UL Now Investigates Wind Turbine Generating Systems by John Taecker

Transcription

1 Now Investigates Wind Turbine Generating Systems by John Taecker Wind turbine generating systems are being installed in an ever-increasing number of locations. To address safety concerns with these systems, has developed requirements to evaluate the safety and performance of these systems, and is offering certification services for this equipment. What makes a wind turbine generating system? Wind turbine generating systems (WTGS) produce electric power from a wind driven generator. A wind turbine consists of blades, hub, generator, drive train, support structure, controls, power collection, power distribution and protection systems. Small WTGSs are defined as wind turbines with a rotor swept area of 200 m 2 (16 meters rotor diameter) or less, and an output terminal voltage of 600 Volts or less. Large WTGSs are defined as turbines with a rotor swept area larger than 200 m 2 (16m rotor diameter). Large wind turbine assemblies, consisting of various electrical hardware components and (continued on page 4) In this issue: 2 Portable Fire Extinguishers 3 Residential Fire 5Questions Free Web-Based 6 7 Sprinklers & Answers Training on the White Book News Briefs / What s Hot

2 The Code Authority 02 -ese Definitions of terms frequently used at Standards for Safety has developed more than 1,000 Standards for Safety. These Standards play an important part in improving public safety. The Standards development process uses an open, consensus building methodology to create effective product safety standards, using input from consumers, manufacturers, government agencies, users, regulatory authorities and other interested parties. Portable Fire Extinguishers: Added protection for your home This past weekend while doing some spring-cleaning around my house I inspected my two portable fire extinguishers to make sure they were in good condition. They were nonrechargeable (disposable) extinguishers, only two years old, and the charge arrow registered in the green. A little dusting and they looked like new. This reminded me that in addition to working smoke detectors, every household should have Listed fire extinguishers strategically placed in rooms such as the kitchen, garage or workshop. Don t just hang your extinguisher on the wall or in the cupboard! Plan ahead, read the instruction manual and know your extinguisher s capabilities before trying to fight a fire. Portable fire extinguishers are useful for putting out small fires, but recognize the limits of the extinguisher. There are four types of household extinguishers: Type A are suitable for use on fires involving combustible materials such as wood, cloth and paper. Type B are suitable for use on flammable liquid fires, including kitchen grease Type C are suitable for use on fires involving energized electrical equipment. Type ABC are suitable for use on all three types of fires listed above. If a fire breaks out, you should first get everyone out of the house and call If the fire is not spreading and is confined to a small area, use the appropriate type extinguisher for the fire if it is safe to do so. Know both your limits and the fire extinguisher s limits, and always aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire. Periodically inspect your extinguishers to determine if they need to be recharged or replaced. Extinguishers need to be recharged or replaced after each use even if you haven t used all the extinguishing agent. Now, back to the rest of my spring-cleaning. Managing Editor

3 The Code Authority Residential Fire Sprinklers: A Highly Effective Tool Listed residential sprinklers are being installed in an everincreasing number of residential dwellings in North America and play an important role in protecting occupants and firefighters from the effects of fires. They provide reliable protection against fire around the clock. 03 Testing and certification laboratories play an important role in helping to determine that residential fire sprinkler systems operate as intended during a fire. Essential components of residential fire sprinkler systems, such as sprinklers and piping, are required to undergo comprehensive evaluations to verify that they meet rigorous nationally recognized standards. As an OSHA-accredited Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, is a leading authority on fire sprinkler construction and performance requirements. has been Listing fire sprinklers since 1902, and engineering staff members have conducted hundreds of investigations of residential sprinklers. develops and publishes numerous standards on automatic fire sprinkler system components, most of Category of Tests in the 1626 Sprinkler Standard Category Physical Strength and Leakage Tests Operation Tests Corrosion and Environmental Exposure Tests Water Flow and Distribution General Nature of Tests which are ANSI-approved American National Standards. ANSI standards are developed using an open, consensus building process that depends heavily on input provided by a diverse range of stakeholders. As a part of s third-party certification program, comprehensive qualification and surveillance testing is conducted to confirm the ability of sprinklers to comply with specified performance criteria. In addition to this testing, closely monitors the field experience and performance of sprinklers, and regularly updates the standards to address new technology and information learned from the use of these products in the field. In recent years, a number of revisions have been introduced into s sprinkler Standards to enhance Strength of components, rough usage, and leakage resistance Determination of temperature rating, sensitivity to heated air conditions and sprinkler functionality Vibration, temperature variation, loading, corrosion, stress corrosion, resistance to dealloying and other exposure conditions Determination of discharge coefficient and water distribution has been Listing fire sprinklers since 1902, and engineering staff members have conducted hundreds of investigations of residential sprinklers. the operating performance characteristics of both wet and dry-type sprinklers. Residential sprinklers are investigated in accordance with ANSI/1626 the Standard for Safety for Residential Sprinklers for Fire-Protection Service is an ANSI-approved American National Standard, and includes over 30 different performance tests. The performance tests fall into five categories as indicated in the table. These tests provide a high level of confidence that fire sprinklers will perform as intended. In addition to the performance tests conducted during the initial product investigation, 1626 requires the manufacturer to provide regular production controls, inspections, and tests. This program includes a Leakage test and glass bulb Integrity test (if a glass bulb heat responsive element is used). Fire Tests Fire tests relevant to the intended end use. (continued on page 6)

4 The Code Authority 04 Wind Turbine Generating Systems (continued from cover) subassemblies, constructed and interconnected in accordance with electrical safety requirements, are used to create a complete wind turbine. The Subject , Outline of Investigation for Wind Turbine Generating Systems was developed to evaluate large and small WTGSs, large wind turbine assemblies, and safety related control systems. WTGSs investigated in accordance with Subject are evaluated for risk of fire and shock, safety related control system electrical performance, and utility grid-interconnect performance for Utility Interactive models. The electrical equipment is intended for installation in accordance with the requirements in Article 705 of the National Electrical Code (NEC ). Mounting means, support structures, wind turbine blades, and/or rotors are only evaluated to the extent that they include the necessary electrical components to comply with the applicable electrical safety standards. Local wind, snow and seismic loading, and local soil conditions are unique for each jobsite location and should be evaluated by the local authorities having jurisdiction. Safety related control systems Safety related control systems (SRCS) consist of electrical hardware and software which operate to control and protect the WTGS. These systems are for use with has developed requirements to evaluate the safety and performance of these systems, and is offering certification services for this equipment. specific WTGS as defined by each product s Classification. The SRCSs are evaluated to perform specific wind turbine control and protection functions to maintain the overall system within the manufacturer s specified operational limits. These control and protection functions are evaluated with respect to risk of electric shock and fire, and electrical response time. The electrical subassemblies that address power transfer control and protection functions evaluated by are intended to be coordinated with a mechanical and structural evaluation of the WTGS in accordance with other applicable standards. Inverters and converters Inverters are devices that change DC power to AC power. Converters are devices that accept AC or DC input power and convert it to another form of AC or DC power for direct utilization by a load or accumulation in an energy storage system (batteries, capacitors, etc.). These devices are classed as utility interactive, stand-alone or multimode. utility interactive devices operate in parallel with the utility grid. Stand-alone devices are intended to operate independent of the utility grid. Multimode devices can operate as stand-alone (utility independent) and/or utility interactive devices. Each product is marked to identify its class. Electric utility grid interconnection performance is evaluated to limits defined by the manufacturer for synchronization, overvoltage, undervoltage, overfrequency, underfrequency, clearing times, reconnect time, power factor, DC injection, harmonic distortion, unintentional islanding, power range and low voltage ride-through (if provided). Inverters and converters may contain energy storage devices and associated charge controllers. Some devices must be installed and operated with an external transformer. Such devices are provided with markings and instructions to indicate the type of transformer required. Some devices may require external input and / or output overcurrent protection, which will be specified in product markings and installation instructions. (continued on next page)

5 The Code Authority 05 These products may require external output overcurrent protection, which will be specified in product markings and installation instructions. The Subject 6141 Outline of Investigation for Wind Turbine Converters and Interconnection Systems Equipment was developed to investigate inverters and converters. It requires that all converters be evaluated for both normal and abnormal conditions associated with the application (less electric utility grid interconnection protection). For electric utility connected converters this includes the evaluation of the unit s ability to: 1) parallel two sources of power 2) operate during normal utility operating conditions 3) provide a minimum level of output power quality including DC injection and 4) operate safely during abnormal utility grid conditions Certification certifications for wind turbines and related equipment will be covered under the following product categories: ZGEN Small Wind Turbine Generating Systems ZGEA Large Wind Turbine Generating Systems ZGBP Large Wind Turbine Generating Assemblies, Construction Only ZGFA Wind Turbine Inverters and Converters ZGCP Wind Turbine Safety-related Control System Equipment Products certified under these product categories will include Classification Marks as described in the guide information for the product category. For more information on wind turbine generating systems please contact Chris Flueckiger in Northbrook, IL at Christopher.Flueckiger@us.ul.com or at Questions & Answers engineers answer questions concerning and its operations, Standards for Safety, product certifications, and the code applications for which products are certified. The National Electrical Code (NEC ) permits the use of nonmetallicsheathed cable interconnectors that are used without an outlet box or enclosure. Does List these products, and where are they intended to be installed? Lists these devices under the product category Nonmetallic-sheathed Cable Interconnectors (QAAV). These devices consist of mating insulating enclosures assembled to nonmetallic sheathed cable to form both a mechanical and electrical connection for use in exposed or concealed locations in accordance with Article 334 of the NEC. The enclosures of these interconnects are complete without openings and are intended for use without an outlet box or enclosure. These devices have been investigated for equivalency to Type NM cable in insulation and temperature rise, and for capability to withstand fault currents, vibration and mechanical shock that may occur during transport. The interconnects are intended for use at 600 volts ac or less on 15 and 20 ampere branch circuits wired with Nos. 14 and 12 AWG solid or stranded copper conductors. The interconnectors are marked with the manufacturer s name or identification, the catalog number or equivalent, Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable or NM, the conductor size(s), and the electrical rating. The unit container or an information sheet packed in the unit container contains assembly and use instructions. The Listing Mark is on the smallest unit container in which the product is packaged or on the product when size or shape permits, and includes the symbol, the word LISTED, and Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable Interconnector or N.M. Cable Interconnector. I am looking at a fire-resistance rated design and it indicates the gypsum board is to be secured by nails. Can screws be used instead of nails? Subject to specific limitations, screws can be used in lieu of nails in fire-resistance rated designs. This substitution is covered by the guide information for the product category Fire Resistance Ratings (BXUV) that appears in the front of the Fire Resistance Directory (Volume 1) and in the Online Certifications Directory. The guide information indicates that nails used to attach gypsum board to wood framing should be cement-coated box nails or cement-coated cooler nails unless specified otherwise in the specific designs. Screws meeting ASTM C1002 or ASTM C954 may be substituted for nails, one for one, when the head diameter, length, and spacing equal or exceed the requirements for the specified nails.

6 The Code Authority 06 Free Web-Based Training on the White Book Now Available In response to numerous requests from code officials, contractors and electricians, is pleased to announce the launch of a Web-based White Book training course. The course is titled Understanding and Using the 2008 White Book. Understanding and Using the 2008 White Book is a 90-minute, self-paced, hands-on interactive course that is an invaluable resource for electrical inspectors, installers, electrical designers and the counter staff at the local electrical supply house. It clearly shows why the White Book is considered by many to be a valuable extension of the National Electrical Code (NEC ). Understanding and Using the 2008 White Book will take you step by step through each of the features of the White Book, and show how to use each of the White Book tools to help achieve code compliant installations. The course offers several practical exercises utilizing the information on the label, and sections in the NEC to walk you through the steps to achieve a code compliant installation using Certified products. Having a copy of the White Book available to reference while taking the course is beneficial. A PDF version of the White Book is linked in the course for your convenience. When signing up for the course, there is also contact information to order a complementary copy of the White Book, a $42 value. The ordering information is also available at the end of the course. Once you have successfully completed the course (which includes a test at the end), you can print a certificate of completion. For those of you who teach the NEC, this would be a great way for your students to demonstrate proficiency in using the White Book as a take home test. If you want to learn how to use the White Book, or need to brush up on using it, this free course is for you. Just logon to to start. This course was developed by collaboration between s Regulatory Services Department and University. Regulatory Services staff developed the technical content for the course using input from a wide range of stakeholders. University, an educator of choice for many, is an ideal partner for this collaboration. Its experience with developing and delivering training flexible enough to accommodate the needs of our students has supported this outreach opportunity from the beginning. by Tom Lichtenstein For additional information contact Tom Lichtenstein in Northbrook, IL. at Thomas.R.Lichtenstein@us.ul.com or at Residential Fire Sprinklers (continued from page 3) These tests are conducted on each Listed residential sprinkler produced. also requires that factories producing residential fire sprinklers undergo a comprehensive audit inspection program, which complements the manufacturer s quality control programs, to verify that ongoing production of residential sprinklers continues to comply with requirements. s representatives conduct the audit inspections at manufacturing facilities located around the world. s Market Surveillance program provides an additional audit of the Listed products through incident investigations and testing of samples procured from the marketplace. In summary, residential sprinklers undergo a rigorous evaluation to provide a high level of assurance that they will resist leakage, provide many years of service, and be ready to respond in the event of a fire. Either installed as a separate system or integrated with the domestic water system, residential fire sprinklers have demonstrated during years of use to be a very effective tool in preventing injury and death from home fires. by Kerry M. Bell

7 The Code Authority 07 News Briefs Hosts Lightweight Building Materials Industry Summit The Chicago Fire Department and recently hosted a meeting at headquarters in Northbrook, IL on the impact of fire on residential construction materials which followed up on the findings from the DHS-funded engineered lumber research grant concluded last year. Thirty-nine fire service representatives, industry experts and staff participated in this session. The meeting included presentations on the research, fire service perspectives, future construction code impacts and industry feedback. Three members of the Chicago Fire Department, Cleveland Fire Department, and staff from Fire Engineering Research, Commercial and Regulatory Services provided presentations. Chris Hasbrook, vice president of Global Building Materials/Life Safety and Security Industries noted, As part of our public safety mission, is pleased to be working with industry, the fire service and other stakeholders to examine fire safety concerns with these assemblies, and help move the science forward to achieving safe, economical code complying solutions. A web-based training course on this topic is available at no charge from University. See and log on to the course titled Structural Stability of Engineered Lumber in Fire Conditions, located in the Fire Safety On-line curriculum. Changes in Field Reporting Program The Field Reports Department has been renamed the Market Surveillance Department. Bob Pollock, director of Market Surveillance noted, The new name better reflects the mission of the department and eliminates the confusion with s Field Services Department, which is responsible for factory surveillance. The Market Surveillance Department is responsible for checking that certified products in the marketplace are in compliance with requirements. Market Surveillance is divided into two parts: 1) Verification that products sold in the marketplace meet requirements. Samples of certified products are purchased from the marketplace and subjected to testing and construction reviews to determine if the products comply with requirements. A link to the AHJ Online Product Incident Report (PIR) Form will still appear on the left side of the Code Authorities web page of ul.com so that AHJs will continue to have easy access to this form. Even, though the department name and the name of the form is changing, AHJ Product Incidence Reports (PIRs) will continue to be handled by the same staff. If you cannot complete the form electronically, the form can be printed out and faxed to the Market Surveillance Department at s can be sent to Market.Surveillance@us.ul.com. Calls can be directed to Craig Witt at ) Investigation of Product Incident Reports, or PIRs (formerly known as Field Reports) are used to determine if the product complies with requirements and if any corrective actions need to be implemented. PIRs include reports of products not eligible to bear a Mark, products unable to be installed in accordance with the applicable model codes, and misuse of the Mark on product packaging or in advertisements. What s ul.com The Code Authorities page of.com ( was developed specifically for you. Here are the most recent additions: On March 14 a new, more user friendly website was launched at This reflected the first of many steps anticipated to enhance your online experience. Among other things, changes were made to provide you with faster, more direct access to industry, service, certification and Standards information. We think you ll find it easier to navigate, search and learn about, all within an improved overall experience. One improvement you will immediately notice is a Code Authorities perspective that is prominently shown on the.com home page. This provides a direct link to valuable regulatory related information that was previously located on the Regulators pages. Please visit the Code Authorities home page at

8 See at the NFPA Conference Chicago McCormick Place June Booth 201 North Hall The Code Authority Calendar of Events If you would like The Code Authority to consider publishing your upcoming events, contact Howard Hopper by at Howard.D.Hopper@us.ul.com. Please type Calendar in the subject line. June NFPA Conference & Expo Chicago June ASHRAE 2009 Annual Conference Louisville, Ky June The BOMA International Conference & the Every Building Show Philadelphia The Code Authority Published by Regulatory Services Department of Underwriters Laboratories Available to assist regulatory authorities W:: ul.com/regulators T:: E:: RegulatoryServices@us.ul.com Managing Editor Howard Hopper T:: E:: Howard.D.Hopper@us.ul.com Address changes and additions Diane Fonzino E:: Diane.E.Fonzino@us.ul.com All rights reserved. Reprints with permission of Underwriters Laboratories Inc. BDI Pfingsten Road Northbrook, IL United States of America Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No Northbrook, IL