Case Study: Global Lightning Protection Services achieves optimized lightning protection for wind turbines with COMSOL Multiphysics

Global Lightning Protection Services - Customer Case Study

Global Lightning Protection Services faced the challenge of protecting wind-turbine nacelle electronics from intense lightning currents and the magnetic fields they generate, while meeting IEC 61400-24 and GL:2010 verification requirements. To avoid prohibitively expensive full-scale lab testing and to guide design-stage decisions on panel placement, shielding levels, and surge protection, the company turned to Comsol’s simulation tools, notably COMSOL Multiphysics (with LiveLink for SpaceClaim) to model transient electromagnetic effects in realistic turbine geometries.

Using FEM modeling in COMSOL Multiphysics, Global Lightning Protection Services simplified CAD models in SpaceClaim, injected realistic lightning waveforms, and calculated current distribution, magnetic fields, and induced voltages to assess shielding needs and cable transfer impedance. The Comsol-based simulations enabled focused design changes verified by follow-up physical tests, produced reliable results in about three months, and justified reducing the number of shielding panels—delivering massive cost savings across thousands of units and avoiding lengthy, costly laboratory campaigns.

Global Lightning Protection Services

Søren Find Madsen

Global Lightning Protection Services