Lightning protection for wind turbine blades

Can a lightning protection system be used for wind turbine blades?

Owing to that, the present work introduces a new approach for a lightning protection system for wind turbine blades where preliminary investigations were done using Analysis Systems (ANSYS) Workbench. Two models were developed: one with a conventional type down conductor system and the other with a hybrid conductor system.

Do wind turbines need bearing lightning protection?

This article focuses on the improvement of blade lightning protection systems and the need for bearing lightning protection. The IEC report in relation to blade lightning protection states: For wind turbines the generic problem is protection of the blades against direct lightning strikes.

What is blade lightning protection?

The approach to blade lightning protection has also changed since the early papers were written. The American research and that of Jaeger7 described lightning protection systems that were mounted on the outside of a wind turbine blade. Current blade lightning protection systems use a conductor that is placed inside a wind turbine blade.

Can a hybrid conductor protect wind turbine blades from lightning?

Two models were developed: one with a conventional type down conductor system and the other with a hybrid conductor system. The recorded findings have been compared and discussed, where it was found that the hybrid conductor system may provide alternative protection from lightning for wind turbine blades. 1. Introduction

How to protect wind turbine blades?

Blade-samples covered with conducting-cap at the top of a blade showed high protection efficiency. It is necessary to develop better protection measures for wind turbine blades. As an example, protection performance of various blade materials, such as carbon reinforced plastics, should be examined.

Can lightning damage wind turbine blades?

... The probability of being damaged increases with their height, and despite the existing lightning protection systems available for wind turbine blades, there are still many cases reported wherein damage is caused by lightning strikes.