Lightning Protection Device Using Thin Conductors for Streamer Inhibition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lightning protection systems fail to effectively reduce the probability of lightning strikes by not controlling the inception of positive streamers/leaders from grounded structures, and previous dissipation systems lack scientific basis in their operation mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A lightning protection device comprising thin conducting wires or fibers wound around a support structure to produce space charges of opposite polarity, inhibiting the formation of streamers and reducing the risk of lightning strikes by inducing a negative charge on the protected structure, functioning in both dry and wet conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional lightning protection systems are used, then the structure is protected by providing a preferential path for lightning current, but the probability of lightning strike is not reduced and the structure remains vulnerable to streamer formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelightning strike protectionVSAvoidstreamer formation probability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device applies preliminary anti-action by generating space charge of opposite polarity to cloud charge before lightning strike occurs. This pre-established opposite charge creates an electric field that counteracts the cloud's electric field, preventing the inception of positive streamers from the grounded structure, thereby reducing the probability of lightning attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful effect of induced positive charge on the grounded structure (which causes streamer formation) into a beneficial effect. By intentionally generating space charge of opposite polarity, the device creates a controlled electric field that neutralizes the harmful induced charge and prevents streamer inception, transforming the problem of charge accumulation into a protective mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Ease of manufacture

If space charge producing conductors with larger diameter are used, then the device structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the corona inception voltage increases and streamer-free operation is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconductor fabricationVSAvoidstreamer-free corona discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies parameter changes by specifying that the conducting wires or fibers have a diameter not exceeding 0.1 mm. This critical parameter change ensures that the corona inception voltage remains low enough to allow glow-mode corona discharge to occur at predictable field strengths, maintaining streamer-free operation while still enabling practical device construction through the use of thin but manageable conductors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the device operates in wet conditions, then protection is maintained during rain, but the corona inception voltage decreases and streamer formation risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewet condition operationVSAvoidstreamer formation under rain

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs numerous thin conducting wires or fibers that can be easily replaced if needed. These thin conductors are designed to operate in glow-mode corona which is inherently more stable and streamer-free even in wet conditions. The use of many thin, inexpensive conductors allows the system to maintain reliability in wet environments where a few thick conductors would be prone to streamer formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 device effectively reduces the risk of both conventional and upward lightning strikes by producing a high, predictable rate of positive space charge, inhibiting positive streamer formation, and counteracting the effects of cloud charges, thereby reducing the attractive radius and vulnerability to lightning.

Implementation Method 1

each space charge producing conductor having a diameter not exceeding 0.1 mm for reducing a corona inception voltage of the support structure upon which each space charge producing conductor is wound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCorona discharge: Corona Discharge

Implementation Method 2

the space charge inducing a charge on the object to be protected of an opposite polarity to a charge induced on the object to be protected by the cloud charge and inhibiting a formation of streamers from the object to be protected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS7468879B2Lightning protection device wet/dry glow-based streamer inhibitor

Publication Date: 2008.12.23 RIZK FAROUK A M

AI summary

A lightning protection device for reducing exposure of an object to be protected from conventional and upward lightning strikes. The device includes a support structure adapted to be grounded and space charge producing conductors wound around the support structure and forming coils for producing space charge of opposite polarity to a cloud charge, in a proximity of the object to be protected. The space charge induces a charge on the object to be protected of an opposite polarity to a charge induced on the object to be protected by the cloud charge and inhibits a formation of streamers from the object to be protected. Each space charge producing conductor has a diameter not exceeding 0.1 mm for reducing a corona inception voltage of the support structure upon which each space charge producing conductor is wound, in both dry and wet conditions.