Wind power is a source of renewable and sustainable energy that is becoming more and more present in our daily lives. Wind turbines have become an efficient solution for producing electricity, but their maintenance and safety are a constant concern.
Fire protection in wind turbines is a major challenge, as their design and location can make the task of preventing and extinguishing fires difficult. The risk of fire can be determined by different factors, such as lightning strikes, mechanical and hydraulic failures, or electrical failures in battery systems, transformers or inverters. In addition, the combustible material from which wind turbines are constructed can turn a fire outbreak into a catastrophe.
This is why the implementation of fire prevention measures and fire protection systems is essential in order to guarantee the safety of wind turbines and the people who work in them. Triple E – EEESA is a company specialised in electrical fire safety with more than 20 years of experience in the protection of assets with electrical management systems. We can design customised systems to protect wind turbines and prevent fires.
For fire detection, we recommend using early detection systems, such as a vacuum system in the nacelle, as well as other systems applicable in other areas such as the transformer, hydraulics system or switchboards. Furthermore, the use of correctly distributed alarm buttons is essential for their possible use during maintenance work.
With regard to fire extinguishing, the most appropriate system will depend on the area to be protected and the availability of water in the area. The use of gaseous agents and water mist supplied from cylinders is common, but in some cases the use of water-based systems is not possible due to the offshore location of the installation or the difficulty of pumping water to each tower. In such cases, the use of water spray, sprinklers or foam should be considered.
In short, the protection of wind turbines is a complex task that requires a thorough and customised study.
