Wind turbine blades are among the most vulnerable components when it comes to direct lightning discharges. On sites with high lightning density, the risk of carbon-spar damage in the blade tip region increases significantly. At Windrix, we are adding a proven retrofit solution to our service portfolio: Copper Strip.

What Is Copper Strip?

Copper Strip is a copper strip mounted along the spar line on the leeward (suction) surface of a wind turbine blade. It is engineered to collect lightning energy on a low-resistance preferred conduction path — away from the sensitive carbon structure — and safely route it through the existing lightning receptor system.

How It Works

Carbon fibre provides structural strength but is also electrically conductive. When a direct lightning discharge penetrates the laminate and reaches the carbon spar, the sudden release of energy can cause delamination and structural damage. By creating a preferred low-resistance path on the blade surface, Copper Strip diverts that energy away from the carbon structure:

1. Strike — Lightning hits the blade tip region.
2. Collection — Energy is collected on the copper strip.
3. Conduction — Routed through the receptor to a safe path.
4. Protection — The carbon spar is shielded from direct discharge.

Technical Specifications & Application

• Quantity: 1 unit per blade
• Mounting location: Spar line / LW (leeward) surface
• Protected critical zone: ~3 metres from the blade tip
• Installation: From platform / crane
• Applicable platforms: Vestas V90, V100, V105, V112, V117
• Blade lengths: 44 m, 49 m, 51 m, 55 m, 57 m
• System compatibility: Together with copper cap / SMT, it forms a comprehensive LPS package.

Thanks to its thin profile, Copper Strip integrates with the existing receptor system without adversely affecting the blade's aerodynamic performance.

⚠ Important Compatibility Note

Copper Strip is a retrofit / service product developed for legacy blades with a carbon spar. Due to structural changes in the new-generation upgraded LPS design, the product is not compatible with that design. For this reason, it is recommended exclusively as a retrofit solution for V90–V117 carbon-spar blades. Project-specific suitability must be assessed according to turbine type and blade variant.