Real-Time Lightning Intelligence for Wind Energy Operators

Zeynep Yurtseven

Zeynep Yurtseven

Content Marketing Specialist

Updated on: May 8, 2025

iklim.co lightning alerts for wind turbines

iklim.co lightning alerts for wind turbines

At iklim.co we empower wind farm operators with real-time lightning data services designed to support compliance with international asset management and turbine protection standards, including IEC 61400-1, ISO 31000 (Risk Management), and OEM maintenance protocols.

Our Advanced Lightning Services

1. Real-Time Lightning Alert System

Complies with IEC 61400-24 recommendations for proactive lightning risk mitigation.
✔ Automated alerts for strikes within 5–30 km radius
✔ Integration-ready with SCADA and EMS platforms
✔ Supports turbine shutdown protocols to avoid electrical overvoltage and rotor blade damage

2. Dynamic Lightning Risk Mapping

✔ Visualize strike density and severity across geofenced operational areas
✔ Prioritize O&M activity based on real-time threat indicators
✔ Compliant with ISO 55000 principles for asset condition-based maintenance

3. Lightning Event Logging & Incident Documentation

✔ Time-stamped, geo-referenced logs of nearby strikes
✔ Instant access to post-event impact reports
✔ Ideal for insurance claims and root cause analysis aligned with OEM diagnostic workflows

4. Exposure-Based Maintenance Forecasting

✔ Tracks cumulative lightning exposure per turbine or substation
✔ Supports predictive replacement schedules for surge arresters and grounding systems
✔ Aligns with maintenance strategies recommended by Siemens Gamesa, GE, Vestas, Nordex, etc.

5. Lightning Risk Forecasting

✔ 24–72 hour risk outlook powered by meteorological trends
✔ Used to plan turbine inspections, field technician safety, and rotor blade exposure
✔ Enhances emergency readiness per ISO 31000 risk planning framework

Why It Matters

  • Protect rotor blades, control systems, and transformers from transient overvoltage
  • Reduce unscheduled downtimes and costly post-strike inspections
  • Ensure compliance with industry safety and maintenance guidelines

IEC 61400-1 – Wind Turbines – Design Requirements

  • Scope: Structural design of wind turbines.
  • Lightning relevance: Turbines must be designed to withstand environmental conditions, including lightning strikes.
  • Purpose: Ensure structural integrity and operational safety throughout the turbine’s lifespan.
  • Key point: Lightning risk must be accounted for in the mechanical and electrical design, including blades, tower, and nacelle.

IEC 61400-24 – Wind Turbines – Lightning Protection

  • Scope: Guidelines for the protection of wind turbines against lightning.
  • Includes:
    • Defining lightning current paths
    • Blade tip receptors and internal conductors
    • Grounding and earthing systems
    • Use of surge protection devices (SPDs)
    • Recording and analyzing lightning events
  • Purpose: Minimize damage to critical components and ensure personnel and asset safety.

ISO 31000 – Risk Management Principles

  • Scope: Enterprise-wide risk management principles and framework.
  • Application to wind power:
    • Identifies lightning as a natural hazard to operational continuity.
    • Encourages systematic risk identification, assessment, and mitigation.
    • Supports operational decision-making such as preemptive shutdowns in high-risk weather.

ISO 55000 – Asset Management

  • Scope: Best practices for managing physical assets throughout their lifecycle.
  • Application:
    • Promotes condition-based maintenance using real-time data (e.g., lightning exposure).
    • Aligns operational and maintenance planning with asset health metrics.
    • Helps reduce lifecycle cost and improve reliability.

OEM Maintenance Protocols (e.g., Siemens, GE, Vestas)

  • Each manufacturer provides:
    • Specific limits on lightning exposure per component
    • Inspection intervals and component replacement cycles
    • Recommended procedures for post-lightning event diagnostics
  • Following these guidelines is often essential for maintaining warranty coverage.

Integration & Delivery

  • Secure REST API for SCADA & monitoring platforms
  • Web dashboard with map-based views and alerts
  • Mobile-friendly alerts via email, SMS, and push notifications

For Wind Farm Owners, Operators & O&M Contractors

Whether you're managing a utility-scale wind farm or an international portfolio, iklim.co helps you protect your infrastructure, optimize O&M costs, and enhance compliance with global standards.

Contact: info (at) iklim.co

Zeynep Yurtseven

Zeynep Yurtseven

Content Marketing Specialist

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