Wind is an inexhaustible source of renewable energy and plays a crucial role in the energy transition. At OBO, we aim not only to contribute to the energy transition, but also to shape it by providing reliable solutions for the electrical infrastructure. After all, the wind energy sector is one of our core competencies. We are well aware that wind power plants place enormous demands on the quality and reliability of the components used, and that electrical installation solutions for wind power plants are particularly important in this respect. This is because they are essential for the functional reliability of the entire wind turbine. With many years of expertise and an extensive product portfolio, OBO offers complete solutions for the entire electrical installation of wind power plants – from clamp clips to cable tray systems, and from surge protection to lightning protection systems. Thanks to our experience gathered in numerous challenging large-scale projects all over the world, we know exactly what is required and include important requirements with regard to location, control technology and safety from the start. We support your project in the area of wind turbine technology from the initial consultation and planning phase through to the completion of the solution that best suits your individual needs.
OBO wind energy solutions – your advantages at a glance:
- Many years of expertise and experience from numerous challenging large-scale projects in the area of electrical installation solutions for wind power plants all over the world
- Complete solutions for the entire electrical equipment of wind power plants − from the foundation to the nacelle
- Tailor-made support ranging from consultation and planning to the completion of custom-made wind energy solutions
- Expert knowledge in terms of the high demands on quality and the reliability of the components used
- Knowledgeable installation and planning aids for electrical installations of wind power plants
Quickstart
Wind energy is our forte: these are the areas we cover
OBO offers solutions for the following areas of wind power plants
FAQ
- Which standards must be observed for the lightning protection of wind power plants?
IEC 61400-24, DIN EN 62305 contains detailed requirements and recommendations for the lightning protection of wind power plants, including the installation of lightning protection systems and the discharge of lightning.
DIN EN 62305 covers the lightning protection of buildings and structures in general. Although not specifically developed for wind power plants, some of its provisions can be applied to them as well.
Other relevant standards include: Germanischer Lloyd guideline for the certification of wind power plants, DNVGL-ST-0076 "Design of electrical installations for wind turbines"
- What solutions does OBO offer for buildings with lightning protection class 1?
To protect the entire building, the OBO portfolio includes various products for the installation of external lightning protection and the safe discharge of lightning current. These products are complemented by systems for grounding the building and a wide range of surge protective devices.
- Why is effective surge protection important for wind power plants?
Effective surge protection protects the electrical components of wind power plants from voltage spikes caused by lightning discharges, for example. This ensures reliable operation and extends the service life of the equipment. In the worst case, not only could individual components be affected, there is also the danger of a costly total power plant failure. It is therefore of the utmost importance to avoid this.
- Do wind power plants require lightning and surge protection?
In many countries, lightning and surge protection systems for wind turbines are required by law or at least strongly recommended. As a rule, wind power plants must be protected in accordance with national and international standards and regulations that define requirements for lightning and surge protection. These also provide for the installation of surge arresters, the discharge of lightning energy into the ground, and the installation of surge protective devices on electrical systems and equipment.
- What options do I have for the strain relief of vertical cable routing?
There are various options for creating a safe vertical supply. However, it is essential that cables are fastened with suitable measures at specific distances, if it is clear that their routing type is not continually supported.
Vertical ladder systems are the optimum solution for vertical routing. A further option is routing directly on the wall. Profile rails with the appropriate clamp clips or individual clips are fastened directly on the wall or on to a steel structure.
- Are the plug-in surge arresters from the OBO portfolio suitable for use in wind power plants?
Yes, the V20 and V50 surge arresters have been tested specifically for performance in high-vibration environments and are fully suitable for use in wind power plants
- What are the options to prevent a fire from spreading?
Our cable bandage is suitable for preventing fire spreading via cables and cable support systems, for example PYROWRAP® Wet FSB-WLS. The bandage consists of a flexible fabric with a fire protection coating that can be cut to size easily. Depending on the application, OBO metal strip clips are an ideal mounting solution.
- How do I achieve optimum strain relief when using junction boxes?
To achieve optimum strain relief, additional cable glands should be used. These are easy to mount on the junction boxes due to the metric thread and feature IP 68 protection in addition to very good strain relief.
- How do I maintain separation distances to the lightning protection system for wind power plants?
If the separation distances cannot be maintained with a conventional lightning protection system, the separation distances can be reduced by up to 90 cm by using the various OBO isCon® conductors. You can find additional information on our isCon system here.