Wireless Blade Sensor for ice detection on the surface of a wind turbines rotor blade.
Ice detecion

4 min to read

Simple ice detection without rope access: Cost-Efficient and reliable ice detection for wind turbines

Published: February 14, 2025

Updated: February 14, 2025

Simple ice detection directly at the root zone of the rotor bladewithout time-consuming installation by rope access? DNV-certified, :STANDARD ICE now offers an economical solution for operators who need a simple but reliable, simple ice detection system. 

The problem: Why is ice detection important for wind turbines?

Ice accumulation on wind turbines is a considerable challenge. It affects the performance of the equipment, increases wear and tear, and can endanger the safety of your team and the environment. 

  • Loss of performance: Due to changes in aerodynamics, wind turbines lose efficiency, which leads to yield losses. 
  • Safety risks: Ice fall and ice throwing can endanger people and the infrastructure in the area. 
  • Mechanical stress: Repeated icing can damage the structure of the rotor blades and significantly increase maintenance costs. 

Many conventional ice detection systems only provide indirect measurements

Many conventional ice detection systems, especially nacelle-based solutions, only provide indirect measurements based on temperature and weather data. This often leads to false or delayed detection. A direct measurement on the surface of the rotor blades is crucial for precise detection of changes and rapid responsiveness. 

Teaser

Download ice detection whitepaper

Would you like to find out more about our ice detection systems? Download our whitepaper and gain valuable insights to prepare your systems for the cold season.

A solution for reliable ice detection

:STANDARD ICE offers a reliable and economical solution for the direct detection of ice accumulation on the rotor blades. Instead of relying on temperature and wind measurements from systems on the nacelle, the system detects ice directly where it is formed. 

Key features: 

  • Direct measurement on the rotor blade by capacitive sensors that also measure the temperature around the root zone or on the stigma. 
  • No rope access required as the sensors are mounted in easily accessible areas. 
  • DNV-certified, which ensures safe and standard-compliant use. 
  • Cost-effective, as only a few sensors are needed. 
  • Conservative detection, which is triggered even at temperatures below 5°C in conjunction with activity on the blade. 

With :STANDARD ICE, operators get a reliable, easy-to-install system that helps them optimize safety and uptime without incurring unnecessarily high costs. 

Key benefits of :STANDARD ICE

Wind farm operators benefit from several advantages: 

  • Precise and simple ice detection with minimal effort – measurement directly on the blade is more accurate than nacelle-based systems. 
  • Cost savings on installation and maintenance – no rope access required, fewer sensors required. 
  • Improved safety and operational decisions – reliable detection prevents unplanned downtime and reduces the risk of ice fall or ice throwing. 
  • DNV certification – Compliance with all relevant safety and operational standards. 
  • Flexibility for different locations – ideal for regions with a moderate number of icing days. 

For whom is :STANDARD ICE the right solution?

:STANDARD ICE is particularly suitable for operators who 

  • Expect less than two icing days per season and don’t need high-precision systems. 
  • Prioritize safety, but do not need an automatic stop of the turbine when ice accumulates and automatic restart when there is no ice. 
  • Seek a more cost-effective alternative to more complex, highly sensitive ice detection systems. 

How is :STANDARD ICE different from other ice detection systems?

Comparison with nacelle-based systems 

:STANDARD ICE offers significantly more precision in the same price range, as it detects ice directly on the rotor blade surface. Nacelle-based systems detect ice indirectly via temperature and weather conditions, which can lead to false alarms and inaccurate shutdowns. 

With :STANDARD ICE , operators benefit from: 

  • More accurate ice detection data for better operational decisions. 
  • Fewer unplanned downtimes due to more precise detection. 
  • Increased safety through direct monitoring of the rotor blade. 

Comparison with :SAFE ICE and :RESTART ICE 

:SAFE ICE vs. :STANDARD ICE 

  • :SAFE ICE uses sensors along the entire length of the blade, including the tip, for the highest accuracy, but cannot be installed without rappelling. 
  • :STANDARD ICE focuses on the area close to the leaf root, which allows for easier and more cost-effective installation by its own service team. 

:RESTART ICE vs. :STANDARD ICE 

  • :RESTART ICE not only detects icing. It stops the turbines when ice builds up and can enable the turbine to restart automatically after the “ice-free” signal. 
  • :STANDARD ICE only offers ice stop signaling and no “ice-free” detection with a significantly reduced number of sensors. 

While more advanced systems offer higher accuracy and automation, they are more expensive and complex to install. For operators who need a solid basic solution, :STANDARD ICE is the best choice. 

Share this blog post

<p>Newsletter icon</p>
Share via E-Mail
<p>In-person event icon</p>

Get your ice detection whitepaper

Find out everything you need to know about ice formation, ice detection, technologies and solutions for this sensitive topic.

Get the whitepaper
<p>Open in new window icon</p>

Subscribe to our newsletter

Stay informed with the latest industry news, fascinating insights, and updates from EOLOGIX-PING delivered straight to your inbox.
PS.: We promise no spam.