This project investigates advanced polymeric coatings for horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT) blades to mitigate freezing rain, ice accretion, and erosion in cold climates.
In severe icing conditions, wind turbines lose productivity or must be shut down to avoid structural damage. Existing anti-icing technologies rely on energy-intensive heating systems with high maintenance costs and limited durability.
- Freezing rain and frost cause ice accretion on leading edges.
- Ice build-up reduces aerodynamic efficiency and can damage blades.
- Conventional coatings often fail under combined icing and high-speed erosion.
The project targets cold-climate wind farms, such as those in eastern Canada, where freezing rain events significantly affect energy yield and maintenance costs.
The research focuses on slippery polyurethane (SPU) coatings reinforced with fluorinated and polydimethylsiloxane-based surface-modifying polymers (SMPs). These coatings aim to combine:
- High surface hydrophobicity and low ice adhesion strength
- Superior erosion resistance to high-speed frost and water droplets
- Strong compatibility with durable polyurethane matrices
- Easy application by spray or solution casting at ambient temperature
- Study freezing rain and frost impact and erosion mechanisms.
- Review and benchmark existing protective coatings.
- Define optimal chemical compositions for HAWT blade coatings.
- Evaluate coating thickness versus wind and frost conditions.
- Simulate stress distribution in blade, coating, and interface.
- Develop ice impact erosion models and simulations.
- Build freezing rain erosion testing facilities.
- Apply optimized coatings on test samples.
- Perform mechanical, microstructural, and tribocorrosion tests.
The project aims to deliver robust icephobic and erosion-resistant coatings that extend blade lifetime, reduce downtime, and improve energy yield for turbines operating in harsh, icy environments.