A Cost-Effective Lightning Current Measuring Instrument with Wide Current Range Detection Using Dual Signal...

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Atmospheric Physics
• Instrumentation

Background:

• Lightning strikes pose significant risks to critical infrastructure and public safety.
• Accurate measurement of lightning currents is crucial for safety analysis and accident investigation.
• Existing instruments may have limitations in detecting the wide dynamic range of lightning currents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a cost-effective design for a lightning current measuring instrument.
• To develop an instrument capable of detecting and analyzing a wide range of lightning currents (hundreds of A to hundreds of kA).
• To enhance the ability to investigate lightning accidents and ensure facility safety.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a Rogowski coil for current sensing.
• Designed dual signal conditioning circuits to cover a broad current range (±500 A to ±100 kA).
• Developed software for analyzing lightning current parameters (peak current, polarity, T1, T2, Q) with a 380 ns sampling time.
• Integrated an SD card for data storage and Ethernet for remote monitoring.

Main Results:

• The instrument successfully detected and analyzed a wide range of lightning currents.
• Dual signal conditioning circuits enabled broader detection capabilities compared to existing instruments.
• The instrument accurately measured key lightning current parameters and distinguished between induced and direct strikes.
• Performance was validated through induced and direct lightning tests.

Conclusions:

• The proposed instrument offers a cost-effective solution for measuring a wide spectrum of lightning currents.
• The dual-circuit design enhances detection range and accuracy.
• The instrument provides valuable data for lightning safety analysis, accident investigation, and infrastructure protection.