Minimum Leading Edge Protection Application Length to Combat Rain-Induced Erosion of Wind Turbine Blades

Leading edge erosion (LEE) repairs of wind turbine blades (WTBs) involve infield application leading protection (LEP) solutions. The industry is currently aiming to use factory based LEP coatings that can applied the WTBs before they are shipped out for installation. However, one main challenges related these solutions choice a minimum length be in spanwise direction WTBs. Generally, coating suppliers apply 10–20 m onto starting from tip blade using “rule thumb”, and no studies literature exist stipulate how lengths calculated. In this study, we extend scope recently developed long-term probabilistic framework determine required combat rain-induced erosion. A parametric study performed where different turbines with varying power ratings 2.1 MW 15 at Dutch sites ranging inland coastal considered. results show sensitive site, as well attributes. Further, found highest installed higher ratings. detailed investigation further check sensitivity parameters. expected provide guidelines efficient repair strategies