Lightning protection of wind turbines — A comparison of real lightning strike data and finite element lightning attachment analysis

Wind turbine lightning protection systems have been developed to the point where lightning damage is relatively rare. However, with windfarms moving offshore, manufacturers are striving to continuously improve lightning protection systems while ensuring that they comply with relevant IEC standards. The case of offshore wind farms is particularly important due to the difficulties faced in accessing a wind turbine should this be required owing to lightning damage. The paper details work done to model upward propagating lightning strike attachment on a wind turbine. A 3D electrostatic model of a full scale wind turbine has been modelled using available finite element analysis software. This full scale model is subjected to high electric fields comparable to those created by a charged cloud. Results from these simulations are then compared with those found from analysis of real lightning strike data taken from wind turbines and windfarms across the world.