EC: Lightning Monitoring System (LM-S)
Power - Energy, power protection: The lightning current monitoring system detects and analyzes all significant parameters of lightning surge currents. This can maximize predictive maintenance and is especially valuable in offshore, remote applications like wind turbines and oil platforms. This is a Control Engineering 2013 Engineers' Choice Award winner.
Control Engineering
The Lightning Monitoring System (LM-S) from Phoenix Contact detects and analyzes the number, magnitude and duration of surge currents caused by lightning strikes.
Based on this information, a manager of a remote control system, such as a wind turbine or offshore oil installation, can decide whether a service call is necessary. If a large strike occurs, he or she can repair the system before damage leads to an unplanned shutdown. On the other hand, if the strike was minor, the manager knows that no immediate action is required.
The system includes an evaluation unit with up to three fiber optic sensors, which is another important factor for wind turbine operations. Sensors can be mounted on each blade of a turbine.
The measuring method of the lightning current measuring system is based on the Faraday effect. Polarized light is rotated through the magnetic field that occurs. The entire process takes place within a defined measuring section. The lightning current measuring system detects this precise change in the light signal and derives the measured results. Used in conjunction with wireless or Ethernet communications, the system provides remote monitoring of the equipment, either with a standard web based interface or reporting through the control system. The LM-S is suitable for new and retrofit applications.
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Phoenix Contact