Numerical Simulation of Ice Crystal Accretion and Aerodynamic Impacts on Wind Turbine Blades in Cold Climates

With the advancement of science and technology, wind power generation has been widely adopted globally. However, ice accretion severely limits the operational efficiency and structural safety of wind turbines in cold regions, while existing research primarily focuses on the impact of supercooled droplets on blade icing, the influence of ice crystals in cold environments on the blade icing process has been largely overlooked. This study systematically simulated the accretion of ice crystals and supercooled droplets under clear ice conditions. It evaluated the effects of various ice crystal parameters on the icing process using Fensap-Ice, which is an advanced icing simulation tool. The results indicate that ice accretion, driven by the combined action of ice crystals and supercooled droplets, weakened ice corners, making the ice shape smoother and fuller. When the angle of attack of the ice-covered airfoil exceeded 15°, a separating vortex formed on the suction side of the blade, leading to a reduction in the lift coefficient. The findings of this study highlight the critical role of ice crystals in the icing process and provide a scientific foundation for understanding the icing mechanism under complex meteorological conditions.