We have already written about the traditional and active lightning rods, the technology of "thunderstorms scattering" and Thor warning systems. However, very different characteristics of lightning should be taken into account.
Special devices are available to collect these data. This article is about one of them.
Here we speak about lightning detection system, which analyzes lightning discharge and provides the data to the owner.
This information gives us opportunities to carry out maintenance of the equipment, which can be hit by lightning. The system of external (lightning rods, down conductors) and internal (surge protection devices) lightning protection working together ensure trouble-free operation of all equipment, which should be protected.
Such system (lightning registration) is used in many different environments and facilities. For example, in wind power plants (turbines). Such systems in turbines guarantee reliable operation of the equipment and reduce the consumed electricity amount.
The lightning registration system consists of three components:
- A sensor card with a cardholder;
- A card reader;
- Software for analysis and reporting.
The system is used in the environments with temperatures -30°C to 80°C
Installation
The card holder is fixed on the down conductor, while the card is inserted inside.
Several cards can be used for one wind power plant. This provides better analysis of the lightning current in the impact point and its spread.
The data is processed by the software in your computer. To be able to read the data you use the card reader connected to the PC.
How does the system work?
When lightning strikes the ground through the down conductor, magnetic field appears around this conductor. The magnetic force is proportional to the lightning amplitude, and it decreases closer to the conductor.
If we use the magnetic card with a special magnetic code on the conductor, the magnetic field generated by the lightning current removes all data in the area where its force is higher than the magnetic code can withstand.
Estimating the distance from the conductor (where the code is deleted), you can determine the amplitude peak of the lightning current. You can obtain the data on the maximum lightning current the card experienced, if you insert the card into the card reader. The dynamic range of the sensor card is 6-300 kA.
See also:
- How does the lightning protection of power transmission lines work?
- Dissipation Array System, or "dissipation of thunderstorms"
- Lightning protection of residential and public buildings
Related Articles:
