Intelligent lightning protection system is a modern lightning protection technology that integrates sensors, Internet of Things (IoT), big data analysis, real-time monitoring and early warning functions, compared with traditional lightning protection measures (such as lightning rods and surge protectors), it has the advantages of real-time monitoring, intelligent early warning, automatic diagnosis and remote management. It is widely used in places with high requirements for lightning protection, precise equipment, dense personnel or high risk of lightning strikes.
The following are the main application aspects and applicable scenarios of intelligent lightning protection systems:
1. Main applications
1. Real-time monitoring and early warning of lightning
Use atmospheric electric field instruments, lightning positioning systems and other equipment to monitor thundercloud activity in real time.
Issue an early warning of the approach of lightning a few minutes to tens of minutes in advance to buy time for personnel evacuation and equipment protection.
2. Online monitoring of the status of lightning protection devices
Real-time monitoring of the operating status of lightning protection facilities such as lightning arresters (SPDs), grounding resistors, and equipotential connections.
Automatic alarm when aging, damage, abnormal leakage current and other conditions are found to avoid protection failure.
3. Overvoltage and surge event recording and analysis
Record the waveform, amplitude, time and other data of transient overvoltage and inrush current caused by lightning strikes.
For accident tracing, equipment damage analysis and protection program optimization.
4. Remote management and intelligent operation and maintenance
Centralized monitoring of multi-site lightning protection systems is achieved through the cloud platform.
It supports checking status, receiving alarms, and generating O&M reports on mobile apps or web terminals.
5. Linkage control and automatic protection
Linked with the power distribution system and security system, it automatically cuts off non-essential power or activates protection equipment when a thunderstorm approaches.
2. Applicable scenarios
1. Communication base stations and data centers Base stations are widely distributed, open and vulnerable to lightning strikes. Data center equipment is expensive, and lightning strikes can lead to data loss or service disruptions. The intelligent system can monitor the SPD status in real time to prevent equipment damage due to the failure of the lightning protector.
2. Power system (substation, transmission line) Lightning strike is one of the main causes of grid tripping and equipment damage. The intelligent system monitors the leakage current of the arrester, determines its health status, and prevents explosion or failure.
3. Wind power generation and photovoltaic power stations Wind turbines are towering and have a large area of photovoltaic panels, making them highly susceptible to lightning strikes. The intelligent lightning protection system can be integrated into the new energy monitoring platform to realize the integration of “lightning early warning + protection status monitoring”.
4. Petrochemical and flammable and explosive places Lightning strikes may cause fires and explosions. The lightning protection system is highly reliable, and intelligent monitoring ensures that the grounding system is always effective and prevents static electricity buildup.
5. High-rise buildings and large public facilities such as office buildings, airports, railway stations, stadiums, etc. Dense personnel and complex equipment, it is necessary to realize the linkage between lightning warning and emergency response.
6. Cultural relics and ancient buildings and forest fire prevention Most ancient buildings are wooden structures and have high lightning protection requirements. Forest lightning strikes are easy to cause wildfires, and early warning can be given through the lightning positioning system.
7. Rail transit (high-speed rail, subway) signaling system and power supply system are sensitive to lightning. Intelligent lightning protection ensures the safety of train operation and prevents signal interruption.
8. Meteorological and scientific research stations Field weather stations, radar stations, etc. are always located on high ground, and the risk of lightning strikes is high. High-reliability lightning protection and status remote monitoring are required.
3. The core advantages of intelligent lightning protection system
✅ Early warning: reduce lightning damage.
✅ Proactive O&M: Change “post-maintenance” to “proactive prevention”.
✅ Data-driven: Accumulate lightning data and optimize lightning protection design.
✅ Risk reduction: Ensure personal safety, equipment safety and operational continuity.
summary
The intelligent lightning protection system is suitable for any industry and place with high requirements for lightning protection, especially in the fields of electric power, communications, new energy, transportation, petrochemicals, public facilities and other fields. With the development of the Internet of Things and smart cities, intelligent lightning protection is gradually becoming the standard technology for modern infrastructure security protection