Phoenix Contact’s new self-powered wireless sensors detect icing on blades without drilling to reduce maintenance and increase safety at wind farms.
Phoenix Contact’s new wind turbine ice-detection system reduces power production loss and increases safety. The self-powered sensors used in this system transmit ice thickness and temperature information wirelessly from blade surfaces, without drilling or wires.
A single receiving unit is installed in the turbine and receives information from sensing units, which are distributed over the surface of each blade. These sensing units are easy to install during regular blade inspections. Detection in a stopped rotor state allows automatic restart to minimize power production loss.
The system also measures the direct surface temperature, ensuring precise heating control with blade de-icing systems. The Phoenix Contact wind turbine ice-detection system is suitable for new and retrofit applications and does not require integration into the wind turbine controller.
Filed Under: News, O&M, Sensors
