Wind turbine lightning protection system

How to protect a wind turbine from lightning?

In order to plan protection measures, it is advisable to subdi-vide the wind turbine into lightning protection zones (LPZs). The lightning protection system of a wind turbine protects two sub-systems which can only be found in wind turbines, namely the rotor blades and the mechanical drive train.

What are lightning protection levels for wind turbines?

3.2. Lightning Protection in General Lightning protection systems for wind turbines are based on International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) IEC 61400-24. According to this standard, the lightning protection levels (LPLs) have been set in accordance with the probability of minimum and maximum expected lightning currents, I to IV.

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

What is lightning protection system (LPS)?

Lightning protection system (LPS) is composed of lightning receptor, down conductor, and grounding, and all elements must be well connected to pass the lightning current to Earth safely. Although wind turbines are installed with LPS, there are still cases where blades and whole turbines are destroyed due to the fact of lightning strikes.