Lightning events are among the key external factors affecting the operational reliability of wind turbines. In order to assess their impact reliably and plan maintenance measures in line with requirements, operators need robust data and the ability to analyse it quickly. At WindEnergy Hamburg, DEHN will present DEHNsphere, a new digital platform that provides transparency regarding lightning events and makes it easier to assess them. It uses measured data from the DEHNdetect lightning current measurement system, which records lightning events on the wind turbine itself.
WindEnergy Hamburg: DEHN unveils new cloud solution to improve the availability of wind turbines
Lightning strikes can have significant impair the availability and efficient operation of wind turbines. In practice, there is often doubt as to what effect a specific event actually had and whether action is required. This is where robust data provides transparency. It helps assess the damage, enables transparent documentation of events and forms the basis for condition-based maintenance strategies.
DEHN will be at WindEnergy Hamburg (Stand 501 in Hall B6), taking place from 22 to 25 September 2026, to demonstrate how operators can make even more targeted use of this data in future. Using real-life examples, visitors can see how lightning events are recorded, analysed and taken into account when devising appropriate operational and maintenance measures.
At the trade fair, DEHN will focus on the new DEHNsphere cloud solution, which collects the recorded lightning events centrally, analyses them and provides a clear display of the relevant data. This gives operators a quick overview of recorded incidents and gives them a more in-depth understanding of their potential impact. Configurable notifications, event histories and cloud-based analytics help operators make data-driven decisions regarding inspections and maintenance and plan steps more effectively. The cloud solution also lays the foundations for integrating additional digital applications and areas of use. In future, going beyond lightning monitoring, this will unlock opportunities to centralise and evaluate data, harnessing it to ensure safe and cost-effective operation of technical systems.
DEHNdetect provides the necessary data. The lightning current measurement system, developed specifically for wind turbines, records lightning events on the turbine itself and provides the relevant measurement data for analysis in DEHNsphere. The system is DNV-certified and meets the requirements of IEC 61400-24 regarding lightning monitoring for wind turbines. DEHN will also be showcasing its engineering services at the trade fair, which help operators to assess incidents and develop appropriate measures, as well as innovative ways to inspect installations using drones.