This study reveals a low-energy anti-icing approach for wind turbine blades, combining superhydrophobic coatings and thermal heating for enhanced efficiency.
To address aerodynamic efficiency reduction and safety risks caused by wind turbine blade icing in cold regions, this study proposes a low‐energy composite anti‐icing/de‐icing system based on graphite paper and superhydrophobic coatings. The superhydrophobic coating is fabricated from waste silicone rubber derived from discarded insulators. This system synergistically combines the passive anti‐icing capability of the superhydrophobic coating and the active de‐icing performance of electrothermal heating, significantly enhancing the ice prevention and removal efficiency. The experimental results demonstrate that the prepared system surface achieves a contact angle of 157 ± 3° with a rolling angle of 1.6 ± 0.3°, effectively delaying ice formation to 717 s. In the electrothermal mode, the surface temperature reaches 100.8 °C, enabling complete ice removal within 58 s. Robustness tests, including UV aging, icing/de‐icing cycles, and antiwear tests, maintain contact angles above 150°, confirming exceptional environmental stability. The composite system exhibits reliable long‐term performance under extreme conditions while demonstrating advantages in energy efficiency, sustainability, and material recyclability. This study provides an innovative strategy for wind turbine blade anti‐icing/de‐icing and resource utilization of waste polymer materials.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Zhao et al. (2025) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: