Earthing solutions for wind power plants
The foundation of a wind power plant fulfils several tasks as the transition point between the tower and the ground: On the one hand, it prevents the wind power plant from falling over or sinking, and on the other hand, it transfers all loads resulting from the rotor and the turbine movements to the ground. Most foundations for onshore wind power plants, i.e. in the onshore area, are so-called shallow foundations. They consist of mostly round slabs made of concrete and steel, which are inserted into the ground and transfer the forces evenly into the substrate. Deep foundations or pile foundations are used for substrates with poor bearing capacity. To provide sufficient strength, the foundation plate is provided with piles in the process. The loads are thus transferred to soil layers with a higher load-bearing capacity. The design of the foundation is determined partly by the size of the wind power plant and partly by the soil conditions. It can be octagonal, circular or cross-shaped, for example.
OBO also offers foundation solutions as part of its comprehensive portfolio for wind power plants: OBO earthing systems conduct lightning currents into the ground and also serve as the link to protective devices, such as surge protective devices.
Intelligent earthing solutions for foundations of wind power plants
- Ring earth electrodes that can be routed around the tower base to avoid step and touch voltages
- Flat conductors and round conductors
- Various terminals and quick connectors
- Solutions for a safe connection of the earthing system with the equipotential bonding inside the plant. This can be achieved in concrete towers with pre-installed grounding anchor points. In contrast, steel towers are connected directly via flat or round conductors. It should be noted that both the separation and the subsequent measurement of the grounding resistance are possible.
