Modular Lightning Protection for Wind Turbines

Abstract

Wind energy holds a leading position among other renewable energy sources in electricity production. The competitive advantage of wind turbines to be connected to every electrical grid around the world and the 2030 targets of the EU have led to their high penetration in all countries, and especially European ones. Wind power plants are installed in areas with sufficient wind conditions, which simultaneously, are exposed to lightning activity, creating risks in their smooth operation. Considering the fact that there are more wind power installations in areas with different soil and topographic characteristics and the demand for the reliable, economically efficient, and smooth operation of the wind turbines, there is a need for standardized solutions that can be adapted to project-specific characteristics. In the current work it is introduced a methodology that intends to provide modular lightning protection for wind turbines and wind power plants, with the main drivers being the techno-commerciality and high availability of the facility, which can be adopted in most of the sites having as basis the relevant international standards.