Performance analysis and improvements of wind turbines equipped with retrofitted ice protection systems

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This project will analyze the behaviour of more than 30 wind turbines installed over 4 wind farms located in Eastern Canada. On each of the wind farms, two of the wind turbines to be analyzed will be equipped with a retrofitted blade heating system by the Canadian company Borealis Wind inc. The project aims to improve the performances of the wind turbines by developing "what if" scenarios and adapting the operational strategy for the activation of the retrofitted ice protection systems (IPS) developed and installed by Borealis. The project is planned to be executed over a 12-month period during which a complete winter will be analyzed in quasi real-time such that incremental adjustments to the operational strategy of the IPS will be tested. Historical data from winter 2019-2020 will also be analyzed to fully understand the behaviour of the systems. An evaluation of the reclaimed power production will highlight the performances of the system and provide a precise estimate on the reduction of the icing losses that can be obtained using appropriate systems. The long term objective of this collaboration is to improve the power production of wind farms across Canada through the improvement of operational strategy for already installed IPS and through the implementation of reliable IPS on wind turbines experiencing extensive icing losses during the winter season.