CAN/CSA-C61400-24-07

Preface

This is the first edition of CAN/CSA-C61400-24, Wind turbine generator systems - Part 24: Lightning protection, which is an adoption, with Canadian deviations, of the identically titled IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) Technical Report 61400-24 (first edition, 2002-07). At the time of publication, IEC/TR 61400-24:2002 is available from IEC in English only. CSA will publish the French version when it becomes available from IEC.

Scope

During the last few years, all major wind turbine manufacturers have made dedicated efforts towards developing adequate lightning protection systems, and the first experiences with these new designs are beginning to be seen. It is therefore reasonable at this time to consider and prepare for a standardization effort that will give both manufacturers and operators a common framework for appropriate lightning protection of wind turbines.

On the above background the following elements of work have formed the scope of a new working group with the specific aim of preparing a technical report on the subject prior to considering development of a full standard: - identify the generic problems involved in lightning protection of wind turbines; - collect and systematize existing experience with both older and new designs of wind turbines; - describe appropriate methods for evaluating the risk of lightning damage to wind turbines, thereby making reliable cost-benefit evaluations of lightning protection efforts possible; - describe and outline appropriate methods for lightning protection of wind turbine components, considering the special nature of wind turbines and the extensive use of composite materials; - compile a technical report outlining problems and solutions as seen today. The working group should identify and quantify areas where further research and proper standardization efforts are needed.

This technical report is structured as follows: - clause 3 gives the background on the current understanding on lightning phenomenology and its impact on wind turbines; - clause 4 presents the lightning damage experience as extracted from the various national wind turbine databases; - clause 5 describes risk evaluation; - clauses 6 through 10 discuss appropriate methods for protection against lightning damage; - clause 11 identifies areas for further research.