Lightning receptor device for wind turbine rotor blade

Abstract

The invention describes lightning receptor devices (10, 11, 12) for a wind turbine rotor blade (2), which lighting receptor devices (10, 11, 12) comprise a receptor element (10) for receiving a lightning strike; a drainage channel (11) extending from an interior cavity (210) of the blade (2) through the receptor element (10) to an outside surface (21) of the blade (2); and an electrically conductive connection (12) to a down conductor (3) of grounding devices (3, 30, 31) of the wind turbine (2); wherein the receptor element (10) is arranged at a point of origin (P ov ) of a vortex (V) generated during rotation of the rotor blade (2). The invention further describes a rotor blade (2) for a wind turbine (4), which rotor blade (2) comprises such a lightning receptor device (10, 11, 12). The invention further describes a wind turbine (4) comprising a number of rotor blades (2), wherein at least one rotor blade (2) comprises such lightning receptor devices (10, 11, 12) connected to grounding devices (3, 30, 31) of the wind turbine.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention describes a lightning receptor arrangement for a wind turbine rotor blade, a rotor blade, and a wind turbine. Background technique [0002] During a thunderstorm, the electrical charge that builds up in the thundercloud leads to the formation of ionized air channels, or "leaders." When the positively charged leader meets the negatively charged leader, the result is visible lightning. Cloud-to-ground lightning strikes occur when they form between exposed objects leading on the ground (such as tall buildings, trees, lightning rods, etc.). This is because the electric field is strongest at objects closer to the base of the thundercloud. [0003] Due to their height and insulation arrangement, wind turbines are vulnerable to lightning strikes. A lightning strike to a wind turbine will generally strike the rotor blades. If the high currents are not safely diverted to the ground, the blades can be severely damaged or even destroyed....

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, even this solution is not entirely satisfactory, since the combined drain channel and receiver have a relatively long path to the downconductor, and a lightning strike to the outermost receiver can cause any air or rapid expansion of water

Materials in the path between the receiver and the down conductor may not be able to withstand lightning damage, allowing blown epoxy and cracked tip areas to occur

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