Energy storage station lightning protection and grounding standards

What is a lightning protection system (LPS)?

Lightning Protection System (LPS) whose air termination system and down conductor system are positioned in such a way that the path of the lightning current can be in contact with the structure to be protected. Minimum peak value of lightning current that will cause damage in a line. Permanent damage of electrical and electronic system due to LEMP.

What is lightning protection system design?

4.1.1 Lightning protection system design consists of the use of strike termination means, low impedance paths to ground, and earth electrode systems, coupled with bonding of all conductive penetrations into the protected area, surge suppression, and sideflash protection.

What is a lightning protection standard?

The standard thus sets out a defined set of lightning current parameters where protection measures, adopted in accordance with its recommendations, will reduce any damage and consequential loss as a result of a lightning strike.

Do I need an external lightning protection system?

Therefore the need for optimized and reliable electrical protection against the influence of lightning and surge events becomes mandatory. A risk assessment per IEC 62305-2 should first be performed to understand better if an external lightning protection system (LPS) is required.

Why do lightning protection ground systems need to be bonded?

4.3.9.1 Bonding of metallic bodies and lightning protection ground systems is required to ensure that voltage potentials produced by lightning currents are near-equal throughout the structure and no potential differences exist that would be sufficient to produce a sideflash inside or on the surface of the protected structure.

Do underground electrical service lines need a lightning current SPD?

Underground electrical service lines therefore do not have a requirement for lightning current SPDs where no structural LPS is present - overvoltage SPDs are sufficient to provide effective protection.