Siemens Safety and protection for wind turbines

s Wind power Safety and protection for wind turbines Perfectly coordinated components for low-voltage power distribution Answers for industry. Main circuit Auxiliary circuit Additional system components Contents Safe and efficient use of wind power Components for the main circuit Components for the auxiliary circuits Additional system components Comprehensive and competent product offering Any questions? One click ­ well-informed 06 ­ 07 08 ­ 12 13 ­ 21 22 ­ 27 28 29 4 Reliable power supply and distribution Wind turbines do not only generate electricity ­ they are also dependent on both a reliable supply of electrical power and on its safe and economical distribution. An additional high priority is the protection of both people and electrical equipment. We offer you products, systems and a comprehensive protection concept for optimal power distribution in wind turbines, thus ensuring that you are always in safe hands. 5 Safe and efficient use of wind power Wind is one of the oldest forms of energy. People have been using the potential of wind power to drive machinery for thousands of years. Following the discovery of electricity and the invention of the generator, the idea of using wind power to generate electricity was quite literally hanging in the air. Nowadays, wind turbines of all different sizes and at the most varied of locations convert the kinetic energy of an air flow into electrical power. Wind power is playing an increasingly important role worldwide, due primarily to the fact that it is extremely environmentally friendly ­ because it is CO2-neutral ­ and, unlike fossil fuels, there is an unlimited supply available. Protecting, switching, measuring and monitoring are the basic functions of a low-voltage power distribution system in wind turbines. In this segment and in many others, the name Siemens has been synonymous with innovation, outstanding technology and a reliable partner for many years. Customers around the world rely on our extensive product and system portfolio. You too can enjoy the benefits of maximum safety and optimal functionality! 6 Distributing power intelligently and safely Principle of operation A wind turbine consists of a rotor, a nacelle with machinery and a generator which can be connected to an upstream gearbox, a converter and a tower. Effective monitoring and control technology is essential, since the operating parameters must be constantly adapted to the prevailing wind conditions. Each and every wind turbine is dependent on a reliable electrical power supply, since this is the basic prerequisite for every control system. Particular challenges The output from a wind turbine can change rapidly and unpredictably depending on the strength and direction of the wind. There are also constant mechanical and climatic stresses, in particular changing wind loads, low-frequency vibrations and differences in temperature ranging between -40 and +70 °C. Equally, the frequ...