Abstract:
Lightning can be defined as a transient, high-current electric discharge in air whose
length is measured in kilometers. Modern world smart features are invading the
concepts of technology. Thus, domestic smart concept requires protection and
awareness of a suitable lightning detection system. Lightning is a natural
phenomenon which cannot be controlled by anyone. Due to that reason, low cost
accurate lightning prediction systems are necessity. In this research, a novel system
of Ughtning prediction for domestic usage is researched using three techniques
with the help of an Electric Field Mill (EFM), inductor and a VHF antenna. EFM
consists of a non-rotating slotted sensor plate and slotted rotor plateis which are
exposed to an electric field developed using a DC high voltage. In order to reduce
the loss caused by lightning, it is necessary to study a Ughtning prediction method.
Considering the electric field exerted during the abrupt weather, conditions c^n'be
found during Ughtning occurrences for conducting the experiments. ; 1 ’' H' r"
The three methods being proposed were tested in a high-voltage laboratory, wh£re
EFM's output current increased linearly with applied high-voltage and was tested
up to 52 kV. For the inductor coil; 4.3 mH coil's output fluctuated between 23-33 mV
while 9.5 mH coil's output fluctuated between 30-40 mV. The tests conducted for the
VHF antenna revealed that the E-field is fluctuating in the range of 3.4-3.7 mV,
which does not specify a significant dependency. The obvious choice was the EFM
for Ughtning prediction as other two techniques weren't giving promising
relationships with a changmg electric field.
