Lightning current measurement for wind turbine generators Data acquisition via real-time measurement
Wind turbines are often exposed to lightning strikes. Previously it was difficult to provide proof of lightning strikes and their intensity.
The LM-S complete solution from Phoenix Contact allows lightning strikes to the blades of a wind turbine generator to be accurately measured and analyzed.
Continuous remote monitoring and consolidation of the measured data with the operating parameters of the wind turbine generator provide a better basis for making decisions regarding predictive maintenance.
Application
Time and again, lightning strikes to wind turbine generators (WTG) cause damage to the rotor blades and result in electronics failures. Generally speaking, these strikes cannot be directly detected. For this reason, protective devices which can only discharge a certain number of lightning strikes are replaced frequently as a preventive measure. This proves to be a time-consuming and expensive approach. A lightning monitoring system, which records the key characteristic values of lightning surge currents, offers a helping hand here. Based on the information supplied, the system determines whether any inspection or maintenance work is necessary.
Application of the LM-S on a wind turbine generator
Lightning monitoring system (LM-S) The solution for lightning current measurement
The lightning monitoring system (LM-S) from Phoenix Contact detects and analyzes all the key parameters of lightning surge currents. This allows you to assess the actual system load.
The LM-S can be independently integrated into networks via a modem or the integrated Ethernet interface. The system can be easily integrated into an existing control system by calling IP addresses. In order to directly inform system operators of a lightning strike, the LM-S can send an SMS alarm. Detailed information on any lightning strikes can be called up in a web browser. Thus operators can detect the state of the rotor blades early, and they can schedule and perform maintenance in good time. This safeguards the stable operation of your wind turbine generator.
LM-S sensor with evaluation unit
Sensors:
The sensors of the measuring system are mounted on the protective devices in the rotor blades. In the event of a lightning strike, the surge current generates a magnetic field around the conductor, which is detected by the sensors. The system sends the measured results to the evaluation unit via fiber optics. Based on the values obtained, the evaluation unit determines the maximum lightning current strength with the rate of lightning current rise charge and the specific energy. In the standard version, the LM-S can reliably measure lightning strikes from 5 to 400 kA.
Sensor for extending the measuring range
Extension of the measuring range:
An additional, special sensor extends the measuring range of the system. It is specially designed to reliably detect and evaluate even small lightning strikes in the range from 1 to 100 kA. This extends the measuring range to 1 to 400 kA. To enable this measuring range extension, the system is supplemented by an additional evaluation unit. The special design makes the sensor ideal for mounting on a protective device in the rotor blade of a wind turbine generator. Even though the sensor does not rely on fiberglass for measurement as the standard LM-S sensor does, the electric strength is still ensured even in the event of strong impacts. This extension makes the system ideally equipped for all areas of application.
Turn-key solution for lightning measurement in wind turbines
The complete solution allows the system to be adapted to an existing design without much effort. Thanks to the integrated power supply and surge protection for communication, integration is remarkably easy. The cables for the sensors can be ordered in lengths ranging from 10 to 100 m. The connection box only needs to be assembled and the cables only need to be fed through the prepared cable entries and connected to the device. No special tools are required for this purpose.
Your advantages:
- Informative diagnostics by means of immediate acquisition of detailed data using real-time measurements
- Helpful basis for making decisions regarding maintenance, thanks to remote monitoring
- Easy data output and configuration via integrated web server
- Integration into standard network systems with RJ45 interface
Your advantages
- Informative diagnostics with the immediate acquisition of detailed data using real-time measurements
- Helpful basis for making decisions regarding maintenance thanks to remote monitoring
- Easy data output and configuration via integrated web server
- Integration into standard network systems with RJ45 interface