Quebec has a strong wind energy potential, particularly in winter, due to the strong winds characteristic of this season. However, frost accumulation affects the efficiency of wind turbine production, causing annual losses of up to 25% for some wind farms in Quebec.
Parc Éolien Saint-Philémon (STP) in Quebec and Glen Dhu Wind Energy LP (GDU) in Nova Scotia are two wind farms experiencing significant energy losses due to frost accretion on their turbines. Both wind farms have a fleet of Enercon turbines equipped with blade de-icing systems. The operators of these two wind farms are seeking to limit the impact of icing on their energy production.
The objective of the proposed project is to optimise the control of the de-icing system of Enercon wind turbines. Nergica has developed over several years a unique expertise in the detection, characterisation and modelling of icing events at different sites. This expertise will be used to predict icing at the STP and GDU sites and to detect icing in situ using appropriate instrumentation. Both methods of ice prediction and detection will be implemented in the de-icing system control. This increased control of the wind turbines should enable the industrial partners to maximise their use of the wind turbine de-icing system. This will limit ice accretion on their wind turbine blades and the energy losses associated with ice. Other optimisation avenues will also be explored during the course of the project.