Lightning Protection Research Articles

A Method to Obtain Lightning Peak Current in Indonesia

Lightning is a modern societal problem that continues to increase in line with technological growth. Today’s infrastructure is very vulnerable to disturbances caused by weather conditions. The most influential weather phenomenon in this regard is the weather produced by cumulonimbus (CB) clouds. Almost every year, tanks and refineries in Indonesia explode due to lightning strikes. Furthermore, there have been several instances of outages in transmission and distribution lines, as well as lightning-related fatalities in mining areas. Lightning characteristics are widely used as important data for designing lightning protection systems. However, in Indonesia, there is still a need to obtain proper lightning characteristic data. Indonesia is a maritime country located in the tropics, making its geographical conditions highly conducive to the formation of cumulonimbus (CB) clouds. Therefore, this paper presents direct lightning peak-current measurements using magnetic tape, which has been installed in several provinces in Indonesia. The paper reports the local lightning characteristics for these provinces and presents a method for obtaining lightning data. To efficiently collect lightning data on a large scale, we propose a measurement system consisting of a lightning-event counter and magnetic tape. While magnetic tape has been widely used in laboratory testing, this research discusses its application and measurement results in natural lightning conditions in the field. The novel lightning characteristics obtained for several provinces in Indonesia are expected to assist professionals in designing lightning protection systems that match the local lightning characteristics, ultimately minimizing the impact of lightning damage.

Lightning Current Measurement Form and Arrangement Scheme of Transmission Line Based on Point-Type Optical Current Transducer.

Lightning strikes are the main cause of transmission line faults, and the accurate lightning current number is an important basis to guide scientific lightning protection. The use of sensors with excellent sensing performance to carry out lightning current monitoring on transmission lines is beneficial to the accumulation of key parameters of original lightning strikes, so it is necessary to study the lightning current measurement structure of transmission lines. In this paper, an optical current-sensing unit is used to monitor the lightning current on transmission lines. A measuring structure that can monitor key parameters of the lightning current under different types of lightning strikes is proposed. First, establish the lightning current return channel model and the equivalent model of the tower, study the influence of the transmission tower on the current in the lightning channel, and analyze the direct measurement position of the lightning current on the tower; establish the multi-wave impedance model of the tower, and build a multi-base tower. The simulation model of the transmission system analyzes the transmission characteristics of the lightning current on the transmission line and the lightning protection line in the case of different types of faults; from the perspective of the measurement of key parameters of the lightning current, the lightning current measurement structure of the transmission system is constructed to analyze different lightning strikes. The measurement effect of each monitoring position in the case of a lightning strike and the waveform characteristics of the fault current in the case of insulator flashover are analyzed.

An Analytical Study on Effective Lightning Protection Measures for Pole‐Mounted Distribution Transformers on Terminal Poles

In Hokuriku area, where lightning strikes with a large amount of electric charge occur in winter, failure rate of lightning protection devices such as surge arresters and devices with built‐in zinc oxide (ZnO) elements tends to be high. In order to prevent failure of surge arresters, 5 kA surge arresters which have a larger energy capability are installed on terminal poles of distribution lines. As for lightning protection of pole‐mounted distribution transformers, insulators with ZnO are utilized to support medium‐voltage drop wires connected to the transformers on non‐terminal poles. In this paper, we have studied the effect of insulators with 5 kA ZnO which have a larger energy capability as a lightning protection measure for transformers on terminal poles using lightning‐surge analysis. The lightning outage rate, which is the total of insulation breakdown rate and failure rate of a lightning protection device, is found to be lower in the case of insulators with 5 kA ZnO than in the case of 5 kA surge arresters. In addition, by replacing 5 kA surge arresters with insulators with 5 kA ZnO, a cost reduction effect is found to be also expected. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Evaluating the causes of damage to corrosion protection coatings on lightning protection masts of a 400 kV substation

Evaluating the causes of damage to corrosion protection coatings on lightning protection masts of a 400 kV substation

Introducing the Concept of the Volume Lightning Strike Density

This letter introduces the concept of the volume lightning strike density (vLSD) and provides the mathematical framework for transitioning from a 2D to a 3D electrogeometric analysis; this may offer new insights into established methodologies for lightning incidence estimation and risk assessment. The feasibility of the vLSD idea is based on the intensive research conducted on emerging technologies of 3D reconstruction of lightning discharges path. Thus, based on the vLSD concept, a new lightning activity parameter <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">NV</i> (strikes/km3/yr), that is, the average number of lightning strikes with at least one leader branch per cubic kilometer per year in an area, can be quantified in light of the widespread installation of modern lightning discharge recording systems. This work may open new horizons on lightning activity characterization offering an alternative or complementary approach to the traditional concept of the ground flash density, <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">NG</i> (flashes/km2/yr); the proposed vLSD concept could also be applied in evaluating the lightning interception efficiency of traditional as well as advanced lightning protection systems especially at critical sites, where enhanced lightning protection is of importance.

Investigation of Blade Receptor Number on the Lightning Attachment Behavior of Wind Turbine

The blade receptor plays an essential role in the lightning protection effect of wind turbines (WTs). In this investigation, five categories of WT lightning protection systems, with various pairs (two, three, four, six, and eight) of receptors on the blades, are evaluated by reduced-scale laboratory discharge experiments as well as by full-scale electric field calculations, from which the lightning attachment distribution and the electric field intensity of the WTs are obtained. Experimental results indicate that the lightning attachment probability of the blade insulation part decreases as the number of receptors increases, and that when the receptor number reaches four or more, an approximately complete protection for the WT blade can be achieved. Results also show that, for the WT model with two–six pairs of receptors on each blade, the lightning interception efficiency shows a trend of ascending with the increase of the receptor number, whereas an opposite trend is shown for the ones with six–eight pairs of receptors. Additionally, obtained simulation results show that as the number of receptors increases, the maximum electric field intensity shows a general decreasing trend. Finally, a theoretical analysis is carried out to explain the underlying mechanism of the observed phenomenon here.

Investigation of Induced Overvoltages on DC Cables of PV System Subjected to Lightning Strikes Using FDTD Method

Due to installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels in outdoor areas, they are subjected to lightning strikes which may cause degradation or complete damage, resulting in service interruption and added cost. Hence, it is crucial to provide an efficient and effective lightning protection system which requires some considerations to increase its efficiency and reduce its cost. Any damage to the PV system inverter causes service interruption, so it is important to analyze the transient voltages induced on the dc cables connected to the inverter during lightning strikes. In this article, the induced voltages on dc cables are calculated using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method, which introduces high accuracy in transient studies. Important factors affecting the transient voltages on dc cables are studied, including the effect of lightning strike polarity and changing the separation distance between the PV panel and the isolated protection system. Moreover, the effect of modifying dc cable arrangement is studied, in addition to the impact of concrete foundation presence in the grounding system. Then, some recommendations are proposed which succeeded in reducing transient voltages on dc cables. In addition, the induced voltages calculated by FDTD are compared with those obtained by partial element equivalent circuit method.

Parameters of the Initial Continuous Current of Negative Upward Lightning Measured at the Peissenberg Tower, Germany, From 1992 to 2022

In this article, we analyze the parameters of the initial continuous current (ICC) of the negative upward lightning measured at the Peissenberg Tower, Germany, from 1992 to 2022. A total of 54.9% of them were ICC <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Only</sub> -flashes (without significant ICC-pulse), 24.0% of them were ICC <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">RS</sub> -flashes (with subsequent return stroke), 19.6% of them were ICC <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">P</sub> -flashes (with ICC-pulses > 2 kA), and 1.5% of them were ICC <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Bipolar</sub> -flashes (succeeded by a positive current component). The analysis revealed that the ICC <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Only</sub> -flashes were the weakest ones, the ICC <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">P</sub> -flashes were the strongest ones, and the ICC <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">RS</sub> -flashes and the rare ICC <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Bipolar</sub> -flashes were in between. Out of the total of 204 measured ICCs, 16 (7.8%) of them exceeded the charge of 200 C, which represents the highest tolerable level according to the lightning protection standard IEC 62305-1. The strong ICC <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">P</sub> -flashes carried charges up to 454 C, being more than twice of this tolerable level.

A protocol for selecting viable transmission line arrester for optimal lightning protection

Direct lightning strikes on overhead lines and towers causes power system outages. Optimal surge arrester placement is a practical and economical protection technique. From research trends, three types of transmission line arresters are in practice: Non-Gapped Line Arrester (NGLA), Externally Gapped Line Arrester (EGLA) and Multi Chamber Insulator Arrester (MCIA). This study proposed a simplified guide for selecting the most suitable line arrester considering the placement configurations, double circuit outage prevention and energy capabilities. Electromagnetic Transient Program was implemented to analyze back flashover performance of a typical 275 kV double circuit transmission line in Malaysia. Critical flashover parameters considered are lightning current magnitude, tower footing resistance, and power frequency angle. Analyzed results from the three arresters found that installing four arresters, two per circuit, at the lower and upper phases respectively, is the most optimal and universal double outage mitigation technique. Energy comparison reveals that MCIA discharges 54% and 44% less energy than NGLA and EGLA respectively. Also, from 132 kV system results, MCIA discharges 74% and 22% lesser energy respectively. From further validation of the simulation model, NGLA discharged 23.8% more energy than EGLA from experimental results. The proposed guide is applicable to double circuit lines below 275 kV.

Lightning current analysis for tall tower strike using 3D FEM

In this study, the lightning current waveforms at the middle and bottom positions for 60 m tall tower strikes were observed using the three-dimensional finite element method (3D-FEM). When creating the model for lightning current waveform analysis at the middle and bottom positions of towers, base current speed and ground conductivity characteristics were taken into account. The model was developed using scattering boundary conditions to avoid wave reflections and limit computation time. We have considered ground conductivity of 5.98 e7 S/m, 0.1 S/m, and 0.01 S/m, respectively, in our model. Base current speeds were considered in our model to be equal to the velocity of light, half of the velocity of light, and one-third of the velocity of light, respectively. This investigation will aid in developing a lightning protection strategy and a better understanding of the properties of lightning.

Multiple wind turbines shielding model of lightning attractiveness for mountain wind farms

In this study, a lightning attractiveness assessment method was proposed for mountain wind farms (WFs). A full-size wind turbine (WT) model accounting for terrain topography was established. Then, the lightning collection area (LCA) of WTs was calculated using the self-consistent leader inception and propagation model (SLIM). Finally, a quantitative relationship between terrain structure and the LCA of a WT was obtained, and a shielding model was incorporated to realize differentiated lightning attractiveness assessment of WFs. Results showed that higher terrain height and steeper ground slope angle both increase the size and the height of the LCA, meaning that lightning attractiveness can vary because of terrain differences, even for WTs with the same elevation. The influence of ground slope angle on the LCA showed a saturation trend. The variation of the LCA was analyzed based on the distortion effect of the terrain structure on the electric field. By comparison, the simulation results of lightning attractiveness for mountain WFs in this paper are in good agreement with the actual observation results in flat and mountainous areas. The proposed model could be used to identify weaknesses in the lightning protection of mountain WFs.

Evaluation of Time, Cost, and Factors Causing Delay of Grounding and Lightning Protection Installation Project

The problem faced by one of the private construction companies in Jakarta, Indonesia is the delay in completing the grounding and lightning protection installation project. This delay resulted in both material and immaterial losses for the company. Factors that are thought to cause delays in this grounding and lightning protection installation project include man, machine, material, and environment factors. The method used in this research is the Critical Path Method (CPM) and Crashing method to accelerate the project duration and determine the effective time and cost that can be used to complete the grounding and lightning protection installation project and the root cause analysis method with fishbone diagrams and 5 why analysis as tools to find out the root causes of problems and formulate corrective actions that may be taken by the company. The most effective and efficient acceleration alternative in terms of time and cost that can be applied by the company is the alternative of additional labour. The additional labour alternative is able to reduce the duration of work with the smallest additional cost compared to other alternatives. Meanwhile, the factors that cause delays in project work can be seen from the root causes of each factor. The root cause of each factor is then used as the basis for formulating corrective actions that can be taken by the company.

Power Efficiency Analysis based on Lightning Effect on Large-Scale Solar Photovoltaic System

Currently, a large-scale solar photovoltaic (LSSPV) has become one of the fastest developments of electrical generation power for Malaysian Renewable Energy. However, lightning strikes are common in Malaysia due to its geographical position and tropical climate, especially in the open space of large-scale site power plants. This paper discussed the scientific basis and key assumptions that should be included in the layout of a lightning protection scheme in a large-scale solar photovoltaic installation. The framework proposal aims to ensure compliance with standards and guidelines, mitigating the risk of significantly induced currents in the LSSPV power plant. A 2.5 MW solar PV farm system was modelled using MATLAB software for assessing a solar PV farm’s electrical performance under various lightning current waveforms and lightning magnitude currents. These lightning strikes will impact photovoltaic modules, thus deteriorating the system’s ratio generation. The effects of lightning current on LSSPV were accessed based on simulation work in MATLAB Simulink. The induced current protection scheme covered rating selection and collecting data on lightning that may hit the modules or arrays. This data was then analysed according to the standard guidelines to ascertain the most effective protection measures for the 50MW PV farm within the LSSPV system. Minimising the maintenance and replacement cost of equipment is possible. The performance of a 2.5MW solar PV power plant with a grid connection was evaluated. A maximum and minimum power output of 2.47MW and 522.50kW, respectively, were observed. However, when the lightning impulsive current is included through the system, the power output decrease to 407.33kW due to the high magnitude induced.

Perencanaan Sistem Penyalur Petir Eksternal Pada Gedung SMK Sultan Agung 1 Tebuireng Jombang

Lightning is a natural phenomenon that can damage buildings. There is a solution to dealing with damage from lightning strikes, namely by installing lightning protection. Lightning protection consists of termination rods, distribution cables and earthing, from the results of analysis and calculations at the Sultan Agung 1 Tebuireng Vocational High School building, Jombang requires a total 11 termination rods, 2 distribution cables for each building and 2 rods planted 3 meters deep with a distance of 15 meters so that the grounding value is below 5 ohms

Mitigation of Lightning-Induced Transient Effects on a Hybrid Photovoltaic–Wind System Based on Lightning Protection Standards

Installing surge protection devices in a hybrid photovoltaic (PV)–wind system is essential to guarantee the survival of the system’s components. If the surge arresters are connected without taking into account the recommendations given by standards, the equipment to be protected might be damaged despite the energy coordination of the arresters. In this study, nonlinear surge protective devices (SPDs) are designed for a multi-MW hybrid system based on lightning protection standards with optimised threat level ratings to investigate the mitigation of lightning transients to an acceptable level. The system is implemented using Power System Computer-Aided Design for Electromagnetic Transients including Direct Current (PSCAD/EMTDC) software. It comprises a 2 MW PV farm, a 2 MW wind farm, and a backup energy storage system (ESS), which are all connected to a 132 kV grid via a step-up transformer and a transmission line. The results were obtained at critical system nodes for two standard lightning current surges, i.e., 1/10 µs and 10/350 µs, considering two lightning strike point scenarios with and without a lightning protection system (LPS). The simulation results showed that the connected SPDs could successfully limit the transient overvoltage in the system to an acceptable level. The analysis in this work is crucial for designing, operating, and maintaining a hybrid PV–wind system. It can help to find the potential vulnerability areas within such a system and implement appropriate protection measures since there is no available lightning standard for such systems. Additionally, it assists the system operators in increasing the uptime and dependability of their RE systems, limiting expensive downtime and environmental effects while optimising energy output. Based on the results obtained, recommendations were made for lightning protection developers.

Development and laboratory testing of a lightning current measurement system for wind turbines

Dimensioning, testing and maintenance of the lightning protection system of wind turbines can be improved using the local distributions of lightning current parameters instead of those on which lightning protection standards rely. This paper presents a prototype system for measuring lightning currents’ waveforms on wind turbines. The prototype is being developed at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb, Croatia. The system's fundamental components are two Rogowski coils and their corresponding integrators. One coil is optimized for lower frequencies and amplitudes, while the other is for higher ones. The cRIO real-time controller is used as an acquisition system, with acquisition logic developed using LabVIEW. The controller has one digitizer for each coil and a GPS synchronization module. The system was tested in the High Voltage Laboratory at University. It was recently installed on an actual wind turbine in Croatia, located in an area characterized by high winter lightning activity. Simultaneously with the prototype measurement system, the lightning activity in the wind turbine micro-location will be monitored by three other systems: the lightning location system, additional lightning monitoring sensors installed in the blades of the same wind turbine and a high-speed camera installed at the wind turbine location.

Tower impulse grounding resistance measurement based on multiple frequency impedance

AbstractTower impulse grounding resistance is important for judging the lightning protection performance of transmission lines. Therefore, it is significant to accurately measure the tower impulse grounding resistance. Existing measurement methods mainly contain the real‐type test method and the impulse coefficient method. However, the real‐type test method requires heavy and complex excitation and measuring equipment, which is difficult to be used in a practical environment. The impulse coefficient method adopts the empirical equations, which could have large measurement errors in different environments. To solve the above problems, this paper studies a novel impulse grounding resistance measurement method (IGRMM) based on multiple frequency impedance. Spectrum characteristics of typical lightning currents and the calculation method of impulse grounding resistance of grounding electrodes are studied, the IGRMM is proposed. Finally, a case study and on‐site tests are carried out. The results show that the proposed IGRMM can accurately obtain the impulse grounding resistance by measuring grounding impedance at a few frequency points, which helps accurate and convenient evaluation of impulse grounding performance in practical environments and lightning protection performance of the power transmission systems.

EFFECT OF DISCHARGE CURRENT MAGNITUDE ON EFFECTIVENESS OF OVERHEAD POWER LINE PROTECTION AGAINST DIRECT LIGHTNING STROKES

In this paper the efficiency of lightning shielding provided by single overhead ground wire mounted atop of a double circuit self-supported 220 kV lattice power transmission line tower with a total height of 37.115 m was examined. According to the electro-geometric concept, each phase conductor of a power transmission line has an area where the overhead ground wire does not provide full protection against a direct lightning strike. The width of this unprotected area depends on the design and dimensions of overhead power line tower, the expected magnitude of the lightning current and decreases with increasing magnitude of the discharge current. The lightning protection effectiveness of upper and middle phase conductors was studied. The values of the minimum lightning current, capable of causing an insulation flashover in case of the lightning shielding failure were calculated. The minimum values ​​of the lightning current at which complete shielding is achieved have also been determined. It was found that for upper phase conductor the minimum current at which a complete lightning shielding is achieved is 7.597 kA, and it is smaller than minimum current of 8.604 kA capable to cause an electrical flashover of the transmission line insulation. For middle phase conductor the lowest current at which a complete lightning shielding is achieved is 5.976 kA, that is much smaller than minimum current of 9.206 kA leading to an insulation flashover. The results show that the specified overhead power line is protected from dangerous lightning currents. However, computations show that downward lightning flashes having a smaller current magnitude are able to bypass the shield wire and hit the phase conductors. In this regard, due to unpredictable nature of lightning, to improve the lightning protection of power lines, other measures can be applied, including the use transmission line arresters mounted on or near towers at individual points of the power line. When thunderstorm activity increases due to global warming, strengthening of lightning protection measures is justified.

Protection Design and Lightning Zone Analysis for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle with Composite Wings

This paper describes the analysis of lightning strike zoning, the indirect lightning data simulation and the protection design for lightning indirect effects of equipment by lightning strike for unmanned aircraft consisting of composite wings. Through the analysis of lightning strike zoning according to the external shape of unmanned aerial vehicles, the structure areas that should be protected during lightning strike is derived, and the protection requirements of lightning indirect effects for flight critical equipments and equipment that must be operated upon lightning strike was derived. Lightning protection levels according to the location of mounting equipment and surrounding structure materials for each equipment was derived, and the protection design of the unmanned aerial vehicle with composite structures was also proposed from direct effect of lightning. Later, the lightning protection technology will be verified by the ground test of lightning direct and indirect effects.

Investigation of lightning attachment characteristics of wind turbine blades with different receptors

Wind power generation system is one of the most important components of new energy power system. However, lightning disasters seriously threaten the safe and stable operation of wind turbine blades. In order to protect wind turbine blades from lightning, different types of lightning receptors are developed. In this paper, lightning discharge experiments of wind turbine blades are carried out to study the lightning protection effects of tip, side, and metal mesh receptors. The lightning discharge processes of wind turbine blades with different receptors are observed and the lightning protection failure rates are recorded. Electric field simulations have been done to analyze the lightning discharge mechanism and discuss the lightning protection optimization methods of wind turbine blades, which can give references for the lightning protection design of wind power generation system.