Experimental and numerical simulation study of the influence of airflow on the thermal effect of surface-DBD

Blade icing poses a significant challenge to the safe and stable operation of wind turbines. The use of the thermal effect of surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) plasma is regarded as a promising solution to this problem. Nevertheless, the application of this method is limited by inadequate understanding of the influence patterns and underlying mechanisms of airflow on the SDBD thermal effect. This study systematically investigates the influence of airflow velocity, direction, and voltage parameters on the thermal effect of an SDBD array using a combined experimental and simulation approach. The results indicated that airflow significantly suppresses the surface temperature rise of the SDBD discharge device above a certain velocity. Furthermore, an increase in the angle between the incoming flow direction and the discharge device has been shown to reduce convective heat transfer efficiency, leading to a more pronounced surface temperature increase. Finally, it is evident that elevating the voltage amplitude and pulse frequency serves to enhance the thermal effect. The present study provides a theoretical foundation for the optimization of SDBD anti-icing/deicing technology on wind turbine blades, thus offering a basis for parameter adjustment in practical applications.