Continuous operation without condensation and corrosion
The increasing importance of wind power in the drive for more sustainable power means land based and offshore area wind farms are being rapidly developed. The aggressive environment in which these turbines are sited requires special protection of nacelle machinery and the tower.
Munters have assisted consultants, engineers and managers involved in the planning, operation and design of wind turbines to understand the application of desiccant dry air within the wind turbine.
One problem is the special climate required and understanding the influence of high humidity in the tower and machinery. Natural ventilation systems provide insufficient protection against condensation and the subsequent corrosive effects of high humidity. In offshore wind turbines the problem is exacerbated due to the necessary closed nature of the turbine subjected to year round aggressive offshore conditions resulting in condensation effects.
The culprit is high humidity especially at sea, effecting the tower and the nacelle machinery area eg on doors, walls etc. during periods of stand still or breakdown. During daily cooling of the outside air or weather changes, moist air surrounding cold surfaces reaches the dew point and condensation forms which can then drip onto plant parts. Corrosion and humidity induced moisture puddles on the equipment can result in electrical and electronic short circuits in the switching equipment.
These effects coupled with the high costs for maintenance and a latent risk of accidents are all factors requiring Munters reliable desiccant air treatment systems for trouble-free operation.
Munters desiccant dehumidification systems supply dry air to the tower and machinery areas resulting in dry trouble-free operation, and increased longevity of machinery, walls and tower structures. Maintenance work on machinery and costs for repair are greatly reduced, enabling operators to recoup the investment in the desiccant system very quickly.
Benefits of Munters dehumidification of wind mills:
- Dry, trouble-free operation year-round
- Targeted internal dry air circulation keeps surfaces dry and prevents the formation of moisture puddles
- Condensation and corrosion is prevented
- Low-maintenance operation
- Long life installed components
- Greater plant reliability
Munters dry air systems can be applied at two levels.
Firstly the tower is kept dry ensuring no moisture or condensation effects are experienced throughout the ascent.
Secondly, in the turbine machinery nacelle (gondola), the whole machinery component area is dehumidified and protected against condensation and corrosion, from production phase to installed on site.
The delay between manufacture and installation of many wind turbine components is often extensive.
Factory applied anti-corrosion coatings and inhibitors are often disturbed during installation and test runs on new installation sections and assemblies, and metal surfaces are subject to moist air. The resulting corrosion risk can be avoided by creating a dry air environment for all components prior and post installation.
For global suppliers of wind mills Munters global presence is of high importance.