A simulation approach in electrostatic charging of rotor blades and its effects on transferred overvoltages in wind parks

Abstract

the aim of this paper is to present a theoretical approach of the hypothesis of electrostatic charging of rotor blades during storms and its effects on the lightning protection and overvoltage protection systems; taking into consideration the dimensions of multi-megawatt wind turbines and a particular electrical topology. Overvoltage and overcurrent in form of surges may be the result of electromagnetic traveling waves caused by lightning strikes, especially if the earthing (grounding) system of the wind turbines (WTs) is galvanic connected between each other in order to ensure a common earth potential in the wind park (WP). These effects may impose additional requirements for the reliable operation of the low voltage and medium voltage protection against surges.In Fig. 1 an example of extended electric discharges on a rotor blade root is depicted.

Survey of recent progress on lightning and lightning protection research

“…The damage levels of blades were classified and the reasons why lightning destroys the blades speculated on [117]. Hernandez et al [118] established the topology model of the MW wind turbine based on the assumption of electrostatic charging of rotor blades. With this model, they studied the influence of the arrester, grounding objects, and low‐voltage cables on the overvoltage in the electrical topology.…”