Winter lightning strike detected – thanks to continuous monitoring

Lightning poses significant risks to wind turbines. While rare, winter lightning strikes are a highly destructive force. Unlike summer lightning, winter strikes often carry higher peak currents, making them more dangerous for wind turbines, especially for rotor blades and electrical systems.

 

Reliable detection of these lightning strikes is crucial for early damage identification and the implementation of appropriate protective measures.

 

In this case study, we demonstrate how our lightning detection system, :EVENT LIGHTNING, successfully identified a lightning strike on a wind turbine in a Danish wind farm – an event that external lightning detection services such as DTN failed to capture.

Winter lightning hazards

Due to their height, wind turbines can trigger upward lightning (UL), where the discharge starts from the structure and moves toward the cloud. UL strikes are particularly concerning, as they can involve prolonged current flow. Research indicates that less than 50% of upward lightning strikes are detected by conventional lightning location systems (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).

 

Detects lightning that others miss

During a winter storm, one of the wind turbines in a Danish wind farm was impacted by a lightning strike. :EVENT LIGHTNING successfully recorded the event promptly and provided precise localization. Interestingly, external environmental lightning detection services, such as DTN, did not register any lightning activity in the area at that time.

Key findings

Detection accuracy

While the site was aware of general lightning activity in the area, it was unaware that a turbine had been directly struck. :EVENT LIGHTNING provided the necessary confirmation, ensuring that potential damage assessments could be initiated promptly.

 

Winter lightning risks

The strike was most likely an upward lightning event, a phenomenon more common in winter. These strikes tend to be more powerful and pose a higher risk of damage to wind turbine components. Although no damage was detected in this instance, the case underscores the importance of reliable monitoring systems.

 

Risk mitigation

By providing timely strike data, the system enables operators to quickly assess turbine integrity and schedule inspections if necessary. This reduces the risk of undetected damage leading to costly repairs or operational disruptions.

 

Conclusion

This case study highlights the advantages of :EVENT LIGHTNING for wind turbine monitoring. Unlike traditional environmental lightning detection networks, which may miss certain strikes, direct turbine-based monitoring like :EVENT LIGHTNING reliably detects critical events and ensures the recording. This proactive approach enhances operational safety, reduces maintenance risks, and helps wind farm operators maintain optimal turbine performance.