On the modelling chain for production loss assessment for wind turbines in cold climates

Abstract

This paper presents results from a validation study of the EMD-WRF On Demand (OD) ICING modelling chain for production loss assessment for wind turbines in cold climates. The emphasis has been on validating the modelled seasonal instrumental icing using 29 meteorological masts and 49 seasons. The observed instrumental icing was extracted from wind data from meteorological masts using windPRO. The modelled results were compared to the observed instrumental icing and the sensitivity of the industry threshold limit of 10 g (for a 1-m-high standard cylinder) was evaluated. The study showed very good performance of the modelling chain and confirmed the industry threshold limit of 10 g (for a 1-m-high standard cylinder) to be the best match. Furthermore, the IEA Task 19 Ice Class system for translating modelling icing into a production loss was evaluated, and it was found that using meteorological icing is the desired and recommended solution.