Abstract: A lightning current transfer arrangement for a wind turbine enables lightning current and electrostatic discharge current to be discharged between first and second parts of the wind turbine that are rotatable relative to each other. The lightning current transfer arrangement comprises a current transfer unit electrically coupled to the first part, and an electrically conductive slideway electrically coupled to the second part and rotatable relative to the current transfer unit. The current transfer unit comprises a slider elastically biased towards the slideway, where the slider comprises a slide piece formed of a conductive plastic material, and a metal electrode rigidly coupled with the slide piece.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a blade for a wind turbine, and to a blade for a wind turbine comprising a lightning measurement system. In particular, a lightning measurement system is provided, comprising a lightning current sensor located in the blade for more accurate lightning measurements. A method of measuring a lightning strike is also provided.

Abstract: A lightning current transfer arrangement for a wind turbine is provided, to enable lightning current and electrostatic discharge current to be discharged from a first and a second part of the wind turbine being rotatable relative to each other. The lightning current transfer arrangement is arranged to provide electrical contact between the first and second parts, and has a current transfer unit electrically coupled to the first part, and an electrically conductive slideway electrically coupled to the second part, and rotatable relative to the current transfer unit. The current transfer unit further has a slider elastically biased towards the slideway, where the slider comprises a slide piece made of conductive plastics and contacting the slideway, and an electrode made of metal and directed towards the slideway, the electrode and the slide piece being rigidly coupled.

Abstract: A lightning current transfer arrangement for a wind turbine enables lightning current and electrostatic discharge current to be discharged between first and second parts of the wind turbine that are rotatable relative to each other. The lightning current transfer arrangement comprises a current transfer unit electrically coupled to the first part, and an electrically conductive slideway electrically coupled to the second part and rotatable relative to the current transfer unit. The current transfer unit comprises a slider elastically biased towards the slideway, where the slider comprises a slide piece formed of a conductive plastic material, and a metal electrode rigidly coupled with the slide piece.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cooling a hydrocarbon stream. The present invention relates to a wind turbine lightning protection system and to a wind turbine blade comprising a wind turbine lightning protection system. A lightning protection system is provided for use in a wind turbine blade, comprising a lightning conductor located along an interior portion of the wind turbine blade and being coupled to ground, at least one receptor module arranged on an external surface of the wind turbine blade, the receptor module being electrically connected to the lightning conductor, and a vortex generator strip arranged in a longitudinal direction on the external surface of the wind turbine blade, the vortex generator strip being adapted to attract and receive a lightning strike and to transmit an electrical current from the lightning strike to the receptor module and thereafter to ground through the lightning conductor.

Abstract: A discharge apparatus for a wind turbine is disclosed that enables electric charge to be discharged between a first and a second part of the wind turbine that are rotatable relative to each other. The discharge apparatus includes a charge transfer unit electrically connected to the first part, and an electrically conductive slideway electrically connected to the second part. The charge transfer unit includes an electrically insulative sliding member that maintains mechanical contact with the slideway, and a spark-gap electrode electrically connected to the first part and that moves in unison with the sliding member over the slideway. The spark-gap electrode and slideway form a spark gap having a spark-gap width controlled by the sliding member. The first and second parts are electrically isolated from each other in the absence of a spark, and discharge occurs by sparks bridging the spark gap.

Abstract: A lightning current transfer assembly (2) for a wind turbine (1) is arranged to transfer lightning current from a wind-turbine part (8) to another part (8) rotatable relative to it. The assembly comprises at least one electric contact arrangement (11?, 11?) comprising complementary contact members (12a?, 12b?, 12a?, 12b?) which provide electric connection by mechanically contacting each other while being movable relative to each; a spark gap (4) connected in series with the movement-enabling contact arrangement (11?, 11?); and a spark-gap-bridging resistance (6) connected parallel to the spark gap (4). Thereby, the assembly provides at least two alternative current paths: (i) a lightning current path across the at least one electric contact arrangement and the spark gap, and (ii) a permanent-discharge current path across the at least one electric contact arrangement and through the spark-gap-bridging resistance.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cooling a hydrocarbon stream. The present invention relates to a wind turbine lightning protection system and to a wind turbine blade comprising a wind turbine lightning protection system. A lightning protection system is provided for use in a wind turbine blade, comprising a lightning conductor located along an interior portion of the wind turbine blade and being coupled to ground, at least one receptor module arranged on an external surface of the wind turbine blade, the receptor module being electrically connected to the lightning conductor, and a vortex generator strip arranged in a longitudinal direction on the external surface of the wind turbine blade, the vortex generator strip being adapted to attract and receive a lightning strike and to transmit an electrical current from the lightning strike to the receptor module and thereafter to ground through the lightning conductor.

Abstract: A lightning current transfer arrangement for a wind turbine is provided, to enable lightning current and electrostatic discharge current to be discharged from a first and a second part of the wind turbine being rotatable relative to each other. The lightning current transfer arrangement is arranged to provide electrical contact between the first and second parts, and has a current transfer unit electrically coupled to the first part, and an electrically conductive slideway electrically coupled to the second part, and rotatable relative to the current transfer unit. The current transfer unit further has a slider elastically biased towards the slideway, where the slider comprises a slide piece made of conductive plastics and contacting the slideway, and an electrode made of metal and directed towards the slideway, the electrode and the slide piece being rigidly coupled.

Abstract: A discharge apparatus for a wind turbine enables electric charge to be discharged between a first and a second part of the wind turbine rotatable relative to each other. It has a charge transfer unit electrically connected to the first part, and an electrically conductive slideway electrically connected to the second part. The charge transfer unit has a sliding member made of an electrically insulating material and maintains mechanical contact to the slideway; and a spark-gap electrode electrically connected to the first part and arranged to move in unison with the sliding member over the slideway. The spark-gap electrode and slideway thereby form a spark gap with a spark-gap width controlled. Discharging is enabled by sparks bridging the spark gap, whereas the first and second parts are electrically isolated from each other in the absence of a spark.

Abstract: A lightning current transfer assembly (2) for a wind turbine (1) is arranged to transfer lightning current from a wind-turbine part (8) to another part (8) rotatable relative to it. The assembly comprises at least one electric contact arrangement (11?, 11?) comprising complementary contact members (12a?, 12b?, 12a?, 12b?) which provide electric connection by mechanically contacting each other while being movable relative to each; a spark gap (4) connected in series with the movement-enabling contact arrangement (11?, 11?); and a spark-gap-bridging resistance (6) connected parallel to the spark gap (4). Thereby, the assembly provides at least two alternative current paths: (i) a lightning current path across the at least one electric contact arrangement and the spark gap, and (ii) a permanent-discharge current path across the at least one electric contact arrangement and through the spark-gap-bridging resistance.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a blade for a wind turbine, and to a blade for a wind turbine comprising a lightning measurement system. In particular, a lightning measurement system is provided, comprising a lightning current sensor located in the blade for more accurate lightning measurements. A method of measuring a lightning strike is also provided.