LIGHTNING CURRENT GENERATOR UP TO 400 kA 10/350

摘要

This paper describes the simulation of extreme high lightning currents by the use of a newly designed twin crowbar-spark gap lightning current generator. The paper introduces the purpose of the test generator, the test system and some practical test results. Extreme high lightning currents up to 400 kA 10/350 according to IEC 62305 [1] can be generated. For the simulation of these high lightning currents a parallel connection of two capacitive surge current generators with crowbar spark gap has been realized. This test generator can also produce multiple impulse currents with very high peak currents and corresponding high charge transfer. It is also shown how to simulate in the laboratory high peak currents and long continuous currents of positive flashes to ground in one combined test current. Direct effect lightning current testing to simulate the effects of cloud-to-ground lightning flashes is demonstrated on various practical applications such as air termination systems, down conductors and connection components for lightning protection systems according to IEC 62305. Furthermore a high lightning current test according to IEC 61643-11 [2] on Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) for extreme installation conditions is shown. The test generator enables also high current impulse testing of test objects with relatively high impedances such as wind turbine rotor blade samples according to IEC 61400-24 [3].