Fiber Optic Sensor Network for Lightning Impact Localization and Classification in Wind Turbines

As wind turbines are increasing both in number and in height, they are exposed to a major threat in form of lightning strikes. The protection of these structures from the effects of lightning is an important issue in today´s wind turbine development. However, as lightning is random in nature, a complete protection against its damages is not achievable. The presented method for lightning impact localization and classification using a fiber optic current sensor network helps to detect damages caused by lightning and to monitor the blades. The system is connected to the wind turbine control and monitoring system