Photovoltaic systems are booming throughout South Africa. Based upon the fact that self - generated electricity is cheaper and provides a high degree of independence from the electrical grid, PV systems are fast becoming an integral part of many electrical installations...
Interception efficiency is the most important parameter to show the effectiveness of air-termination systems. The dynamic electro-geometrical model (DEGM), is a numerical method capable of calculating efficiencies of air terminals...
At LPC, we continually strive to be the most advanced earthing and lightning protection company in the world. In order to provide world class lightning protection systems the lightning protection designs must be extremely accurate. To this end, the use of 3D modelling has become an essential tool in providing the accuracy in design that is required...
In order to comply with the requirements of the SANS/ IEC Code 62305 series, the lightning protection components must meet the mechanical and electrical requirements as specified in the IEC 50164 standard series...
A lightning protection system (LEMP Protection System) in accordance with SANS/ IEC 62305 Part 3 protects persons and material assets of value in buildings, but does not protect the electrical and electronic systems in the building which are sensitive to transient high-energy surges resulting from a lightning discharge...
Due to their exposed locations and their height, wind turbines are particularly vulnerable to the affects of direct lightning strikes. Several studies have shown that in wind farms, one must expect at least 10 direct lighting strikes to the wind turbines every year...
The 'Separation Distance' concept are the measures employed when an Isolated Air Termination System is required. In accordance with the SANS/ IEC Code 62305 series, "An isolated external LPS should be used when the flow of the lightning current into bonded internal conductive parts may cause damage to the structure or its contents"...
In accordance with the SANS/ IEC Code 62305 series, "In order to evaluate whether or not lightning protection of a structure is needed, a risk assessment in accordance with the procedures contained in IEC 62305-2 shall be made"...
PV systems have been installed in Europe for the past 15 years. Over time, research has determined that there are various factors that cause damage and downtime to these PV systems. The single largest cause of damage to PV systems is without doubt caused by lightning and induced surges...
Normally, earthing and lightning protection systems are designed and installed to last between 20 and 30 years. In order to achieve this life span; the correct appraisal of the site conditions, environmental factors, soil resistivity values, types of conductors and components must be carefully assessed...
Thatch buildings located in high lightning flash zones have always required protection from lightning. The risk of fire as a result of a direct lightning strike and the consequent total destruction of the thatch structure are simply too high. The resultant financial costs of the total destruction of a thatch structure often in to the tens if not hundreds of million Rands per event...