Lightning Protection
Downward flashes: leader discharges pointing towards the ground guide the lightning discharge
from the cloud to the earth. Such discharges usually occur in flat terrain and near low buildings.
Upward flashes: on very high, exposed objects (E.G wind turbines, radio masts, telecommunication
towers, steeples) or on the tops mountains, upward flashes (earth-to-cloud flashes) can occur.
The purpose of a lightning protection system is to protection system is to protect buildings from
direct lightning strikes and possible fire on from the consequences lightning current
Heaven Institute of Renewable Energy
Anupam Square, 204, Mota Varachha, Surat, Gujarat 394101
A lightning protection system simply intercepts and guides the current harmlessly to ground via a
low impedance path.
Components:
Air terminal
Conductors
ground terminations
Types of lightning arrester:
2 types of lightning protection ( IS 2309)
Conventional type lightning protection (IS 2309)
ESE (early streamer emission type) lightning protection (NFC-170102)
Calculation:
The lightning arrestor shall be installed at the entire PV field there by protecting the PV plant right
from the modules up to the individual substations. Lightning protection system shall comply with
NFC 17-102. The protection system will be based on early streamer emission lightning conductor air
terminals. The lightning rod is equipped with a system which creates the triggering advance of the
upward leader when compared with a simple rod lightning conductor in the same condition. These
air terminals shall provide an umbrella protection covering radial distance of 107m/89m against
direct lightning strike. The air terminal shall be capable of handing multiple strikes of lightning
current and is maintenance free after installation.
Early streamer emission terminal: (ESEAT)
An early streamer emission terminal is composed of one striking point, emission device, a fixing
element and a connection to the down conductors the area protected by an ESEAT is determined
according to its efficiency
The ESEAT should preferably be installed on the highest part of the structure. It shall be the highest
point within the area to be protected.
Heaven Institute of Renewable Energy
Anupam Square, 204, Mota Varachha, Surat, Gujarat 394101
ESE ( Early Streamer Emission type) Lightning Protection (NFC-17102)
Heaven Institute of Renewable Energy
Anupam Square, 204, Mota Varachha, Surat, Gujarat 394101
Protection radius:
As per NFC: 17-102, clause 2.2.3.2, the protection radius of an ese lightning conductor is related its
height (h) relative to the area to be protected, to its triggering advance and to the selected
protection level
Where,
Rp = protection radius in the horizontal plane considered in metre.
H = E.S.E lightning conductor tip height relative to the horizon plane passing through the top of the
element to be protected in metre.
D = the striking distance or rolling sphere radius as per the protection level – I, II, III & IV in mtr
D = 60 m for protection level ||| (high protection)
T= the triggering advance of the E.S.E lightning conductor considered in micro seconds.
V = common velocity in meters per second.
L = the upward leader length gain in metre.
The parameters used for calculation are given bellow:
Solar inverter substation height = 3.5 meter
The structure to be protected is mms @ 28 DEG tilt which offers a total height of above mentioned
at worst condition.
h = 5 meter
e.se terminal tip height relative to the structure to be protected shall be greater than or equal to 5
meters.
Minimum GI mast height= 8 meter.
Foundation of ESE above from Ground Level = 0.2 meter
ESE-60-SS height = 0.3 meter
Total tip height of LA from ground level= (8+0.2+0.3) =8.5 meters
L.A height = (total tip height of L.A from ground level - solar inverter substation height) =
(8.5-3.5) = 5 meters
D = 60 meters
Heaven Institute of Renewable Energy
Anupam Square, 204, Mota Varachha, Surat, Gujarat 394101
Since standard level of protection, i.e level ||| is selected
ΔT = 60 micro-sec
V = 1 m/ micro-sec
(NFC 17-102, a 1.2: - leader propagation velocity-average velocities of the upward and downward
leaders are comparable during the attachment phases and the velocity ratio VUP/VDOWN is closed
to 1 (between 0.9 and 1.1) v= common velocity (VUP/VDOWN) consider 1m/u sec)
ΔL = 60 meters
Rp = 107 meters
Lightning Arresters (LAs) are essential components used to protect electrical equipment from over-
voltage transients caused by external events (primarily lightning strikes). Their main function is to
provide a low impedance path to ground for the surge, ensuring it bypasses the connected
equipment.
When deciding on the appropriate Lightning Arrester for a solar power plant based on plant capacity
and location, consider the following:
1. Determine Lightning Risk Level:
The lightning risk for the location is paramount. Lightning density maps, which indicate the number
of lightning strikes per year per square kilometre, can provide this information. High-risk areas
require more robust protection.
2. Determine the Required Protection Level:
Based on your area's lightning risk and the critical nature of the solar power plant, determine the
peak lightning current the LA should handle. This parameter is crucial for selecting an arrester with
the right energy absorption capacity.
3. Plant Capacity:
A larger plant generally has more extended infrastructure, increasing the likelihood of lightning-
induced surges. While the size of the plant doesn't directly dictate the type of LA to be used, it will
affect the number and distribution of LAs around the facility.
4. Placement:
For maximum protection, it's essential to install LAs at strategic points in the solar power plant. Key
points include:
Near transformers to protect them from surges.
At the end or beginning of overhead lines, especially if the plant is large.
At regular intervals in larger plants to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Heaven Institute of Renewable Energy
Anupam Square, 204, Mota Varachha, Surat, Gujarat 394101
7. Grounding System:
A robust and low-resistance grounding system is crucial. The effectiveness of an LA is closely tied to
the quality of the grounding system. The grounding resistance should be as low as possible (typically
below 10 ohms, but this value might vary depending on local standards and soil conditions).
8. Consult Standards and Codes:
Standards like IEC 62305 provide guidelines for lightning protection. Always refer to both
international and local standards when selecting and installing lightning arresters.
Heaven Institute of Renewable Energy
Anupam Square, 204, Mota Varachha, Surat, Gujarat 394101
