An Electro-Geometric Model for Lightning Shielding of Multiple Wind Turbines

Wind turbine blades being struck by lightning is one of the most urgent problems facing wind farms. In order to reduce the probability of lightning accidents on wind farms, this paper presents a new electro-geometric model for multiple turbines. In this new model, based on the physical model of lightning leader development, the striking distance range of the blade tip receptor is calculated, taking into account the influence of the charged particles around the blade. Lightning shielding amongst multiple turbines is provided in combination with the traditional electro-geometric model, and a criterion formula is obtained for mutual shielding for multiple turbines. The influence of environmental factors, such as temperature, atmospheric pressure, air humidity, and altitude, on lightning shielding on large-scale wind farms is also analyzed by studying the lightning shielding distance between wind turbines. The calculation shows that the larger the relative air density and the absolute humidity, and the lower the altitude, and the larger the lightning shielding distance between wind turbines. The method proposed in this paper provides a theoretical basis for the lightning protection on wind farms under different environmental conditions.