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Active lightning arresters are devices that protect buildings and structures from lightning strikes by directing the lightning to a designated pathway into the ground. With this in mind, there are several types of active lightning arresters available, all dependent on their function, design, and application in a given area.
These include:
Fadir system
This is a lightning arrester system formed on the principle of electro-physical. The system uses an artificially created zone of lightning conduction to intercept and channel any incoming stroke of lightning. The Fadir system formation involves installing special wires or rods on a building and then producing a leader with a lightning stroke. The lightning will then follow the metallic structures and the conductive materials with the lower density current. This is to minimize the temperature increase that can cause damage and facilitate a fire and explosion.
Early streamer emission system (ESE)
This is a wired or wireless lightning protection system that uses an air ionization principle to intercept lightning. The wired systems will use a point on the roof where the streamer is emitted from conducting points fixed into the building structure. Typically, the point emission conductors are connected to a lightning conductor that is fixed onto the roof. The wired system includes a lightning rod that emits a positive electrum or stream from the conductor. This stream will meet negatively charged leaders coming down from the clouds. When they meet, the lightning will be conducted safely through the lightning rod and into the ground. The wired points can be fixed anywhere within a building. They will need to decrease the fire risk, electronic device damage, and human death as a result of lightning.
Cloud ionization system
This system works by releasing small particles into the environment to conduct electricity as a stroke of lightning approaches. This trail or pathway aims to make the lightning follow the charged particles instead of striking a building or structure. The core components of the system include an ionization device that emits positive charges fixed within a building or structure and conducting cables connected to the ground. This system is ideal for cloud-based control with no moving parts, so it requires low maintenance. Lightning in cloud ionization is 97% by redirected safely through the system into the ground, hence eliminating all grounding systems.
Preventive discharge system
This system helps cause a controlled discharge of lightning-related electrical activity before even reaching its peak value. The conductors used in this system are placed in tall structures such as towers or trees to establish a leader. This leader will contain a positive charge, and once the storm cloud reaches a negative charge it will connect with the lightning conductor, allowing the discharge of the excess energy in the form of a small lightning strike. Aside from the controlled discharge of electric activity, the system safely guides the lightning strike into the ground, thus reducing the risk of damage in a building.
In most cases, the lightning arresters are based on preventive electronic discharge systems. There are various industrial applications that are effective at protecting critical structures from lightning-related damage. Here are some of the application areas:
Telecommunications infrastructure
Towers, antennas, and satellite dishes are all critical components of telecommunications infrastructure; thus, they need proper protection from lightning. Active lightning arresters will safeguard this infrastructure by maintaining continuous operation and protecting sensitive electronic equipment from lightning-induced power surges and transient.
Data centers and server farms
Modern built environments such as data centers and server farms are increasingly relying on active lightning arresters. Protection from lightning is critical in these spaces to prevent data loss, hardware damage, and system downtime caused by power surges. More importantly, servers store critical data and run many applications for businesses, providing power to user systems, and any downtime can lead to significant financial losses as well as operational issues. Protective arresters will ensure that all systems are running smoothly and there is no data loss and well protected.
Oil and gas facilities
Facilities such as refineries and offshore drilling platforms handle flammable materials and are at risk of explosions if lightning strikes. Active lightning arresters provide vital protection to ensure safety and prevent asset loss. Also, lightning can cause sparks in this explosive environment, and the built-in protection will help avoid this.
Chemical plants
These plants process hazardous chemicals and maintain safe operations by protecting against lightning. There are many sensitive equipment and processes that are used to manufacture chemicals in these plants, and lightning can interfere with this equipment operation and cause power surges. Active lightning arresters will help protect the facility and maintain uninterrupted operation and safety.
Airports and aviation systems
From air traffic control systems to radar installations, these systems need reliable protection from lightning. Active lightning arresters will ensure flight safety and avoid radar and communication systems downtime. Furthermore, airports are busy operating in adverse weather conditions and protecting vital systems for safe flight.
Renewable energy systems
Solar farms and wind turbines are exposed to lightning, damaging sensitive electronics and larger scale power generation systems. Active lightning arresters will help safeguard investment in clean energy infrastructure while ensuring reliable power generation.
Choosing an active lightning arrester is a complex process that relies on multiple factors. The first consideration is the type of environment where the system will be deployed. This includes looking at whether the building or structure is urban or rural, tall or short, with geographical lightning density being the second consideration. Areas with frequent storms will require more robust protection, so understanding local weather patterns and consulting with the manufacturer will ensure an effective selection.
The physics of the building or structure depends on the materials used in construction, what the use of space is, and the height of the building, all these determining the right level of protection needed. Larger and taller skyscrapers and complex buildings with electronic installations will require extensive protection systems. In addition, exposure of the building to external elements like trees or nearby tall objects will necessitate additional protection.
The installation requirements of the ESE lightning conductor also need to be assessed. Some systems might have complex installation procedures, while others are more straightforward. Also, maintenance, operational needs, and cost considerations could be essential in selecting a specific system. Keep in mind reliability and service records and ask the manufacturer for any instances of failure in protection. Active lightning arresters employ advanced technology; therefore, knowing what future technology developments could be helpful in ensuring long-term protection is essential.
Lastly, compliance with local and international standards and regulations is important in installation. These standards dictate performance criteria that a good lightning protection system must fulfill, so ensuring the selected system adheres to these criteria is pivotal.
Some of the maintenance and safety operations that can be ensured on ESE conductors include the following:
Regular inspection
This ensures the physical assessment of the system components where deterioration and damage of materials could occur. This includes checking the fisheye and other potential rupture points, ensuring no structural compromise. Also, ensure all connection points are clean and free of rust to maintain optimal conductivity. Besides using a grounded ladder to access physical parts of the system, it is crucial to maintain the ESE lightning protection system.
Testing functionality
After heavy rains or storms, the active lightning arrester should be tested for functionality. One way this is done is by using a multimeter or professional lightning detection device to test whether the system is functioning. In any case, the arrester is identified; there could be a need for replacement or further check-up, especially after a severe storm.
Keeping the area around lightning conductors clear
It is recommended to keep the area within a meter free of vegetation, debris, or any other objects. This will ensure the optimum path for the lightning energy into the ground without interference. Also, avoid having anything touch the lightning rod to maintain all the system's efficacy.
Check grounding systems
Ensure that the grounding wire and rods are well connected and in good condition so that they can properly watch over the building. Look for any signs of wear and tear on the ground conductors and replace them if needed. Also, if the ground rod is physically driven in the ground, it should be checked for a proper distance of at least 2.5 cm from the soil surface.
Regular professional maintenance
Although some aspects of prototype maintenance can be done, professional maintenance should be performed frequently by qualified personnel. These professionals understand the system and can effectively perform detailed inspections, tests, and repairs conforming to standard.
Post-storm checks
After a lightning storm, check for signs of damage, such as repairing broken wires or physical damage to system components. Checking for physical damage ensures the system is intact and ready for the next storm.
A1. The early streamer emission (ESE) system is a lightning protection system that protects buildings by intercepting the lightning bolt. The system uses electrical points on the building to emit positive streamers that connect with the negatively charged lightning leaders. This will allow the lightning to follow the pre-designed path through the conductors and safely into the ground, protecting the building from damage.
A2. Traditional lightning arresters rely on a static lightning rod to catch lightning, while active ones use advanced technology such as ionization and electromagnetic fields to preemptively attract lightning. Active systems offer a broader protection radius and are more effective at intercepting lightning in stormy weather than static lightning rods.
A3. Yes, active lightning arresters can protect multi-story buildings. In most cases, they are designed to offer protection to tall structures such as skyscrapers, industrial complexes, and communication towers. The arrestors are mounted on the rooftop and are connected to the ground network, which provides a safe escape pathway for the lightning into the ground, thus protecting all the stories within the building.
A4. Some arresters are low maintenance, while others need regular inspection and testing to ensure optimal functionality. The most common ones that need maintenance-free are those that have physical wear and tear, damage, or malfunction, all of which can hamper their effectiveness.
A5. Yes, there are international standards governing the installation, performance, and design of active lightning arresters. These standards include the National Fire Protection Association NFPA 780 and the International Electrotechnical Commission IEC 62305.
