A new method for the estimation of the number of upward flashes from tall structures

A new method to estimate the number of upward flashes from tall structures is presented. The method is based on the analysis of the data provided by lightning location systems (LLS) and thus could be applied for any tall structure located in the region covered by a LLS. About 80 tall objects in Europe with heights ranging from 100 m to 300 m were selected for the analysis. LLS data for a period of 10 years on flashes within circles of 8 km around each object were exported from the EUCLID network database and analyzed. The number of upward flashes for each considered structure was estimated and the obtained results were compared with those calculated using the empirical formula of Eriksson. For towers located on hilly terrain, the physical height of the structure was replaced by its effective height determined according to the IEC recommendation. The obtained results follow the trend predicted by Eriksson´s formula. However, significant dispersion is observed. This dispersion might be attributed essentially to meteorological and geological factors associated with different objects.