Early Streamer Emission Devices

Early Streamer Emission Devices

Introduction

An early streamer emission device is powered by storing energy from naturally occurring ambient electrical field. When a storm approaches this electrical field builds up considerably to as much as several thousand volts per metre. The early streamer emission device collects and stores the energy collected.

Just before a lightning strike occurs there is a rapid increase in the electrical field which is detected by the head of the early streamer emission device. This triggers the device to release its stored energy in the form of ionization at the tip of the air terminal. Releasing the energy encourages the formation of rising discharge from the early streamer emission device in advance of the naturally occuring formations rising from other points of the structure being protected.

Should lightning strike the structure it would be attracted to the streamer provided by the early streamer emission device and would be conducted safely to earth via the down conductors rather than striking other parts of the structure causing damage.

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Optimax Prevectron ESE Lightning Protection

Early Streamer Emission Device

Early Streamer Emission Device

The OptiMax system has been developed by the Lightning Innovation and Research Institute LiRi engineers. It neutralises the space charges surrounding the ESE conductor, prior to the triggering of the upward streamer. The latter can then progress in a perfectly controlled electrical environment.

This innovation leads to a 40% reduction of the standard deviations measured in the high voltage laboratory. Less variations in the H.V. Laboratory mean a more reliable upward streamer development process under real lightning conditions. It therefore improves significantly the lightning protection performance and reliability.

Due to the unique design the Prevectron is provided with a 5 year warranty, offering users with an extra long lifetime.

First Ever Modular Lightning Rod

ESE Lightning Protection

The Prevectron also represents a major step in terms of maintenance of the ESE lightning protection system. Each circuit is built and assembled separately. This unique modular design allows the possible replacement of a damaged module.

The condition of the device can be periodically tested with the INDELEC tester. It enables the client to check the lightning conductors operational capabilities during the full period of installation of the ESE lightning protection system. This operation is conducted on site and does not require the lightning rod to be dismantled.

The INDELEC Tester meets the requirements of NF 17-102:2011 for lightning protection system maintenance.

With a five year warranty, thanks to its unique design, the Prevectron provides its users with an extra-long lifetime.

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Operating Principles

1. Charging the Ionization System & OptiMax Module

The device is charged via the lower electrodes using the ambient electrical field (several thousand volts/metre when storms are approaching).

This means it is a fully autonomous system requiring no external power supply.

2. Activating the New OptiMax Technology

Whilst dynamically assessing the development of the surrounding electrical field, the Prevectron detects the appearance of downward leaders. This innovative and patented OptiMax system is then activated to neutralize the space charges, which naturally occur around the lightning conductor.

The Prevectron is ready to operate in an optimal environment.

3. Controlling the Ionization Process

The ambient electrical field increases rapidly when a discharge is imminent and a downward leader descends from cloud to ground. This triggers the ionization process, using a spark ionization system between the upper electrodes and the central tip.

The Prevectron early streamer emission device reacts at the precise moment, when the risk of lightning discharge is imminent.

4. Early Triggering of the Upward Leader

The controlled ionization process and the new OptiMax technology guarantee the triggering of an upward leader ahead of any other protruding point within the area to be protected.

The Prevectron early streamer emission device is the preferential point of impact for the lightning discharge and provides the structure with maximum ESE lightning protection.

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Standard Compliance

ESE Lightning Protection

Being an active member of major international, European and French standard committees, INDELEC is dedicated to develop fully compliant lightning protection solutions. The development, the manufacture, the test procedure and the installation of the Prevectron comply with international and French standards, especially the NFC17-102:2011 and UNE 21-186:2011 standards.

Uniquely manufactured in France, it has successfully been subjected to the full sequence of tests detailed in the NFC 17-201:2011 Annex C Standard:

  • Marking tests
  • Mechanical tests
  • Environmental tests in salt mist and humid sulfuric atmosphere
  • Electrical test (Voltage withstanding test @100kA - 10/350us waveform)
  • Advanced triggering measurement in High-Voltage laboratory to determine the gain in triggering time in comparison to a simple rod.
Bureau Veritas

Test results are witnessed and certified by an internationally renowned independent inspection company: Bureau Veritas.

The World's Most Accredited ESE Lightning Protection

The development was conducted far beyond the standard requirements. The new ESE lightning protection rod benefits from the following certifications:

Underwriters Laboratories

UL certified is affixed for the first time ever on a Early Streamer Emission lightning conductor. Underwriters Laboratories Inc (UL) is a global independant safety science company, one of the most renowned certification and testing group in the world.

UNICAMP

Lightning current tests in Campinas, Brazil in UNICAMP laboratory : the Prevectron has been submitted to over 200kA current discharges, whereas the standard requires 100kA discharges. The test results confirm the lightning rod's perfect sustainability in extreme conditions.

Qualifoudre

Qualifoudre certificate No 051166662001 confirms INDELEC's quality management system, manufacturing methods and staff capabilities are compliant with the QUALIFOUDRE standard.

CE

CE marking is also affixed for the first time. INDELEC's new lightning rod meets with all European Directive requirements.

RTN

Russian certificate RTN (No: RRS 00-05003) pertaining to equipment used in dangerous industrial environments. The Prevectron is the sole Early Streamer Emission lightning protection system with RTN certificate.

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Protection Area

ESE Lightning Protection

The protection area (RP) of a Prevectron lightning conductor is calculated according to French standard NF C 17-102:2011.

The protection area depends on a number of factors:

  • h(m) : is the height of the ESEAT tip over the horizontal plane through the furthest point of the object/area to be protected.
  • r(m) : 20 m, 30m, 45m or 60m according to the Protection Level I, II, III or IV assessed for the site using the Risk Analysis calculation (NF C 17-102:2011 Annex A).
  • Field experience has proved that is equal to the efficiency obtained during the ESEAT evaluation tests.
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Real Lightning Condition

Test Campaigns

Early Stream Emission Device

Since 1993 INDELEC has conducted unrivaled in-situ test campaigns, allowing its engineers to assess the ESE type lightning protection systems in real lightning conditions.

These test campaigns were originally developed in close cooperation with a team of engineers from the Atomic Energy Commission (C.E.A.), Universities, Research Centers and private partners. These test campaigns provide a wealth of experience in the field of lightning phenomena.

In order to gather as much data as possible, the tests were performed in America, Europe and Asia, with each location providing very different lightning conditions. In 2015, INDELEC inaugurated the new International Lightning Research Center of Jatiluhur – Indonesia.

Test campaigns have provided invaluable data to the Lightning Innovation and Research Institute LiRi engineering team, including:

  • Advanced performance of the Prevectron through measuring and comparing electrical activity at the tips of various lightning rods.
  • Operation of the PREVECTRON® triggering system.
  • Confirmation of the PREVECTRON® robust design by exposing it to repeated discharges.
  • Total reliability provided by the PREVECTRON® in a wide range of situations, encompassing all types of lightning conditions, including upward & downward lightning strikes and tropical & winter storms.
  • Release of a number of scientific reports in relation to this research.

The Prevectron has fully benefited from unique experiences during its development process. Numerous engineering innovations have been totally validated in real lightning conditions.

100% Sustainable Innovations

From the early stages of the Prevectron development, INDELEC has integrated sustainable development requirements: 100% made in France, reduced weight, increased lifetime, modular design…. Thanks to its "In Planet" label, the new ESE lightning protection system has been awarded the Prize of Excellence by the AvniR Adjudication Team, promoting the eco-design expertise and innovation within businesses.