Lightning protection for wind turbines in Vietnam

• Main Authors: Thuan Nguyen, Thinh Pham, Top V. Tran, Thang Huu Tran
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2017-01-01
• Series: Journal of International Council on Electrical Engineering
• Subjects: Lightning protection; windfarm; EMTP simulation
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/22348972.2016.1265909

Wind energy has become increasingly important in the total electrical energy supply mix in Vietnam over the last few years. Small, kW turbines were installed in isolated areas a decade ago, while wind farms of several MW to few hundred MW are now being connected directly to national grid, with many additional projects in planning or under construction to fulfill an objective of 6% of the total installed capacity by 2030 (approximately 6200 MW of wind energy component). The increase in wind farm generation results in increased damage from lightning. In this paper, the annual frequency of lightning strikes to wind turbines in Vietnam is calculated using electrogeometric model. Reported lightning incidents to three major wind farms in Vietnam are summarized. Possible causes of failure are discussed, and an EMTP simulation for each incident was performed accordingly. The simulations suggest the failure mechanisms as well the potential of improved grounding to reduce lightning induced damage in future windfarms.