Hélimax has recently completed the installation of a test bench for the observation and measurement of icing and freezing rain phenomena at the 110MW Baie-des-Sables wind farm in Quebec's Gaspé Peninsula, Canada.
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The project, implemented in partnership with Cartier Énergie Éolienne and the École de Technologie Supérieure , represents a unique experimental undertaking. The complementary character of the competencies of the respective partners will translate into a contribution to the scientific and technological knowledge of wind power in Nordic environments. Based on a detailed study conducted by the three project partners, the test bench consists of several classic and heated anemometers and wind vanes as well as temperature, pressure and relative humidity sensors. It also includes more specialised sensors to detect and measure ice accumulation, precipitation and solar radiation, as well as an ultra-sonic 2D anemometer. Lastly, the test bench includes a video camera allowing any ice formation on the equipment to be monitored. The test bench, designed to collect data over 2 complete winters, will provide a database to help refine methodologies for detecting icing phenomena and to quantify the impact of such occurrences on wind turbine energy performance.
