Analysis of Space Charge Generating Devices for Lightning Protection: Performance in Slow Varying Fields

This paper starts with a review of anode corona modes with particularly streamer-free glow known as ultra-corona, with the view of exploring its application in lightning protection. Due to the inherent intensification of the ambient electric field atop a tall structure, strict conditions have to be imposed on the streamer-free space charge generation and the stability of that mode of corona when exposed to rapid field variations due to remote lightning. A novel ultra-corona electrode satisfying the above conditions is introduced. High voltage test results on such electrodes are presented including corona current, charge and laboratory air gap breakdown voltage. By applying dimensional analysis, a generalized formula for corona currents from such a device atop a tall structure is presented which includes the effects of the ambient ground field, structure height, ambient electric field at the top of the structure, electrode dimensions, and wind speed.