Blade Operation Monitoring

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Ice detection: Safeguarding performance in cold conditions

Our ice detection solutions provide peace of mind by seamlessly managing ice accumulation on your turbines. From early icing risk alerts to fully automated management during icing conditions, our products ensure your operations remain compliant with safety regulations. Keep your turbines running efficiently and optimize your time and resource planning with our advanced technology.

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Insights
Ice detection on wind turbines.
“Icing can cost wind turbines up to 80 % of power production.” (Reference: Iowa State University)

“[…] most sensitive ice detection status from all four systems.”

Meteotest (2021), VGB Research Foundation, project 401

Comparison of four detection systems of rotor icing installed on the same turbine

50% reduction in downtime due to icing

was achieved after just one winter

Read case study
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ON-BLADE technology installation process

Save up to 9,600 USD in personnel costs

(excluding travel expenses) during a single winter season

Our Wireless Blade Sensor (WBS) for ice detection and temperature measurement employs capacitive sensing at various points on the external blade surface to detect icing.

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Hoarfrost on wind turbines during winter

These companies use EOLOGIX-PING’s ice detection system

Logo EDF RenewablesLogo from VerbundVattenfall logoEnercon logoLogo Energie SteiermarkMainova Logo
Factors for buying an ice detection system for a wind turbine.Wind farm on a snow-covered mountain.An ice detection system ensures safety when operating wind turbines.Wind turbine blade covered with ice.White wind turbine with snow-covered trees around the turbine.
Challenges

Ice accumulation on wind turbines

As a wind turbine operator, maintaining consistent energy production and operational reliability throughout the turbine's lifespan is critical. However, winter conditions and specific geographical locations can present significant challenges, such as ice accumulation on rotor blades. These conditions can disrupt turbine performance and safety, making it essential to address ice build-up effectively. Our advanced ice detection solutions are designed to help operators overcome this challenge, ensuring uninterrupted operations even in the harshest winter conditions.

Your challenges

Maximizing Annual Energy Production (AEP)

Optimizing wind turbine performance in winter conditions is essential to maintain high yields. Our systems are tailored to enhance your turbines’ efficiency, minimizing losses in AEP due to inefficient ice management.

Challenges

Ensuring safety amidst ice risks

Ice throw and ice fall pose safety risks to personnel and surroundings, requiring strict adherence to safety standards. Our DNV-certified ON-BLADE ice detection systems ensure your turbines operate safely, meet regulatory requirements and protect your team, any trespasser and environment.

Challenges

Reducing downtimes from ice accumulation

Winter downtime due to ice buildup can disrupt operations and lead to significant productivity losses. With our advanced ice detection system, operators can proactively manage ice accumulation, reducing downtime due to icing by 25% to 93% (depending on existing ice detection system) and maintaining operational continuity.

Challenges

Efficient resource planning in remote locations

Managing limited service team availability in remote areas demands careful resource planning. With an average of 20-50 ice events per year in Germany, utilizing a system that automatically restarts after ice accumulation reduces the need for manual intervention, ensuring continuous operation.

Factors for buying an ice detection system for a wind turbine.Wind farm on a snow-covered mountain.An ice detection system ensures safety when operating wind turbines.Wind turbine blade covered with ice.White wind turbine with snow-covered trees around the turbine.
Challenges

Ice accumulation on turbines

Winter conditions can present significant challenges for consistent energy production, such as ice accumulation on rotor blades. These conditions can disrupt turbine performance and safety. Our ice detection solutions help operators to ensure uninterrupted operation.

Your challenges

Maximizing Annual Energy Production (AEP)

Optimizing wind turbine performance in winter conditions is essential to maintain high yields. Our systems are tailored to enhance your turbines’ efficiency, minimizing losses in AEP due to inefficient ice management.

Challenges

Ensuring safety amidst ice risks

Ice throw and ice fall pose safety risks to personnel and surroundings, requiring strict adherence to safety standards. Our DNV-certified ON-BLADE ice detection systems ensure your turbines operate safely, meet regulatory requirements and protect your team, any trespasser and environment.

Challenges

Reducing downtimes

Winter downtime due to ice build-up can disrupt operations and lead to significant productivity losses. With our system, operators can proactively manage ice accumulation, reducing downtime by 25% to 93% (depending on existing ice detection system) and maintaining operational continuity.

Challenges

Efficient resource planning

Managing limited service team availability in remote areas demands careful resource planning. With an average of 20-50 ice events per year in Germany, utilizing a system that automatically restarts after ice accumulation reduces the need for manual intervention, ensuring continuous operation.

Features

How our ice detection system helps you

Wind turbine operators aim to ensure optimal turbine performance under icing conditions while minimizing downtime. Our systems, equipped with capacitive and temperature sensors, continuously monitor icing events and temperature, optimizing turbine operation in wind and cold climate regions.

 

Keep turbines running in winter season with ice detection.
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Keep turbines running

Our ON-BLADE ice detection systems, featuring Wireless Blade Sensor (WBS), ensure more uptime by accurately distinguishing between rime and glaze ice. This capability not only keeps your turbine operational in challenging conditions but also reduces the risk of ice throw hazards.

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Stay informed with accurate ice accumulation detection

Our system not only meets stringent safety regulations but also promptly alerts you to the presence of ice. Equipped with Wireless Blade Sensors (WBS), it accurately measures ice and temperature directly on the outer blade surface, discerning five distinct levels of surface condition (Level 1-5).

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Certified and well proven

Our system is rigorously tested and endorsed by top certification bodies like TÜV Nord, DNV, and the Solar Impulse Foundation. It is trusted by major wind turbine manufacturers and utilized by wind turbine operators worldwide, ensuring reliability and performance you can count on.

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Fully automated system

Our system offers automatic restart after ice accumulation, significantly reducing personnel costs and response times. Additionally, it operates independently, eliminating reliance on third-party data and minimizing the need for physical inspections during harsh winter conditions, ensuring uninterrupted operation.

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No need for calibration or wiring

Our ON-BLADE solution requires no calibration or wiring, ensuring rapid deployment and immediate readiness for operation. This streamlined setup saves time and eliminates complexities, allowing you to focus on maximizing turbine performance.

Ice detection

Our products at a glance

Blade risk

:LITE ICE

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Blade risk

:STANDARD ICE

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Blade risk

:SAFE ICE

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Blade risk

:RESTART ICE

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In comparison

What sets our ON-BLADE (OB) ice detection system apart?

The OB ice detection system (IDS) differs from other ice detection systems in several aspects

 

Nacelle-based ice detection system (IDS)

ON-BLADE system

Other blade based ice detection system (IDS)

Sensor position

Nacelle

Outside on the outer blade surface / Nacelle

Inside the rotor blade

Temperature measurement

Preventive heating

Mind. Required wind speed for ice detection

0m/s

0m/s

2-3m/s

SCADA date required

Calibration for ice detection

Not necessary

Not necessary

Automatic restart possible

Yes, with wind speed >2-3m/s

Installation sensors

Screwed nacelle

Self-adhesive on the blade

Glued inside the blade

Nacelle-based ice detection system (IDS)

ON-BLADE system

Other blade based ice detection system (IDS)

Sensor position

Nacelle

Sensor position

Outside on the outer blade surface / Nacelle

Sensor position

Inside the rotor blade

Temperature measurement

Temperature measurement

Temperature measurement

Preventive heating

Preventive heating

Preventive heating

Mind. Required wind speed for ice detection

0m/s

Mind. Required wind speed for ice detection

0m/s

Mind. Required wind speed for ice detection

2-3m/s

SCADA date required

SCADA date required

SCADA date required

Calibration for ice detection

Not necessary

Calibration for ice detection

Not necessary

Calibration for ice detection

Automatic restart possible

Automatic restart possible

Automatic restart possible

Yes, with wind speed >2-3m/s

Installation sensors

Screwed nacelle

Installation sensors

Self-adhesive on the blade

Installation sensors

Glued inside the blade

Your benefits

Maximize wind turbine uptime with reliable ice detection

Safer, smarter and energy-self-sufficient. Boost your energy production with our innovative, autonomous system that detects ice directly on rotor blades (ON-BLADE technology), ensuring uninterrupted performance and maximum safety – no SCADA data required!

Whitepaper Ice detection

Minimize revenue losses in the upcoming winter

Snow-covered path to a wind turbine
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Increased availability and safety of your wind turbines

Our advanced ice detection system distinguishes precisely between frost and glaze ice. It only stops the turbines in safety-critical situations. This significantly extends the operating time of your wind turbines and allows operators to maximize energy production and minimize unplanned downtime without compromising on safety.

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Innovative technology approach

Our system is the world’s first solution for ice detection and temperature measurement directly on the surface of the rotor blade. It measures the ice level directly with the capacity sensors – other variables, such as vibrations, are not necessary for determination. Thanks to its design and flexibility, the sensor can be installed almost anywhere on the blade. This makes it particularly reliable and precise.

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Autonomous system

Our autonomous ice detection system does not require SCADA data or third-party information to operate reliably. It is completely energy self-sufficient and ensures that the wind turbines can be operated efficiently even in remote areas without external energy sources

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Only system with 100% availability

Our ON-BLADE Ice Detection Solution is designed for seamless integration with your turbine controller, requiring only a standard signal interface to operate.

By using multiple sensors on the blades, the system incorporates redundancy – if one sensor fails, the others continue to provide reliable ice detection. The system is not influenced by external factors like heavy icing or specific operating conditions (e.g., idling turbines, pitched blades, or heated blades). It can detect ice accumulation on the blades independently of these conditions, ensuring reliable performance.

 

This capability was proven in an independent study by Meteotest (2021), as part of the VGB Research Foundation’s project 401. The test, which compared four rotor icing detection systems installed on the same turbine, demonstrated that our solution achieved 100% availability during operation.

Ice detection

Choose your product

Our products have been designed to suit the respective levels. We therefore offer the right solution for different needs. (Note: All prices are valid for 2024. The new prices for 2025 will be available shortly)

:LITE ICE

ON TOWER technology for :LITE ICE and :SURFACE DAMAGE

Monitoring the presence of light icing with acoustic sensors (OT technology)

  • Uses the acoustic ON-TOWER technology
  • Is equipped with PCM as receiving unit
  • Is mounted on the base of the turbine
  • Detects the presence of light icing

Cost Overview

Standard

:LITE ICE

•

Detects the presence of light icing

•

Mounted with magnets or adhesive on the base of the tower

Package includes

This package contains the Intelligent Listening Sensor (ILS), Power- and Communication Module (PCM) and the Interconnecting Cable (IC).

:LITE ICE starting at

1060

per wind turbine per year

FAQs

Ice detection common questions

Here we answer frequently asked questions about our ice detection application.
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Any questions?

Reach out to us for tailored advice on your specific needs, to learn more about our technology, or to schedule a personal consultation. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you every step of the way.

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