As new wind turbines are built and existing ones begin to age, the risk of fire in wind farms increases. Conventional fire detection systems are not equipped to offer the early warning capability needed to detect fires in high-risk areas.
Wind power generation continues growing in popularity as a reliable, renewable source of energy in the United States with more than 70 thousand wind turbines now operating in 44 states across the country.
As new wind turbines are built and existing ones begin to age, the risk of fire increases. Resulting damage from a fire at these power-generating stations can cost between $4.5 and $9 million dollars in replacement costs and lost revenue, and can require up to 18 months to recommission a turbine after a fire. These costly, time-consuming realities are prompting wind farm owner-operators to seek innovative and effective ways to manage and mitigate fire risk, ultimately minimizing downtime for any wind turbines in operation.
Fire Risk Growing
Fires occur in an estimated 2% to 4% per 1,000 wind turbines in operation, often in the highly condensed controller at the top of the turbine, which contains converter or capacitor cabinets, hundreds of gallons of oil and lubricants, as well as cables, insulation and other potentially flammable materials. An overheated component, faulty connection or electrical spark can ignite a fire that fully engulfs the controller in a matter of moments. Lightning striking the 350-to- 400-foot-tall towers is also one of the more common causes of fire and given the tower heights and typical remote locations, fires at wind power-generating stations are well beyond the range of most firefighting crews to reach quickly or at all before irreparable damage is done. Additionally, updated fire codes in many jurisdictions may not have kept pace with the advanced fire prevention methods needed for these type facilities.
Advanced Smoke Detection
Conventional fire detection systems are not equipped to offer the early warning capability needed to detect fires in these high-risk areas.
A Very Early Warning Advanced Smoke Detection System offers an innovative solution with detectors that can sense even tiny smoke particles in the air and provide the earliest possible warning to indicate a fire or spark is developing. The system can be connected to the turbine’s intelligent control system which enables the engine to stop immediately when the system senses smoke in its chamber. Detectors are also often recommended at ground level for any electrical switch cabinets or controls to help protect those areas from fire.
These systems with multiple alarm levels ensure that fire suppression systems can also be integrated with air sampling equipment. Very early warning combined with suppression systems appropriate to the application provide a comprehensive fire system solution from detection to protection.
Performance-Based Design
The most suitable fire detection design is one that considers the distinctive aspects of each application and environment. Wind farms truly require a specialized approach to gauge the potential risks and identify the best technologies that can mitigate fire risk, minimize damage if a fire does occur and help restore operations in days or weeks instead of years. Replacement costs and downtime from a wind-turbine fire are much more expensive than the cost to implement performance-based fire prevention and suppression systems.
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The National Fire and Life Safety Team (NFLST) at Everon can design, install, inspect and maintain fire systems to help protect commercial facilities of all sizes across a wide range of industries. We utilize NICET Certified (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) technicians, installers and inspectors who understand your
business, landscape and risks and enrich their life safety knowledge with other certifications and advanced training to make sure your system is custom tailored and code compliant to meet your needs today and into the future.