Calculations of the influence of wind energy turbines on overhead power lines create planning certainty and avoid unnecessary costs

Located in Oldenburg, Germany, Overspeed GmbH & Co. KG has been active as an independent consultant in the wind energy sector for more than 20 years. This horizon of experience comprises, among other things, comprehensive assessments on the influence of wind energy turbines on power lines.
The number and size of wind turbines will continue to increase in the coming years. To optimize land-use, the distances to neighboring man-made structures is to be minimized as much as possible – this particularly includes power lines. Power line conductor ropes can begin to oscillate due to the wake of the wind turbines, becoming damaged in the process. Norms and guidelines establish conditions preventing damage to conductor ropes. These norms lay out the areas affected by wakes where damage could potentially occur. They include, apart from the minimum distances to be observed, the implementation of relatively expensive measures to suppress wake-induced oscillations. 

Overspeed issues assessments which objectively resolve the question if power lines are influenced by wind turbines, allowing one to know for sure whether expensive measures to reduce wake-induced oscillations are necessary. Wind farm operators are provided the support needed to optimally configure their wind farms, avoiding unnecessary costs in the process.

These expert assessments are issued according to current norms and guidelines.

For grid operators as well, Overspeed assessments are proof of the hazards (or lack thereof) for power lines and form the basis for acceptance and approvals.

• Overspeed’s other main areas of expertise:
• Due Diligence
• Offshore – management, project development
• Wind potential/ energy yield studies
• Uncertainty analyses
• Conception and supervision of wind measurements
• Wind power forecasting systems for grid and market operators as well as direct marketing