RENEWABLE ENERGY
· In 2012 a wind turbine fire in Lower Saxony Germany estimated a potential
· In 2017, a wind turbine caught fire and sparked a wild fire Northeast Wyoming,
loss of €300,000-400,000 USA and burnt nearly 1,600 acres of land
Technical experts must work collaboratively in the wind industry to find ways of ensuring we can drive greener energy, whilst minimising the danger to engineers and surrounding landscape, by enhancing fire safety.
Tere are many ways to ensure these
fires do not recur. Te nacelle should be protected via small gaseous fire suppression systems and rely on them to avoid total loss, to save lives, and protect critical infrastructure before maintenance engineers can get to them.
TEST QUICKLY AND ACCURATELY Quick and accurate routine tests, can make the greatest preventative difference. Coltraco offers specialist non-invasive liquid level measurement to test the contents of fire suppression systems that
are inside the nacelle of the turbine. Its solution is called the Portalevel Max Ultrasonic liquid level indicator. Te firm works with manufacturers of fire suppression systems to ensure that the Portalevel Max is the appropriate tool for wind turbine systems.
CASE STUDY In 2017 a wind turbine manufacturer approached the manufacturer of the fire systems that it installs in some turbines for a solution to inspect the fire system cylinders [for agent content loss in case the pressurised cylinders leaked or discharged, which would mean insufficient agent to suppress a fire event]. Tis manufacturer had worked with Coltraco on projects for many years and recommended the company to the wind turbine manufacturer. Working with the turbine manufacturer the Portalevel Max was chosen for trials and testing. Te unit is able to identify liquefied gaseous extinguishant levels to +/-1.5mm. It passed the trials and the unit was deemed to solve the issues: giving the
ability to regularly inspect and maintain the contents of their fire extinguishing systems. Wind turbine manufacturers and their customers can use the ultrasonic technology to protect their valuable assets from substantial fire damage, as well as minimise downtime for maintenance, ensuring cylinders are always full and able to extinguish fires. Te fires that continue to occur pose
a dangerous threat to both business continuity and human lives, and yet they are entirely preventable. More and more wind turbine manufacturers are acknowledging the risk to assets, and fire suppression systems are being retrofitted in existing sites. We must now continue to educate and lead, ensuring that no more lives are lost nor critical assets damaged. Tere are smart solutions available that enable wind turbine owners and operators to improve their fire safety management and reduce the threats to human life, and business continuity caused by any downtime, hereby diminishing the risk to business reputation.
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