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Mapping of Meteorological Observations over the Island of Ireland to Enhance the Understanding and Prediction of Rain Erosion in Wind Turbine Blades

Author

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  • James W. K. Nash

    (Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Stathclyde, 75 Montrose Street, Glasgow G1 1XJ, UK)

  • Iasonas Zekos

    (Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Stathclyde, 75 Montrose Street, Glasgow G1 1XJ, UK)

  • Margaret M. Stack

    (Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Stathclyde, 75 Montrose Street, Glasgow G1 1XJ, UK)

Abstract

Leading edge erosion is becoming increasingly important as wind turbine size and rainfall are predicted to increase. Understanding environmental conditions is key for laboratory testing, maintenance schedules and lifetime estimations to be improved, which in turn could reduce costs. This paper uses weather data in conjunction with a rain texture model and wind turbine RPM curve to predict and characterise rain erosion conditions across Ireland during rainfall events in terms of droplet size, temperature, humidity and chemical composition, as well as the relative erosivity, in terms of number of annual impacts and kinetic energy, as well as seasonal variations in these properties. Using a linear regression, the total annual kinetic energy, mean temperature and the mean humidity during impact are mapped geospatially. The results indicate that the west coast of Ireland and elevated regions are more erosive with higher kinetic energy. During rain events, northern regions tend to have lower temperatures and lower humidities and mountainous regions have lower temperatures and higher humidities. Irish rain has high levels of sea salt, and in recent years, only a slightly acidic pH. Most erosion likely occurs during winters with frequent rain infused with salt due to increased winds. After this analysis, it is concluded that Ireland’s largest wind park (Galway) is placed in a moderate-highly erosive environment and that RET protocols should be revisited.

Suggested Citation

  • James W. K. Nash & Iasonas Zekos & Margaret M. Stack, 2021. "Mapping of Meteorological Observations over the Island of Ireland to Enhance the Understanding and Prediction of Rain Erosion in Wind Turbine Blades," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-34, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:15:p:4555-:d:603244
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hasager, C. & Vejen, F. & Bech, J.I. & Skrzypiński, W.R. & Tilg, A.-M. & Nielsen, M., 2020. "Assessment of the rain and wind climate with focus on wind turbine blade leading edge erosion rate and expected lifetime in Danish Seas," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 91-102.
    2. Slot, H.M. & Gelinck, E.R.M. & Rentrop, C. & van der Heide, E., 2015. "Leading edge erosion of coated wind turbine blades: Review of coating life models," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 837-848.
    3. Sinden, Graham, 2007. "Characteristics of the UK wind resource: Long-term patterns and relationship to electricity demand," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 35(1), pages 112-127, January.
    4. Dalili, N. & Edrisy, A. & Carriveau, R., 2009. "A review of surface engineering issues critical to wind turbine performance," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 13(2), pages 428-438, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Moradian, Sogol & Olbert, Agnieszka I. & Gharbia, Salem & Iglesias, Gregorio, 2023. "Copula-based projections of wind power: Ireland as a case study," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 175(C).
    2. Dimitris Al. Katsaprakakis & Nikos Papadakis & Ioannis Ntintakis, 2021. "A Comprehensive Analysis of Wind Turbine Blade Damage," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-31, September.

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