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15 December 2025

A Review of Meteorological Hazards on Wind Turbines Performance: Part 1 Lightning, Icing, and Rain

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1
School of Arts and Design, Nanjing University of Industry Technology, Nanjing 210023, China
2
School of Engineering, University of Southampton Malaysia, Iskandar Puteri 79100, Malaysia
3
Carbon Neutrality Research Group, University of Southampton Malaysia, Iskandar Puteri 79100, Malaysia
4
UTM Aerolab, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Malaysia
This article belongs to the Section A3: Wind, Wave and Tidal Energy

Abstract

Wind power is a major source of renewable energy, yet turbine performance is strongly influenced by atmospheric conditions and surrounding terrain. Several meteorological phenomena can hinder energy production, disrupt operations, and accelerate structural deterioration. This paper reviews three key atmospheric hazards affecting wind turbine systems: lightning, icing, and rain. For each phenomenon, the formation mechanisms, operational effects, and mitigation approaches are examined, with offshore-specific processes and conditions integrated directly into each hazard discussion. Building on this foundation, the review then analyses interactions between the hazards, their combined implications for turbine performance and maintenance, and the associated economic impacts. Comparisons of material behaviour across lightning, icing, and rain-erosion conditions are also incorporated. Finally, future research directions are proposed.

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