IEA Wind TCP

The Task work plan is structured in four technical work packages (WP2-WP5) supported by a management work package (WP1), delivered during a period of four years 15 March/2021 – 14 March/2025.

Each work package is split into activities, with at least one deliverable per activity. The deliverables are IEA Wind reports, Reports, Metadata with links to critical datasets, plus new models. It is anticipated that the work performed in the task will complement other research efforts by participants, in the context of international or national R&D projects.

The scope of each work package is listed below:

WP1.1 Develop and maintain Task data workspace and website participants

WP1.2 Technical support to task participants to ensure review & quality of deliverables

WP1.3 External communications

WP1.4 Preparation & chair of coordination meetings for all Task participants

WP1.5 Preparation & chair of webinars for dissemination

WP1.6 Reporting to IEA Wind ExCo

WP2.1 Definition of priority geographic areas for geospatial mapping of erosion potential

Compile comprehensive meta-data regarding available hydrometeor data (e.g. rain, hail characteristics, and co-availability of wind speeds) for assessing LEE with a particular focus on regions with major wind energy penetration. The deliverables will be a report & spreadsheet summarizing the meta-data. In the report, we will document where there are sufficient & sufficient quality data available for parameters of crucial importance to characterizing LEE.

WP2.2 Identification of additional meteorological parameters for erosion

Compile comprehensive meta-data regarding available data for additional parameters of importance to LEE–specific foci; wind-blown dust, UV, the occurrence of freezing rain, and corrosive agents such as sea spray. The deliverables will be a report & spreadsheet summarizing the meta-data. In the report, we will document where there are sufficient & sufficient quality data available for parameters of crucial importance to characterizing LEE.

Conduct comprehensive literature reviews and synthesize knowledge gained from projects in order to better characterize:

     WP2.3 hail, rain & dust climates in target areas

     WP2.4 hydrometeor droplet size distribution as a function of climate

     WP2.5 Revisit data availability and quality for key meteorological parameters of relevance to LEE

WP2.6 Develop a roadmap for a leading-edge erosion atlas

Including developing Recommended Report for use of meteorological data for determining Leading Edge Erosion (LEE) classes.

WP2.7 Develop Recommended Report for measurements of LEE drivers

Including metrology development and prospects for establishing ‘super sites’ for instrument testing and model V&V exercises.

WP2.8 Advance methods to conduct model V&V

Exercises focused on LEE and improve modeling tools of key atmospheric properties.

WP3.1 Model to predict annual energy production loss based on blade erosion class.

Develop a common model of aerodynamic performance loss due to leading-edge roughness and erosion standardized classes. Quantification of performance degradation (loss of AEP) as a function of roughness and ‘erosion climate’.

WP3.2 Report on standardization of damage reports based on erosion observations.

Standardization of damage reports for validation of any erosion potential assessment and to allow effective integration of data from operators with laboratory-derived estimates.

WP3.3 Droplet impingement model for use in fatigue analysis.

Step 1: Characterization of aerodynamics for droplet impingement probability.

Activity: Develop a standard model for droplet impingement, validated with wind tunnel experimental data.

WP3.4 Potential for erosion safe-mode operation.

A report describing the potential for leading-edge erosion safe mode operation. This report will be used for seeking participation from industry and research funders towards a coordinated project designed to assess the viability and cost-benefit of leading-edge erosion safe mode operation.

WP3.5 Accuracy of LEE performance loss model based on field observations (validation).

Validation of performance loss model using wind tunnel and field observations. Carry out iterative aerodynamic loss benchmarks with model development and new wind tunnel testing for calibration and validation. Validation of complete performance loss model using probabilistic analysis of field observations. Adapt models to simulate high roughness values (up to P20).

Copyright Video by Nicolai Frost-Jensen Johansen

WP4.1 Available technologies for lab tests

Production of a report on technologies available for the laboratory evaluation of erosion. The review aims at covering as much as possible of laboratory testing relevant for wind turbine blade erosion, ranging from formulation and micro-structure over basic physical, chemical, and mechanical properties to rain erosion resistance. Topics include:
– Rain erosion tests, Impact tests, Viscoelastic properties, Fracture mechanics, Fatigue, Microstructure Characterization, Aging, etc.

WP4.2 Erosion failure modes in LE systems

Report on failure modes associated with the erosion process.

WP4.3 Test data analysis, damage accumulation and VN-curves (software and report)

The scope is damage accumulation based on slice length, the time between intervals and tip speed, data analysis, and generation of VN curves. Development of software for rain erosion test data analysis.

WP4.4 Pre-evaluation of test specimens

Report on the pre-evaluation of test specimens.

WP4.5 Round Robin on Aluminum Specimens in Rain Erosion Testers

Report comparing data from different rain erosion testers and analyzing material variations.

WP4.6 Simple mechanical test for screening of key parameters

Report on laboratory simple mechanical testing and identification of indicative key parameters for pre-evaluation of erosion resistance.

WP5.1 Damage models based on fundamental material properties

Identify appropriate damage models for accumulative droplet impact erosion attending specific failure modes based on fundamental material properties. Define appropriate testing methodologies for the material properties defined as input parameters in the modeling.

WP5.2 Multilayer systems

Consider the leading edge as a multilayer system, and the different modeling approaches . Appropriate analysis for Manufacturing issues due to LEP configuration, application procedure, and LEP blade integration technology.

WP5.3 Microstructure and macroscopic material properties

Connecting the observed macroscopic mechanical behavior with the polymer composition and microstructure. Investigating the effect of fillers, additives, and polymer composition, on erosion mechanics and accumulation damage. To investigate testing techniques for polymer system analysis linked with the erosion damage progression.