Chapter 1 - Introduction

Abstract

This chapter provides a general picture of the status of wind turbines in cold climate regions. Cold climate sites include the regions that experience low-temperature climate or icing climate, or both. Based on the severity and frequency of meteorological icing, instrumental icing, and their potential impact on turbine annual energy production, icing climate sites can be further categorized into five classes according to International Energy Agency Ice Classification guideline. Wind turbines equipped with and without ice protection systems exhibit different performances in those five ice classes. In addition, the recommendations and standards that are commonly used to guide the design and operation of wind turbines in cold regions are summarized.