Automatic systems for fire detection and suppression in wind turbines are becoming increasingly commonplace. And with good reason – they offer round the clock reliability and comprehensive unsupervised protection. Firetrace is a leader in this burgeoning sector, delivering a modular solution that is trusted worldwide. We spoke with the company’s respected Business Development Manager, Angela Krcmar.
PES: Who are Firetrace and what services do you offer?
Angela Krcmar: Firetrace offers a reliable, cost effective, automatic fire suppression solution. The system is completely self-contained and does not require power to work, providing protection 24/7. The suppression system responds immediately upon detection of fire or high ambient heat.
PES: What distinguishes Firetrace from its competitor products and services?
AK: The most distinguishing difference is the method of detection. The method of detection utilises the linear pneumatic detection tubing. The linear system works by having pressured tubing routed throughout a hazard area and upon detection the tubing will rupture and discharge agent via the tubing itself, forming a nozzle, or discharge through strategically placed nozzles depending on the application.
Firetrace is able to route the linear detection tubing closest to the potential fire hazard allowing for immediate detection and suppression of a fire while containing it to the enclosure in which it started.
PES: What areas are usually considered for coverage in a wind turbine?
AK: Operators look at areas and components where junctions come together; cables, electrical cabinets, capacitor cabinets, converter cabinets, transformer, hydraulic units and sometimes the brake.
Firetrace provides a fire assessment and offers suggested areas of protection and allows the customer to protect based on their experience or request. The Firetrace system is modular so it allows for flexibility in the protection.
