Tales of Wind #7 - Lightning Path inspection – LPS test

The lightning path is a lightning protection ensuring that lightning strikes hitting the wind turbine are transferred to the grounding to prevent blade damages, electronic devices damages or fire starts . LPS are composed of metallic receptors placed throughout the blade and designed to attract lightning. The lightning load is then be transferred through the blade to a down conductor cable. At the end of the cable is the root terminal where the load is transferred to the grounding.

Lightning protection systems are not tested by the turbine manufacturer unless requested. For turbine operating for more than 10 years, Greensolver suggest carrying out an LPS test to ensure the functionality of this vital protection for blades and turbines.

Methodology : The LPS test are done using a drone, the device will test contact point on the blades, with or without direct contact, and measure the Ohm resistance of the lightning path. These measurement will identify and localize potential defect.

Written by Technical and Financial Asset Management Team