Study on the Effect of Heating Plate Material Layer Properties Based on NACA0012 Airfoil Leading Edge Electrothermal De-Icing
Zhou Hui1, Jin Jiayi1, Guan Yusong1, Hu Qin2, Huang Yafei3
1. School of Energy and Power Engineering University of Shanghai for Science and Technology Shanghai 200093 China; 2. Xuefeng Mountain Energy Equipment Safety National Observation and Research Station of Chongqing University Huaihua 418000 China; 3. State Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Reduction for Power Gird Changsha University of Science & Technology Changsha 410000 China
Abstract：Wind turbine blades operating in cold and humid environments are highly prone to ice accretion, presenting a critical challenge to the wind energy sector. Ice formation alters the blade's surface geometry, inducing substantial aerodynamic degradation characterized by diminished lift and elevated drag, with potential safety risks under severe conditions. Electrothermal de-icing has been widely implemented as a countermeasure. Nevertheless, the systematic effect of the thermophysical properties of heating plate material layers on de-icing efficiency remains inadequately explored. This investigation examined the influence of thermal characteristics of heating plate material layers on the electrothermal de-icing performance of a NACA0012 airfoil leading edge under cold-climate icing conditions. A multiphysics modeling framework was established via FENSAP-ICE simulations, integrating airflow dynamics, droplet impingement, and ice accretion processes. Conjugate heat transfer (CHT) analysis was incorporated to elucidate the underlying mechanisms through which material thermal properties govern de-icing effectiveness. The research established that ambient temperature significantly determines ice type and spatial extent on the blade surface. A higher icing temperature of -1℃ promoted the formation of extensive glaze ice due to the presence of a liquid water film that flows and refreezes. In contrast, a lower temperature of -20℃ led to rime ice accumulation primarily localized at the leading edge, resulting from the instantaneous freezing of supercooled droplets upon impact. The core investigation systematically compared three heating plate material layers: glass fiber, aluminum alloy, and carbon fiber composite. The findings revealed that the thermophysical properties of the heating plate material layers critically determine the surface temperature distribution and de-icing effectiveness. Due to its low thermal conductivity (0.294 W/(m·K)), the glass fiber layer formed a localized high-temperature zone at the leading edge, enhancing de-icing efficiency specifically under rime ice conditions. The aluminum alloy layer, with its high thermal conductivity (164 W/(m·K)), enabled rapid temperature response, making it suitable for addressing sudden icing events. The carbon fiber composite layer, possessing ultra-high thermal conductivity (900 W/m·K) and anisotropic heat conduction characteristics, optimized heat distribution, proving particularly effective for large-area glaze ice conditions. Over a 600-second de-icing period, the total ice mass removed was similar for all three materials (0.515~0.529 kg). However, a key performance metric, the equivalent icing time-defined as the natural icing duration required to accumulate a mass equal to that removed during the de-icing operation-was introduced for deeper analysis. The carbon fiber composite demonstrated superior performance by clearing ice equivalent to 903 s of natural accretion, outperforming aluminum alloy (886 s), and glass fiber (878 s). This indicates that the carbon fiber composite achieves higher de-icing efficiency for the same operational duration, potentially reducing energy consumption and maintenance frequency. This research systematically compared the performance of different heating plate material layers in electrothermal de-icing, highlighting the critical role of material thermophysical properties. Glass fiber is suitable for wind farms experiencing year-round rime ice, where sustained thermal protection is required and cost sensitivity is a concern. Aluminum alloy is appropriate for conditions demanding rapid de-icing response to unpredictable sudden icing events. Carbon fiber composites demonstrate exceptional de-icing efficiency under persistent, extensive glaze ice conditions, while also offering novel solutions for complex thermal field regulation.
周辉, 金嘉怡, 官宇松, 胡琴, 黄亚飞. 加热片材料层对NACA0012翼型前缘除冰性能的影响[J]. 电工技术学报, 2026, 41(17): 5985-5995.
Zhou Hui, Jin Jiayi, Guan Yusong, Hu Qin, Huang Yafei. Study on the Effect of Heating Plate Material Layer Properties Based on NACA0012 Airfoil Leading Edge Electrothermal De-Icing. Transactions of China Electrotechnical Society, 2026, 41(17): 5985-5995.
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