Fire Suppression Systems for Wind Turbines

Turbines are expensive and highly technical machines. In order to be financially viable these machines must remain in uninterrupted service for a number of years and even a relatively small fire could jeopardize this.

The very nature of the working environment makes it difficult to access areas and the possibility of extreme vibration or the release of flammable substances. There are also additional hazards posed by friction in the braking systems and the ever-present danger of a lightning strike.

Traditional total flooding fire suppression systems may not always be suitable for the remote & ventilated risks that these machines create. They can also prove difficult to interface with personnel access or be too large or heavy to be located near the risk.

Could Firetrace be the Solution?

Firetrace has a range of Automatic Fire Suppression Systems ideal for protecting different elements of a wind turbine including:

• Control Panel

• Capacitor Cabinet

• Generator/Transformer/Rotor/Stator Boxes

• Brake Systems

• Hydraulic Station

• Base Tower

Our fire suppression systems for protecting wind turbines are built to a simple design, which uses pneumatics in preference to electronics. This reduces the need for any separate backups using batteries or alternative power supplies and helps to make the system robust and reliable.

With electrically-operated equipment, it is essential to choose non-conductive extinguishing agents which will not damage sensitive components or leave behind any residue. Firetrace® can install various extinguishants which fit this requirement, including Novec 1230, the most eco-friendly product of its type on the market, which is also non-toxic.

How Firetrace Works

Pressurised tubing is key to this method of detecting and extinguishing fires. The tubes are installed throughout the turbines and are then charged with nitrogen. They are linked to a cylinder valve, where the extinguishing agent is enclosed, and held in place by the pressure.

In the event of the temperature rising above 120˚C or a fire starting, the result will be for the tubing to burst open, enabling the extinguishing agent to be discharged straight on to the fire.

You may also choose to have a switch on the system which can control an alarm and isolate power at the same time.

Firetrace Effective and Affordable

Firetrace offer affordable suppression systems to protect critical items of electrical equipment. Multiple compartments/form 4 enclosures can be protected using a single cylinder.

As well as quick fire detection, the system speedily suppresses a fire at the point where it has started before it can spread any further, which means it is highly effective in preventing unnecessary damage and expense.

The Firetrace systems are more effective than traditional ceiling mounted detectors that wait for the fire/ smoke to leave the enclosure before raising the alarm.

We have examples of how our systems have dealt with electrical fires, putting them out quickly with minimal damage and downtime. 

If you are interested in having a Firetrace system installed, we can advise you on how it will work on your particular site, designing a system for your needs and then installing it. Simplicity is the key, with our systems using just small amounts of extinguishing agents, which alleviates the need for entry restrictions or safety interlocks.

Built to ISO 9001:2015, all Firetrace systems are of the highest quality. They can be fitted to either new or existing equipment and are recognised by most of the leading insurers.