Study on Lightning Protection Methods for Wind Turbine Blades

Lightning protection measures for wind turbines are becoming important as the use of wind turbines is increasing rapidly along with its capacity and height. In order to understand the manner of lightning attachment to wind turbine blades, experiments with various types of blade samples were conducted. Experimental studies revealed following issues. Regarding a non-conductive blade sample, the 50% flashover voltage of polluted blade sample was reduced by 10% as compared to a non-pulluted blade sample. Creeping discharges on the polluted blade samples occurred more frequently, and penetrated through the surface, damaging the blade sample. The blade sample with a receptor system showed lower protection performance than the blade covered with a conducting cap.