitable

Welding Consumables for Low Temperature Steel. Nippon Steel & Sumikin Welding Co., Ltd., Welding

for Low Temperature Service Steel.

References