Numerical simulation of the effect of wind removing the corona space charge over grounded structures under thunderstorm conditions

Stephan Vogel, Javier Lopez, Joachim Holbøll, Søren Find Madsen, Anna Candela Garolera, Kim Bertelsen

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingArticle in proceedingsResearchpeer-review

    Abstract

    Different types of tall structures are severely exposed to lightning discharges, including power lines, communicationtowers, buildings and wind turbines all over the world. Thepresent paper focuses on the numerical modelling and simulationof the effect of wind on the electric field developed over agrounded object under thunderstorm conditions. The electric fieldcreated by the charge distribution in the thundercloud above theobject, which is in first place enhanced by its geometry, leadsto the generation and secondly upward propagation of chargefrom the object. Recent investigations underline that the effectof the removal of the corona space charge by the wind leadsto a higher field strength at the grounded object and, therefore,it becomes easier for it to initiate an upward connecting leadercompared to a situation where the space charge is present. Inthis work, a simplified space charge drift model quantifies thedifference between static towers and rotating wind turbines whichare influenced by different resultant wind velocities. The voltagedistribution and ion drift velocities in the vicinity of the groundedstructures are illustrated. The results show a higher voltagegradient at the side of the object facing the wind, leading toa higher probability of lightning attachment.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of 2015 International Conference on Lightning and Static Electricity
    Number of pages8
    Publication date2015
    Publication statusPublished - 2015
    Event2015 International Conference on Lightning and Static Electricity - Toulouse, France
    Duration: 9 Sept 201511 Sept 2015

    Conference

    Conference2015 International Conference on Lightning and Static Electricity
    Country/TerritoryFrance
    CityToulouse
    Period09/09/201511/09/2015

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