Lightning Transients and Protection for Renewable Energy System

Table of Contents

1. Frontmatter

2. Lightning Electromagnetic (EM) Transients and Protection for Photovoltaic System

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Chapter 1. Introduction to Photovoltaic System

      Qiuqin Sun, Li Zhang, Xiao Zhong, Feng Bin, Zhi Zheng

      Abstract

      The photovoltaic (PV) power generation system is mainly composed of large-area PV panels, direct current (DC) combiner boxes, DC distribution cabinets, PV inverters, alternating current (AC) distribution cabinets, grid connected transformers, and connecting cables. Since the output voltage of single PV cell is very small, multiple PV cells are often connected in series through a foil-plated thin copper wire in order to obtain a higher output voltage.

   3. Chapter 2. Mechanism of Lightning Electromagnetic Coupling for Photovoltaic Array

      Qiuqin Sun, Li Zhang, Xiao Zhong, Feng Bin, Zhi Zheng

      Abstract

      The metal frame is (Ahmad et al. in Renew Sust Energ Rev 82:1611–1619, 2018) generally grounded to reduce the induced overvoltage caused by direct and indirect lightning electromagnetic fields. The PV panel is installed on a bracket structure with a slant angle, as depicted in Fig. 2.1. The PV array is boosted up to 35 kV by a DC/AC inverter, and then collected by a cable to substation. It would be further enhanced to 220 kV to power grid.

   4. Chapter 3. Lightning Induced Voltage of Photovoltaic Array on Complex Terrains

      Qiuqin Sun, Li Zhang, Xiao Zhong, Feng Bin, Zhi Zheng

      Abstract

      Suppose a PV array installed on flat ground, twenty PV individual panels are connected into a group, and eight groups are wired together and then linked to the inverter, as shown in Fig. 3.1a. Considering the lightning channel is vertical and perpendicular to the ground, the horizontal distance R, from PV array to the lightning channel, is 5 m. The detailed dimension of single PV panel is depicted in Fig. 3.1b.

   5. Chapter 4. Novel Crossover Wiring of DC Cable for Photovoltaic Array Against Lightning Induced Overvoltage

      Qiuqin Sun, Li Zhang, Xiao Zhong, Feng Bin, Zhi Zheng

      Abstract

      The lightning current will produce a strong EM radiation, and an impulse voltage will be induced in the DC cable around. The associated electronic device like the bypass diode and inverter, as illustrated in Fig. 4.1, may be damaged. The computational model for induced voltages is presented as follows.

   6. Chapter 5. Novel Solar-Cell String Wiring of Photovoltaic Module for Reducing Lightning Induced Overvoltage

      Qiuqin Sun, Li Zhang, Xiao Zhong, Feng Bin, Zhi Zheng

      Abstract

      One solar cell only can provide a very low voltage in full sunlight. To obtain a larger output voltage, tens of solar cells encapsulated inside a PV module are connected in series.

   7. Chapter 6. Effect of Eddy Current for Photovoltaic Module Generated by Lightning Electromagnetic Field

      Qiuqin Sun, Li Zhang, Xiao Zhong, Feng Bin, Zhi Zheng

      Abstract

      A PV module is encapsulated with metal frame, cover glass and waterproof backsheet to prevent the oxidation of solar cells. The lightning EM field will produce an impulse voltage on the PV module, and can damage the bypass diodes in the junction box.

3. Lightning Electromagnetic (EM) Transients and Protection for Wind Turbines

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Chapter 7. Introduction to Wind Power

      Qiuqin Sun, Li Zhang, Xiao Zhong, Feng Bin, Zhi Zheng

      Abstract

      Wind power has become the most mature and scalable form of renewable energy generation in the world today, with significant prospects for commercial development. Vigorous development of wind power is not only strategically important for energy security and diversification but will also play an increasingly crucial role in addressing climate change and promoting energy efficiency.

   3. Chapter 8. Evaluation of Lightning Strike Distance of Wind Turbine Blades

      Qiuqin Sun, Li Zhang, Xiao Zhong, Feng Bin, Zhi Zheng

      Abstract

      The electrical geometric method establishes a connection between lightning current parameters and the geometric structure of the object under study. It utilizes the concept of striking distance to describe the object’s ability to attract lightning from the ground. According to this method, the lightning leader that reaches the striking distance of a particular object first will discharge towards that object.

   4. Chapter 9. Lightning Protection Efficiency and Shielding for Wind Turbine Blades

      Qiuqin Sun, Li Zhang, Xiao Zhong, Feng Bin, Zhi Zheng

      Abstract

      Nowadays, there are two main types of lightning arresters for wind turbine blades: one is to set the blade tip lightning arrester only at the tip of the blade, and the other is to set the blade tip lightning arrester and the blade body lightning arrester at the same time. However, there is no unified guidance plan for the selection of blade lightning arresters and the arrangement of lightning arresters by various blade manufacturers today. The influence mechanism of the arrangement of lightning arresters on the lightning protection efficiency of blades is still unclear. Therefore, finding a method to characterize the efficiency of the wind turbine blade lightning protection system is the theoretical basis for optimizing the wind turbine blade lightning protection system.

   5. Chapter 10. Damage Mechanism for Wind Turbine Blade Under the Effect of Electric Arc

      Qiuqin Sun, Li Zhang, Xiao Zhong, Feng Bin, Zhi Zheng

      Abstract

      Molecular dynamics simulation is an important research method for studying the structure and properties of molecules or molecular systems through computer simulation. It includes methods such as molecular mechanics, Monte Carlo simulation, and molecular dynamics simulation.

   6. Chapter 11. Lightning Electromagnetic Interference to Electronics Inside Offshore Wind Turbines

      Qiuqin Sun, Li Zhang, Xiao Zhong, Feng Bin, Zhi Zheng

      Abstract

      The design of the offshore wind turbine grounding system is different from that of traditional onshore WTs. The pipe rack structure is used as the foundation of offshore WTs. Considering the economy and the ease of construction, the general engineering uses the foundation as the natural grounding body.