Method and device for testing electric field detection sensitivity of lightning locator

Abstract

The invention discloses a lightning locator electric field detection sensitivity test method and device, and relates to the technical field of lightning monitoring, the test method is realized by a lightning locator test system, and the method comprises the following steps: firstly, reading local noise and sensitivity identification of a tested lightning locator; setting pulse amplitude, frequency and quantity required by testing; then the test system host generates, modulates and amplifies a corresponding test pulse waveform, and converts the test pulse waveform into a high-voltage pulse signal to drive a cloud plate electric field generation device so as to simulate a lightning electric field environment; and finally, comparing the high-voltage pulse signal with electric field waveform data actually acquired by the lightning locator to be detected, and judging whether the sensitivity of the lightning locator is qualified or not according to whether waveforms are consistent or not. According to the invention, randomness and uncontrollability of natural lightning are overcome, an automatic and standardized solution is provided for sensitivity detection of the lightning locator, and accuracy and reliability of lightning monitoring data are effectively guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of lightning monitoring technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for testing the electric field detection sensitivity of a lightning locator. Background Technology

[0002] Lightning is a powerful natural discharge phenomenon that poses a serious threat to aviation, power, communications, and national defense. Lightning locators, as key equipment for lightning monitoring and early warning, can acquire parameters such as the time, direction, and intensity of lightning strikes in real time. The accuracy of this data is crucial for lightning protection and disaster reduction.

[0003] However, due to the randomness and uncontrollability of lightning occurrence, detecting the sensitivity of lightning locators has always been an international challenge. Currently, my country lacks unified technical specifications for the testing and calibration of lightning locators, and also lacks third-party testing institutions. Each manufacturer sets its own performance parameters, and performance changes after long-term use cannot be calibrated, severely affecting the reliability of monitoring data. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method and device that can automatically and accurately detect the electric field detection sensitivity of lightning locators. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings of existing lightning locators, such as the inability to accurately calibrate and evaluate their detection sensitivity due to the uncontrollable nature of lightning phenomena and the lack of a unified standard testing method, this invention proposes a method and device for testing the electric field detection sensitivity of lightning locators.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution, including: A method for testing the electric field detection sensitivity of a lightning locator is implemented using a lightning locator testing system, which includes: a cloud plate electric field generator and a testing system host. The testing method includes: S1: Read the electric field noise amplitude and sensitivity identification data of the lightning locator under test in the absence of lightning electric field pulses; S2: Set test requirements based on electric field noise amplitude and sensitivity identification data of the lightning locator under test. Test requirements include measuring pulse amplitude, measuring pulse frequency and measuring pulse number. S3: Generate the corresponding test pulse waveform according to the test requirements, and convert the test pulse waveform into a high-voltage pulse signal after modulation and amplification; S4: The cloud plate electric field generator simulates the lightning electric field environment based on the high-voltage pulse signal, and the lightning locator under test acquires the electric field waveform data; S5: Compare the high-voltage pulse signal with the electric field waveform data to determine whether the lightning locator has correctly acquired the test electric field pulse waveform emitted by the cloud plate electric field generator; if yes, the sensitivity of the lightning locator under test is qualified; if no, the sensitivity of the lightning locator under test is unqualified.

[0006] Preferably, the host of the test system includes a main control module, a measurement control module, a pulse transmitting device, a data interaction module, a waveform identification module, a display driver module, and an operable touch screen module; The main control module controls the test process and processes data; the measurement control module generates test pulse waveforms according to the test instructions from the main control module; the pulse transmitting device modulates and amplifies the test pulse waveforms and converts them into high-voltage pulse signals; the cloud plate electric field generator receives high-voltage pulse signals and simulates a lightning electric field environment; the data interaction module communicates with the lightning locator to obtain electric field noise amplitude and electric field waveform data; the waveform identification module compares the high-voltage pulse signal sent by the pulse transmitting device with the electric field waveform data collected by the lightning locator; and the display driver module and operable touch screen are used for human-machine interaction and test requirement settings.

[0007] Preferably, the measurement control module includes an FPGA, a DAC output module, and an Ethernet module; the Ethernet module is used to receive measurement commands from the main control module, the FPGA module generates test pulse waveforms of different amplitudes required for the test according to the test commands, and the DAC output module converts the test pulse waveforms from digital signals to analog signals and outputs them to the pulse transmitting device.

[0008] Preferably, the pulse transmitting device includes a signal amplification module and a high-voltage generator. The signal amplification module modulates and amplifies the received test pulse waveform, and the high-voltage generator generates a corresponding high-voltage pulse signal based on the amplified test pulse waveform and transmits the high-voltage pulse signal to the cloud plate electric field generator.

[0009] Preferably, during the test, several electric field pulse test points are set up. At each electric field pulse test point, it is determined whether the electric field waveform data detected by the lightning locator is consistent with the high-voltage pulse signal. If they are consistent, the test proceeds to the next electric field pulse test point. If the pulse waveform at any electric field pulse test point is inconsistent, it proves that the sensitivity of the lightning locator under test is unqualified. If the test waveforms at all electric field pulse test points are consistent, it proves that the sensitivity of the lightning locator under test is qualified.

[0010] A lightning locator electric field detection sensitivity testing device is applied to a lightning locator electric field detection sensitivity testing method, comprising: a test system host, a cloud-based electric field generator, a lightning locator, and a grounding plate; the lightning locator includes a lightning locator antenna and a lightning locator host; the lightning locator is placed between the cloud-based electric field generator and the grounding plate; the lightning locator antenna is mounted above the lightning locator host via a support rod; after detecting the electric field signal, the lightning locator antenna transmits it to the test system host via the lightning locator host; the test system host is connected to the cloud-based electric field generator.

[0011] Preferably, the test system host is placed in a dark room.

[0012] A readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed, implements a method for testing the sensitivity of electric field detection of a lightning locator.

[0013] An electronic device includes a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements a method for testing the electric field detection sensitivity of a lightning locator.

[0014] The advantages of this invention are: (1) This invention uses a closed-loop detection method that generates standardized test pulses by the “test system host” and drives the “cloud plate electric field generator” to simulate the real lightning electric field environment. Then, it compares the consistency between the transmitted signal and the waveform collected by the “lightning locator under test” to determine its performance. This method transforms uncontrollable and randomly occurring natural lightning into a controllable, repeatable, and quantifiable standard test signal in the laboratory. This achieves objective, accurate, and automated detection of the electric field detection sensitivity of the lightning locator, fundamentally solving the long-standing international problem of performance evaluation difficulty and poor data reliability caused by the lack of effective calibration methods.

[0015] (2) By using a “cloud plate electric field generating device” to simulate a controllable lightning electric field environment, this invention overcomes the traditional dilemma of random and uncontrollable lightning phenomena and realizes quantitative and repeatable accurate testing of the sensitivity of lightning locator under laboratory conditions.

[0016] (3) This invention achieves fully automated operation from parameter setting, pulse generation to result interpretation through an integrated test system host and a preset automated test process, reducing human error and laying a solid foundation for establishing a unified test calibration technical specification.

[0017] (4) By introducing a “waveform identification module”, the present invention accurately compares the transmitted high-voltage pulse signal with the waveform data collected by the positioning instrument, providing an objective and quantitative basis for sensitivity determination, and effectively solving the problem of unreliable data caused by the manufacturer’s self-defined parameters.

[0018] (5) The present invention enables the performance calibration of long-term lightning locators through the application of the device and method, ensuring the long-term stability and accuracy of lightning monitoring network data, which is of great significance for lightning protection and disaster reduction in key fields such as aviation, power, and national defense.

[0019] (6) By integrating analog signal generation, signal acquisition and data comparison, this invention constructs a complete test closed loop, which can comprehensively and systematically evaluate the detection performance of the lightning locator.

[0020] (7) The present invention sets up multiple electric field pulse test points with different amplitudes, frequencies and numbers through the measurement and control module, which can fully verify the detection sensitivity of the lightning locator under various complex conditions and ensure the comprehensiveness of the test. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the method steps of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a system structure diagram of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation of the device of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 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.

[0023] Lightning locators are a new type of detection device used for lightning monitoring and early warning. A lightning locator network, typically composed of three or more locators, can automatically, continuously, and in real-time monitor the time, direction, intensity, polarity, and other characteristic parameters of lightning events. The long-term accumulation of lightning location data can change the situation of manual lightning observation and the lack of quantitative observations such as lightning density distribution. Analyzing and studying lightning location data can further deepen our understanding of lightning mechanisms. Lightning location data is also an important basis for lightning disaster risk assessment, lightning disaster accident identification, and lightning protection engineering design. Lightning location data has become an indispensable and crucial resource for modern lightning protection and disaster reduction work.

[0024] Example 1

[0025] like Figures 1-2 As shown, this invention proposes a method for testing the electric field detection sensitivity of a lightning locator, which is implemented using a lightning locator testing system. The lightning locator testing system includes: a cloud plate electric field generating device and a testing system host. The testing system host includes a main control module, a measurement control module, a pulse transmitting device, a data interaction module, a waveform identification module, a display driving module, and an operable touch screen module. The main control module is used to control the testing process and process data; The measurement and control module is used to generate test pulse waveforms according to the test instructions from the main control module; A pulse transmitting device is used to modulate and amplify the test pulse waveform and convert it into a high-voltage pulse signal; The cloud plate electric field generator is used to receive high-voltage pulse signals and simulate lightning electric field environment; The data interaction module is used to communicate with the lightning locator to obtain electric field noise amplitude and electric field waveform data; The waveform identification module is used to compare the high-voltage pulse signal sent by the pulse transmitter with the electric field waveform data collected by the lightning locator. The display driver module and the operable touchscreen are used for human-computer interaction and parameter setting.

[0026] The testing method includes: S1: The main control module reads the electric field noise amplitude of the lightning locator under test in the absence of lightning electric field pulses through the data interaction module, and displays it through the display driver module; S2: The tester sets the test requirements based on the electric field noise amplitude and the sensitivity indicator of the lightning locator under test through an operable touch screen. The test requirements include the measurement pulse amplitude, the measurement pulse frequency, and the measurement pulse number.

[0027] S3: The main control module sends test commands to the measurement control module according to the test requirements. The measurement control module generates corresponding test pulse waveforms according to the test commands. After the pulse transmitting device modulates and amplifies the test pulse waveforms, it converts them into high-voltage pulse signals and sends them to the cloud plate electric field generator. S4: The cloud plate electric field generator simulates the lightning electric field environment based on the high-voltage pulse signal. The lightning locator acquires the electric field waveform data and sends it to the data interaction module. The data interaction module transmits the electric field waveform data back to the main control module. The main control module transmits the electric field waveform data to the waveform identification module. S5: The waveform identification module compares the high-voltage pulse signal emitted by the pulse transmitter with the electric field waveform data received by the lightning locator to determine whether the lightning locator has correctly acquired the test electric field pulse waveform emitted by the cloud plate electric field generator, thereby determining whether the sensitivity of the lightning locator is qualified.

[0028] Several electric field pulse test points are set up. At each electric field pulse test point, the main control module uses the waveform discrimination module to determine whether the electric field waveform data detected by the lightning locator is consistent with the high-voltage pulse signal sent. If they are consistent, the test proceeds to the next electric field pulse test point. If the pulse waveform of any electric field pulse test point is inconsistent, it proves that the sensitivity of the lightning locator under test is unqualified. If the test waveforms of all electric field pulse test points are consistent, it proves that the sensitivity of the lightning locator under test is qualified.

[0029] The main control module consists of an ARM processor and an embedded operating system. Testers can set test parameters via an operable touchscreen. The main control module reads the electric field noise amplitude of the lightning locator through the data interaction module as the basis for setting the initial test amplitude.

[0030] The measurement and control module consists of an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), a DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) output module, and an Ethernet module. The Ethernet module receives measurement commands from the main control module. The FPGA module generates test pulse waveforms of different amplitudes required for the test based on the test commands. The DAC output module converts the test pulse waveforms from digital signals to analog signals and outputs them to the pulse transmitting device. The pulse transmitting device mainly includes a signal amplification module and a high voltage generator. The signal amplification module modulates and amplifies the received test pulse waveform. The high voltage generator generates a corresponding high voltage pulse signal based on the amplified test pulse waveform and transmits the high voltage pulse signal to the cloud plate electric field generator. The cloud plate electric field generator simulates the electric field pulse signal generated when lightning occurs. The lightning locator under test is placed inside the cloud plate electric field measuring device.

[0031] The data interaction module is used for data communication with the lightning locator under test. Before the test, it reads the electric field noise amplitude of the lightning locator under test in the absence of lightning electric field pulses and sends the electric field noise amplitude to the main control module. During the test, it reads the electric field waveform data collected by the lightning locator and sends the electric field waveform data to the main control module.

[0032] The waveform identification module compares the electric field waveform data collected by the lightning locator under test with the high-voltage pulse signal generated by the pulse transmitter to determine whether the waveforms are consistent, and sends the judgment result to the main control module.

[0033] Example 2

[0034] This invention proposes a lightning locator electric field detection sensitivity testing device, comprising a test system host 1, a cloud-plate electric field generator 2, a lightning locator, and a grounding plate 4. The lightning locator includes a lightning locator antenna 3 and a lightning locator host 5. The lightning locator is placed between the cloud-plate electric field generator 2 and the grounding plate 4. The lightning locator antenna 3 is mounted above the lightning locator host 5 via a support rod. After detecting the electric field signal, the lightning locator antenna transmits it to the test system host via the lightning locator host. The test system host is connected to the cloud-plate electric field generator. The test system host is placed in an anechoic chamber to shield against external electromagnetic field interference.

[0035] A schematic diagram of the device of the present invention is shown below. Figure 3 As shown.

[0036] Example 3

[0037] A readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed, implements a method for testing the sensitivity of electric field detection of a lightning locator.

[0038] Example 4

[0039] An electronic device includes a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements a method for testing the electric field detection sensitivity of a lightning locator.

[0040] Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, but also includes the same or similar structures that can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0041] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0042] The technologies, shapes, and structures not described in detail in this invention are all known technologies.

Claims

1. A method for testing the sensitivity of electric field detection in a lightning locator, characterized in that, The lightning locator testing system is used, which includes: a cloud plate electric field generator and a main unit of the testing system. The testing method includes: S1: Read the electric field noise amplitude and sensitivity identification data of the lightning locator under test in the absence of lightning electric field pulses; S2: Set test requirements based on electric field noise amplitude and sensitivity identification data of the lightning locator under test. Test requirements include measuring pulse amplitude, measuring pulse frequency and measuring pulse number. S3: Generate the corresponding test pulse waveform according to the test requirements, and convert the test pulse waveform into a high-voltage pulse signal after modulation and amplification; S4: The cloud plate electric field generator simulates the lightning electric field environment based on the high-voltage pulse signal, and the lightning locator under test acquires the electric field waveform data; S5: Compare the high-voltage pulse signal with the electric field waveform data to determine whether the lightning locator has correctly acquired the test electric field pulse waveform emitted by the cloud plate electric field generator; if yes, the sensitivity of the lightning locator under test is qualified; if no, the sensitivity of the lightning locator under test is unqualified.

2. The method for testing the electric field detection sensitivity of a lightning locator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main unit of the test system includes a main control module, a measurement control module, a pulse transmitting device, a data interaction module, a waveform identification module, a display driver module, and an operable touch screen module; The main control module is used to control the testing process and process data; The measurement and control module is used to generate test pulse waveforms according to the test instructions from the main control module; A pulse transmitting device is used to modulate and amplify the test pulse waveform and convert it into a high-voltage pulse signal; The cloud plate electric field generator is used to receive high-voltage pulse signals and simulate lightning electric field environment; The data interaction module is used to communicate with the lightning locator to obtain electric field noise amplitude and electric field waveform data; The waveform identification module is used to compare the high-voltage pulse signal sent by the pulse transmitter with the electric field waveform data collected by the lightning locator. The display driver module and operable touchscreen are used for human-computer interaction and test requirement settings.

3. The method for testing the electric field detection sensitivity of a lightning locator as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The measurement and control module includes an FPGA, a DAC output module, and an Ethernet module. The Ethernet module is used to receive measurement commands from the main control module. The FPGA module generates test pulse waveforms of different amplitudes required for the test according to the test commands. The DAC output module converts the test pulse waveforms from digital signals to analog signals and outputs them to the pulse transmitting device.

4. The method for testing the electric field detection sensitivity of a lightning locator as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The pulse transmitting device includes a signal amplification module and a high voltage generator. The signal amplification module modulates and amplifies the received test pulse waveform, and the high voltage generator generates a corresponding high voltage pulse signal based on the amplified test pulse waveform and transmits the high voltage pulse signal to the cloud plate electric field generator.

5. The method for testing the electric field detection sensitivity of a lightning locator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, During the test, several electric field pulse test points were set up. At each electric field pulse test point, it was determined whether the electric field waveform data detected by the lightning locator was consistent with the high voltage pulse signal. If the test continues at the next electric field pulse test point, and the pulse waveform at any electric field pulse test point is inconsistent, it proves that the sensitivity of the lightning locator under test is unqualified. If the test waveforms at all electric field pulse test points are consistent, it proves that the sensitivity of the lightning locator under test is qualified.

6. A lightning locator electric field detection sensitivity testing device, characterized in that, The method for testing the electric field detection sensitivity of a lightning locator as described in any one of claims 1-5 includes: a test system host, a cloud-based electric field generator, a lightning locator, and a grounding plate; the lightning locator includes a lightning locator antenna and a lightning locator host; the lightning locator is placed between the cloud-based electric field generator and the grounding plate; the lightning locator antenna is mounted above the lightning locator host via a support rod; after detecting the electric field signal, the lightning locator antenna transmits it to the test system host via the lightning locator host; the test system host is connected to the cloud-based electric field generator.

7. The lightning locator electric field detection sensitivity testing device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The test system host was placed in a dark room.

8. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores a computer program, which, when executed, implements the electric field detection sensitivity test method for a lightning locator according to any one of claims 1-5.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the electric field detection sensitivity test method for a lightning locator as described in any one of claims 1-5.

Images