Wind Turbines:
Cold Weather Issues
Henry Kurniadi

Cold Weather Issues

Issue 1:
Materials Failure at Low
Temperatures

Low Temperatures

final height initial height
Impact loading:
-- severe testing case
-- makes material more brittle
-- decreases toughness
Impact Testing
(Charpy)

Temperature Effect on
Metal Failures
More brittle More ductile
Temp. (oC)

Impact Properties:
Ductile to Brittle Transition Temperature (DBTT)
lower higher
Transition at certain temperature range
Material becomes brittle (more susceptible to impact) at low temperature

Use materials that suitable for low temperatures.
Welding completed with special low temperature
flux.
Lubricants & oils suitable for low temperature.
Solutions

GE Wind Turbine Technical Changes
for Cold Weather

GE Wind Turbine Metallurgy
for Cold Weather
Minimize impact
loading from braking

Guides on Welding for Low
Temperatures

Issue 2:
Icing (Ice Accretion/積冰)

Icing (Ice Accretion)

Icing and Performance Reduction

Icing and Performance Reduction

Blade Ice Formation
Low elevation or polar region High elevation or mountain region

Anti- and De-Icing Technologies for
Several Cold Weather Wind Turbines

Other Method: Painted Black

Issue 3:
Presence of Snow

Snow Environment
Snow (雪) = Water (水) = Damp/Moisture (濕度/濕氣)

IEA Wind Recommended Practices 13: Wind Energy
Projects in Cold Climates, Ed. 2011, published May 22, 2012.
NREL, Wind Energy: Cold Weather Issues, June 2000.
GE Wind Energy: Cold Weather Turbine Operation, June
2005.
KOBELCO Welding, A Quick Guide to Suitable Welding
Consumables for Low Temperature Steel.
Nippon Steel & Sumikin Welding Co., Ltd., Welding for Low
Temperature Service Steel.
References