Preliminary Study on Liquid Discharge Shock Wave De-icing Method for Wind Turbine Blades
摘要
Driven by the sustainable development goals, wind energy has been extensively developed as a key renewable and clean energy source. However, the issue of wind turbine blade icing in winter, causing significant downtime, remains unresolved. This article proposes a novel de-icing method based on shock waves generated by pulsed liquid discharges, which is highly energy-efficient and low in energy consumption. The study designed a device to verify that shock waves can be effectively transmitted to the blade surface. De-icing experiments confirmed the method’s effectiveness, and simulations analyzed the shock wave propagation and blade micro-deformation. A crucial aspect is the need for the liquid discharge medium to remain liquid at low temperatures. Research found that typical organic antifreeze like ethylene glycol produces substantial gaseous products after discharge, altering the dielectric environment and affecting subsequent discharge and shock wave generation. In contrast, calcium chloride (CaCl₂), an inorganic antifreeze, remains stable after pulse discharge, with no gas production, minimal changes in freezing point and ion concentration (pH value). This study offers a new solution for wind turbine blade de-icing and provides theoretical and practical guidance for selecting suitable antifreeze agents, such as CaCl₂, for this innovative method, promoting its engineering application.