Open-Capacitor Lightning Protection for Field Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lightning protection devices either attract lightning bolts, creating upward or downward leaders, or fail to effectively manage electromagnetic fields, posing risks to structures and equipment during storms.

Innovation Solution

A lightning protection device utilizing dual capacitors with an upper main head and a secondary open capacitor configuration, where both capacitors are connected in parallel, increasing charge storage capacity and facilitating rapid charge diversion to earth, thereby preventing lightning formation without exciting or capturing lightning bolts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional lightning rod is used to attract lightning bolts, then the device can capture and divert lightning, but it creates upward or downward leaders that pose risks to structures and equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelightning protection effectivenessVSAvoidlightning strike risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a traditional lightning rod that actively attracts lightning bolts through a pointed electrode, this invention inverts the approach by using two capacitors to compensate and balance the electromagnetic field, thereby preventing the formation of upward or downward leaders that lead to lightning strikes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful electromagnetic field buildup that leads to lightning into a beneficial controlled process by using capacitors to store and gradually discharge the electrical charge, transforming the potential hazard into a controlled, harmless current flow to earth.

Inventive Principle:

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

2Quantity of substance

If a single capacitor configuration is used in electromagnetic field compensators, then the device can balance and deionize atmospheric effects, but the charge storage capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharge storage capacityVSAvoidcharge drainage efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges two capacitors into a single electromagnetic field compensator system, with both capacitors connected in parallel. This combination increases the total charge storage capacity while maintaining the ability to rapidly drain charges to earth, thus improving both quantity and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If capacitors are used to compensate electromagnetic fields, then lightning formation is prevented, but the device requires complex electrode and dielectric configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelightning prevention capabilityVSAvoidelectrode and dielectric structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitors in this invention serve multiple functions: they store electrical charge, generate electric fields for compensation, and provide a pathway for safe charge discharge. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure despite the advanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 dual capacitor configuration enhances charge storage and electric field generation, providing effective protection against lightning by diverting charges harmlessly to earth, reducing the risk of lightning strikes and maintaining component integrity through reduced temperature and pressure increases in case of dielectric breakdown.

Implementation Method 1

both capacitors are connected in parallel, increasing charge storage capacity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

enhances charge storage and electric field generation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 3

one of said first pair of electrodes being connected to earth via an earth connection cable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4439893A1Lightning protection device using electric field compensation with open capacitor

Publication Date: 2024.10.02 CHIFARELLI ARMANDO FRANCISCO

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AI summary

Lightning protection device, said device comprising a support mast, means for connection to a structure, situated at a proximal end, and an upper main head, situated at a distal end, which comprises a first pair of electrodes separated by a first dielectric, one of said first pair of electrodes being connected to earth via an earth connection cable, and the other electrode being a floating electrode, such that there can be a difference in potential between the two electrodes, said device also comprising a second pair of electrodes, one of said second pair of electrodes also being connected to earth and the other electrode being a floating electrode, that is to say being electrically insulated from the rest of the components of the device by means of an insulating material, such that there can be a difference in potential between the two electrodes, wherein the second pair of electrodes forms an open capacitor.