Our rotor blade-based ice detection system with automatic restart lowers operating costs, increases AEP and minimizes the risk of ice throw. The ice detection system for wind turbines is maintenance-free and lasts a turbine lifetime.
Ice detection system for wind turbines
Winters are particularly harsh for wind farm operators. As ice builds up on the blades, turbines generate less energy, and conventional built-in ice detection systems often cause preventive shutdowns for safety reasons. In order to restart the turbine, a visual inspection is needed to confirm that the blades are, indeed, ice free. But in winter, visual inspections are hampered by the simple fact that it’s often hard to see exactly what’s going on. And even if you manage, it’s a slow and laborious process to get your blades spinning again.
Automatic Restart to Reduce Operational Cost
At Polytech, we decided there had to be a better way. So we designed a rotor blade-based ice detection solution with a fully automatic restart feature. Not only that. It is a system that accurately measures the amount of ice directly on each blade. The moment your blades are ready, the turbine restarts, and you’re back in business. No need to wait for inspection.
What our customers say
The ice detection system is always active and can detect ice masses also during standstills. This means you are always on track with the icing status of your turbines, even when the turbine is shut down and there is no wind. It’s of course cloud-based, so you have instant information and can make instant decisions.
Maintenance-free ice detection system to last the turbine's lifetime
Polytech’s rotor ice monitoring system is maintenance-free and designed to last the lifetime of your blades. Thanks to extensive testing and validation, it has been certified by DNV. The system is based on fiberoptic sensors that contain no electric components, thus making it immune to lightning strikes. And because the sensors are installed inside the blades, installation is quick and easy. Typically, it can be done in a day, with no need for a crane.
Additional Blade CMS
Naturally, Polytech’s state-of-the-art hardware can also be used for condition monitoring. Our fiberoptic sensors can continually monitor the condition of your blades, and should anything happen, you’ll get a notification immediately. How about that for peace of mind all year round?
Your added value at a glance:
You want to find out more about ice detection on wind turbine rotor blades? Then contact us!
