Investigating a Suitable Method for Prediction of Lightning

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.