Wind energy is a clean and renewable form of energy, which is also drought-resistant and almost emission-free. However, as South Africa’s renewable energy industry continues to explore wind energy as a potential resource, considerations around possible lightning strikes need to be factored in. Across the globe, whether on- or offshore, DEHN protects wind turbines against disturbances resulting from lightning currents and surges, and provides components and solutions relating to safety equipment.
The cost of constructing and operating wind power plants must be amortised within the timeframe of an average 20 years of operation. Constant monitoring and foresighted maintenance are essential. DEHNdetect, available from lightning and surge protection expert, DEHN Africa, is designed to measure lightning currents and detects not only impulse currents but also the dangerous long stroke currents.
Damage resulting from a lightning strike does not necessarily lead to the immediate failure of the turbine, and so lightning events often remain undetected. Especially in the case of upward flashes, the initial long stroke current flowing is only a few hundred amps, and this can be the main cause of melting, for example on the receptors of rotor blades. The resulting subsequent damage can be severe.
DEHN detect allows the operator to assess the situation and ask the following important questions: “Was the lightning strike harmless or does the turbine need to be switched off and inspected in order to rule out damage to the rotor blades or other components?” As well as the total current in the system, DEHNdetect registers individual partial currents in the rotor blades. The provision and management of data is simple and convenient via web applications in the cloud. DEHNdetect allows for the monitoring of several plants or even entire wind parks. DEHNdetect can be installed directly by the wind turbine manufacturer or retro-fitted in existing plants. Installation is quick and easy and can be adjusted to the specifications of the individual turbine.
Power supply with scalability optimised Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has introduced the Easy UPS 3-Phase Modular to the South African marketplace. This robust uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is designed to protect critical loads while offering third-party verified Live Swap functionality.
Read more...Prioritising arc flash safety Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Comtest has developed a range of thermal imaging and wireless testing tools from Fluke, designed to ensure safety is the top priority for engineers working in potentially dangerous arc flash zones.
Read more...Hot Dip Galvanizers Association shines new light on renewable energy
Electrical Power & Protection
The Hot Dip Galvanizers Association of Southern Africa plays an important role in supporting the energy value chain – which spans clean, renewable and green energy – as it powers towards key sustainability targets.
Read more...ACTOM supplies high-voltage equipment to wind farm project ACTOM Electrical Machines
Electrical Power & Protection
ACTOM High Voltage Equipment is currently in the process of manufacturing 400 kV and 132 kV high-voltage primary equipment for the Ummbila Emoyeni wind farm project in Mpumalanga.
Read more...Energy measurement module for BL20 I/O System Turck Banner Southern Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Turck’s BL20 energy measurement module enables precise monitoring of the energy consumption of single- or three-phase systems.
Read more...Distributed energy resource management systems: a grid symphony Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
To listen to a symphony is one of the world’s great gifts. A conductor must ensure that instruments play beautifully as a whole and are kind to the ear and uplifting to the spirit yet shine in their individuality. The same can be said of a DERMS, which must effectively manage diverse energy sources to avoid compromising the grid’s integrity.
Read more...Focus on energy sector infrastructure development can drive economic growth
Electrical Power & Protection
Post-election periods in South Africa often see a renewed focus on infrastructure development, with a specific emphasis on directing investments towards the energy sector. This strategic approach aims to accelerate economic growth, address energy challenges, and ultimately uplift the overall standard of living for the populace.
Read more...Turning the continent into a global leader for green fuel
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa is at a turning point, with the potential to shift from being a supplier of raw materials to becoming a leader in advanced manufacturing, particularly in the growing green hydrogen market. For this transformation to happen, African countries must work together, combining their resources and talents to build a strong local economy.
Read more...Smart metering for utility management and sustainability
Electrical Power & Protection
Theodore Paraskevakos, a Greek-American inventor and businessman, developed the first smart meters in 1972 while collaborating with Boeing. Since then, smart meters have evolved significantly.
printer friendly version