Efficient cooling of wind turbines – challenges and solutions

Wind energy is a key component of the global energy transition. However, to ensure reliable and efficient operation of wind turbines, all components must be optimally cooled.
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The key challenges in cooling wind turbines

Compact design with high performance

Wind turbines are compact in design, offer little space for large cooling units, but have to convert enormous amounts of energy. This places high demands on the power density of the cooling solutions.

Extreme conditions in use

Wind turbines are in use all over the world – from the Arctic cold to the desert heat, onshore and offshore. The cooling systems have to cope with high temperature fluctuations, salty air, humidity, dust and vibrations.

Cooling of power electronics and generator

Converters, transformers and generators are subject to particularly high stresses. Their efficient cooling is crucial to the service life and efficiency of the entire system. Failures due to overheating can lead to costly downtime.

Low maintenance and long service life

Wind turbines are often difficult to access. This means that all components – including fans and cooling units – must be low-maintenance, durable and reliable. Intelligent monitoring systems for condition monitoring are becoming increasingly important.

The role of cooling systems – requirements for modern solutions

Air cooling for wind turbines is a widespread and comparatively simple cooling system that is used in particular for small to medium-sized turbines. From an ecological point of view, it has some advantages, but also certain limitations that are important when considering sustainability and environmental compatibility.

Modern cooling systems for wind turbines must:
  • be compact and space-saving
  • be corrosion-resistant and designed for continuous operation in harsh environments
  • can be intelligently controlled – ideally with condition monitoring
  • work in an energy-efficient manner to minimise the system's own consumption
  • be modular and scalable for different types of systems

Solutions for wind turbines

As a technology leader in ventilation and refrigeration technology, ebm-papst offers a wide range of products that are specially tailored to the requirements of the wind industry. We use these products in a targeted manner to meet your needs.

Axial fans

Robust axial fans for heat exchanger units or radial fans for nacelle cooling.
  • High air flow rate with compact design
  • Protection against corrosion and moisture
  • Variants with EC technology

Centrifugal fans

For sensitive electronic components such as converters or control units.
  • Powerful solutions for tight installation conditions
  • Long service life even with continuous use
  • Continuously adjustable

liquid cooling systems

For transformers and other high-performance components.
  • Compact design
  • Reliable cooling under extreme conditions
  • Customised solutions

Intelligent control

Monitoring and control of cooling systems.
  • real-time monitoring
  • remote diagnosis
  • Predictive maintenance

Practical example: Cooling an offshore wind turbine

Challenge:
In a recent project with a leading plant manufacturer, we delivered a customised cooling concept for an offshore facility. The challenge: high salt exposure and limited installation space.
Solution:
  • Seawater-resistant axial fans with special coating
  • EC technology for energy-saving operation
  • Fully integrated control for intelligent load adjustment
  • Successful 24/7 continuous operation for over three years

Conclusion: Sustainability begins with cooling

Optimal cooling is a key factor in the efficiency, longevity and cost-effectiveness of wind turbines. Breuell und Hilgenfeldt offers customised, durable and intelligent solutions tailored to every requirement in the wind energy sector. Whether onshore or offshore, hot or cold, we keep your turbines cool.

Do you have any questions or would you like some advice?

We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and look forward to hearing from you.

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