Proactive lightning detection in a Scandinavian wind farm

For turbine operators, managing a wind farm isn’t just about harnessing the wind. It’s about staying ahead of the storm. A Scandinavian wind farm located in a region known for its long, cold winters and rapidly changing weather patterns faced a growing challenge: an increasing number of lightning strikes resulting in unexpected damage, unplanned downtime and costly repairs.

 

For the wind farm operator, understanding the exact condition of their turbines at all times is critical. They sought a solution that would provide accurate, turbine-specific lightning detection, enabling them to act quickly, protect their assets, and extend the lifespan of their turbines.

Knowing when and where lightning strikes

The operator had been relying on national meteorology services to track lightning events, but these tools lacked the precision necessary for turbine-specific insights. In one case, a severe lightning strike went undetected by the national database, yet :EVENT LIGHTNING accurately identified the event on a specific turbine.

 

Unfortunately, the operator did not follow the recommended inspection protocol after the confirmed strike. As a result, significant blade damage went unnoticed, leading to a critical failure and the turbine going offline a few days later. This incident underscored the importance of immediate action following a confirmed strike, especially in a high-risk area like Scandinavia.

The benefits of :EVENT LIGHTNING

Higher sensitivity

The ON-TOWER :EVENT LIGHTNING system reliably confirmed multiple lightning strikes also upward strikes that the meteorology system missed.

 

Ease of installation

No complex integration was required, sensors were installed directly on turbines in minutes, enabling quick deployment across the site.

 

Reliable data

The system delivered prompt turbine-specific strike confirmations, empowering operators to make informed maintenance decisions.

 

Cost efficiency

The system reduces inspections to only necessary turbines, saving time and effort without analyzing extensive operational data.

 

Conclusion

Proactive lightning detection is not optional in high-risk regions, it’s essential for protecting wind turbines proactively. :EVENT LIGHTNING provides the precision and simplicity operators need to stay ahead of the storm, enhancing risk mitigation efforts across their fleet.

Key takeaways

• Precision matters: National weather services are not enough, turbine-specific lightning detection is essential for effective risk management – especially in the case of upward lightning strikes.
• Act fast: Immediate inspections following confirmed strikes can prevent costly damage and downtime. It minimizes the inspection effort, as the operators know exactly which turbine is affected.
• Proactive monitoring pays off: Investing in accurate, easy plug-and-play lightning detection extends turbine life and ensures a safer, more reliable wind farm operation.