Lightning protection of wind turbine blades — An alternative approach

This paper is a review of the lightning protection of wind turbine blades in terms of on the layout and location of the down conductor system. Generally, the down conductors of a lightning protection system for wind turbine blades may be installed inside the blade or outside the blade. However, the internal down conductor approach has become a common practice for blade manufacturers. This is presumably due to the preference for the aerodynamic properties of the blades to be maintained. However, by having an internal down conductor, other problems occur (e.g. blade disintegration, burn due to the impact of lightning strikes). This paper discusses the possibility that an external down conductor might be more advantageous and concludes with some recommendations.