Cable designs to meet wind industry standards

摘要

Today's wind turbines are assembled from a vast array of sophisticated components subject to damage from their harsh operating environments. Among the most critical and overlooked components in turbine systems are the cables that handle power and data transmission. Cables for wind-energy applications must be selected carefully because they can fail when exposed to temperature extremes, chemicals, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) found in wind turbines. Cables must also be rigorously tested to make sure they meet industry standards. Here's an update on the current state of standards for wind turbines in North America, as well as a more in-depth look at the factors design engineers and maintenance crews should consider when selecting cabling for wind-turbine applications.