Lightning rodsIt is a device used to protect buildings and other facilities from lightning strikes. This article introduces the principle, working mode, type and selection method of lightning rod, and combines its application solutions in different industries with actual cases.
1.The lightning rod principle
Lightning rods work by taking advantage of the good conductivity of metal to direct lightning to the ground, thus protecting buildings and other facilities from lightning strikes. The lightning rod consists of three parts:
Lightning rod tip: The tip of a lightning rod, usually made of metal, is used to collect lightning.
Down Lead: A metal wire that connects the tip of the lightning rod to the grounding device and is used to direct the lightning current to the ground.
Grounding device: A metal device buried in the ground to direct lightning current into the earth.
When a thundercloud approaches a building, an electric field is formed between the ground and the clouds. The tip of the lightning rod distorts the electric field, forming a strong electric field near the tip of the lightning rod. When lightning occurs, it travels downward along the path where the electric field is strongest, eventually hitting the tip of the lightning rod.
2.How lightning rods work
The way lightning rods work can be divided into the following three phases:
Pilot discharge: Before lightning occurs, the tip of the lightning rod emits a pilot discharge around, making it easier for the lightning to hit the lightning rod.
Primary Discharge: When lightning strikes the tip of the lightning rod, it flows along the down conductor to the grounding device and eventually into the ground.
Subsequent discharge: After lightning strikes a lightning rod, a subsequent discharge also occurs to release the remaining charge.
Dikai TechnologyLightning rod type
Lightning rods can be classified into the following types according to their shape and structure:
Single-pin lightning rod: The simplest lightning rod, consisting of a metal rod.
Multi-needle lightning rod: A lightning rod consisting of multiple lightning rod tips that can expand the range of protection.
Caged lightning rod: A lightning rod composed of metal mesh that protects large buildings.
Ion lightning rod: A lightning rod that uses the principle of ion emission to actively guide lightning.
Dikai TechnologyLightning rod selection
The following factors need to be considered in the selection of lightning rods:
The height and shape of the building: The higher the height of the building, the higher the lightning rod is needed. The shape of the building also affects the protection range of the lightning rod.
Surroundings: If there are tall buildings or trees around, you need to consider whether the protection range of the lightning rod is sufficient.
Lightning protection level: According to the importance of the building, it can be divided into different lightning protection levels, and the corresponding lightning rod needs to be selected.
Dikai TechnologySolutions for lightning rod applications
Case 1: Lightning protection of high-rise buildings.
A 200-meter-high office building in a city needed to install a lightning rod. Depending on the height of the building and the level of lightning protection, a single-pin lightning rod with a height of 25 meters was chosen. The tip of the lightning rod is made of copper and has a diameter of 20 mm. The down conductor is made of galvanized steel tubing with a diameter of 16 mm. The grounding device consists of a copper plate buried in the ground with an area of 10 square meters.
Case 2: Petrochemical lightning protection.
A petrochemical company needed to install lightning rods for its oil and gas storage tanks. According to the nature of the oil and gas storage tank and the lightning protection level, a multi-needle lightning rod is selected.
Lightning rods: Consists of 6 lightning rods 10 meters high, each with a tip made of copper and a diameter of 15 mm.
Down lead: made of galvanized steel tubes, 12 mm in diameter and 10 m in length.
Grounding device: consists of a steel pipe buried in the ground, with a length of 30 meters and a diameter of 25 mm.
Case 3: Lightning protection of power facilities.
A power company needed to install lightning rods for its transmission lines. Depending on the length and voltage level of the transmission line, a cage lightning rod was chosen.
Lightning rod: made of metal mesh, with a diameter of 1 meter and a height of 5 meters.
Down lead: made of galvanized steel tube, 10 mm in diameter and 5 m in length.
Grounding device: consists of a steel pipe buried in the ground, with a length of 20 meters and a diameter of 20 mm.
Dikai TechnologyLightning rodsIt is an effective lightning protection measure that can protect buildings and other facilities from lightning strikes. When choosing a lightning rod, you need to consider factors such as the height and shape of the building, the surrounding environment, and the lightning protection rating.