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. 

To the protection solutions:
Offshore windparks protected by DEHN

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.

Dehn

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. 

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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". 
All
Surge protection
External lightning protection
Earthing
DEHNsolid lightning current arrester
900230
Type 1, single-pole, coordinated, spark-gap-based. With very high lightning-current-discharge capacity and low voltage protection level. For protecting low-voltage consumer installations against surges, also in case of direct lightning strikes.
BLITZDUCTORconnect
927224
Space-saving, modular combined arrester with push-in connection terminal and status indication. For protecting two single cores with a common reference potential and unbalanced interfaces. With signal disconnection for maintenance purposes.
BLITZDUCTORconnect
927271
Space-saving, modular combined arrester with push-in connection terminal and status indication for protecting one pair of unearthed high-frequency bus systems and balanced interfaces. With signal disconnection for maintenance purposes.
DEHNpatch Class EA
929161
Universal, space-saving combined arrester with RJ45 connection system and status display. For the protection of Ethernet applications. With powerful gas discharge arrester and protective diodes, fully shielded adapter design, optional earth connection.
DEHNrecord condition monitoring unit
910710
DIN-rail-mounted device set with integrated visual transmitter/receiver and reverse unit for condition monitoring of BLITZDUCTORconnect and DEHNpatch arresters. Indication via LED group display combined with remote signalling.
DEHNguard SE
952940
Single-pole, Type 2 surge arrester, consisting of a base part and plug-in protection modules. High discharge capacity thanks to heavy-duty zinc oxide varistors.
DEHNguard M TN-C
952307
Three-pole, Type 2 surge arrester, consisting of a base part and plug-in protection modules. High device reliability thanks to arrester monitoring with Thermo Dynamic Control
DEHNguard SE CI
952923
Single-pole, Type 2 surge arrester, with integrated arrester backup fuse. Consisting of a base part and plug-in protection module. High device reliability thanks to arrester monitoring with Thermo Dynamic Control.
DEHNguard M TN-C
952305
Three-pole, Type 2 surge arrester, consisting of a base part and plug-in protection modules. High device reliability thanks to arrester monitoring with Thermo Dynamic Control.
DEHNbloc Maxi
961140
Single-pole, coordinated, spark-gap-based, Type 1 lightning current arrester. High follow current extinguishing capability and follow current limitation thanks to RADAX flow technology.
HVI power Conductor set
819430
High-voltage-resistant insulated down conductor (copper) in the supporting tube to maintain the separation distance to electrically conductive parts. With internal sealing end, EB spring element, air-termination tip and earth connection element.
HVI power Conductor
819163
High-voltage-resistant insulated down conductor (copper) to maintain the separation distance to electrically conductive parts. Assembly on site. Equivalent separation distance s ≤ 90 cm (in air), s ≤ 180 cm (solid building material).
Stainless steel UNI disconnecting clamp
459200
For connecting an air-termination rod or earth entry rod to a round conductor. Lightning current carrying capability tested up to 200 kA (10/350 μs). With spring washer and intermediate plate for round and flat conductors.
Clamping screw connector, StSt
301209
For connecting round conductors with flat profiles. Tested for lightning current carrying capability up to 200 kA (10/350 μs). Version with screw spring washer and nut.
MV clamp, stainless steel
390209
For universal use as cross, T and parallel clamp. Tested for lightning current carrying capability up to 200 kA (10/350 μs). Two-piece with hexagon screw and threaded base part.
Air-termination rod + screw
100150
In the set, with forged lug, for protecting roof-mounted structures, chimneys, etc. Fixed by means of rod holders / spacers, including KS screw for connecting round conductors.
Air-termination rod, StSt
101009
Chamfered on both sides, for protecting roof-mounted structures, chimneys, etc. Also for erecting with concrete base (8.5 kg) with fixing wedge or for fixing with rod holders / spacers.
Connection clamp with thrust bracket, St/bare
308031
For connecting round and flat conductors in the concrete foundation or concrete steel mats and reinforcing steel. For T, cross and parallel connections.
Round wire, HDG steel
800010
Steel wire with zinc coating, for use in lightning protection and earthing systems.
Strip, HDG steel
810335
Strip, HDG steel
Fixed earthing point, StSt
478011
Corrosion-free connection of the down conductor. For protective equipotential bonding and/or functional equipotential bonding for installation in the formwork. Type M version with connecting shaft and M10/12 connection thread.
Fixed earthing point clamp
478141
For connecting round and flat conductors to fixed earthing points with thread. Made of HDG steel. Suitable for installation on the rear side without connecting shaft. Light design, with connection thread.
Cross unit, StSt (V4A)
319209
For aboveground and underground connection of round and flat conductors. Version with intermediate plate and screws.
Strip, stainless steel
860335
Stainless steel strip for use in lightning protection systems and ring equipotential bonding.
StSt equipotential bonding bar
472209
For industrial applications, without cover, with six connections for functional and lightning equipotential bonding. With UP insulator and thread, UV-stabilised, halogen-free. Suitable for use in hazardous areas.

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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. 

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