Corona initiated from grounded objects under thunderstorm conditions and its influence on lightning attachment

Abstract

Lightning attachment to grounded structures due to the initiation of an upward connecting leader from them is considered taking into account the effect of corona space charge near the structures. It is shown that the corona space charge strongly affects the initiation and development of the connecting leader. Specific features of a non-stationary corona are analysed analytically and numerically for one-dimensional electrode geometries and for a grounded rod coronating in a slowly varying thundercloud electric field that can be enhanced by the charge of an approaching downward lightning leader. Initiation and development of an upward connecting leader or upward lightning from high ground objects are investigated. Prospects of using the effect of coronae to control downward lightning discharges are discussed.

Glow corona generation and streamer inception at the tip of grounded objects during thunderstorms: revisited

“…streamers and leaders). Extensive theoretical research on glow corona discharges from tall objects, and their effect on the initiation of streamers and upward leaders, has been published in the literature in recent years [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. However, in all of these studies the analysis has been based on very simple models of the glow corona and the leader discharges.…”

“…Based on this conclusion, it was suggested that the glow corona might significantly reduce the efficiency of tall objects to intercept lightning flashes. Consequently, it was suggested that glow corona discharges might be practically utilized in the design of an unconventional lightning protection system [6,[11][12][13]. Such a system, usually known as a dissipation array, uses a uniform, umbrella-shaped array of needles, capable of generating a massive corona space charge [6,13].…”

“…Consequently, it was suggested that glow corona discharges might be practically utilized in the design of an unconventional lightning protection system [6,[11][12][13]. Such a system, usually known as a dissipation array, uses a uniform, umbrella-shaped array of needles, capable of generating a massive corona space charge [6,13]. Recently, another device capable of generating a corona space charge was introduced [14], which was claimed to provide superior lightning protection, based on an analytical approach similar to that in [5], together with results from high-voltage laboratory tests.…”

Reconnection and merging of positive streamers in air

“…in lamp ignition [6,7] as well as in the counter leaders stretching from tall structures upwards towards an approaching lightning leader [8].…”

Fair weather induced charges and currents on tall wind turbines and experiments with kites

“…The onset electric field for corona discharges is commonly determined by Peek's formula e.g. [8] which typically requires electric fields of the order of 3 MV/m. However, coronas has been observed to occur at lower electric fields as suggested by the AMS e.g.…”