Wind power generation is accomplished using a process of harnessing the blowing wind to turn blades that are connected to a tower. These blades are positioned at the top of the tower and are connected directly to a system that uses the momentum of the blades to create electricity. This electricity is then stored and transported to customers for use within their homes and businesses. Essentially, wind turbines are simple generators that use motion to create electricity. That motion is the turning of blades by the wind, and as such the system benefits from the turbines themselves being positioned as the tallest structures in unobstructed areas that will gain the highest amount of wind flow. This physical proximity to other objects is beneficial to the process of generating more electricity, and at the same time detrimental to the process of extending the life span of the equipment used. This is due to the fact that the unobstructed and tall nature of the towers themselves make then attractants for lightning strikes.
Lightning striking the blades of wind turbines is common. As a matter of fact it is so common that specialized insurance policies are necessary to cover damage as a result of weather occurrences. Two things happen when blades are struck and rendered useless, damage at the point of the strike which must be repaired in order to restore the ability of the blade to harness the wind, and damage to the attached equipment as a result of the power surge that is produced by the strike. This surge travels along connected lines that supply data and power from the turbine itself to the collection mechanisms, basically overloading the circuitry of any component in between. While the lines themselves are able to transfer large amounts of electricity effectively, the components attached are limited in their capacities, and are therefore able to only withstand so much flow before damage occurs. This damage will create a situation where not only is the equipment itself necessary to be repaired, but also the system itself is taken offline and unable to produce power until it is repaired. This situation is especially damaging to the business because not only are costs associated with repairs and maintenance necessary to factor, but additionally the product that needs to be produced in order to pay for these repairs is not being produced for those time frames when the system is offline. This is why it is so critical for wind power producers to protect their investment with adequate surge protection for wind turbines. This is accomplished by outfitting the wind turbines and systems with surge protection devices which are not only technologically advanced, but are able to provide adequate protection in an industrial setting. Extra robust housings and components are necessary to provide the levels of protection necessary, and the extra bonus of Raycap's products needing no resetting can also reduce the downtimes associated with repair. It is nearly impossible to fully protect the blades to prevent strike damage, but Raycap's products can protect everything past the strike point. This is the way to ensure minimal damages and replacement costs over time, while maximizing the production levels that are seen when every minute of time that the wind is present is accomplished. Adequate surge protection is a key to effective power production using not only wind, but sun and any other sustainable fuel source as well. The future of power production is green energy, and surge protection can bring those production prices and effectiveness into line with fossil fuels, thus bringing forth a cleaner planet with more affordable energy for all.
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