Abstract
Wind turbine blades being struck by lightning is one of the most urgent problems facing wind farms. In order to reduce the probability of lightning accidents on wind farms, this paper presents a new electro-geometric model for multiple turbines. In this new model, based on the physical model of lightning leader development, the striking distance range of the blade tip receptor is calculated, taking into account the influence of the charged particles around the blade. Lightning shielding amongst multiple turbines is provided in combination with the traditional electro-geometric model, and a criterion formula is obtained for mutual shielding for multiple turbines. The influence of environmental factors, such as temperature, atmospheric pressure, air humidity, and altitude, on lightning shielding on large-scale wind farms is also analyzed by studying the lightning shielding distance between wind turbines. The calculation shows that the larger the relative air density and the absolute humidity, and the lower the altitude, and the larger the lightning shielding distance between wind turbines. The method proposed in this paper provides a theoretical basis for the lightning protection on wind farms under different environmental conditions.
Highlights
Wind power is an important contributor to energy system reform as a form of clean energy production
It is imperative to analyze the lightning protection of multiple turbines and the influence of environmental factors on lightning protection is important in order to promote the economic and stable operation of the wind farms
The electro-geometric model (EGM) of lightning shielding between multiple wind turbines is introduced by combining the lightning leader progression physical model and a conventional EGM
Summary
Wind power is an important contributor to energy system reform as a form of clean energy production. It is imperative to analyze the lightning protection of multiple turbines and the influence of environmental factors on lightning protection is important in order to promote the economic and stable operation of the wind farms. Energies 2017, 10, 1272 lightning protection effect of the blade tip receptor [7,8,9] Those experimental studies have poor portability since repeated tests have to be done for different models of wind turbines under different environmental conditions, requiring extensive manpower and resources. The electro-geometric model (EGM) of lightning shielding between multiple wind turbines is introduced by combining the lightning leader progression physical model and a conventional EGM In this new EGM, the influence of charged particles around the blade is taken into account. A breakdown experiment of scaled wind turbines was designed to verify the impact of air humidity on the shielding distance between two turbines
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