Wind energy is a clean and renewable form of energy, which is also drought-resistant and almost emission-free. However, as South Africa’s renewable energy industry continues to explore wind energy as a potential resource, considerations around possible lightning strikes need to be factored in. Across the globe, whether on- or offshore, DEHN protects wind turbines against disturbances resulting from lightning currents and surges, and provides components and solutions relating to safety equipment.
The cost of constructing and operating wind power plants must be amortised within the timeframe of an average 20 years of operation. Constant monitoring and foresighted maintenance are essential. DEHNdetect, available from lightning and surge protection expert, DEHN Africa, is designed to measure lightning currents and detects not only impulse currents but also the dangerous long stroke currents.
Damage resulting from a lightning strike does not necessarily lead to the immediate failure of the turbine, and so lightning events often remain undetected. Especially in the case of upward flashes, the initial long stroke current flowing is only a few hundred amps, and this can be the main cause of melting, for example on the receptors of rotor blades. The resulting subsequent damage can be severe.
DEHN detect allows the operator to assess the situation and ask the following important questions: “Was the lightning strike harmless or does the turbine need to be switched off and inspected in order to rule out damage to the rotor blades or other components?” As well as the total current in the system, DEHNdetect registers individual partial currents in the rotor blades. The provision and management of data is simple and convenient via web applications in the cloud. DEHNdetect allows for the monitoring of several plants or even entire wind parks. DEHNdetect can be installed directly by the wind turbine manufacturer or retro-fitted in existing plants. Installation is quick and easy and can be adjusted to the specifications of the individual turbine.
Food industry operations – not as simple as flipping a switch Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
The food industry represents a huge portion of the global economy, and is expected to reach $9,68 trillion in 2025. It is completely reliant on power, and due to its sheer size and the nature of its operations, power interruption can be catastrophic for its bottom line.
Read more...Waste To Energy thermal technologies DirectLogic Automation
Electrical Power & Protection
The vast quantities of waste produced around the world are a large and growing problem. Waste to Energy technology based on pyrolysis is a solution.
Read more...New enhanced Breaker Status and Communication Module Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has launched its new Breaker Status and Communication Module (BSCM) Modbus SL/ULP, which delivers enhanced performance, improved connectivity and simplified integration for power distribution systems.
Read more...Building green industries to scale green economies
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa is taking bold steps to build green industries across the continent. Namibia is a trailblazer in the hydrogen space, with up to five Final Investment Decisions scheduled to be made in 2025/2026 and is pioneering a world first for green industrialisation.
Read more...Easing the path for IPPs navigating South Africa’s energy regulations
Electrical Power & Protection
Independent Power Producers and developers venturing into South Africa’s renewable energy sector face a challenging regulatory landscape. SPS is a renewable energy asset management company that is actively expanding into the energy trading and wheeling market, which will enable businesses to buy and sell energy directly
Read more...How energy storage will make or break SA’s renewable transition
Electrical Power & Protection
Energy storage is no longer an add-on, but the foundation of a reliable, resilient and renewable energy system. As South Africa accelerates towards a greener future, storage innovation could determine the difference between progress and paralysis.
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...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.
printer friendly version