Lightning Strike Detection Circuit with Non-Volatile Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lightning detection systems for structures like wind turbines are inadequate as they fail to accurately record multiple lightning strikes, especially low-magnitude strikes, and require manual intervention or continuous power supply, making them unsuitable for remote applications.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit with a non-volatile memory and energy harvesting unit that successively stores samples of lightning-induced current and estimates damage based on historical data, allowing for automated and remote monitoring of lightning strikes without the need for continuous power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If magnetic cards are used to detect lightning strikes, then the maximum lightning current can be recorded, but manual intervention is required and multiple strikes cannot be recorded
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an integrated circuit with non-volatile memory that automatically records lightning strike data without requiring manual intervention. The circuit self-powered by harvested energy from the lightning strikes themselves, continuously monitoring and storing data in chronological order without human operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical magnetic card system with an electronic integrated circuit system. Instead of magnetic traces on cards that require physical reading, the system uses electronic sensors, analog-to-digital converters, and digital memory to automatically capture and store lightning parameters.
2Reliability
If electronic storage mediums are used, then data can be retained, but continuous power supply is required which is not feasible for remote applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful lightning energy into a beneficial power source. The energy harvesting unit captures energy from the lightning strikes themselves to charge a capacitor, which then powers the integrated circuit for continuous monitoring and data storage without external power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply parameter from continuous external power to harvested energy stored in a capacitor. The system operates in cycles, harvesting energy during strikes and using stored energy during inter-strike periods, enabling autonomous operation in remote locations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If only high-magnitude strikes are recorded, then the most damaging events are captured, but sequences of low-magnitude strikes are missed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of setting a threshold that filters out low-magnitude strikes, the system records all lightning events regardless of magnitude. The integrated circuit captures and stores complete strike data including weak strikes, providing comprehensive information for assessing cumulative damage effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides comprehensive feedback by recording all strike parameters including magnitude, time, and sequence. This complete data feedback enables accurate assessment of both individual high-magnitude strikes and cumulative effects of multiple low-magnitude strikes.
4Measurement precision
If magnetic and electric field sensors are distributed along the rotor blade, then field concentration can be measured, but individual component condition cannot be estimated
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit system performs multiple functions: it measures field concentration, records strike parameters, estimates component condition, and stores chronological data. This multi-functional approach replaces the single-purpose field measurement system with a comprehensive diagnostic platform.
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 system effectively records and analyzes multiple lightning strikes, including low-magnitude events, and sends alerts for maintenance, reducing downtime and operational costs by enabling remote monitoring and autonomous operation.
Implementation Method 1
a non-volatile memory for successively storing one or more samples of the lightning induced current for each of the plurality of lightning strikes
Implementation Method 2
a processing unit for extracting lightning induced current from multiple lightning strikes incident on the structure
Data Source
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AI summary
A lightning detection and damage estimation system (100) for a structure (115) is disclosed herein. The system (100) includes a lightning receptor (110), coupled to a lightning conductor (125), configured to receive multiple lightning strikes (120) and induce lightning current in a pick-up coil (127) coupled to the lightning conductor (125). An integrated circuit (130) coupled to the lightning conductor (125) via the pick-up coil (127) includes a non-volatile memory (250) for successively storing one or more samples of the lightning induced current for the multiple lightning strikes (120). A damage estimation unit (260) is configured to estimate a condition of the structure (115) based on analyzing a history of stored samples of the lightning induced current of the multiple lightning strikes (120) from the non-volatile memory (250).