Wind power is a new type of energy that differs from traditional fossil fuels. It has the advantages of environmental friendliness, convenience, cleanliness, and economic efficiency. An increasing number of countries have focused on wind power for future development. However, with the rapid development of the wind power industry, the erosion of critical components such as wind turbine towers, blades, bolts, and gears has become a major problem. Erosion of parts poses a serious threat to the safe and stable operation of wind turbines. However, comprehensive reviews of this topic have been rare. Therefore, systematic analysis and summaries of the erosion problems and preventative measures for critical wind turbine components are urgent, as these will provide references and basis for solving the problems that have long plagued the wind power industry. First, the erosion status of metal components of on-and offshore wind turbines is described. The erosion status of non-metal parts in typical regions in China and the mechanism responsible for erosion damage are analyzed. Previous studies have shown that the erosion of metal structural parts such as towers is a major problem, and the environmental effects derived from specific regions promote accelerated failure. The impact damage of the gas-solid two-phase flow in an onshore aeolian sand area and the synergistic coupling of multiple factors in sea-splash and tidal-range areas are the most critical and complex. Erosion damage to metal parts such as gears often induces further failure. Depending on their unique functions and the different service environments, metal parts exhibit unique failure behaviors. The erosion damage at the leading edge of the blade is the most prominent in non-metallic parts. This is because rain, sand, dust, and other particles contact the surface of the leading edge of a rapidly rotating blade, creating pressure waves. Continuous pressure wave damage causes cracking and shedding of the protective layer and damage of the basal body. The result is a continuous loss of power generation and a huge increase in maintenance costs. Second, the erosion protection technology of wind turbine metal parts is reviewed in terms of coating protection, covering system protection, and additional protection devices; that of non-metallic parts is reviewed in terms of coating and tape protection. Based on the general application of traditional coating protection for structural parts such as towers, covering system protection technology has been applied in some anti-corrosion demonstration projects of offshore wind power plants, and the impressed current cathodic protection has also achieved good results. However, new protective methods, such as covering system technology, and additional protective devices must be further explored. Blade body coating protection technology is relatively mature and can ensure long-term blade service. However, for the erosion of the leading edge of the blade, mainstream coating and tape protection cannot meet the full-cycle protection requirements of wind turbines. During service, the protective layer inevitably becomes damaged and degraded, thus requiring regular maintenance. Finally, the main technical problems in the prevention and control of erosion of the critical components of wind turbines are analyzed and summarized, and future research directions are discussed. This study fills a review gap in the areas of erosion prevention and the management of critical components of wind turbines.
