Three Core Technical Systems and Engineering Application of Regional Lightning Protection

Regional lightning protection is a complete theoretical system,mainly including:lightning interception technology(LIPT),lightning strong electromagnetic pulse high-energy absorption technology(MSPD),and regional lightning activity law analysis technology(RLLA).Lightning interception technology uses dispersive waveguide resonant cavity technology to achieve the functions of 46.55 m longer than upward leader of ordinary lightning rod,significantly reducing lightning strike point current by 40%,optimizing space electromagnetic field environment,and effectively intercepting overhead and side lightning strikes,and overcome the limitations of traditional lightning rod.The lightning strong electromagnetic pulse high-energy absorption technology uses distributed parameter balance technology,special disconnector for short circuit current,and parity pairing technology to achieve stronger surge absorption capacity than traditional single pulse SPD and international advanced technical indicators such as timely breaking under power frequency short circuit current,and good energy and time coordination.The analysis technology of regional lightning activity laws accurately identifies lightning strike points through comprehensive analysis of regional lightning activity laws,physical parameters of ion clouds,and the impact on ground electric fields.The three core technology systems complement each other,achieving all-round protection against direct lightning strike and lightning electromagnetic pulse.Several projects achieved zero lightning damage,effectively ensuring the safety of buildings and electronic and electrical equipment in the protected area.

Distribution Characteristics and Shielding Effects of Ion Clouds

The latest research shows that the ions generated by the corona discharge of lightning rod have dual functions of attracting and shielding lightning discharge. After the lightning rod is installed at a certain height on the ground,the lightning rod tip reaches the corona threshold to ionize the surrounding air and generate positive and negative ions under the action of the electric field at the end of the lightning downward leader. Constrained by Coulomb’s Law,its positive ions( opposite charges attract each other) form an upward leader( streamer),which moves towards the end of the lightning downward leader and is connected to the downward leader,establishing a discharge channel to attract lightning to the needle tip and discharge the current to the ground,and playing a role in attracting lightning. Its negative ions are repelled by the electric field at the end of the lightning downward leader( repelled by isotropic charges) and influenced by the wind,and diffuse in the downwind area to form an ion cloud,inhibiting the growth of corona at the tip of ground objects,and playing a role in shielding lightning. In this paper,Franklin’s understanding of the role of lightning rod and Yang Shaojie’s new definition of the working principle of lightning rod are briefly introduced. The formation mechanism,distribution characteristics,shielding effect,and impact on lightning strike point distribution of ion clouds are analyzed. Additionally,the important role of shielding effects of ion clouds in regional lightning protection is introduced,which provides a theoretical basis for the correct understanding and use of lightning rod.