Enhanced LIghtning effect TEsting capabilities for optimized wind turbine

The ELITE project has the overall aim of designing and manufacturing test equipment capable of verifying the lightning protection performance of large wind turbine components. Having test equipment scaled to the required application (full scale wind turbine nacelles, blades, etc.) enables a thorough verification procedure according to the specified levels of natural lightning, ultimately
resulting in more reliable systems to the benefits of manufacturers and wind turbine owners. The project is a key element of GLPS’ strategy to expand its testing capabilities locally in Denmark and globally in countries like China and USA. GLPS has defined global testing capabilities as one of four strategically must-win battles, that will transform the company into a global player in
providing lightning protection and associated testing and verification on mission critical applications in the wind industry, but also in the aerospace and petrochemical industries. Specifically, the new test system comprises a number of facilities that will enable the user to specify highly realistic lightning exposure on large and complex structures. The new setup takes into consideration that the height of current and future wind turbines is so large that it affects the number and characteristics of the expected lightning strikes. In particular, the occurrence of upward initiated strikes with the long stroke preceding the return strokes will increase tremendously in such tall structures, something that is not covered in detail by the present international standards and available test systems.