Active Lightning Conductor with Modular Capacitive Discharge Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lightning conductors are complex, insecure, have low service life, and insufficient reliability due to their construction, requiring selection of electromagnetic parameters for operation and being prone to destruction by lightning.
Innovation Solution
An active lightning conductor with a housing, high-voltage impulse generator, and multiunit arrester comprising capacitive discharge circuits and charging resistor circuits, designed to charge capacitors from an external electric field, facilitate preventive discharge, and enable self-restoring properties to protect against lightning strikes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lightning conductor structures are used, then basic lightning protection is provided, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lightning conductor is divided into modular components: a housing unit containing the high-voltage impulse generator and capacitive discharge circuits, separate arresters positioned on the housing, and a grounding system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall structure and improving reliability through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the energy storage and discharge functions into a separate high-voltage impulse generator housed in a protective housing, distinct from the traditional integrated rod structure. This extraction allows the generator to be optimized for reliability while the external arresters provide simplified protection pathways.
2Duration of action of moving object
If traditional lightning conductor structures are used, then basic protection is provided, but service life becomes very low
Solution Approach 1:
The high-voltage impulse generator pre-charges capacitors to high voltage levels before a lightning strike occurs. This preliminary action creates a strong electric field that repels lightning leaders, preventing them from reaching the protected object. The system is ready to act immediately when needed, extending service life through preventive protection rather than reactive response.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive discharge circuits store energy in advance to create a protective electric field cushion that absorbs and deflects lightning energy before it can damage the protected object. This beforehand cushioning protects the system from the full force of lightning strikes, extending service life and maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If electromagnetic parameters are selected for operation while a lightning leader approaches, then protection is provided, but security against destruction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The high-voltage impulse generator automatically detects the approach of a lightning leader through changes in the electric field and independently adjusts its discharge timing and intensity. The capacitive discharge circuits self-regulate to maintain optimal protection levels without requiring external control or parameter adjustment, providing secure protection while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates electric field sensing that provides feedback on the approach of lightning leaders. This feedback enables the high-voltage impulse generator to automatically adjust its operation in real-time, optimizing protection security while eliminating the need for manual parameter selection and reducing operational complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The active lightning conductor improves structural and operational performance, enhances reliability, and provides effective protection against lightning damage by allowing charge dissipation through external arresters, preventing destructive effects on internal components.
Implementation Method 1
a multiunit arrester made as at least one capacitive discharge circuit composed of in-line alternating capacitors
Implementation Method 2
The ohmic resistance of the resistors, of the dielectric interlayers between the opposing arrester elements and the capacitor plates, the area of the capacitor plates, the number and the capacity of the capacitors
Implementation Method 3
the ohmic resistance of the resistors, of the dielectric interlayers between the opposing arrester elements and the capacitor plates
Implementation Method 4
said capacitor electric capacitance and said ohmic resistance of the interlayers between the capacitor plates and the arrester protrusions are adopted with values providing for the possibility of a reach-through breakdown of the arresters in this circuit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to means for protecting objects from damage when subjected at high intensity to atmospheric electricity, and specifically to means for protecting buildings and installations from lightning. The active lightning conductor comprises a body with a cover, an active lightning receiver, a pulsed voltage generator and a grounding-system contact element. The generator comprises at least two charge resistor circuits and a multi-part discharger in the form of at least one capacitor discharge circuit consisting of capacitors alternating in series, each with two charge plates with dischargers. The resistors in the charge circuits are divided into two groups, with the resistors in the one group being connected to the upper capacitor plates and the resistors in the other group being connected to the lower capacitor plates. The lightning receiver is in the form of a multi-rod crown with a central rod and lateral rods and is equipped with an external discharge circuit, which consists of pairs of current-conducting dischargers, with each discharger in one pair being electrically connected to one discharger in the other pair. One discharger in the upper pair is electrically connected to the lightning receiver, and one discharger in the lower pair is electrically connected to the grounding-system contact element. The dischargers in adjacent pairs are arranged on the body with a partial shift in plan view relative to the preceding and/or following pair of dischargers.