Protection of Selected Cases: PV Systems, Wind Turbines and Railway Systems

The lightning protection and the surge protection of large ground-mounted photovoltaic power plants as well as of small roof-mounted photovoltaic systems is considered. Basics for external and internal lightning protection as well as special requirements, especially for surge protection, are presented. The measures result from experiences in the last years, are today recognized widely and are realized to a large extent. Lightning and surge protection of wind turbines has received increasing attention in recent decades due to considerable damage caused by direct lightning strikes. Today, onshore and offshore wind turbines are equipped with lightning protection systems according to the highest level of lightning protection and the declining damage shows the effectiveness of the measures. Special attention is paid to the protection of the rotor blades. But also surge protection for electrical energy and information technology systems including EMC measures is of great importance and is described. Many specialities have to be taken into account in the lightning and surge protection of wind turbines. For railway facilities and systems, national and international comprehensive concepts for lightning and surge protection have hardly been described. The considerations and measures presented here also do not claim to be complete, but are intended to address important aspects. These include above all measures for the protection of control and command technology systems as well as information on personal protection. In addition, lightning and surge protection of the power supply, measurement systems and EMC measures are addressed.