KR20110128291A - Device for protecting against a physical phenomenon such as lightning - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for protecting against the electrical effects of a physical phenomenon that can cause ionization of the medium when a physical phenomenon occurs, such as lightning. The apparatus comprises sensing means (3, 4, 5) for detecting the occurrence of a physical phenomenon; At least one physical phenomenon collector (1, 2) for collecting the effects of the physical phenomenon; And initiation means 7 which initiates the collection by the collector and can generate an ionized channel from the collector, which is monitored by the sensing means. The sensing means comprises a corona effect detector that is electrically insulated from the collector and capable of directly sensing the corona effect generated in the collector. Therefore, by observing the natural ionization phenomenon or corona effect induced by the occurrence of the phenomenon, it is possible to trigger the collector's operation at the correct moment by sensing the same.

Description

DEVICE FOR PROTECTING AGAINST A PHYSICAL PHENOMENON SUCH AS LIGHTNING

The present invention relates to a device for protection against the effects of physical phenomena such as lightning, which generate an electrical current in an electrical conductor. This is particularly applicable to devices called lightning rods.

Lightning is basically a large, destructive capacity that is discharged at high intensity. This natural phenomenon is still difficult to predict today.

In the face of such a situation, what is known as a lightning protection system is to seek to induce its discharge towards the ground in a controlled manner to protect the damage to industrial facilities and residential hubs.

Lightning rods are one of the basic elements of this lightning protection system.

Therefore, a lightning rod-type device is arranged on the roof of a building, for example for the purpose of capturing lightning, which causes the lightning to be channeled and guided to the ground so that the lightning cannot strike anywhere. It is known.

In the basic version, the lightning rods are made of poles or metal shafts, the ends of the lightning rods can be tapered, pointed or rounded, and the lightning rods are located high. The shaft of this lightning rod is guided to the ground by a conductive cable.

Other types of improved lightning rods have been developed with increased efficiency.

These lightning rods are more sensitive to the natural phenomena described below, namely lightning.

During the storm, the clouds are electrically charged. These systems are formed by charged clouds and ground, divided by layers of atmosphere over hundreds of meters to kilometers, where the atmosphere acts like a dielectric, charging a huge capacitor.

The physical phenomenon is related to lightning, which provides a completely similarity to the method of degradation of a capacitor.

1A and 1B, therefore, the capacitor is formed by perfect surfaces 10, 11. Lines 12 of the electric field exit at right angles to the positively charged surface 10 and enter at right angles to the negatively charged surface 11 (see FIG. 1A).

Unevenness of the surface has the effect of concentrating the line 12 of the electric field (see FIG. 1B). The local strengthening of these electric fields is known as the point effect.

The high gradient of the electric field near the irregular portion 13 of the surface provides ionization (ionization) of the molecules to the dielectric, from a certain threshold.

Ionization phenomena cause this ionization phenomenon, followed by the emission of light, called the corona effect or corona light. In the remainder of the description of the embodiments of the present invention, the corona effect will be described as emitting light following ionization. This occurs following the point effect.

Charged particles freed during ionization are accelerated by the electric field, along the lines of the electric field, and by impacting other molecules. This effect leads to new ionization, while the same acceleration and effect occurs while these newly charged particles are generated.

This result is called an electron avalanche, which itself appears as a current that diffuses through the space contained between the plates of the capacitor.

This avalanche is powered by energy contained in the electric field. This phenomenon is thought to be a process of dielectric material that becomes conductive in the area where the beginning, breaking, or e-valley occurs.

If the dielectric channel is formed to connect two plates of a capacitor, the current is stronger than the occurrence of an avalanche, allowing the two plates to have the same state of charge.

Similarly, referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, at the atmospheric level, lightning is caused by the deterioration of the dielectric (layer of air), which is accompanied by the creation of conductive channels 14 which induce a discharge from storm clouds 15 to the ground. It is a phenomenon (see FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C).

The most common form of lightning begins with a downward discharge 14a from the cloud towards the ground. This is commonly referred to as a descending streamer 14a.

This streamer 14a causes a sudden increase in the electric field when approaching the affected area. This increase causes a corona effect as the irregular ground approaches.

This results in other avalanche currents, called rising streamer 14b (FIG. 2B). These currents diffuse toward the descending streamer 14a. One of the descending streamer 14a and the rising streamer 14b causes contact, conductive channels 14 are formed, and clouds 15 are discharged toward the ground (FIG. 2C). The rest of the rising streamer 14b is depleted once the strength of the electric field drops.

Therefore, the lightning rod is based on the principle of point effect.

Indeed, the lightning rod is preferably in the shape of a rising streamer as the descending streamer approaches.

In addition, the object is placed high so that the rising streamer flowing from the lightning rod may have advantages over other rising streamers resulting from low irregularities.

By placing the lightning rod high, the ascending streamer flowing from the lightning rod contacts the descending streamer and maximizes the possibility of forming a conductive channel.

Once created, the channel is capable of directing lightning discharge from the lightning rod through the conductive cable to the ground.

Other types of improved lightning rods, and in particular, a terminal called early streamer emission (ESE), have a greater gain than the rising streamer generated by the presence of another object nearby from the shaft of the lightning rod (the top end). Look for one that predicts the phenomena caused by creating rising streamers. For example, there is a high probability that a conductive discharge channel is generated in the lightning rod rather than an object in which the conductive discharge channel to be generated in the lightning rod is located nearby.

The principle of this improved lightning rod is configured to favor the creation of an avalanche that produces a rising streamer (eg, via electrical discharge).

In order to provide this ascending streamer with benefits beyond those naturally produced by the surrounding harsh environment, the ESE must include means to allow for predicting the arrival of the descending streamer.

The device is known to enable prediction of lightning arrival. Such a device generates a discharge near the upper end of the lightning rod in order to generate an avalanche when it detects the arrival of the descending streamer. The rising streamer will therefore form a lightning discharge conductive discharge channel with the descending streamer.

Such a device is described, for example, in documents FR 2 590 737 or FR 2 750 806.

However, to generate the free charges implemented in such a device, the system cannot actually control the moment when the charges are generated. However, the accumulation of charges near the lightning rod can have a negative effect. For they produce a screen effect, which locally reduces the value of the electric field.

To solve this problem, the devices, as described in FR 2 590 737, adopt a measuring system that enables prediction of the approach of the descending streamer and activate the system to generate free charges when necessary. .

In particular, measuring the change in the electric field makes it possible to detect the descending streamer coming down. Thus, when a strong change in the electric field associated with the presence of the falling streamer is detected, the system triggers a high voltage discharge between the shaft of the lightning rod and the system of electrodes.

This discharge generates a large number of free charges, which in turn cause an avalanche. This is of great importance in such a device in order to be able to determine the exact moment at which free charge should be generated, while maximizing the chance of generating a rising streamer and intercepting a falling streamer.

Therefore, the concept of "precise moment" is a moment close enough to provide an environmental condition that allows the descending streamer to advance charges into the streamer's shape due to the stabilized field provided at that moment. .

Any charge generated too early may not produce the expected effect.

In another aspect, free charges generated too late can cause the streamer without any benefit associated with the streamer naturally generated in the surrounding region.

In this second case, there is a significant risk that a conductive discharge channel may be formed between the rising streamer and the descending streamer from other irregular ambient indicators. The lightning rod then cannot effectively play its protective role.

The problem is that detecting the value of the electric field does not make it possible to determine the moment when the electric field becomes sufficient to cause free charges to create an avalanche.

In addition, the value of the electric field causing this ionization has a complex dependence on several parameters such as humidity level, air composition, the presence of aerosols, the strength and presence of wind.

In addition, in other fields of application, physical phenomena for which protection is desired may result in high voltage discharges in industrial settings. This discharge can occur at the connection point between the transformer and the high voltage line in the event of failure due to an accident at the power station or distributed grid.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a solution to the above mentioned problems among others.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device that can protect from the effects of physical phenomena, such as lightning, and can provide a device capable of directly, passively and effectively detecting the approach of a physical phenomenon.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, for protection from lightning, the device of the present invention aims to detect the exact moment at which the avalanche must be triggered at the collector, and the creation of the rising streamer is lowered. To form a discharge channel of lightning with the streamer.

The present invention therefore relates to a device for protection against the electrical effects of a physical phenomenon, such as lightning, in which an ionization phenomenon of the medium may occur when a physical phenomenon occurs.

An apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a sensing means for detecting the occurrence of a physical phenomenon, at least one physical phenomenon collector for collecting the electrical effect of the physical phenomenon, the collector according to the physical phenomenon collected by the collector Initiation means for generating an ionized channel.

The initiating means is monitored by the sensing means.

The sensing means is electrically insulated from the collector and includes a corona effect detector that directly detects the corona effect occurring in the collector.

Therefore, by the corona effect induced by the occurrence of the phenomenon, that is, by observation of the natural light phenomenon with ionization, and by the detection of the same, it is possible to trigger the collector's operation at the right moment.

According to an embodiment of the present invention for protection from lightning, it is possible to sense the approach of the streamer descending at the right moment and to trigger an avalanche that forms a rising streamer formed at the top end of the collector. Do. And the rising streamer and the descending streamer can increase the likelihood of forming conductive discharge channels.

It is also possible to detect the formation of high voltage discharges. For example, in the event of a fault due to an accidental current, at the connection point between the high voltage line and the transformer in power stations or distribution grids, a rising streamer is produced, so that the rising streamer Combined with the discharge of the fault current, it is possible to form a channel that can be introduced into the ground.

Effects such as propagation mechanisms and high voltage discharges are, in fact, identical to the effects of natural lightning (although their intensity is greatly reduced).

The apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention can form the effect of a physical phenomenon such as lightning or high voltage discharge into a channel.

Electrical insulation of the detector (detection means) and the collector can reduce the damaging effects induced by the electrical discharge current of the collector, in the case of phenomena with electrical effects, such as lightning.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the collector comprises a shaft of metal having a first end and a second end, which is grounded through the electrical conductor by the second end.

This configuration applies in particular to protection against lightning and to directing the flow of lightning to the ground.

In this case, the corona effect detector is at least partly aligned with the metal shaft, preferably at the end of the metal shaft.

In fact, the first corona effect occurs near the end of the shaft. Therefore, the position of the detector near the end of the shaft will increase the accuracy of the detection.

According to yet another embodiment, which may be included in at least one of the components of the apparatus described above, the initiating means comprises means for generating free charge. The initiating means preferably produces a high voltage discharge or ionizes a source of light, such as a laser.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, which may be included in at least one of the above-described components, the corona effect detector transmits a signal for detecting the corona effect.

The sensing means comprises electronic control means for receiving a sensing signal that detects a corona effect, recognizing it, and activating the initiation means.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, which may be included in at least one of the above-described components, the corona effect detector includes an optical sensor module for detecting the corona effect.

The corona effect detector includes one or more optical guides, such as optical fibers, that can convey the generation of the corona effect to the optical sensor module.

According to another embodiment of the invention, which may be included in at least one of the above components, the device comprises an energy source for powering the sensing means and / or the initiating means.

The energy source is an electrical energy storage cell, one or more batteries, charged via energy collected using photovoltaic and / or wind-powered systems or through changes in the electric field induced by physical phenomena. It is preferred to be one or more capacitors or one or more super-capacitors.

Other configurations and benefits of the present invention will appear more clearly and completely in the following embodiments of the present invention. This is provided by reference numerals and unlimited examples of the accompanying drawings.

By observing the natural ionization phenomenon or corona effect induced by the occurrence of the phenomenon, sensing the same can trigger the collector's operation at the correct moment.

It is also possible to detect the formation of high voltage discharges. For example, in the event of a fault due to an accidental current, at the connection point between the high voltage line and the transformer in power stations or distribution grids, a rising streamer is produced, so that the rising streamer Combined with the discharge of the fault current, it is possible to form a channel that can be introduced into the ground.

1A and 1B illustrate a point effect phenomenon in a capacitor.
2A, 2B and 2C illustrate a lightning formation procedure.
3 shows an example of a device according to the invention.

Here, an embodiment of the present invention is described in terms of examples for protection from lightning.

1A and 1B and 2A to 2C have been described in relation to their effects for point effects and lightning protection.

In two embodiments corresponding respectively to FIGS. 3 and 4, the apparatus comprises collectors 1, 2.

The collectors 1, 2 comprise a metal shaft 1, and the first end 1a of the metal shaft 1 can be assumed to have a point shape. And the second end 2a of the metal shaft 1 is grounded by the electrical conductor 2.

The first end 1a may also have a profile that is rounded at its end, for example, as opposed to its tapered end.

As described above, the object of the present invention is to trigger at the very moment when the streamer rises. This, together with the descending streamer, may allow the dielectric formed by the atmosphere to form conductive channels by breaking.

This conductive channel allows the flow of lightning to discharge to the collector's shaft 1 and through the conductor 2 to the ground. Thus, the collectors 1, 2 are able to produce such discharges along the conductive channels created over the layers of the atmosphere between the clouds and the ground, by directing them to the ground in a controlled manner, without causing any damage to the surroundings, for example electricity. Or absorbs lightning effects, such as the discharge of electrons.

In order to generate the rising streamer, the starting means 7 is used. The initiating means 7 produce one 8 in the form of free charge. For example, the starting means 7 can be a high voltage discharge generator or an ionizing light source (laser or the like).

An apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention comprises means for detecting a corona effect.

As shown by way of example in FIG. 3, the sensing means 3, 4, 5 for detecting the corona effect comprise an optical sensor module having one or more optical sensors. The optical sensor can detect light emitted from the corona effect.

This optical sensor module is preferably located near the first end 1a of the shaft 1 of the collector 1, 2 for more accurate sensing.

In an alternative embodiment of FIG. 3, an optical guide 4 of the optical fiber type is shown interposed between the optical sensor module 3 and the shaft 1, the optical guide 4 being formed in the shaft 1. For directing and transmitting the light emitted by the corona effect from the first end 1a to the optical sensor module 3.

This alternative embodiment has the advantage of enabling the optical sensor module 3 to be spaced apart from the collectors 1, 2 and therefore, in particular, to protect the optical sensor module 3 from discharges associated with lightning.

Means for sensing the corona effect may generate and emit a signal, such as an electrical signal, for example, representing the corona effect.

Electronic control means 5 are provided for processing and recognizing the signal representing the corona and for triggering the initiation means 7.

In particular, the electronic control means 5 compares the indication of the corona effect with the received signal to determine if the initiation means 7 should be triggered.

In addition, an energy source 6 is provided. This makes it possible to supply power (energy) to the sensing means 3, 4, 5 and / or possibly the initiating means 7 when they are present.

This energy source 6 may be an electrical energy storage battery 6. For example, the electrical energy storage battery 6 can be charged by a change in the electric field induced by the approach of a storm (or through energy collected using wind-powered and / or photovoltaic systems). .

Thus, in the example of the present invention for lightning protection, the operation of the progressive device is as follows.

As the descending streamer approaches the vicinity of the device, a strong increase in the electric field is amplified by the point effect, and ionization of the atmosphere around the first end 1a of the shaft 1 of the collectors 1, 2 Is generated.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 3, this ionization is accompanied by the divergence of light sensed by the optical sensor module 3. Alternatively, this ionization is captured by the optical guide 4 and transmitted to the optical sensor module 3.

The optical sensor module 3 converts the optical signal into an electrical signal. The converted signal is transmitted to the electronic control means 5.

The electronic control means 5 determines whether the signal corresponds to an indication of the corona effect of the descending streamer. If so, the electronic control means 5 activates the initiation means 7 to generate free charge 8 at that instant.

This free charge 8 is accelerated due to the electric field generated by the falling streamer and causes an avalanche. This avalanche constitutes the starting stage for forming an ascending streamer. If this rising streamer intercepts the descending streamer, this forms a conductive channel that causes the cloud to discharge through the shaft 1 and the conductor 2 to the ground.

It is provided as an example in the detailed description, and therefore, it is not intended to limit the invention.

In particular, the present invention can be applied to other fields other than lightning protection, and in particular, this physical phenomenon can be applied to any field where there is a problem from the effect due to the physical phenomenon generated by ionization.

This can also be used as an example where the beam is applied from the emission of high voltage at the connection point between the high voltage line and the transformer. In particular, such as electrical stations or distribution grids in which an accidental failure (failure due to an accidental current) may occur.

1: shaft 1a: first end
1b: second end 2: conductor
3: optical sensor module 4: optical guide
5: electronic control means 6: energy source
7: initiation means 8: charge

Claims (9)

As a protection against the electrical effects of physics, which can cause the ionization of media when a physics such as lightning occurs,
Sensing means (3, 4, 5) for sensing the occurrence of a physical phenomenon;
At least one collector of physical phenomena for collecting the electrical effects of the physical phenomenon (1, 2); And
Initiating means (7) controlled by the sensing means (3, 4, 5), which causes the collector (1, 2) to produce ionized channels in accordance with the physical phenomena collected by the collector (1, 2), The initiating means (7), characterized in that the sensing means (3, 4, 5) are electrically insulated from the collectors (1, 2),
Said sensing means (3, 4, 5) comprise a corona effect detector (3, 4) which directly detects the corona effect occurring in said collector (1, 2). The method of claim 1,
The collector 1, 2 comprises a shaft 1 of metal, which has a first end 1a and is grounded through the electrical conductor 2 by the second end 1b. Device. The method of claim 2,
The corona effect detectors 3 and 4 are at least partially
Protective device, characterized in that it is aligned to the metal shaft (1), preferably to the first end (1a) of the shaft (1). 4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the initiation means (7)
Means (7) for generating free charge (8), characterized in that it is a source of ionized light, such as a high voltage discharge generator or a laser. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The corona effect detectors 3 and 4 emit signals that detect the corona effect,
Said sensing means (3, 4, 5) comprise electronic control means (5) for receiving and recognizing said sensed signal for activating said initiating means (7). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Corona Effect Detectors (3, 4)
A protective device, characterized in that it comprises an optical sensor module (3) for detecting the corona effect. 7. The corona effect detectors 3, 4 according to claim 6,
Protective device, characterized in that it comprises an optical guide (4), such as optical fiber capable of transmitting a corona effect to the optical sensor module (3). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Protective device, characterized in that it further comprises an energy source (6) for providing energy to the sensing means (3, 4, 5) and / or the initiating means (7). The method of claim 8,
The energy source (6) is an electrical energy storage cell (6), characterized in that it is charged through a change in the electric field induced by the physical phenomenon.

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