- #1
Curiousphy
- 41
- 4
If there's an inductor in series between a lightning rod and the ground rod, how will it affect the lightning protection ability of the system?
What do you think?Curiousphy said:Thank you again. What if it was a resistor instead of an inductor, would it act as an open circuit or cause arcing?
Indeed.gneill said:A lightning strike is more DC than AC, given that it's a sudden discharge of a stored charge.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightning#Transient_currents_during_flash said:Positive lightning strikes tend to be much more intense than their negative counterparts. An average bolt of negative lightning carries an electric current of 30,000 amperes (30 kA), and transfers 15 coulombs of electric charge and 500 megajoules of energy. Large bolts of negative lightning can carry up to 120 kA and 350 coulombs.[39]
30 ohms is not a low series impedance in a lightning conductor, it is a very high impedance and demonstrates poor engineering. I would expect a flash around that impedance as the surrounding air is ionised by the voltage gradient. But you are suggesting that the series impedance is a fault in a lightning conductor and that the lightning strike is 100 metres away, so I ask you why the lightning conductor was not placed in the more exposed position where the strike eventually occurred? A lightning conductor should never be installed below a more attractive conductor.Curiousphy said:… if the grounding path to Earth had a low impedance inductive or resistive load (say 30 ohms) ...
Until you specify the voltage, current, impedance and risetime there can be no sensible answer to your question.Curiousphy said:Are there inductors/resistors that could possibly survive such a surge current?
As it was stated before at that current any lightning conductor has notable resistance and inductance too: to the point that even the shape of the wire matters. Lightning conductors are expected to survive lightning.Curiousphy said:I was curious if there were any man made inductors or resistors able to withstand lightning
You know wrong. As the first line of electronic surge protection there are low impedance (! at least far lower than the load, in those circumstances) devices that offers a path to ground for the incoming high voltage surge and thus limiting the energy/voltage/current passing for the further protection barriers. For a decent protection system there are several lines of defense, all based on the limiting effect of the previous level, all aimed at different power levels.Curiousphy said:I know there are high impedance inductors/resistors designed to block a power surge to protect electronics
A Lightning Protection System with Inductor is a system designed to protect buildings and other structures from the damaging effects of lightning strikes. It uses an inductor, also known as a lightning rod, to divert the electrical current from a lightning strike safely into the ground, rather than allowing it to pass through the structure.
When lightning strikes a structure, the inductor intercepts the electrical current and channels it down a conductor, such as a copper cable, to a grounding rod buried in the ground. The grounding rod then safely dissipates the electrical energy, preventing damage to the structure.
The main benefit of a Lightning Protection System with Inductor is that it provides a safe path for the electrical current from a lightning strike to travel, preventing damage to the structure and any occupants inside. It also helps to protect electronic equipment and appliances from power surges caused by lightning strikes.
One potential drawback is that the installation of a Lightning Protection System with Inductor can be expensive and may require periodic maintenance to ensure it is functioning properly. Additionally, the system may not be effective if it is not installed correctly or if the structure is struck by a very powerful lightning bolt.
The decision to install a Lightning Protection System with Inductor should be based on the risk of lightning strikes in the area, the type and height of the structure, and any potential consequences of a lightning strike. It is best to consult with a professional to assess the need for a lightning protection system for a specific structure.