To achieve the goal of carbon neutrality and peak carbon dioxide emissions, and reduce the development and utilisation of fossil energy, wind power, as a typical clean energy source, has the advantages of wide distribution, environmental protection and remarkable scale benefits.

Superhydrophobic coating for blade surface ice-phobic properties of wind turbines: A review. Image source: Dinadesign - stock.adobe.com

However, wind turbines installed in cold regions or high-altitude areas often encounter an icing climate during winter operations, which affects the economic benefits and stability of wind power plants.

To address the above issues, research has been carried out in recent years on coating with superhydrophobic anti-icing properties. In this review, the theory of solid surface wettability was described, and the mechanism and hazards of wind turbine blade icing were introduced. The preparation methods of superhydrophobic ice-phobic coating were systematically summarised, and the advantages and disadvantages of different methods were discussed based on the current research.

To make the superhydrophobic ice-phobic coating have excellent weather resistance in the actual operation of wind turbine blades, a method of adding self-cleaning, anti-corrosion, photothermal conversion and other functions to the original coating was proposed. In addition, the application of superhydrophobic ice-phobic coating in transmission lines, aircraft wings and other fields was briefly described, which provided references for anti-icing research in different industries.

Published in: Progress in Organic Coatings, Volume 187, February 2024