Outdoor passive lightning stroke counter

Abstract

The utility model relates to an outdoor passive lightning stroke counter, which adopts a double-layer shell, an outer layer adopts a non-metal waterproof box with a transparent cover, the waterproof grade reaches more than IP65 protection grade, extreme weather is adapted, an inner layer adopts a metal shielding box, a calendar unit provides dates and time, and the counter is convenient to use. The central processing unit can record the date and time of lightning stroke occurrence, and the communication unit can send the collected lightning stroke data (the number of lightning stroke times and the lightning stroke time) to a background monitoring system or a communication module and an upper computer system, thereby achieving the functions of remote monitoring and background checking. Power is supplied through the internal battery pack, an external power supply is not needed, the maintenance frequency is reduced, and the device is suitable for external lightning protection system downleads, railways, communication base stations and other multi-element scenes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of lightning monitoring technology, specifically to an outdoor passive lightning strike counter. Background Technology

[0002] A lightning strike counter is a specialized device used to monitor, record, and analyze lightning strike events, providing data support and safety assessments for lightning protection systems.

[0003] Currently, outdoor lightning strike counters on the market only have the function of recording the number of lightning strikes. They can only record the number of lightning strikes, but cannot record the time of the lightning strike. They also lack the functions of querying, adding, and deleting lightning strike counts, and cannot provide communication functions. Their functions are limited and cannot meet the needs of different application scenarios. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, it is necessary to provide an outdoor passive lightning strike counter that can record lightning strike time, requires no external power supply, allows for adding and deleting lightning strike data, and has an RS-485 communication system.

[0005] An outdoor passive lightning strike counter includes a housing and a current pulse acquisition circuit, a central processing unit, a display unit, a communication unit, a calendar unit, and a battery unit disposed within the housing. The housing includes an outer non-metallic waterproof box and an inner metal shielding box. The current pulse acquisition circuit is disposed between the non-metallic waterproof box and the metal shielding box. The central processing unit, the display unit, the communication unit, the calendar unit, and the battery unit are all disposed inside the metal shielding box. The non-metallic waterproof box has a transparent cover to facilitate observation of the display content of the display unit.

[0006] Preferably, the current pulse acquisition circuit is located inside the back side wall of the non-metallic waterproof box. The current pulse acquisition circuit includes a lightning current acquisition coil. The lightning current acquisition coil and the lightning discharge line are respectively located on both sides of the bottom plate of the non-metallic waterproof box to acquire the lightning pulse signal on the lightning discharge line.

[0007] Preferably, the lightning discharge line is a grounding conductor, and the lightning discharge line is located on the outer side of the back side wall of the non-metallic waterproof box; the lightning current acquisition coil is located on the inner side of the back side wall of the non-metallic waterproof box, and the lightning current acquisition coil and the lightning discharge line are arranged adjacent to each other through the back side wall of the non-metallic waterproof box.

[0008] Preferably, the current pulse acquisition circuit further includes a varistor, two current-limiting resistors, a full-wave rectifier bridge, and an optocoupler; the lightning current acquisition coil is a flat air-core coil, the varistor is connected in parallel to the lightning current acquisition coil, and the two ends of the lightning current acquisition coil are respectively connected to the input terminal of the full-wave rectifier bridge through one of the current-limiting resistors, the output terminal of the full-wave rectifier bridge is connected to the input terminal of the optocoupler, and the output terminal of the optocoupler is connected to the central processing unit.

[0009] Preferably, the transparent cover is detachably installed on the front of the non-metallic waterproof box, and the metal shielding box is located at the front end of the interior of the non-metallic waterproof box, that is, on the side close to the transparent cover.

[0010] Preferably, the transparent cover has fastening screws at its four corners, which are used to fix the transparent cover to the front of the non-metallic waterproof box.

[0011] Preferably, the central processing unit is electrically connected to the display unit, the communication unit, the calendar unit, and the battery unit. The electronic display screen of the display unit is embedded in the side wall of the metal shielding box to display the number of lightning strikes, date, and time. The communication unit is used to send data to the background monitoring system to realize remote monitoring and background viewing functions. The calendar unit is used to send date and time information to the central processing unit so that the central processing unit can record the specific time of the lightning strike. The battery unit is used to provide power to the various components.

[0012] Preferably, the metal shielding box is provided with multiple function buttons, which are used to set the date and time of the calendar unit, the address code of the communication unit, and to preset, add, and delete the number of lightning strikes.

[0013] Preferably, a waterproof button is provided on the bottom side wall of the non-metallic waterproof box. The waterproof button is a view / reset button, which allows the viewer to view the lightning strike display data and lightning strike history without opening the transparent cover.

[0014] Preferably, the non-metallic waterproof box has at least one back clip on the outer side of the back side wall. The back clip includes a fixed clamp plate and an adjustable screw. The two ends of the fixed clamp plate are connected to the adjustable screw. The fixed clamp plate has an outwardly protruding step for fixing and clamping flat steel or copper bars. The fixed clamp plate has a ridge-shaped protrusion in the center for clamping round steel bars or cables.

[0015] The aforementioned outdoor passive lightning strike counter employs a double-layered casing. The outer layer is a non-metallic waterproof box with a transparent cover, achieving an IP65 or higher waterproof rating to withstand extreme weather. The inner layer is a metal shielded box. The current pulse acquisition circuit is located between the two casings to ensure that the lightning current acquisition coil can generate a lightning pulse signal when current flows through the lightning discharge line. All other functional units are housed within the inner metal shielded box to ensure they are unaffected by lightning current and can operate normally, enabling accurate acquisition and management of lightning strike data. The calendar unit provides the date and time, allowing the central processing unit to record the date and time of lightning strikes. The communication unit can send the acquired lightning strike data (number of strikes, lightning strike time) to the background monitoring system or communication module and host computer system, enabling remote monitoring and background viewing. Powered by an internal battery pack, it eliminates the need for an external power supply, reducing maintenance frequency and making it suitable for diverse scenarios such as external lightning protection system down conductors, railways, and communication base stations. This invention features a simple structure, is easy to implement, has low cost, and is readily available for widespread adoption. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the outdoor passive lightning strike counter according to an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 1 .

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the outdoor passive lightning strike counter according to an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 2 .

[0018] Figure 3 This is a front view of an outdoor passive lightning strike counter according to an embodiment of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a side view of an outdoor passive lightning strike counter according to an embodiment of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a top view of an outdoor passive lightning strike counter according to an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 1 .

[0021] Figure 6 This is a top view of an outdoor passive lightning strike counter according to an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 2 .

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the lightning current acquisition coil of the outdoor passive lightning strike counter according to an embodiment of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0024] Please see Figures 1 to 6 An outdoor passive lightning strike counter 100 is shown, comprising a housing and a current pulse acquisition circuit 30, a central processing unit 40, a display unit 50, a communication unit 60, a calendar unit 80, and a battery unit 70 disposed within the housing. The housing includes an outer non-metallic waterproof box 10 and an inner metallic shielding box 20. The current pulse acquisition circuit 30 is disposed between the non-metallic waterproof box 10 and the metallic shielding box 20. The central processing unit 40, the display unit 50, the communication unit 60, the calendar unit 80, and the battery unit 70 are all disposed inside the metallic shielding box 20. The non-metallic waterproof box 10 has a transparent cover 11 to facilitate observation of the display content of the display unit 50.

[0025] Preferably, the current pulse acquisition circuit 30 is located inside the back side wall of the non-metallic waterproof box 10. The current pulse acquisition circuit 30 includes a lightning current acquisition coil 31. The lightning current acquisition coil 31 and the lightning discharge line are respectively located on both sides of the bottom plate of the non-metallic waterproof box 10 to acquire the lightning pulse signal on the lightning discharge line.

[0026] Preferably, the lightning discharge line is a grounding conductor, and the lightning discharge line is located on the outer side of the back sidewall of the non-metallic waterproof box 10; the lightning current acquisition coil 31 is located on the inner side of the back sidewall of the non-metallic waterproof box 10, and the lightning current acquisition coil 31 and the lightning discharge line are arranged adjacent to each other through the back sidewall of the non-metallic waterproof box 10.

[0027] Specifically, when the peak current of the lightning discharge line passes through, the magnetic flux of the lightning discharge line changes, causing the lightning current acquisition coil 31 to generate an induced electromotive force, thereby generating eddy currents on the lightning current acquisition coil 31 and generating a lightning pulse signal.

[0028] Preferably, the current pulse acquisition circuit 30 further includes a varistor, two current-limiting resistors, a full-wave rectifier bridge, and an optocoupler; the lightning current acquisition coil 31 adopts a flat air-core coil, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the lightning current acquisition coil 31 is connected in parallel with the varistor, and the two ends of the lightning current acquisition coil 31 are respectively connected to the input terminal of the full-wave rectifier bridge through a current-limiting resistor. The output terminal of the full-wave rectifier bridge is connected to the input terminal of the optocoupler, and the output terminal of the optocoupler is connected to the central processing unit 40.

[0029] Specifically, the input end of the optocoupler is the light-emitting diode side, and the output end is the photoresistor side. The optocoupler sends the collected lightning pulse signal to the central processing unit 40.

[0030] Preferably, the transparent cover 11 is detachably installed on the front of the non-metallic waterproof box 10, and the metal shielding box 20 is located at the front end of the interior of the non-metallic waterproof box 10, that is, on the side close to the transparent cover 11.

[0031] Specifically, the metal shielding box 20 is fixedly installed inside the non-metallic waterproof box 10 and located at the front end of the non-metallic waterproof box 10. All electronic components, circuits, devices, and assemblies except the current pulse acquisition circuit 30 are integrated inside the metal shielding box 20 to prevent the powerful electromagnetic wave radiation accompanying the strong lightning current from causing the precision IC components inside the counter to malfunction or be damaged under electromagnetic interference.

[0032] Preferably, the transparent cover 11 is provided with fastening screws 13 at its four corners, and the fastening screws 13 are used to fix the transparent cover 11 to the front of the non-metallic waterproof box 10.

[0033] Specifically, the transparent cover 11 has a detachable structure, and the function buttons 21 of the central processing unit 40 are located on the metal shielding box 20, inside the non-metallic waterproof box 10, which provides good protection for the various functional components inside the metal shielding box 20.

[0034] Specifically, the non-metallic waterproof box 10 has an open opening. After the current pulse acquisition circuit 30 and the metal shielding box 20 are installed, the transparent cover 11 is placed over the opening of the non-metallic waterproof box 10.

[0035] Preferably, the central processing unit 40 is electrically connected to the display unit 50, the communication unit 60, the calendar unit 80, and the battery unit 70. The electronic display screen 51 of the display unit 50 is embedded in the side wall of the metal shielding box 20 to display the number of lightning strikes, date, and time. The communication unit 60 is used to send data to the background monitoring system to realize remote monitoring and background viewing functions. The calendar unit 80 is used to send date and time information to the central processing unit 40 so that the central processing unit 40 can record the specific time of the lightning strike. The battery unit 70 is used to provide power to the various components.

[0036] Specifically, the battery unit 70 is powered by a 3.6V ER14505 battery, so that the lightning strike counter does not require an external power supply, thus avoiding the introduction of lightning current into the lightning strike counter by an external power supply, which could cause damage from lightning strikes.

[0037] Preferably, the metal shielding box 20 is provided with a plurality of function buttons 21, which are used to set the date and time of the calendar unit 80, the address code of the communication unit 60, and to preset, add, or delete the number of lightning strikes.

[0038] Preferably, a waterproof button 12 is provided on the bottom side wall of the non-metallic waterproof box 10. The waterproof button 12 is a view / reset button, which allows the viewer to view the lightning strike display data and lightning strike history without opening the transparent cover 11.

[0039] Specifically, the bottom sidewall of the non-metallic waterproof box 10 is also provided with the output port 61 of the communication unit 60. The output port 61 of the communication unit 60 adopts a waterproof PG connector or a waterproof aviation connector. In this embodiment, the communication unit 60 adopts an RS-485 communication module, which transmits the lightning strike data (number of lightning strikes, lightning strike time) collected by the lightning strike counter to the background monitoring system or communication module and host computer system through the RS-485 communication line, realizing remote monitoring and background viewing functions, and achieving intelligent monitoring.

[0040] Preferably, at least one back clip 90 is provided on the outer side of the back side wall of the non-metallic waterproof box 10. The back clip 90 includes a fixed clamping plate 91 and an adjustable screw 92. Both ends of the fixed clamping plate 91 are connected to the adjustable screw 92. The fixed clamping plate 91 has an outwardly protruding step, which is used to fix and clamp flat steel or copper bars. The fixed clamping plate 91 has a ridge-shaped protruding ridge in the center for clamping round steel bars or cables.

[0041] Specifically, the back clip 90 is used to fix the lightning strike counter on a circular or flat copper busbar.

[0042] Compared to traditional lightning strike counters, this lightning strike counter simultaneously meets the requirements of outdoor use (meeting IP65 waterproof rating), is passive (internal power supply, no external power required), and features functions such as displaying the number of lightning strikes, displaying the time of each strike, querying, adding, deleting, and RS-485 communication. This caters to a wider range of functional requirements and application scenarios. The RS-485 communication system allows the counter to transmit the collected lightning strike data (number of strikes, time of each strike) to a backend monitoring system or communication module and host computer system, enabling remote monitoring and backend viewing for intelligent monitoring.

[0043] All circuits, components, and accessories of the lightning strike counter will be integrated into a non-metallic waterproof box with a transparent cover. A lightning current acquisition coil is fixed at the bottom of the waterproof box. The coil is a flat air-core coil. When the coil acquires a pulse signal, a varistor is connected in parallel across the coil to limit the voltage of the acquired pulse. The pulse then passes through two current-limiting resistors and enters a full-wave rectifier bridge. The rectified DC level signal drives an optocoupler. The optocoupler outputs a switching signal to the MCU of the counter. The above circuits constitute the current pulse acquisition circuit unit of the lightning strike counter.

[0044] Because the counter uses a back-clamp mounting method for data acquisition and installation, and simultaneously acquires the lightning current signal on the grounding conductor, it is necessary to fix a metal shielding box inside the non-metallic waterproof box to prevent damage to the internal MCU and IC chips caused by the strong electromagnetic pulse radiation accompanying the acquisition of strong lightning current. All electronic components, circuits, devices, and assemblies except for the current pulse acquisition circuit unit are integrated into the metal shielding box. This is to prevent the strong electromagnetic wave radiation accompanying the strong lightning current from causing the precision IC components inside the counter to malfunction or be damaged under electromagnetic interference.

[0045] The counter's MCU, calendar chip, display driver, display screen, and RS-485 communication module are all powered by a 3.6 VER14505 battery, and this functional area and components are all fixed inside a metal shielding box.

[0046] When the optocoupler of the acquisition circuit is triggered, it provides a switch signal to the MCU. The MCU, while recording the number of times, records the trigger date and time of the switch signal under the action of the calendar chip and crystal oscillator. Driven by the lightning strike counter software, the data recorded by the counter is then displayed on the LCD screen through the display driver chip and the display screen, showing the number of times, date and time of acquisition.

[0047] While the lightning strike data is displayed on the LCD screen, the MCU registers can send the lightning strike data (number of lightning strikes, lightning strike time) collected by the counter to the background monitoring system or communication module and host computer system through the RS-485 communication module, realizing remote monitoring and background viewing functions, and achieving intelligent monitoring.

[0048] Function buttons are installed inside the metal shielding box, with the buttons exposed outside the metal shielding box. The date, time, and 485 address code of the counter can be set by the buttons, and the number of lightning strikes can also be deleted or increased (preset) by the buttons. A normally open waterproof button is fixed on the non-metallic shell. This waterproof button allows you to view the lightning strike display data and lightning strike history on the lightning strike counter screen without opening the waterproof box cover.

[0049] The lightning strike counter boasts a high protection rating, exceeding IP65, making it suitable for outdoor applications. Employing a passive design with internal power supply, it eliminates the need for external power sources, mitigating the inconvenience of on-site power access and the risk of lightning strikes damaging the counter. Featuring a built-in sensor and back-clamp mounting, it simultaneously collects lightning current pulses during installation, eliminating the need for external sensors and simplifying installation. It records the number and time of lightning strikes, allows for adding and deleting strikes, and supports RS-485 communication. The RS-485 communication system transmits the lightning strike data (number of strikes, time of strike) collected by the counter to a backend monitoring system or communication module and host computer system, enabling remote monitoring and backend viewing.

[0050] The beneficial effects that the outdoor passive lightning strike counter can achieve are:

[0051] 1. High reliability and low maintenance costs

[0052] Passive power supply design: No external power supply or battery is required. It is powered by an internal 3.6V / ER10505 battery pack, reducing maintenance frequency and making it suitable for long-term use in remote areas.

[0053] IP65 protection capability: Dustproof and waterproof, it can operate stably in harsh environments such as heavy rain and sandstorms, reducing the risk of failure caused by environmental factors.

[0054] 2. Precise data collection and management

[0055] Lightning strike parameter recording: Accurately record the number of lightning strikes, the time of occurrence, and the intensity (if supported), providing data support for the performance evaluation of lightning protection facilities.

[0056] RS-485 communication: Supports remote data transmission, seamlessly integrates with SCADA systems or IoT platforms, and enables real-time monitoring and early warning.

[0057] 3. Enhanced security

[0058] By analyzing lightning strike data, high-risk lines or equipment can be quickly located, guiding lightning protection upgrades and reducing the probability of accidents such as fires and equipment damage caused by lightning strikes.

[0059] 4. Environmentally friendly and energy-saving

[0060] The passive design reduces battery usage, avoids chemical pollution, and aligns with the concepts of green energy and sustainable development.

[0061] It should be noted that this utility model is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Based on the inventive spirit of this utility model, those skilled in the art can make other changes, and these changes made based on the inventive spirit of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. An outdoor passive lightning strike counter comprising a housing and a current pulse collection circuit, a central processing unit, a display unit, a communication unit, a calendar unit, and a battery unit provided in the housing, characterized in that, The shell comprises a non-metal waterproof box arranged on the outer layer and a metal shielding box arranged on the inner layer, the current pulse acquisition circuit is arranged between the non-metal waterproof box and the metal shielding box, the central processing unit, the display unit, the communication unit, the calendar unit and the battery unit are all arranged inside the metal shielding box, and the non-metal waterproof box is provided with a transparent cover for observing the display content of the display unit.

2. The outdoor passive lightning counter of claim 1, wherein, The current pulse acquisition circuit is arranged in the back side wall of the non-metal waterproof box, and the current pulse acquisition circuit comprises a lightning current acquisition coil, the lightning current acquisition coil and the lightning discharge wire are respectively arranged on the two sides of the bottom plate of the non-metal waterproof box, so as to acquire the lightning pulse signal on the lightning discharge wire.

3. The outdoor passive lightning counter of claim 2, wherein, The lightning discharge wire adopts a ground wire conductor, and the lightning discharge wire is arranged on the outer side of the back side wall of the non-metal waterproof box; the lightning current acquisition coil is arranged on the inner side of the back side wall of the non-metal waterproof box, and the lightning current acquisition coil and the lightning discharge wire are adjacently arranged through the back side wall of the non-metal waterproof box.

4. The outdoor passive lightning counter of claim 2, wherein, The current pulse acquisition circuit further comprises a pressure-sensitive resistor, two current-limiting resistors, a full-wave rectifier bridge and a photoelectric coupler; the lightning current acquisition coil adopts a flat air core coil, the lightning current acquisition coil is connected in parallel with the pressure-sensitive resistor, the two ends of the lightning current acquisition coil pass through one of the current-limiting resistors respectively, and are connected to the input end of the full-wave rectifier bridge; the output end of the full-wave rectifier bridge is connected to the input end of the photoelectric coupler, and the output end of the photoelectric coupler is connected to the central processing unit.

5. The outdoor passive lightning counter of claim 2, wherein, The transparent cover is detachably mounted on the front of the non-metal waterproof box, and the metal shielding box is arranged at the front end inside the non-metal waterproof box, that is, on the side close to the transparent cover.

6. The outdoor passive lightning counter of claim 5, wherein, The four corners of the transparent cover are provided with fastening screws for fixedly mounting the transparent cover on the front of the non-metal waterproof box.

7. The outdoor passive lightning stroke counter according to claim 1, wherein The central processing unit is electrically connected to the display unit, the communication unit, the calendar unit and the battery unit, the electronic display screen of the display unit is embedded on the side wall of the metal shielding box, so as to externally display the collected lightning stroke times, dates and times; the communication unit is used for sending data to a background monitoring system, so as to realize remote monitoring and background viewing functions; the calendar unit is used for sending date and time information to the central processing unit, so as to record the specific time of lightning stroke by the central processing unit; and the battery unit is used for providing power supply to each component.

8. The outdoor passive lightning counter of claim 1, wherein, A plurality of function keys are arranged on the metal shielding box, the function keys are used for setting the date and time of the calendar unit, the address code of the communication unit, and pre-setting, increasing and deleting lightning stroke times.

9. The outdoor passive lightning stroke counter according to claim 1, wherein A waterproof key is arranged on the bottom side wall of the non-metal waterproof box, the waterproof key is a viewing / clearing key, and the waterproof key can view lightning display data and lightning history records without opening the transparent cover.

10. The outdoor passive lightning stroke counter according to claim 1, wherein The outer side of the back side wall of the non-metal waterproof box is provided with at least one back clamp, the back clamp comprises a fixed clamp plate and an adjustable screw, both ends of the fixed clamp plate are connected to the adjustable screw; the fixed clamp plate has an outwardly protruding step, the step is used for fixing and clamping a flat-shaped steel bar or a copper bar; the center of the fixed clamp plate has a ridge-shaped protruding ridge, which is used for clamping a circular round steel or a cable.

Images