A Successful Leader in Lightning Rod Protection System

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 LEC surveyed and reported that blades on at least 55 machines at a wind farm in Honshu, Japan, were destroyed by lightning at a cost in excess of $5.5 million. Instances of severe mechanical or fire damage to complete turbines were also reported.


By their very nature, wind turbines end up in harsh locations where damage from volatile weather makes them vulnerable.


In fact, wind turbines may be the most exposed of all types of generators connected to electric-power networks. Costly lightning-related damage is most often caused by

· Insufficient direct strike protection

· Inappropriate or inadequate transient voltage surge suppressors

· Unsatisfactory bonding and/or grounding


Lightning Rod Protection



What we can do

·  A properly designed lightning rod protection system will prevent physical damage to the turbine by redirecting lightning currents to Earth.

·  The cost of these lightning rod protection systems represents a small portion of the total project capital expense but results in a dramatic improvement in reliability.  

·  Franklin-type lightning rods protect wind turbines against direct lightning strikes. But complete lightning protection in accordance with IEC 61024-1 only comes through the use of a custom built lightning current arrester such as LEC’s manufactured and patented IPG (Ion Plasma Generator).


IPG

·  It’s a highly effective lightning rod protection product engineered for application where lightning prevention is not practical, but that still requires reliable protection from direct strikes.

·  It does not obstruct the flow of wind around the turbine’s blade

·  It does not interfere or reduce the turbine system’s efficiency

·  The material and construction of IPG are optimised for maximum risk reduction

·  It’s cost effective

·  This lightning rod protection design is durable and will not deteriorate over time



Our IPG’s achievement

Wind turbines that extend 72.5 metres into the air in the most lightning vulnerable areas of Japan, where peak lightning currents have been recorded up to 200,000 amperes. We installed IPG lightning protection systems on two wind turbine sites within a group of 15 in the area. At last report, all 13 unprotected wind turbine groups were struck by lightning, with at least one turbine blade destroyed in each group. To date, the two IPG-protected sites continue to function with no lightning related losses.


In competition with a turbine blade, the IPG provides a successful counter leader to distances over 20 times that of the best competition.


To receive a quote or more information on IPG lightning rod protection, feel free to contact us. 

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