Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill14564
Much more sophisticated? It’s not clear you know what a LPS is - the design hasn’t changed much in 200 years.
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So they are still attaching the LPS to roofs with square nails?
Per AI:Advancements in Lightning Protection Systems (LPS) over the past two decades
Over the past 20 years, Lightning Protection Systems (LPS) have undergone significant advancements, particularly in their ability to monitor and potentially mitigate the effects of lightning strikes, moving beyond simply diverting the strike to the ground. Key changes and improvements include:
Move towards proactive lightning prevention: Instead of only channeling lightning to the ground, newer technologies like the CMCE Lightning Suppressor aim to proactively neutralize the atmospheric charge buildup that causes lightning, preventing strikes altogether.
Emphasis on internal building protection: LPS standards now incorporate measures to safeguard internal building functions and sensitive electronic equipment from power surges, electromagnetic pulses, and potential damage caused by lightning strikes, according to the Lightning Protection Institute.
Enhanced monitoring and maintenance: Modern LPS systems are incorporating AI and IoT for features like:
Predictive Maintenance: Analyzing lightning patterns and weather data to forecast risks and schedule proactive maintenance.
Autonomous Optimization: Self-calibrating grounding systems based on real-time environmental data.
Fault Diagnostics: Identifying potential vulnerabilities or degradation within the LPS, reducing the need for manual inspections.
Improved Testing and Inspection Methods: Drones are being used to enhance safety and efficiency in LPS testing, allowing for faster and more cost-effective inspections, especially in hard-to-reach areas like wind turbines.
Integration with broader safety and construction practices: There's a growing awareness of the need to integrate LPS design and installation with other building systems and construction processes for optimal safety and performance.
Refined standards and best practices: Organizations like the NFPA have updated standards like NFPA 780 to reflect the advancements in lightning protection, emphasizing comprehensive protection for structures and their internal systems.
These advancements reflect a growing understanding of lightning's multifaceted impact and the potential to move beyond traditional methods to actively prevent and monitor potential lightning damage, thereby improving safety and protecting valuable infrastructure and technology.