Deutsche Windtechnik Scores with Major Order for ADLS Retrofit

Ostenfeld, Bremen / Germany - Deutsche Windtechnik has completed its first major order in the field of Aircraft Detection Light System (ADLS). The independent service provider has been awarded the contract by Windpunx GmbH & Co. KG from Oldenburg. The order covers the retrofitting of a large part of the wind turbines (WTG) managed by Windpunx.

In total, Windpunx manages WTGs from various manufacturers with a capacity of more than 1,500 megawatts (MW) and is thus one of the leading operators in Germany. The conversion of the WTGs is being prepared with immediate effect. The contract between Deutsche Windtechnik and Windpunx covers not only the existing contracts but also other turbines. In addition to the retrofitting, Deutsche Windtechnik will in future also take over the complete service for the ADL system.

For Steffen Schroth (CEO) and Felix Genze (COO) from Windpunx GmbH & Co. KG, it was not only the experience gained from working with Deutsche Windtechnik that was decisive, but above all the expertise to retrofit turbines from multiple manufacturers. The operator's WTGs subject to ADLS obligations include turbines from Vestas, NEG Micon, Siemens, Nordex, Senvion, Fuhrländer, Enercon and GE.

"We have a very wide range of turbine types in our portfolio. It is very helpful to be able to place an order with just one provider that covers all wind turbines that require ONM. Our companies have already gathered good experiences working together over a long period of time, so this step was simply logical for us," says Genze. According to Steffen Schroth, the complete documentation of the processes was also important for the commissioning of Deutsche Windtechnik. The processing and provision of data records from each WTG connected to the ADLS system serves Windpunx as the proof needed to ensure the EEG remuneration from the German Federal Network Agency (BNetzA).

The ADL system of Deutsche Windtechnik consists of a central transponder reception module (TEM) and the ADLS boxes. The latter is installed per WTG, whereas the TEM is only installed at a central WTG. According to the independent service provider, the ADL system allows the connection of WTGs within a radius of six kilometres with only one TEM, regardless of the plant technology. This aspect is also interesting for operators of single WTGs or of several wind farms. "Adjacent wind turbines can be connected to the existing TRMs as part of the ADLS retrofitting process. This means that the costs and the time required for retrofitting can be kept at a minimum for all wind farm operators involved," explains Karl Keusgen, Managing Director of Deutsche Windtechnik Steuerung.

Source: IWR Online, 09 Nov 2020