Research of lightning transient potential on the jacket foundation offshore wind turbines

Abstract

Offshore wind turbines are often struck by lightning due to their tall structures and the harsh marine environment. The high transient potential from lightning strike can cause serious damage for the devices of offshore turbines. For analysing the effect of transient potential, a complete transient circuit model is established and an efficient algorithm is also presented to evaluate the circuit parameters of blade, tower, and jacket foundation. On the basis of the circuit model, the transient potential at the different locations of the offshore wind turbine can be carried out during direct lightning strike by PSCAD. Finally, the circuit model is used by a numerical example of an actual Chinese-built offshore wind turbine.

Lightning Overvoltage Protection of Step-Up Transformer Inside a Nacelle of Onshore New-Generation Wind Turbines

“…The main focus of previous research has been the lightning response of the WT as a structure [5][6][7][8][9], or its grounding system in particular [10][11][12]; the associated overvoltage stresses of some of its electrical components in connection with the study of the backsurge phenomenon, such as the signal cables [13]; and low-voltage equipment inside a switchgear cubicle at the base of the tower [14]. Previous research also considered lightning overvoltage stresses of the step-up transformer installed at the base of the WT tower or in a separate nearby structure [15].…”