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SUPPLEMENT SUSTAINABILITY IN MANUFACTURING
ENERGY TRANSITION: SAFETY DOESN’T BLOW IN THE WIND!
Ian Holland, managing director at DOLD Industries, explains
how insulation monitoring can increase wind turbine safety and decrease downtime
W
ind turbines are at the forefront of the energy transition, significantly contributing to the reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions and the fight against global warming. Ensuring their availability and operational efficiency is essential for their economic viability. Simple yet effective measures in the electrical systems can greatly enhance the availability and safety of wind turbines, particularly in terms of fire protection. Among these measures, the inclusion of insulation monitors within the electrical network is a critical component, detecting faults before they lead to dangerous conditions, resulting in potential downtime!
FIREFIGHTING WIND TURBINES IS A TALL ORDER! When the nacelle – the protective enclosure housing the key mechanical and electrical components at the top of the turbine – catches fire, it often results in the complete loss of the turbine. This is primarily because modern turbines are towering structures, with hub heights exceeding 100 metres, making them inaccessible to emergency fire services. As a result, controlled burning is typically the only feasible response, with fire services focusing on minimising the risk from falling, burning, debris. Beyond the material damage, which is usually covered by insurance, such incidents can severely damage the reputation of the turbine manufacturer and operator, as well as put the lives of firefighters at risk. Therefore, preventing fires is of paramount importance. Lightning strikes and faults in the electrical
system are common causes of fires in wind turbines. Leading manufacturers rely on comprehensive safety systems to mitigate these risks. Safeguarding the electrotechnical installations at the generator and converter can achieve significant improvements in fire prevention.
IDENTIFYING NETWORK SAFETY HOT SPOTS In the realm of electrotechnical installations, particular attention is paid to the network
connecting the generator, converter, and transformer responsible for converting energy to the required medium voltage. Both earthed
designed specifically for this purpose. • Early Fault Detection: Adjustable alert and early warning thresholds ensure that any insulation deterioration is detected early. This allows for timely maintenance, preventing minor issues from escalating into major problems.
• Real-Time Monitoring: An integrated LCD display shows real-time insulation values, providing a clear and immediate understanding of the system’s status. • Dual Signal Relays: Equipped with two signal relays, the RN5897 can generate distinct alarm outputs for different fault conditions, ensuring that appropriate actions can be taken swiftly to mitigate risks.
TN-S networks and unearthed IT networks are used in this area, and in both cases, monitoring for insulation errors is crucial. For earthed networks, fault current monitoring
and circuit breakers handle fault separation, but these measures can lead to turbine downtime and consequent loss of revenue. To decrease operational downtime, residual current monitoring can be implemented to detect insulation deterioration before a complete failure occurs, allowing maintenance staff to intervene proactively. In IT networks, the risk is minimised initially
since an insulation fault between the external conductor and the earth does not cause a short circuit current. However, since insulation faults are not automatically detected, insulation monitors (IMDs) become essential. The importance of monitoring, both in earthed and unearthed networks, is widely recognised as a ‘must-do’ in the industry.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT IMD The installation of IMDs within IT networks of new turbines is a crucial step towards enhancing safety and operational efficiency. The RN5897 from Dold’s VARIMETER IMD series, offers a range of advanced features
28 DESIGN SOLUTIONS - SUPPLEMENT JULY/AUGUST 2024
• Tamper-Proof Design: A sealable transparent cover protects the device from tampering, ensuring consistent and reliable performance. • Seamless Integration with Turbine Control Systems.
The insulation monitor’s message outputs are
integrated with the turbine's programmable logic controller (PLC), enabling real-time status monitoring and efficient response to alarms. This integration allows maintenance teams to take immediate action. In case of an insulation fault, the turbine can continue operating for up to eight hours, minimising potential downtime. This approach helps avoid high currents and electric arcs, thereby reducing fire risks. Feedback from design teams has been very
positive, praising the performance and cost- effectiveness of these monitors, which offer the perfect price-performance ratio. Incorporating DOLD insulation monitors into wind turbines is a simple yet powerful measure to enhance safety, prevent fires, and decrease downtime, ensuring the economic operation of these vital renewable energy sources. As the push towards a sustainable future intensifies, such innovations will play an increasingly critical role in safeguarding wind energy investments and supporting the global energy transition.
DOLD Industries T: 01245 324432
www.dold.co.uk
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