Ice-free windpower

Important results from the project

The purpose of the project was to move Linnovation´s anti-icing solution for wind turbines from TRL level 5 to TRL level 7 to enable the product to be installed on wind turbines and to keep the blades ice-free even in severe winter ice conditions. By using the anti-icing system, the wind turbine´s energy production can be increased. During the project, the performance of the product, the manufacturing process and the installation process of the heating panels that make up the product were optimized. The anti-icing system is now ready to be sold to paying customers.

Expected long term effects

Within the framework of the project, the market´s most efficient de-icing system has been developed. During field tests during the winter of 2022/2023, on a real wind turbine, it was demonstrated that the product has the ability to keep the blades ice-free and thus significantly increase the plant´s annual energy production. Additional results are: - The weight of the heating panels was halved. - The manufacturing time was halved - Two thirds of the installation time was optimized away During the project, additional patents have been applied for in the field of deicing for wind turbines.

Approach and implementation

The approach for the project has been: 1) Summer 2021, manufacture and install version 2 of the anti-icing system 2) Winter 2021/2022, field-test and analyze how the system worked. 3) Spring 2022, modify product design and processes for production and installation in accordance with the analysis 4) Summer 2022, manufacture and install version 3 of the anti-icing system 5) Winter 2022/2023, field-test and analyze how the system worked. The plan made before the project was started has been followed during the two years that the project was conducted