Lightning strikes to wind turbines are not uncommon. According to the industry portal Windbranche, each wind turbine is struck by lightning 0.6 to once a year on average - usually on a rotor blade. The risk is even higher for multi-megawatt turbines. Studies show that these are exposed to direct lightning strikes at least ten times a year. No wonder, due to their exposed location on hills or off coasts, wind turbines attract lightning particularly strongly. Strikes can have serious consequences - from repair-related failures to the destruction of the entire plant.

Sustainability is a top priority for the regional energy provider, and thanks to its location in sunny Breisgau in the southwest of Germany, the proportion of renewable energy flowing into Badenova's grid is high. Balancing the weather-related imbalance between energy generation and consumption, however, presents challenges for the company. In a pilot project, the company therefore tested the use of redox flow batteries. In our TechTalk with Schunk expert Dr. Hartmut Groß, Business Developer Dr. Malte Thoma from Badenova tells us what makes this storage technology interesting for energy providers, where the advantages lie compared to lithium-ion batteries, and how Schunk, as a manufacturer of graphite bipolar plates, can contribute to the development of this technology.

Wind is the most powerful source of energy found in nature. It has been known to be an efficient, safe and reliable resource for mankind for a long time. Heat, cold or salty and humid air at sea, however, all can have a strong negative impact on wind turbines. But solutions from Schunk ensure that not even extreme conditions can impede energy suppliers. How lightning-protection systems provide special protection even when it comes to lightning strikes explains Robert Castellanos, Strategic Business Area Manager for Wind Products.

With decades of know-how in materials and an understanding of the special requirements in various industries, we develop trailblazing solutions together with our customers. The delivery and installation of our products is by no means the end of our involvement with the customer. The visitations of our Scandinavian colleagues to a total of six different hydro power stations provide an example of how our customers also benefit from our extensive experience through after-sales service. → Learn more about our solutions for power plants.