Multiple wind turbines shielding model of lightning attractiveness for mountain wind farms

Authors：Nie, Jiayi^*; Xiang, Nianwen; Li, Kejie; Chen, Weijiang

Source：ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS RESEARCH, 2023, 224: 109727.

DOI：10.1016/j.epsr.2023.109727

• Lightning attractiveness
• Multiple wind turbines
• Terrain topography
• Lightning shielding model

In this study, a lightning attractiveness assessment method was proposed for mountain wind farms (WFs). A full-size wind turbine (WT) model accounting for terrain topography was established. Then, the lightning collection area (LCA) of WTs was calculated using the self-consistent leader inception and propagation model (SLIM). Finally, a quantitative relationship between terrain structure and the LCA of a WT was obtained, and a shielding model was incorporated to realize differentiated lightning attractiveness assessment of WFs. Results showed that higher terrain height and steeper ground slope angle both increase the size and the height of the LCA, meaning that lightning attractiveness can vary because of terrain differences, even for WTs with the same elevation. The influence of ground slope angle on the LCA showed a saturation trend. The variation of the LCA was analyzed based on the distortion effect of the terrain structure on the electric field. By comparison, the simulation results of lightning attractiveness for mountain WFs in this paper are in good agreement with the actual observation results in flat and mountainous areas. The proposed model could be used to identify weaknesses in the lightning protection of mountain WFs.

• Institution
  国网电力科学研究院