Protection solutions for the foundation of wind power plants

Between the foundation and the actual tower is the tower base or the base of the wind power plant. The tower and foundation are connected via the foundation component. For this, both a single or double flange as well as the quiver or basket system can be used.

The tower base often also houses the control cabinets as well as the surge protective devices of the plant. Surge protection systems for wind power plants are of fundamental importance, as the plants are particularly susceptible to direct lightning strikes due to their height, shape and size. The plants contain many electronic devices that can be damaged by surges. But not only the individual electronic components can be damaged, there is also the risk of a complete failure of the power plant, resulting in repair costs and loss of revenue.

Wind power plants are often located in an elevated position. This is where their degree of utilisation is the highest, but there is also the risk of damage due to lightning strikes and surges. An additional danger to the power plant is discharges caused by air currents from the rotating parts of the wind turbine. To ensure safe and reliable operation of the wind power plant, appropriate surge protection is therefore essential. For this, all metallic structures, metallic installations, internal systems as well as externally conductive parts and services entering the wind power plant must be connected directly or indirectly to the equipotential bonding via the lightning current and surge arrester. In this way, complete lightning protection equipotential bonding is achieved.