Page 20 - North American Clean Energy May June 2018 Issue

wind power
‘Switching’ It Up
Finding the right solution to make wind turbine technology safer
by Stephen Linn
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a wind turbine technician is the fastest-growing occupation
in the United States. With the rising societal mandate for clean energy and e cient technologies, this type of job will continue to be in high demand. Currently, the U.S. wind industry employs more than 100,000 people; employment of wind turbine service technicians is projected to grow 96 percent from 2016 to 2026, the second highest rate behind solar photovoltaic installers.
With rapid hiring comes the need for e cient and intensive job training – speci cally when it comes to safety. Due to the dangerous job conditions, wind turbine technicians typically receive more than 12 months of on-the-job training. On any given day, technicians are faced with hazardous weather, working at extreme heights, and with high electrical voltages. Even with extensive training, a technician is always at risk.
Wind turbine manufacturers and energy suppliers also need to do everything in their power to protect employees from workplace hazards, and guarantee their safety. Choosing the
right switchgear for wind turbines is critical to eliminating employee safety risks. Continued advancements target installation simplicity, maintenance, and safety, regardless of location.
Flourish in Harsh Conditions
When it comes to challenging conditions, it’s important to choose switchgear that’s
not only designed to survive, but thrive in every environment. Switchgear should be independently rated and tested for harsh conditions, including snow, rain, wind, and dust.
Choosing switchgear that is rated with an IP68 certi cation is essential. is certi cation ensures that the switchgear is protected against any contamination from dust, dirt, sand and submersion. Because wind farms operate in some
of the earth’s most unrelenting environments, such as along coastlines, many turbine components are exposed to salt water, sand, and ooding. Make sure the switchgear is rated for ooding; if ooding is a regular occurrence, consider selecting equipment that can be submersed inde nitely.
Switchgear that can handle wide uctuations in temperature is also an important consideration. Look for products that have a temperature range from as low as -40°C, to as high as 65°C.
While consistent and strong wind is important for turbines, too much wind can damage their switchgear. Finding switchgears that can endure high winds is paramount. Additionally, look for systems with remote software that allows you to closely monitor wind speeds, and shut o the tower to prevent damage.
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Switchgear should be able to withstand major earthquakes. In states like California, be sure to follow local codes. For example, all equipment inside the towers must meet OSHPD level 3 (2.5g) and pass ICCES-AC-156 testing,
a seismic certi cation by shake-table testing of nonstructural components.
Safety Considerations for any Climate
No matter the weather or region, there are some basic considerations when specifying switchgear. To address safety concerns, products are being designed to keep technicians out of harm’s way. ere are three major safety advantages when it comes to today’s switchgear.
1. Ground Position
• A ground position is very
important for the switchgear, as it removes residual energy from cables for maintenance.
• Without the ground position, wind-turbine operators would have to remove elbows, or apply a grounding elbow, which can commonly lead
to contamination and failure upon restarting.