Lightning Rod Neutralization for Tracer Initiation Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lightning protection systems with early streamer emission devices face delays in initiating ascending tracers due to the development of space charges near the collector electrode, which reduces the protection radius and performance.
Innovation Solution
A lightning protection device with neutralization means to reduce space charges and electronic control means for sequential control of neutralization and ignition, applying a neutralization voltage before the emission of an ascending tracer to enhance the formation of a rising tracer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If early streamer emission devices are used to promote ascending tracer formation, then the protection capability is improved, but space charge accumulates near the collector electrode causing delays in tracer initiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using detection means to identify the approach of a descending tracer before it reaches the collector electrode, and then activating neutralization means to remove space charge in advance. This preliminary neutralization prevents the space charge accumulation that would otherwise delay ascending tracer initiation, thereby maintaining protection capability while eliminating initiation delays.
2Loss of time
If neutralization means are added to remove space charge, then the delay in tracer initiation is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by using detection means that automatically detect the approach of descending tracers and trigger the neutralization means only when needed. This conditional, demand-driven operation eliminates continuous space charge neutralization, reducing energy consumption and simplifying the control system while effectively preventing tracer initiation delays.
3Manufacturing precision
If continuous neutralization is applied to prevent space charge accumulation, then the standard deviation of ignition instants is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using detection means to monitor the approach of descending tracers and activating neutralization means only during these periodic events. This on-demand, event-triggered neutralization maintains consistent ignition timing (reducing standard deviation) while avoiding continuous energy consumption associated with constant neutralization operation.
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 solution significantly reduces the standard deviation of ignition instants, improving the performance and protection radius of the lightning protection system by preventing delays in tracer initiation.
Implementation Method 1
means for neutralizing the space charge which is formed, at the end of the collector electrode of the lightning conductor, before emission of an ascending tracer
Implementation Method 2
ignition means making it possible to promote the formation of a rising tracer in the vicinity of the free end of the collecting electrode
Implementation Method 3
The corona effect in the immediate vicinity of an asperity then increases sharply to switch to pulsed mode and the ionization of the air in the immediate vicinity of the asperity tends to propagate upwards
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for lighting protection comprising a lightning rod, which includes a collecting electrode with at least one free end, configured such as to capture a lightning current and to discharge same to the earth, and priming means (13; 33) making it possible to promote the formation of an upward leader stroke near the free end of the collector electrode. The invention also comprises neutralisation means (2; 32), which make it possible to reduce the space charge which is formed near the free end of the collecting electrode prior to the emission of an upward leader stroke, and electronic control means (3) which make it possible to automatically and sequentially control, firstly, said neutralisation means (2; 32), and secondly, said priming means (13; 33) of the lightning rod.