Experimental performance analysis of conventional and non-conventional lightning protection systems – preliminary results

There are still several uncertainties and conflicts regarding the lightning protection performances of conventional and nonconventional lightning protection systems. Discharge physics and experimental studies reveal the lightning protection systems' performances. However, there are also some studies suffering from commercial concerns. Theoretical efforts and test results are generally valid for specific configurations and are insufficient in generalizations. Another shortcoming of the experimental studies is that the experiments and experimental parameters are limited due to the limited laboratory facilities. This paper presents compact and comparative test results for Franklin Rods (FRs), charge transfer systems (CTSs), and early streamer emission (ESE) rods. For this purpose, the flashover voltage tests and lightning attachment rates of the mentioned protection systems are determined using switching impulses under the same electro-geometric conditions. Experimental results showed that FR and ESE terminals had similar flashover voltage and lightning attachment characteristics. CTSs could have performed better in diverting the lightning strikes when used alone. Therefore, there is a need for additional tests and field data to validate the claimed better lightning prevention performance of CTS systems and the lightning attachment performance of ESE terminals.