Lightning and
surge protection for
wind turbine
generator systems
Due to their height, complexity, and exposed locations, wind turbine generator systems are especially subject to lightning events. End-to-end protective measures prevent damage, system downtimes and revenue losses as well as service and repair costs for onshore and offshore systems.
Our products protect systems from the foundation all the way to the rotor blade
To ensure that investments in new wind turbines pay off, optimising the systems for maximum availability is the top priority. We develop complete lightning protection systems, consisting of external and internal lightning protection as well as equipotential bonding.
Not just products, but solutions
We have many years of experience in lightning and surge protection and, thanks to numerous system tests for the wind power industry, the expertise to develop effective lightning protection systems for wind turbines.
We would be pleased to assist you as well in drawing up a system-specific lightning protection concept.
We safeguard operations and protect investments
The aim of a lightning protection concept is to prevent lightning damage to mechanical and electrical components and to safeguard system availability. The core task is to effectively dissipate lightning currents. Before a protection concept is designed for the wind turbine, the turbine system is classified into lightning protection zones in accordance with IEC 61400-24. The outer zones, except for the rotor blades, are determined using the rolling sphere method. The classification of the inner zones depends on the exact structure of the wind turbine generator system and must therefore be system-specific.
We provide support for your project right from the start
Making a lightning protection concept an elementary component of the planning phase for a wind turbine avoids costly repairs and retrofitting. We can assist you in carrying out risk analyses, creating customer-specific protection concepts, selecting products and conducting system tests in our independent and accredited test centre. Find out about our range of services that help you accelerate and verify your developments.
What a lightning protection concept needs to address
After the classification into lightning protection zones, the protective measures for the system can be defined. The protection concept for wind turbine generator systems includes:
The external lightning protection system
The safe interception and discharge of direct lightning strikes is crucial for the availability of a wind turbine. Lightning currents are fed into the down conductors via an air-termination system and channelled into the ground in a controlled manner.
Surge protection
Coordinated surge protection safeguards the system's power supply systems from lightning currents and overvoltages. Protection solutions for information and data technology and condition monitoring solutions such as the DEHNdetect lightning current measuring system make a significant contribution to operational safety and system availability.
Earthing and equipotential bonding
A design of the earthing system in accordance with IEC 61400 is essential for the safe operation of electrical installations and for the function of the lightning protection system. Interconnecting elements that are capable of carrying short-circuit current establish the contact between the earthing system and the metal parts of the foundation as well as the main earthing busbar. Metallic components of the wind turbine are integrated into the equipotential bonding system – including steel reinforcement components that are encased in concrete.
We will be happy to clear these up in person.
Relevant standards for lightning protection in wind turbine systems
- IEC 61400-24 deals with the topic of lightning protection for wind turbines and contains detailed information on the selection of protection components.
- Further specifications can be found in the standards of the EN 62305 series and in DNV-ST-0076 "Design of electrical installations for wind turbines".
Downloads
Services
We can provide support for your project from the planning to the implementation and beyond. Take advantage of our wide range of practical tools and services.
This lightning current measuring system records both long strokes and impulse currents in real time and helps you optimise your maintenance and servicing of wind turbines.
We create the entire lightning protection concept – from the risk analysis and earthing simulation to budget planning – all precisely tailored to your project, and standards-compliant.
Independent, powerful testing for products, installations and systems, accredited according to DIN EN ISO / IEC 17025. The tests and their results are documented in internationally recognised test reports.
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