Deicing device and method for blade and wind generating set

By installing a heating module with a flexible heating film and a heat-conducting layer on the blades, combined with an intelligent monitoring system, the problems of damage and high energy consumption during blade de-icing are solved, achieving efficient and energy-saving de-icing, and improving the safety and power generation efficiency of the wind power generation system.

CN120867971APending Publication Date: 2025-10-31HUANENG HEGANG POWER CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511000228.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-07-18
Publication Date
2025-10-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing blade de-icing methods suffer from problems such as blade damage, low energy efficiency, slow response speed, uneven heating, high energy consumption, and lack of intelligent monitoring and precise control, resulting in poor de-icing effect or energy waste.

Method used

The heating module, composed of a flexible heating film and a heat-conducting layer, is intelligently monitored by thickness and temperature and humidity sensors. The control module starts heating when the icing conditions are met, using natural conditions to melt the ice layer. The heating time and power are precisely controlled to achieve on-demand de-icing.

Benefits of technology

It improves de-icing efficiency and effectiveness, reduces energy consumption, extends blade lifespan, enhances the safety and power generation efficiency of wind power systems, and is energy-saving and environmentally friendly.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of wind power generation, in particular to a blade deicing device and method and a wind generating set, and the blade deicing device comprises heating modules which are arranged on the front edge, the rear edge, the pressure surface and the suction surface of a blade and used for heating an ice layer on the surface of the blade; the monitoring module is mounted on the surface of the blade and is configured to monitor the ice layer thickness, the environment temperature and the humidity of the surface of the blade; the control module is electrically connected with the heating module and the monitoring module, and the control module is configured to start the heating module to deice if the thickness of the ice layer is larger than or equal to a first threshold value and the environment temperature and humidity meet the icing condition. The icing state of the blade can be intelligently monitored, efficient deicing is achieved, and energy conservation and environmental protection are achieved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wind power generation technology, and in particular to a blade de-icing device, de-icing method and wind turbine generator set. Background Technology

[0002] In wind power generation, the blades are a core component, and their working condition directly affects power generation efficiency and equipment safety. In low-temperature and high-humidity environments, the blade surface is prone to icing. The formation of ice layers will change the aerodynamic shape of the blades, increase the blade weight and rotational inertia, and lead to uneven load distribution on the blades, thereby reducing power generation efficiency. In severe cases, it may also cause blade vibration, breakage and other failures, and even threaten the safe operation of the entire wind turbine generator set.

[0003] Currently, common blade de-icing methods include mechanical de-icing, hot gas de-icing, and electric heating de-icing. Mechanical de-icing removes the ice layer by physical force, such as knocking or scraping, but this method can easily damage the blade surface. Hot gas de-icing consumes a large amount of heat energy, has low energy utilization efficiency, and a slow response speed. Electric heating de-icing suffers from uneven heating, high energy consumption, and long-term use can easily lead to aging of the blade material. In addition, existing de-icing devices often lack intelligent monitoring and precise control capabilities, and cannot flexibly adjust the de-icing strategy according to the actual icing situation of the blades, resulting in poor de-icing effect or energy waste. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a blade de-icing device, de-icing method, and wind turbine generator set, which can intelligently monitor the icing status of the blades, efficiently de-ic, and save energy and environmental protection.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a blade de-icing device, comprising: a heating module disposed on the leading edge, trailing edge, pressure surface, and suction surface of the blade, for heating the ice layer on the blade surface; a monitoring module installed on the blade surface, configured to monitor the ice layer thickness, ambient temperature, and humidity on the blade surface; and a control module electrically connected to the heating module and the monitoring module respectively, the control module being configured to activate the heating module for de-icing if the ice layer thickness is greater than or equal to a first threshold and the ambient temperature and humidity meet the icing conditions.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the heating module includes a flexible heating film and a heat-conducting layer stacked together. The flexible heating film is attached to the leading edge, trailing edge, pressure surface, and suction surface of the blade, and the heat-conducting layer is used to conduct the heat generated by the flexible heating film to the ice layer on the blade surface.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the flexible heating film is made of graphene composite material; and / or, the thermally conductive layer is made of thermally conductive silicone material.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the control module is further configured to control the flexible heating film to reduce the heating power and / or shorten the heating time if the thickness of the ice layer is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than a second threshold; and to control the flexible heating film to increase the heating power and / or extend the heating time if the thickness of the ice layer is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the monitoring module includes a thickness sensor and a temperature and humidity sensor. The thickness sensor obtains the thickness information of the ice layer by emitting ultrasonic waves into the ice layer and receiving the reflected waves. The temperature and humidity sensor is configured to collect the ambient temperature and humidity information of the blade surface.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the de-icing device also includes an alarm module, and the control module is further configured to monitor the operating status of the heating module. If the heating module malfunctions, the control alarm module will issue an alarm message and control the heating module to stop heating.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the de-icing device also includes a power supply module, which supplies power to the heating module, monitoring module and control module respectively, and also stores electrical energy.

[0012] Secondly, this application also provides a method for de-icing blades, which is applied to the de-icing device for blades in this application. The de-icing method includes: acquiring information on the ice layer thickness, ambient temperature, and humidity on the blade surface; if the ice layer thickness is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the ambient temperature and humidity meet the freezing conditions, activating the heating module to perform de-icing.

[0013] Thirdly, this application also provides a wind turbine generator set, including a tower, a nacelle disposed at the top of the tower, and a de-icing device for the blades of this application. The generator set is disposed inside the nacelle, and a hub and blades connected to the hub are disposed at one axial end of the generator set. The de-icing device is used to remove ice from the surface of the blades.

[0014] According to the blade de-icing device, de-icing method, and wind turbine generator provided in this application, by monitoring the ice thickness, ambient temperature, and humidity on the blade surface, the heating module can be activated to de-ic the blade when the ice thickness is greater than or equal to a first threshold and the ambient temperature and humidity meet the icing conditions. This allows for intelligent monitoring of the blade's icing status, and the heating module is only activated when the external environment is insufficient to quickly melt the ice, achieving on-demand de-icing, avoiding energy waste, improving de-icing efficiency and effectiveness, reducing energy consumption, saving energy and protecting the environment, and improving the safety and power generation efficiency of the wind power generation system. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a wind turbine generator set provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the blade de-icing device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the de-icing method for blades provided in this application embodiment.

[0017] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 100. Blade de-icing device; 200. Tower; 300. Nacelle; 400. Blade; 410. Hub; 1. Heating module; 2. Monitoring module; 3. Control module; 4. Alarm module; 5. Power supply module. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a wind turbine generator set provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, this application provides a wind turbine generator set, including a tower 200, a nacelle 300 disposed at the top of the tower 200, and a de-icing device 100 for the blades of this application. The generator set is disposed inside the nacelle 300, and a hub 410 and blades 400 connected to the hub 410 are disposed at one axial end of the generator set. The de-icing device 100 is used to remove the ice layer on the surface of the blades 400.

[0021] In low-temperature and high-humidity environments, the surface of blade 400 is prone to icing. The formation of ice layer will change the aerodynamic shape of the blade, increase the weight and moment of inertia of blade 400, and cause uneven load distribution of blade 400, thereby reducing power generation efficiency. In severe cases, it may also cause vibration, breakage and other failures of blade 400, and even threaten the safe operation of the entire wind turbine generator.

[0022] Common blade de-icing methods include mechanical de-icing, hot gas de-icing, and electric heating de-icing. Mechanical de-icing removes the ice layer by physical force, such as knocking or scraping, but this method can easily damage the blade surface. Hot gas de-icing consumes a large amount of heat energy, has low energy utilization efficiency, and a slow response speed. Electric heating de-icing suffers from uneven heating, high energy consumption, and long-term use can lead to aging of the blade material. In addition, existing de-icing devices often lack intelligent monitoring and precise control capabilities, and cannot flexibly adjust the de-icing strategy according to the actual icing situation of the blades, resulting in poor de-icing effect or energy waste.

[0023] Therefore, this application provides a blade de-icing device 100, which can intelligently monitor the icing status of the blade, efficiently de-ic, and save energy and protect the environment, thereby improving the safety and power generation efficiency of the wind power generation system.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the de-icing device for blades provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, the blade de-icing device 100 of this application embodiment includes a heating module 1, a monitoring module 2 and a control module 3.

[0026] Heating module 1 is installed on the leading edge, trailing edge, pressure surface and suction surface of blade 400, and is used to heat the ice layer on the surface of blade.

[0027] Monitoring module 2 is installed on the surface of blade 400 and is configured to monitor the ice thickness, ambient temperature and humidity on the surface of blade 400.

[0028] The control module 3 is electrically connected to the heating module 1 and the monitoring module 2 respectively. The control module 3 is configured to start the heating module 1 to remove ice if the thickness of the ice layer is greater than or equal to the first threshold and the ambient temperature and humidity meet the freezing conditions.

[0029] In this embodiment, the blade 400 is prone to icing in low-temperature and high-humidity environments, such as winter. The monitoring module 2 is installed on the surface of the blade 400 and is configured to monitor the ice thickness, ambient temperature, and humidity on the surface of the blade 400. If the monitoring module 2 detects that the ice thickness is greater than or equal to a first threshold, such as 3 mm, but if the ambient temperature and humidity around the blade 400 meet the conditions for melting the ice under sunny weather conditions, then natural conditions such as sunlight and wind energy are used to melt the ice first. If the monitoring module 2 detects that the ambient temperature and humidity around the blade 400 meet the conditions for icing, it indicates that the weather is in a low-temperature and high-humidity environment. In this case, the control module 3 needs to activate the heating module 1 to de-ice the blade, preventing ice from accumulating on the surface of the blade 400, increasing the weight and moment of inertia of the blade 400, causing uneven load distribution on the blade 400, thereby reducing power generation efficiency and reducing the possibility of vibration, breakage, or other failures of the blade 400.

[0030] Since the heating module 1 is located at the leading edge, trailing edge, pressure surface, and suction surface of the blade 400, it directly contacts the easily icing areas of the blade 400. Furthermore, the monitoring module 2 is located on the surface of the blade 400, ensuring that it accurately collects data on ice thickness, ambient temperature, and humidity. The heating module 1 and monitoring module 2 can collect data in real time and transmit it to the control module 3. The control module 3 analyzes the collected data and controls the heating module 1 to efficiently remove ice when the de-icing conditions are met. Simultaneously, when the ice thickness is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the control module 3 also needs to determine the ambient temperature and humidity around the blade 400, utilizing natural conditions such as sunlight and wind energy to melt the ice as much as possible. Only when the ambient temperature and humidity around the blade 400 meet the icing conditions will the heating module 1 be activated for de-icing, thereby reducing energy consumption and promoting energy conservation and environmental protection.

[0031] According to the blade de-icing device 100 and wind turbine generator provided in this application, by monitoring the ice thickness, ambient temperature and humidity on the surface of the blade 400, the heating module 1 can be activated to de-ic the blade when the ice thickness is greater than or equal to a first threshold and the ambient temperature and humidity meet the icing conditions. This allows for intelligent monitoring of the icing state of the blade 400, and the heating module 1 is only activated when the external environment is insufficient to melt the ice quickly. This enables on-demand de-icing, avoids energy waste, improves de-icing efficiency and effectiveness, reduces energy consumption, saves energy and protects the environment, and improves the safety and power generation efficiency of the wind power generation system.

[0032] In some embodiments, the heating module 1 includes a flexible heating film and a heat-conducting layer stacked together. The flexible heating film is attached to the leading edge, trailing edge, pressure surface and suction surface of the blade, and the heat-conducting layer is used to conduct the heat generated by the flexible heating film to the ice layer on the blade surface.

[0033] The flexible heating film of heating module 1 can be a high-temperature resistant flexible component with multiple conductive wires laid inside. It can directly contact the leading edge, trailing edge, pressure surface, and suction surface of the blade 400, improving heat transfer and ice-melting efficiency. The heat-conducting layer, for example, can be made of a high-conductivity material. This layer is stacked on the side of the flexible heating film away from the surface of the blade 400, allowing for uniform heat transfer from the flexible heating film to the ice layer on the surface of the blade 400, further improving heat transfer efficiency. Compared to traditional electric heating methods, heating module 1 in this embodiment can reduce energy consumption by more than 30%.

[0034] In some embodiments, the flexible heating film is made of graphene composite material; and / or, the thermally conductive layer is made of thermally conductive silicone material.

[0035] Graphene composite materials feature high heating efficiency, good flexibility, and long service life. The thermally conductive layer can be made of highly thermally conductive silicone. Even after being stacked with the flexible heating film, the thermally conductive layer still maintains high flexibility, allowing it to closely conform to the complex curved surface of the blade 400. This prevents physical damage to the blade 400 during de-icing, avoids the presence of unmelted ice, and improves the ice melting effect. Simultaneously, the uniform heating method avoids material aging of the blade 400 caused by localized overheating, extending the blade 400's service life.

[0036] In some embodiments, the control module 3 is further configured to control the flexible heating film to reduce the heating power and / or shorten the heating time if the thickness of the ice layer is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold; and to control the flexible heating film to increase the heating power and / or extend the heating time if the thickness of the ice layer is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0037] In this embodiment, the control module 3 calculates the required heating power and heating time for the flexible heating film using a PID control algorithm based on the collected ice thickness and environmental parameters. The second threshold can be, for example, 4 mm. If the ice thickness is thin, such as 3.5 mm, the heating power and / or heating time of the flexible heating film can be reduced; when the ice thickness is thick, such as 5 mm, the heating power and / or heating time of the flexible heating film can be increased to achieve precise de-icing.

[0038] In some embodiments, the monitoring module 2 includes a thickness sensor and a temperature and humidity sensor. The thickness sensor obtains the thickness information of the ice layer by emitting ultrasonic waves into the ice layer and receiving the reflected waves. The temperature and humidity sensor is configured to collect the ambient temperature and humidity information of the blade surface.

[0039] The thickness sensor calculates the ice layer thickness using ultrasonic waves, providing more accurate and reliable results compared to image sensors. The temperature and humidity sensor integrates temperature and humidity measurement functions into a compact design.

[0040] In some embodiments, the de-icing device 100 further includes an alarm module 4, and the control module 3 is further configured to monitor the working status of the heating module 1. If the heating module 1 malfunctions, the control alarm module 4 will issue an alarm message and control the heating module 1 to stop heating.

[0041] In this embodiment, the control module 3 has a fault diagnosis function. When the heating module 1 experiences a short circuit, overheating or other faults, the control alarm module 4 can send alarm information through sound, text, light or other means to remind the operator that the heating module 1 has malfunctioned and take corresponding remedial measures to prevent fire or other safety accidents, ensure the stable operation of the de-icing device 100, and improve the reliability and safety of the heating module 1.

[0042] In some embodiments, the de-icing device 100 further includes a power supply module 5, which supplies power to the heating module 1, the monitoring module 2 and the control module 3 respectively, and also stores electrical energy.

[0043] Optionally, the power supply module 5 includes an energy storage battery and a small generator, which is electrically connected to the generator of the wind turbine. When wind speed is sufficient, the small generator can convert the mechanical energy of the blades 400 into electrical energy. When sunlight is good, the energy storage battery is electrically connected to a solar panel, generating electricity through the solar panel. Part of the generated electricity is directly supplied to the de-icing device 100, and the other part is stored in the energy storage battery. When external energy supply is insufficient due to severe weather or insufficient wind, the energy storage battery can release electrical energy to ensure the de-icing device 100 can still operate normally. This hybrid power supply mode fully utilizes clean energy sources such as wind and solar power, reduces dependence on the external power grid, ensures the continuous power supply capability of the de-icing device 100 in various complex environments, and reduces operating costs and environmental pollution.

[0044] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the de-icing method for blades provided in this application embodiment.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, this application embodiment also provides a blade de-icing method, applied to the blade de-icing device 100 of this application, the de-icing method including: Step S1: Obtain information on the ice layer thickness, ambient temperature, and humidity on the blade surface; Step S2: If the thickness of the ice layer is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the ambient temperature and humidity meet the freezing conditions, start the heating module 1 to de-ice.

[0046] According to the blade de-icing method provided in this application, by monitoring the ice layer thickness, ambient temperature, and humidity on the surface of the blade 400, the heating module 1 can be activated to de-ic the blade when the ice layer thickness is greater than or equal to a first threshold and the ambient temperature and humidity meet the icing conditions. This allows for intelligent monitoring of the icing status of the blade 400, and the heating module 1 is only activated when the external environment is insufficient to quickly melt the ice layer. This enables on-demand de-icing, avoids energy waste, improves de-icing efficiency and effectiveness, reduces energy consumption, saves energy and protects the environment, and improves the safety and power generation efficiency of the wind power generation system.

[0047] It should be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., mentioned in the specification indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, is within the knowledge scope of those skilled in the art.

[0048] It should be readily understood that “on,” “above,” and “on top of” in this disclosure should be interpreted in the broadest manner, such that “on” means not only “directly on something” but also “on something” with an intermediate feature or layer therebetween, and that “above” or “on top of” means not only “on something” but also “on something” without an intermediate feature or layer therebetween (i.e., directly on something).

[0049] Furthermore, for ease of explanation, spatially relative terms such as "below," "below," "under," "above," and "above" may be used to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to other elements or features as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those shown in the figures. The device may have other orientations (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptive terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0050] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0051] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A blade de-icing device, characterized in that, include: A heating module is disposed on the leading edge, trailing edge, pressure surface and suction surface of the blade, and is used to heat the ice layer on the surface of the blade; A monitoring module, installed on the surface of the blade, is configured to monitor the ice thickness, ambient temperature, and humidity on the blade surface; The control module is electrically connected to the heating module and the monitoring module respectively. The control module is configured to start the heating module to remove ice if the thickness of the ice layer is greater than or equal to a first threshold and the ambient temperature and humidity meet the freezing conditions.

2. The blade de-icing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating module includes a flexible heating film and a heat-conducting layer stacked together. The flexible heating film is attached to the leading edge, trailing edge, pressure surface and suction surface of the blade. The heat-conducting layer is used to conduct the heat generated by the flexible heating film to the ice layer on the surface of the blade.

3. The blade de-icing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flexible heating film is made of graphene composite material; and / or the thermally conductive layer is made of thermally conductive silicone material.

4. The blade de-icing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control module is further configured to, if the thickness of the ice layer is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold, control the flexible heating film to reduce the heating power and / or shorten the heating time; if the thickness of the ice layer is greater than or equal to the second threshold, control the flexible heating film to increase the heating power and / or extend the heating time.

5. The blade de-icing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The monitoring module includes a thickness sensor and a temperature and humidity sensor. The thickness sensor obtains the thickness information of the ice layer by emitting ultrasonic waves into the ice layer and receiving the reflected waves. The temperature and humidity sensor is configured to collect the ambient temperature and humidity information of the blade surface.

6. The blade de-icing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The de-icing device also includes an alarm module, and the control module is further configured to monitor the working status of the heating module. If the heating module malfunctions, the control module will issue an alarm message and control the heating module to stop heating.

7. The de-icing device for blades according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, It also includes a power supply module, which supplies power to the heating module, the monitoring module and the control module respectively, and the power supply module is also used to store electrical energy.

8. The blade de-icing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The power supply module is electrically connected to the generator of the wind turbine generator set; or, the power supply module is electrically connected to the solar panel.

9. A method for de-icing blades, applied to the de-icing apparatus for blades as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The de-icing method includes: Obtain information on the ice layer thickness, ambient temperature, and humidity on the surface of the blade; If the thickness of the ice layer is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the ambient temperature and humidity meet the freezing conditions, the heating module is activated to remove the ice.

10. A wind turbine generator set, characterized in that, The device includes a tower, a nacelle disposed at the top of the tower, and a de-icing device for the blades as described in any one of claims 1 to 8. The nacelle is provided with a generator set, and one axial end of the generator set is provided with a hub and blades connected to the hub. The de-icing device is used to remove ice from the surface of the blades.

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