Modeling tool to analyze the ice buildup on wind turbine blades.
April 16, 2013
minute read time
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Positive Impact
Understanding the impact of ice on offshore wind turbines. Modeling tool to analyze the ice buildup on wind turbine blades.
Locations
Michigan
Partners
University of Michigan
EERE Investment
$400,000
Clean Energy Sector
The University of Michigan received funding from EERE to develop a modeling tool to simulate surface water ice impact on offshore wind turbine designs, especially designs involving innovative substructures. The funding will be used to augment existing computer-aided engineering tools, used for offshore wind turbine analysis, with a new module that can address the impact of ice buildup on turbine blades—a major challenge to deploying offshore wind in the Great Lakes.
The Wind Program is committed to developing and deploying a portfolio of innovative technologies for clean, domestic power generation to support an ever-growing industry.
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) success stories highlight the positive impact of its work with businesses, industry partners, universities, research labs, and other entities.