Experimental and theoretical studies of lightning discharges on non-conducting wind turbine blades

摘要

The attachment mechanism of lightning discharges to non-conductive blade is investigated in order to design better protection measures for it. The lightning discharge mechanism was studied for non-polluted wind turbine blades as well as polluted ones, because wind power stations are sometimes installed near the seaside. Experimental studies revealed that the 50% flashover voltage of the polluted blade was reduced compared to non-polluted ones. The weak insulation strength of the polluted material resulted in a surface discharge which penetrated the blade material. The study also showed that the propagation of an upward leader similar to that produced during winter lightning significantly affects the lightning attachment manner.