On the empirical k-factor in ice accretion on wind turbines: A numerical study

An investigation of empirical k-factor, describing the ratio of ice accretion on reference collector (cylinder) and wind turbine blade has been performed with a series of numerical simulations, and analytical calculations. The results show that k-factor can vary to a degree, depending on a number of different parameters. These include the effect of object's geometry, droplet distribution spectrum on ice accretion and collision efficiencies, different ambient conditions, experienced by both the reference collector and wind turbine blade, which can lead to different ice growth regimes. Further numerical experimentations and actual validation of the concepts is warranted. Considering the complexity of the process in question, there is a significant chance that ice accretion on a wind turbine blade, when compared to ice accretion of reference cylinder cannot be explained using simple, dimensionless ratio.