Dynamic Lightning Protection for Electrical Grids

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional lightning protection technologies for electrical grids are inadequate in completely eliminating lightning damage, as they rely on fixed measures that can fail due to shielding failure, back flashover, and high ground resistance issues, especially in complex terrains, leading to frequent power outages.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic lightning protection method and system that involves real-time lightning detection and tracking, adjusting power flow paths, and non-linearly controlling generators to divert power away from threatened areas and increase output in safe areas, using a system with modules for real-time tracking, data processing, operation mode control, and power flow optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fixed protection measures (lightning rods, overhead ground wires) are used, then the protection level is improved, but shielding failure and back flashover still occur causing power outages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelightning protection reliabilityVSAvoidshielding failure and back flashover

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of power flow paths based on real-time thunderstorm tracking. When a thunderstorm is detected, the system dynamically adjusts the operational state of disconnectors and circuit breakers to redirect power flows away from threatened transmission lines. This dynamic adaptation allows the protection system to respond to changing lightning threats rather than relying on static protective structures that can fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting thunderstorms and predicting their movement paths before lightning strikes occur. Based on the predicted threat, the control system pre-adjusts the power flow paths by changing the state of disconnectors and circuit breakers in advance, so that when lightning occurs, the threatened lines are already protected by having their power flows routed through alternative safe paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If insulation level is increased to improve protection, then protection level is improved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsulation protection levelVSAvoidinsulation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing insulation parameters (which would require higher insulation levels on all equipment), the patent changes the operational parameters of the power system by dynamically adjusting power flow paths. The system uses existing insulation levels but changes how power flows are distributed - redirecting flows away from lines under lightning threat by controlling disconnectors and circuit breakers, thus protecting the system without modifying insulation characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical approach of increasing insulation strength with an electrical control approach. Instead of physically strengthening insulation on all equipment, the system uses intelligent control algorithms that monitor thunderstorm positions and automatically adjust the electrical topology of the power system through automated switching of disconnectors and circuit breakers, achieving protection through system coordination rather than component strengthening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If real-time lightning detection and dynamic control system is implemented, then lightning protection performance is improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic lightning protection performanceVSAvoiddetection and control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing power system components serve multiple functions. The disconnectors and circuit breakers, which normally serve only for power flow control and protection, are also utilized for lightning protection by dynamically adjusting their states based on thunderstorm detection. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve dynamic lightning protection without adding dedicated protection hardware, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by using the power system's own control infrastructure to protect itself from lightning. The existing automated control and monitoring systems that are already part of the power grid are leveraged to detect thunderstorms and automatically adjust power flow paths, eliminating the need for separate dedicated protection systems and reducing overall complexity through self-protection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11233395B2Dynamic thunder and lightning protection method and system

Publication Date: 2022.01.25 STATE GRID JIANGSU ELECTRIC POWER CO LTD SUZHOU BRANCH

AI summary

Disclosed are a dynamic lightning protection method and system. The method includes detecting lightning in real time and tracking a position of a thunderstorm; and performing dynamic lightning protection and control on an electrical grid according to an electrical grid control strategy before the thunderstorm reaches or affects the electrical grid. Further disclosed is a dynamic lightning protection system.