An Electro-Geometric Model for Lightning Shielding of Multiple Wind Turbines

Abstract

Wind turbine blades being struck by lightning is one of the most urgent problems facing wind farms. In order to reduce the probability of lightning accidents on wind farms, this paper presents a new electro-geometric model for multiple turbines. In this new model, based on the physical model of lightning leader development, the striking distance range of the blade tip receptor is calculated, taking into account the influence of the charged particles around the blade. Lightning shielding amongst multiple turbines is provided in combination with the traditional electro-geometric model, and a criterion formula is obtained for mutual shielding for multiple turbines. The influence of environmental factors, such as temperature, atmospheric pressure, air humidity, and altitude, on lightning shielding on large-scale wind farms is also analyzed by studying the lightning shielding distance between wind turbines. The calculation shows that the larger the relative air density and the absolute humidity, and the lower the altitude, and the larger the lightning shielding distance between wind turbines. The method proposed in this paper provides a theoretical basis for the lightning protection on wind farms under different environmental conditions.

Observation and Simulation of Lightning Strikes in an Offshore Wind Turbine Cluster

“…For example, L. Zhang et al. (2017) used an improved electrical geometric model to study the lightning protection distance of WTCs. Liu et al.…”

“…Simulations of WTCs have mostly focused on the influence of different blade angles and the distance between WTs on the shielding effect. For example, L. Zhang et al (2017) used an improved electrical geometric model to study the lightning protection distance of WTCs. Liu et al (2020) discussed the influence of the blade angle on the shielding effect by using a finite element physical field.…”

Experimental and Numerical Analysis of the Effect of a New Lightning Protection System on Lightning Protection and Aerodynamic Noise Performance of Wind Turbine Blades

“…The analysis showed that the blade rotation could be altering the charge distribution on the blade tip, resulting in varied ascending leader development on the blade tip, which affected the discharge development process. Zhang et al [27] presented a new electro-geometric model for multiple turbines, and the calculation results showed that the larger the relative air density and the absolute humidity and the lower the altitude, the larger the lightning shielding distance between wind turbines. Zhou et al [28] studied the lightning attachment process of a full-scale wind turbine blade and downward leader; the results showed that the interception was more effective when the cross-sectional area of the receptor was in accordance with the minimum value of 50 mm 2 , and the interception effect could not be improved significantly when the number of receptors was increased.…”