Renewable Energy

Two of the most common and fastest growing forms of Renewable Energy are those produced by the natural forces of Wind and the energy of the Sun. Common to both of these methods of electric generation, is that facilities that gather these natural energy sources are highly exposed to another natural occurring and destructive phenomenon, that being Lightning.

In spite of the potentially damaging effects of lightning, technology does exist to permit electrical systems to reliably function in high lightning risk environments. DEHN is an international company, who this year in 2010 is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and is dedicated to applying the laws of physics and developing technology for protecting people, structures and electrical equipment and systems, from the damaging effects of lightning and electrical transients caused by it. DEHN has become the world leading developer of technology and manufacturer for lightning and surge protection systems.

Through the proper design and implementation of lightning protection systems and the proper application of the correct and properly rated surge protective devices (SPDs), Renewable Energy generating plants can be operated in even the harshest lightning risk environments, with minimal downtime, faulty operation, loss of equipment or loss of generating revenue.

Solar

As the world turns to renewable energy sources, they will also turn to Dehn. Dehn has over one hundred years of lightning and surge protection experience and is the leading manufacturer of surge protection for solar applications. Dehn contributes substantially to advances in transient voltage surge suppression (TVSS/SPD) technology through research and development activities.

Surge and lightning protection for DC applications like solar cells are a must for a couple of reasons to include system reliability and equipment replacement costs. Having the proper protection measures in place is relatively inexpensive compared to system down time and maintenance costs associated with having to repair or replace systems damaged by lightning strikes or voltage surges.

Dehn offers surge protection designed for the solar photovoltaic industry. Dehn's Universal lightning current / surge arrester with LifeCheck for protecting measuring and control systems such as analogue measured value transmissions 4 to 20ma (Part No. 920 324) can reduce repair and downtime costs that could arise from a lightning strike on solar power systems. Lifecheck can be used to test an SPD Module using RFID Technology before the surge.

Solar Energy; read more...

Wind

Wind power plays an important role in renewable energy. But the Megawatt wind turbines themselves with their massive heights up to 200 meters or more need to be protected from lightning and surges as well. Protection for the precision equipment and the structural equipment like the blades are required. The natural phenomenon of lightning is impressive and unique, but its destructive force can cripple or destroy wind turbine systems. This can be avoided.

In our highly specialized laboratories we simulate the parameters of lightning effects on renewable wind energy equipment using international and national standards. In our lightning test fields we test impulse currents of different amplitudes, rise times and durations. This allows us to simulate different phenomena of interferences.

We provide the know how and equipment required for testing your wind energy installations and systems.

Wind Energy; read more...