The Similarity of the Action of Franklin and ESE Lightning Rods under Natural Conditions

Abstract

Abstract:In the lightning rods categorized as Early Streamer Emission (ESE) types, an intermittent voltage impulse is applied to the lightning rod to modulate the electric field at its tip in an attempt to speed up the initiation of a connecting leader from the lightning rod when it is under the influence of a stepped leader moving down from the cloud. In this paper, it is shown that, due to the stepping nature of the stepped leader, there is a natural modulation of the electric field at the tip of any lightning rod exposed to the lightning stepped leaders and this modulation is much more intense than any artificial modulation that is possible under practical conditions. Based on the results, it is concluded that artificial modulation of the electric field at the tip of lightning rods by applying voltage pulses is an unnecessary endeavor because the nature itself has endowed the tip of the lightning rod with a modulating electric field. Therefore, as far as the effectiveness of artificial modulation of the tip electric field is concerned, there could be no difference in the lightning attachment efficiency between ESE and Franklin lightning rods.

Utilization of Lightning Energy As a Lightning Power Plant to Optimize Lightning Potential in Medan City

“…A lightning rod's main function is to deflect lightning strikes and create a low-resistance path to the earth [12]. Application of voltage pulses to the lightning rod's tip with the assumption that their results will increase the conductor's attractive radius [15]. Through interactions between different-sized ice particles and supercooled water, thunderstorm clouds actively produce high electrical charge separation.…”