A new wind turbine icing computational model based on Free Wake Lifting Line Model and Finite Area Method

• Published in: Renewable energy Vol. 146; pp. 342 - 358
• Main Authors: Wang, Qiang, Xiao, Jingping, Zhang, Tingting, Yang, Jianjun, Shi, Yu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2020
• Subjects: Finite area method; Free wake lifting line model; heat; Horizontal axis wind turbine; ice; Ice accretion; mass transfer; model validation; renewable energy sources; wind turbines; Free wake lifting line model; Horizontal axis wind turbine; Ice accretion; Finite area method
• ISSN: 0960-1481; 1879-0682
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2019.06.109

Based on the Free Wake Lifting Line (FWL) Model and Finite Area Method (FAM), a new wind turbine icing computational model, named FFICE, is developed in this paper. By utilizing the fast calculation characteristics of the FWL model, the 3D flow field of wind turbine can be computed. According to the results, the 3D icing problem is transformed into different 2D conditions along the span of the blade. Then, the Lagrangian Method is applied to calculate the collection efficiency on the surface of the local airfoil. In order to accurately simulate the ice accretion, the heat and mass transfer process in the water film is solved by the modified FAM numerical computational method. All the modules involved in FFICE model is validated according to the numerical or experimental results. After that, the dynamic characters of the water film during the icing process on NACA 0012 airfoil is analyzed. At last the icing analysis of NREL Phase VI wind turbine is performed and the results are discussed in detail. The FFICE model provides an effective way for wind turbine icing analysis, which could be easily incorporated into the Icing Protection System (IPS) design code. •A new icing computational model of wind turbine blade, named FFICE, is developed.•The FFICE model combines the Free Wake Lifting Line Model and Finite Area Method.•The mass, momentum and energy conservation equations of the water film are solved.•The dynamic behavior of water film and the ice shapes on the blade can be predicted.•This model is more efficient in the icing analysis of wind turbine.