LLS Detection for Negative First and Subsequent Return Strokes Measuredat Peissenberg Tower Germany

Abstract

In this paper we analyze the currents and electric fields of 5 negative return strokes and compare them with data from the European lightning location system (LLS) EUCLID. The return strokes were measured between May and August 2017 at the Peissenberg Tower, Germany. 1 out of the 5 return strokes was a first return stroke and the remaining 4 were subsequent return strokes. Their peak current Ip varied between 7.5 kA and 24.9 kA, the arithmetic mean value was 14.4 kA. We present high speed video images of the first return stroke showing the extremely long upward connecting leader. The connecting leader produced a continuous current of approximately 30 A. The LLS detected 4 out of the 5 presented return strokes. We present the time errors of the individual sensors, which contributed to the localization. After an optimization process, the time errors were reduced and the location error was minimized. The location error varied between 101 m and 239 m. The peak current inferred by EUCLID was overestimated by 32.3% on average.