Protecting wind turbines from lightning
November 2006
Electrical Power & Protection
Electrical power gained from the wind is becoming a well-established technique of alternative energy generation in many parts of the world. The risk for structures being hit by lightning grows in relation with the height of the structure. MW-wind turbines reach heights of up to 150 m with their blades and are therefore extremely at risk.
Dehn + Sohne's experience in the field of lightning protection covering several decades, as well as intensive worldwide research at wind turbines, have helped to develop concepts of approved lightning protection systems that drastically reduce lightning damage at blades, bearings and gear units. The use of these techniques means that downtime and resulting losses of generating capacities due to damage caused by lightning and related surges are reduced to a minimum.
The company offers approved products for the protection against lightning and over-voltage. Additionally, its laboratory provides engineering and test services for the optimisation of specific devices such as:
* Tests of customer-specific, pre-wired connection units for the protection of the electrical system.
* Performance of gearing units when subjected to lightning currents.
* Lightning current tests at inactive conductors and receptors of rotor blades.
"When earthing a wind turbine, the armouring of the tower should always be included, despite the risk of corrosion," says Paul van As at Surgetek, the local distributor. "The earthing of the tower base and the operation building should be interconnected by intermeshed earthing to obtain an extensive earth-termination system. In order to ensure effective personal protection, additional potential-controlling ring earth electrodes must be placed around the tower base."
For more information contact Paul van As, Surgetek, +27 (0) 11 792 1303/4/5, [email protected], www.surgetek.co.za
Further reading:
Boiler selection for optimal thermal energy performance
Electrical Power & Protection
The changing world of boilers means companies wishing to improve their thermal energy efficiencies while containing costs and environmental impacts must make careful and informed decisions. AES’s rich pool of experience, ability to keep pace with new steam trends and technologies, and understanding of their clients’ production processes can assist clients to weigh up different options in a careful and informed manner.
Read more...
Securing Africa’s energy future starts at home
ACTOM Electrical Machines
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa’s energy demands are surging, but the current reliance on imported solar technology leaves the continent vulnerable. This is why the prospect of building inverters and lithium batteries locally, designed for South Africa’s specific needs, is so promising.
Read more...
Dry-type transformers for Dutch intake substation
Electrical Power & Protection
A data centre in the Netherlands is the site of a recent innovation on the transformer landscape, where TMC Transformers has designed, manufactured and installed dry-type transformers in a large intake substation.
Read more...
Generators: The muscle in the new energy mix
WEG Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Contrary to their reputation as noisy and dirty, generators are a key part of modern energy supplies. Generators are reliable electricity workhorses in times of need. But they are also becoming welcome additions to modern energy mixes through efficiency improvements, noise reduction and flexible design choices.
Read more...
Doubling down on sustainability commitments: six practical solutions to meet the AI challenge
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
The best time to plant a tree, the old saying goes, was 20 years ago, and the second-best time is today. The same concept holds true to sustainability in the data centre industry.
Read more...
Condition-based maintenance can revolutionise business continuity
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
As businesses experience growing pressure to enhance operational efficiency and reduce downtime due to electrical failure, condition-based maintenance becomes essential for preventing unforeseen equipment breakdowns by assessing the real-time health of electrical systems.
Read more...
Ball valves and actuators to optimise HVAC performance
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric South Africa offers the full range of innovative SpaceLogic and EasyLogic ball valves and actuators. These cutting-edge products are designed to optimise HVAC system performance, ensuring comfort and energy efficiency in industrial, commercial and residential buildings.
Read more...
Power over Internet splitter for reliable power distribution
Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
A manufacturing facility requires a stable power supply for its wireless access points mounted across the factory floor. However, these devices do not support direct PoE input. By deploying the IPS-342P PoE Splitter from Vepac, the facility can efficiently convert PoE power from the network switch into 24 V DC output.
Read more...
World’s fastest 16-bit arbitrary waveform generator
Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The ARB Rider AWG-5000 is the world’s fastest 16 bit Arbitrary Waveform Generator, with 6,16 GS/s real time update rate (12,32 GS/s in RF mode) and 16 bit vertical resolution.
Read more...
Wireless test tools
Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Fluke has on offer the Fluke 376 FC True-RMS Clamp Meter with iFlex, the most advanced troubleshooting tool for industrial and commercial electricians
Read more...
printer friendly version