With a record breaking count of 30, the northern hemisphere has seen more major hurricanes and typhoons of category 3, 4, and 5 in 2015 than in any previous season. Particularly vigorous activity in the Pacific, attributed partly to a potent El Niño, has made a major contribution. While Sandra became the strongest hurricane to…
Lufft’s new weather sensor is equipped with lightning detection
Lightning strikes can cause dangerous fires and lead to significant financial losses in the case of surge damage. This is especially true for wind turbines, solar panels, and smart grids, but it’s also relevant to building and power-plant insurance. The latest compact weather sensor from Lufft is providing a new form of lightning detection to…
What regulations exist for fire protection in wind turbines?
The United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety, and Health Administration recommends the installation of fire detection and control in all wind turbines. However, this is only a suggestion and not yet mandated into law. “Certainly some municipalities in North America have instated bylaws requiring fire detection and control in industrial wind turbines,” said…
Making the case for wind-turbine fire detection and suppression systems
Scott Starr | Director of Marketing Firetrace International Fire provides the second highest risk of damage to wind turbines after blade failure. A fire can spark because of mechanical failure, electrical malfunction, or a lightning strike. These sparks can ignite flammable materials inside the nacelle such as resin, fiberglass, or insulation contaminated with oil deposits.…