Illustration of the right hand rule.
Lightning detection principle
When a lightning strikes a wind turbine a current will run through the tower while producing a magnetic field. As the current always flow through the bottom section of the tower, this is the ideal place to measure.
The measurement system can be either a pair of loop antennas or based on semiconductor magnetic field sensors attached to the outside of a wind turbine tower. The key point of measuring the current flow via the magnetic field on the outside of the turbine, is that the lightning will be detected in its entirety, regardless if the lightning was partially or fully conducted via the surface of the blades, a direct strike into the nacelle, via lightning conductors or the turbine tower itself.
Jomitek has realised simple and extremely robust detection systems based on this principle.
See the classic products here or the Advanced products here.
Surface protection of a turbine blade.
Lightning detection, analysis & protection
Jomitek lightning sensor and protection products are designed for wind turbines of all types.
The lightning indication products cover both basic and advanced detection and analysis needs. More than 2000 turbine installations are currently active, all with an excellent operational track record, and many for more than 20 years.
Jomitek lightning protection knowhow and solutions are centered around a patented approach on how to shield the surface on i.e. wind turbine blades. Using a conductive material laid out on, or in the outer layer of the surface, the inner structure is protected from lightning generated punctures. As one practical approach to achieve this protection, Jomitek offers a conductive lightning tape and guidelines on how to correctly apply the tape.