Physical damage test
Once the capture efficiency of a Lightning Protection System has been tested and found sufficient, the next step is to subject the system to the electromechanical forces that are part of a natural strike.
These tests are performed using high current – in excess of 200,000 A – with the associated high levels of energy and charge.
Wear and service life test
As a final, but remarkably important, part of the work to test a Lightning Protection System, we measure surface erosion on all lightning receptors, transfer systems, etc. with the objective of expressing the scope of wear and the expected service life as firm figures. This makes it possible to define the intervals for servicing the Lightning Protection System and replacing its wearing parts.
PolyTech has equipment that can run tests with exceptionally high levels of current and energy, even on extremely large test objects such as entire blades, hubs and nacelles.
What is more, the test equipment is mobile. So in addition to running tests in our own accredited laboratories, we can perform tests on wind turbine components at external locations where this makes more sense on account of logistical considerations, etc.
Why have your lightning tests performed at PolyTech?
- The biggest Lightning Lab in the world
- Accredited by DANAK in accordance with the ISO 17025 standard
- Tailor-made flexible lightning tests for the wind power industry
- All relevant electrical tests and high-voltage tests
- Test objects of all sizes
- Mobile test equipment for running tests at external locations