Icing in Wind Power Plants: An Unseen but Critical Production Loss

Wind power plants (WPPs), while providing highly efficient and sustainable energy production, face a significant technical risk, particularly in cold climates: icing . Ice formation on the blades can lead not only to production losses but also to mechanical stresses, downtime, and long-term equipment damage. Therefore, the effects of icing on wind power plants are a critical issue that must be addressed within the scope of technical consulting and client engineering.

What is Icing on Wind Turbines?

Icing is the formation of ice on the surface of wind turbine blades under meteorological conditions such as low temperature, high humidity, fog, and freezing rain. This condition is particularly common in:

• In high-altitude areas

• in continental climate regions

• In power plants that experience prolonged shutdowns during the winter months

It is frequently observed.

Icing is a serious risk not only in extreme climates, but also in Türkiye, particularly in Central Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia, and the high-altitude Aegean regions.

The Effects of Icing on Wind Power Plants

1. Production Losses (Icing Losses)

The layer of ice on the wing disrupts the aerodynamic profile. This situation:

• A decrease in wing lift force

• The turbine failing to reach its nominal power.

• Frequent automatic stops

Why does that happen?

In some areas , annual production losses can range from 5–15% , and under extreme conditions, can exceed 20% .

2. Mechanical Loads and Equipment Risk

Icing;

• Rotor imbalance

• Additional loads on the main bearing and gearbox.

• Increased vibrations

This can shorten the turbine's lifespan. These effects are usually not noticeable in the short term, but in the long term they significantly increase maintenance costs.

3. Security Risks (Ice Throw)

Ice throw , the detachment and ejection of ice from a platform after icing, poses a significant safety risk to personnel working on-site and the surrounding environment. Therefore, safety zones and stopping scenarios in areas at risk of icing must be clearly defined in the technical specifications.

Why are icing losses often underestimated in most feasibility studies?

Icing is a common issue in many renewable energy feasibility studies:

• It is overshadowed by the average wind speed.

• Long-term measurement data is insufficient.

• This is considered hypothetical in production simulations.

As a result, the investor encounters unexpected production losses after entering the site. At this point, employer engineering and independent technical consulting play a critical role.

How to Analyze the Effects of Icing?

A professional technical evaluation should include the following steps:

• Analysis of long-term meteorological data

• Field-based temperature-humidity-wind correlation

• Software-based icing models

• Turbine power curve corrections

• Scenario-based production loss calculations

Production forecasts given without conducting these analyses pose a significant risk to the investor.

Methods for Combating Icing

1. Anti-Icing / De-Icing Systems

• Wing interior heating systems

• Electric resistance solutions

• Active control algorithms

These systems reduce production losses, but the CAPEX and OPEX effects must be evaluated through technical and financial analysis.

2. Operational Strategies

• Icing detection sensors

• Controlled shutdown-restart scenarios

• Seasonal production forecast revisions

This approach prevents unplanned shutdowns.

Employer Engineering Perspective: Icing Should Not Be Ignored

Icing as part of employer engineering:

• It should be clearly defined during the feasibility phase.

• Comparison of EPC and OEM bids.

• This should be reflected in performance guarantees.

• It must be clearly stated in the technical specifications.

Otherwise, losses due to icing will be recorded as a non-contractual "natural risk" for the investor.

Conclusion: Icing is a silent but significant cost factor in wind energy projects.

Icing on wind power plants may seem like a minor detail at first glance, but it can have serious consequences for production, maintenance costs, and safety. Therefore, icing must be managed with proper feasibility studies, strong technical consulting, and an employer engineering approach.

It should be remembered that unmeasured risk cannot be managed .