Method and system for lightning protection and lightning energy collection

By designing a system that combines lightning protection and lightning energy harvesting, the problem of unutilized lightning energy in existing technologies has been solved, achieving efficient conversion and storage of lightning energy, and improving energy utilization efficiency and lightning protection effect.

CN121546522APending Publication Date: 2026-02-17HUANENG YICHUN THERMAL POWER CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511659177.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-11-13
Publication Date
2026-02-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing lightning protection devices only conduct lightning to the ground, failing to effectively utilize the enormous energy it contains, resulting in energy waste.

Method used

The system is designed to combine lightning protection and lightning energy harvesting. It includes a lightning protection module, an energy conversion device, and an energy storage module. The lightning energy is converted into usable electrical energy through lightning interception, voltage reduction, rectification, and storage, and excess energy is safely discharged through a grounding system.

Benefits of technology

It achieves efficient collection and utilization of lightning energy, improves energy utilization efficiency, and ensures lightning protection effectiveness during faults, protecting the safety of the protected objects.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of thunder and lightning protection and utilization, in particular to a method and system with functions of lightning protection and thunder and lightning energy collection. The system comprises a lightning protection module arranged above a protected object and used for attracting thunder and lightning to realize lightning receiving; the lightning protection module is connected with the energy conversion device through a down lead, and the energy conversion device is used for reducing voltage and rectifying lightning current, converting the lightning current into direct current and outputting the direct current; the energy conversion device is connected with the energy storage module, the direct current converted by the energy conversion device is output to the energy storage module, and the energy storage module is used for storing the direct current; and the energy conversion device and the energy storage module are both connected with a grounding system and are used for introducing redundant lightning current into the ground. Through innovative design of links of lightning, conduction, conversion, storage and the like, lightning energy is successfully collected and converted into available electric energy, effective utilization of natural energy is realized, and a new way is provided for energy supply.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of lightning protection and utilization technology, and in particular to a method and system that combines lightning protection and lightning energy harvesting. Background Technology

[0002] With the continued growth of global energy demand and increasing focus on the development and utilization of renewable energy, people have been exploring various new energy harvesting methods. Lightning, as a powerful natural energy source, contains enormous electrical energy; a single lightning discharge can generate up to 10... 8 Up to 10 9 The energy of lightning is 100 joules, but due to its instantaneous release, high voltage, large current, and randomness, the effective collection and utilization of lightning energy still faces many challenges.

[0003] Traditional lightning protection devices simply direct lightning into the ground to achieve standardized protection for buildings and power facilities. However, the core logic of existing lightning protection technology is always limited to "safe discharge," that is, avoiding disasters by directing lightning current into the ground. This fails to effectively utilize the enormous energy contained in lightning, resulting in energy waste.

[0004] Therefore, in order to promote the diversification of renewable energy and improve energy utilization efficiency, there is an urgent need for a method that can achieve efficient energy harvesting while providing lightning protection. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method that combines lightning protection and lightning energy harvesting, which can solve the technical problems in the background art.

[0006] This invention provides a system that combines lightning protection and lightning energy harvesting, comprising: A lightning protection module installed above the protected object is used to attract lightning and achieve lightning protection. The lightning protection module is connected to the energy conversion device via a down conductor. The energy conversion device is used to step down and rectify the lightning current, and output the lightning current as direct current. The energy conversion device is connected to the energy storage module. The DC power converted by the energy conversion device is output to the energy storage module, which is used to store the DC power. Both the energy conversion device and the energy storage module are connected to the grounding system to divert excess lightning current to the ground.

[0007] Preferably, the lightning protection module is an air receiver, and the top of the air receiver is provided with several pointed structures.

[0008] Preferably, the down conductor is made of a low-resistance, high-strength superconducting material.

[0009] Preferably, the energy conversion device includes a step-down transformer and a rectifier circuit. The step-down transformer is used to step down the high-voltage lightning current and convert it into a low-voltage lightning current. The low-voltage lightning current is converted from AC to DC by the rectifier circuit.

[0010] Preferably, the energy conversion device is further provided with an intelligent control module, which is connected to the step-down transformer and the rectifier circuit. The intelligent control module is used to control the operating parameters of the step-down transformer and the rectifier circuit.

[0011] Preferably, the energy storage module includes a supercapacitor bank and a battery energy storage component. The supercapacitor bank is connected to the battery energy storage component and is used to receive DC power converted by the energy conversion device. When the electrical energy stored in the supercapacitor bank reaches a threshold, the electrical energy in the supercapacitor bank is transferred to the battery energy storage component for long-term storage.

[0012] Preferably, the battery energy storage component may be a lithium-ion battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a vanadium redox flow battery.

[0013] Preferably, the grounding system is located underground, and the grounding system is connected to the energy conversion device and the energy storage module through a grounding wire.

[0014] Preferably, the grounding system uses a copper plate or graphite grounding electrode.

[0015] This invention also provides a method that combines lightning protection and lightning energy harvesting, comprising the following steps: S1. Attracts lightning above the object protected by the lightning protection module to achieve lightning interception; S2. The down conductor stably transmits the lightning current attracted by the lightning protection module to the energy conversion device; S3. The energy conversion device reduces and rectifies the lightning current, converting it into direct current for output. S4. The converted DC power is output to the energy storage module, which stores the DC power. During energy conversion and storage, the grounding system is used to divert excess lightning current to the earth.

[0016] Beneficial effects: This invention, through innovative design of lightning, conduction, conversion and storage processes, successfully collects and converts lightning energy into usable electrical energy, realizing the effective use of natural energy, providing a new way for energy supply, and has significant economic and environmental benefits.

[0017] While collecting lightning energy, the invention's sophisticated grounding system and redundant design ensure that even if the energy collection device malfunctions, lightning can still be reliably introduced into the ground. Compared with traditional lightning protection devices, the lightning protection effect is more reliable and the protection of the protected object is more comprehensive. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system that combines lightning protection and lightning energy harvesting, provided for one or more embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a scenario for a method that combines lightning protection and lightning energy harvesting, provided for one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1-Lightning arrester, 2-Down conductor, 3-Energy conversion device, 301-Step-down transformer, 302-Rectifier circuit, 303-Intelligent control module, 4-Energy storage module, 401-Supercapacitor bank, 402-Battery energy storage component, 5-Grounding wire, 6-Grounding system. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0023] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. Furthermore, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly; for example, they may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they may refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they may refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they may refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] Example 1 A system that combines lightning protection and lightning energy harvesting, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes: The lightning protection module is installed above the protected object to attract lightning and achieve lightning interception. The lightning protection module adopts lightning arrester 1, which has several pointed structures at the top to enhance the lightning attraction effect. Lightning is attracted by lightning arrester 1, so that the lightning will hit lightning arrester 1 first.

[0025] The lightning protection module is connected to the energy conversion device 3 via the down conductor 2. The down conductor 2 is made of a low-resistance, high-strength superconducting material. The down conductor 2 can quickly and stably conduct the lightning current to the energy conversion device 3, while avoiding excessive energy loss during the conduction process.

[0026] The energy conversion device 3 is used to step down and rectify the lightning current, converting it into DC power for output. The energy conversion device 3 is equipped with a step-down transformer 301 and a rectifier circuit 302. The step-down transformer 301 is used to step down the high-voltage lightning current and convert it into a low-voltage lightning current for easy subsequent processing. The low-voltage lightning current is converted from AC power to DC power by the rectifier circuit 302 for easy subsequent storage and utilization.

[0027] The energy conversion device 3 is also equipped with an intelligent control module 303. The intelligent control module 303 is connected to the step-down transformer 301 and the rectifier circuit 302. The intelligent control module 303 is used to control the operating parameters of the step-down transformer 301 and the rectifier circuit 302.

[0028] At the connection point between the down conductor 2 and the energy conversion device 3, a Rogowski coil current sensor is installed. The current sensor is used to detect the magnitude of the lightning current. The intelligent control module 303 is connected to the current sensor and adjusts the turns ratio of the step-down transformer 301 and the operating parameters of the rectifier circuit 302 according to the detection results of the current sensor to improve the conversion efficiency. Energy conversion device 3 is connected to energy storage module 4. The DC power converted by energy conversion device 3 is output to energy storage module 4, which stores the DC power. Energy storage module 4 includes a supercapacitor bank 401 and a battery energy storage component 402. The supercapacitor bank 401 is connected to the battery energy storage component 402. Supercapacitors have advantages such as fast charging and discharging speed and long lifespan, enabling them to store large amounts of electrical energy in a short time. Supercapacitor bank 401 receives the DC power converted by energy conversion device 3. When the stored electrical energy in supercapacitor bank 401 reaches a threshold, the electrical energy in supercapacitor bank 401 is transferred to battery energy storage component 402 for long-term storage. Battery energy storage component 402 can use lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, or vanadium redox flow batteries. Energy storage module 4 is equipped with an intelligent management system, which is connected to supercapacitor bank 401 and battery energy storage component 402, and is used to control the electrical energy storage and transmission of supercapacitor bank 401 and battery energy storage component 402.

[0029] Both the energy conversion device 3 and the energy storage module 4 are connected to the grounding system 6 to conduct excess lightning current into the earth. The grounding system 6 uses a copper plate or graphite grounding electrode. The grounding system 6 is located underground and connects the energy conversion device 3 and the energy storage module 4 through the grounding wire 5. If the energy conversion device 3 or the energy storage module 4 malfunctions or the lightning current is too large to handle, the excess lightning current will be quickly and safely conducted into the earth through the grounding system 6, ensuring the safety of the protected object and realizing the lightning protection function.

[0030] Device installation method 1. Installation of Lightning Arrester 1: Determine the installation location and height of Lightning Arrester 1 based on the height of the protected object and the surrounding environment. Securely install the multi-pointed lightning arrester 1 on the top of the building or at the highest point of the equipment to ensure it can effectively attract lightning. 2. Laying of down conductor 2: Along the exterior wall of the building or equipment, the down conductor 2, made of superconducting material, is laid vertically using a fixing device. The down conductor 2 is connected to the lightning arrester 1 by welding to ensure a firm connection and good conductivity. Shielding measures are installed at the connection point between the down conductor 2 and the energy conversion device 3 to prevent external electromagnetic interference from affecting the energy conversion process. 3. Energy Conversion Device 3 Commissioning: Before installing the energy conversion device 3, a comprehensive commissioning process is performed on the step-down transformer 301, rectifier circuit 302, and intelligent control module 303. Based on the expected lightning current parameters, the turns ratio of the step-down transformer 301 and the operating parameters of the rectifier circuit 302 are set. A learning model is established within the intelligent control module 303 to ensure that it can automatically adjust the conversion parameters according to real-time changes in the lightning current. 4. Energy Storage System Construction: The supercapacitor bank 401 and battery energy storage component 402 are installed in the energy storage chamber, which has good ventilation, heat dissipation, and fireproofing functions. The supercapacitor bank 401 is combined in series and parallel to meet the requirements of energy storage and output voltage. The supercapacitor bank 401 and battery energy storage component 402 are connected to construct the energy storage system, which is then connected to the energy conversion device 3. 5. Grounding System 6 Construction: A large-area grounding electrode, such as a copper plate or graphite grounding electrode, is buried at a certain depth underground. The grounding electrode is connected to the energy conversion device 3, the energy storage module 4, and the down conductor 2 via grounding wire 5. The grounding resistance is tested to ensure it meets safety standards. The grounding system 6 is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its good conductivity.

[0031] Method Implementation Examples: A method that combines lightning protection and lightning energy harvesting, such as Figure 2 As shown, it includes the following steps: S1. Attracts lightning above the object protected by the lightning protection module to achieve lightning interception; S2. Down conductor 2 stably transmits the lightning current attracted by the lightning protection module to the energy conversion device 3; S3. The energy conversion device 3 steps down and rectifies the lightning current, converting it into direct current for output; S4. The converted DC power is output to the energy storage module 4, which is used to store the DC power. During energy conversion and storage, grounding system 6 is used to introduce excess lightning current into the earth.

[0032] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system that combines lightning protection and lightning energy harvesting, characterized in that, The application relates to a lightning protection module for a protected object. The lightning protection module is connected to an energy conversion device through a down conductor, and the energy conversion device is used for voltage reduction, rectification and conversion of lightning current into direct current. The energy conversion device is connected to an energy storage module, and the direct current converted by the energy conversion device is output to the energy storage module. The energy conversion device and the energy storage module are both connected to a grounding system. The lightning protection module adopts a lightning receptor, and the top end of the lightning receptor is provided with a plurality of pointed structures.

2. The system for lightning protection and lightning energy harvesting of claim 1, wherein, The down conductor is made of low-resistance and high-strength superconducting material.

3. The system for lightning protection and lightning energy harvesting of claim 1, wherein, The energy conversion device is provided with a voltage reduction transformer and a rectification circuit.

4. The system for lightning protection and lightning energy harvesting of claim 1, wherein, The voltage reduction transformer is used for voltage reduction and conversion of high-voltage lightning current into low-voltage lightning current.

5. The system for lightning protection and lightning energy harvesting of claim 4, wherein, The rectification circuit is used for conversion of alternating current into direct current.

6. The system for lightning protection and lightning energy harvesting of claim 1, wherein, The energy conversion device is also provided with an intelligent control module. The intelligent control module is connected to the voltage reduction transformer and the rectification circuit.

7. The system for lightning protection and lightning energy harvesting of claim 7, wherein, The intelligent control module is used for control of working parameters of the voltage reduction transformer and the rectification circuit.

8. The system for lightning protection and lightning energy harvesting of claim 1, wherein, The energy storage module includes a super capacitor group and a battery energy storage assembly.

9. The system for lightning protection and lightning energy harvesting of claim 8, wherein, The super capacitor group is connected to the battery energy storage assembly.

10. A method of lightning protection and lightning energy harvesting, characterized in that, When the stored energy in the super capacitor group reaches a threshold value, the energy in the super capacitor group is transmitted to the battery energy storage assembly for long-term storage. The battery energy storage assembly can be a lithium ion battery, a sodium ion battery or a full vanadium flow battery. The grounding system is located underground. The grounding system is connected to the energy conversion device and the energy storage module through a grounding wire. The grounding system adopts a copper plate or a graphite grounding body. The application also provides a lightning protection method. S1. Lightning is attracted to the top of the lightning protection module for the protected object to realize lightning reception. S2. The down conductor stably transmits the lightning current attracted by the lightning protection module to the energy conversion device. S3. The energy conversion device is used for voltage reduction, rectification and conversion of the lightning current into direct current. S4. The converted direct current is output to the energy storage module. In the energy conversion and storage process, the grounding system is used for introduction of excess lightning current into the ground.