Wind turbine lightning strike protection

Internal transient voltage describes the daily electrical noise that is naturally produced by your internal electrical components. These surges can occur due to various factors, including switching operations within the turbine's electrical system. 

An internal overvoltage can happen when large electrical loads are switched on or off, causing a sudden change in current flow that generates a transient voltage. Such surges, while typically less intense than those caused by lightning, are far more common and still can cause considerable wear and tear on electrical components over time. 

They can affect the functionality of sensors, communication systems, and control units critical for your turbine's operation. Repeated exposure to these internal surges can lead to the degradation of insulation materials, overheating, and ultimately, component failure.

The sky is the limit for transient voltage and lightning damage – Flip the script with DEHN

If your wind turbines aren’t operational, your energy supply company isn’t able to produce uninterrupted power and runs the risk of violating service contracts. As a result, a transient voltage or lightning protection system is not just a safety measure, it’s a critical piece of your operational efficiency.

Without reliable lightning protection systems and other transient voltage protection solutions in place, it’s a matter of when, not if electric-related damage will occur to your turbine systems.

Minor damage includes a broken part or temporary power outage, while the worst-case scenario ranges from complete system failures to irreparable damage to the turbine blades or critical tower infrastructure. No matter the type of scale of damage, the outcome will cost your business in more ways than one.

Physical damage to the wind turbine’s structures or intricate electrical systems results in expensive repairs and replacements. Beyond structural damages, lightning strikes and other transient events can lead to unexpected, prolonged downtime and maintenance costs while wind turbine operators navigate the necessary repairs. 

Downtime translates to decreased energy output and an inability to fulfill service quotas which can affect your company’s long-term growth, revenue, and reputation in the industry. 

To power wind turbines reliably in the face of potential lightning strikes and transient voltage events, turn to DEHN for proactive protection solutions. Schedule a risk assessment with our team today.

DEHNdetect: The lightning strike sleuth for wind turbines

When it comes to wind turbines, undetected lightning damage can be a silent killer. Due to their robust construction and remote location, lightning damage is not always easily identifiable and may not be discovered until routine maintenance at a much later time than the initial electrical event.

Small, overlooked damages can accumulate over time, leading to severe safety risks as the affected components wear down slowly until they ultimately fail. Luckily, DEHN has a proactive solution that can be retrofitted to your existing wind turbines! 

DEHNdetect helps you change the tide against transient voltage and ensure your turbines spin safely and efficiently when you need them to.

Detecting the undetectable

The problem with traditional lightning detection systems is their inability to fully capture the nuances of lightning strikes, especially the elusive upward flashes. These flashes, with their long stroke currents of just a few hundred amps, can cause significant melting on rotor blade receptors. 

This kind of damage often goes unnoticed by standard measuring systems, leading to long-term degradation and eventual system failures. 

DEHNdetect stands out by registering both impulse currents and dangerous long-stroke currents. This dual-detection capability ensures that no lightning event goes unnoticed, providing a comprehensive overview of the health of your wind turbines. 

With DEHNdetect, you get real-time lightning data that allows for precise planning of maintenance and service activities. This not only prevents expensive maintenance work and lengthy downtimes but also optimizes the overall cost efficiency of your wind turbines.

Real-time data, real-time decisions

Imagine having all the critical data from a lightning event at your fingertips, moments after it happens. DEHNdetect makes this a reality by sending detailed information via email immediately after a lightning strike. 

The system not only tells you the intensity of the strike but also pinpoints exactly which rotor blade was affected. This level of detail transforms maintenance planning from a guessing game into a strategic operation.

The practical advantages of DEHNdetect extend to data management as well. Whether you prefer using a cloud-based system or your company server, DEHNdetect offers flexibility. The lightning current data can be transmitted via the local network of the wind turbine or a mobile connection, ensuring you have access to crucial information anytime, anywhere.

Our system also integrates seamlessly with existing SCADA systems or can operate independently in the cloud, making it adaptable to various monitoring setups.

Maximizing turbine lifespan and efficiency

The benefits of DEHNdetect go beyond just preventing damage. By providing precise data on lightning events, it helps extend the service life of your wind turbines and optimizes the cost efficiency of your entire operation. You save resources, avoid unnecessary budget strain, and ensure that your turbines are always running at their best.

With DEHNdetect, you can transform how you manage lightning risks, ensuring your wind turbines remain robust and productive. It's not just about detecting lightning strikes; it's about empowering your operations with actionable insights and reliable data. Contact us today for a risk assessment to determine if DEHNdetect is right for your power generation company.

Widespread threats. Tailored solutions.

When it comes to protecting wind turbines from the devastating effects of lightning strikes, DEHN stands at the forefront of innovation and reliability. With over a century of expertise in lightning and surge protection, we are a trusted authority in the field across the globe.

Our products not only ensure compliance with industry standards such as NFPA 780 but also provide unparalleled protection.

Beyond DEHNdetect, our products specialized for wind turbines include:

• DEHNguard
• DEHNsolid
• DEHNpatch
• DEHNrecord
• DEHNbloc
• DEHNmid
• BLITZDUCTORconnect
• BLITZDUCTOR XT
• HVI power conductor
• Tubular air-termination rod

A crucial aspect of our approach is a thorough risk assessment, which evaluates the specific vulnerabilities of your equipment to inform the development of a tailored holistic protection concept. To start the process today, call us and schedule a risk assessment.

Request an assessment with DEHN today