A simulation approach on rotor blade electrostatic charging and its effect on the lightning overvoltages in wind parks

• A modeling approach for simulating “Rotor Blade Electrostatic Charging” based on the prestigious simulation program ATP-EMTP was disclosed.
• Lighting current sharing and generated overvoltages in wind parks and its components have been computed and discussed from an engineering point of view.
• A novel approach for the modeling of the LV electronic power converter is presented.
• Electrostatic charging should be taken into account as an additional effect to consider in the dimensioning of the protection system of the wind turbine with emphasis in the electronic converter as a complex and costly device.

This study is an attempt to present a theoretical approach of the hypothesis of electrostatic charging of rotor blades during storms and its effects on the lightning protection and overvoltage protection systems during lightning strokes.Overvoltage and overcurrent in form of surges may be the result of electromagnetic traveling waves caused by lightning strokes, especially if the grounding (earthing) system of the wind turbines (WTs) is galvanically connected between each other in order to ensure a common earth potential in the wind park (WP).These effects may impose additional electrical issues to the low and medium voltage electrical installation including the surge protection devices.