Review of Triggered-Lightning Experiments at Camp Blanding, Florida

University of Belgrade, Serbia

February 18, 2005

 

 

 

Review of Triggered-Lightning Experiments at

Camp Blanding, Florida

V.A. Rakov

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

University of Florida

The lightning-triggering facility at Camp Blanding, Florida was established in 1993 by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and Power Technologies, Inc. (PTI). Since September 1994, the facility has been operated by the University of Florida (UF). During the last nine years (1995-2004) over 40 researchers (excluding UF faculty, students, and staff) from 14 countries representing 4 continents have performed experiments at Camp Blanding concerned with various aspects of atmospheric electricity, lightning, and lightning protection. Since, 1995, the Camp Blanding facility has been referred to as the International Center for Lightning Research and Testing (ICLRT) at Camp Blanding, Florida.

A review of the rocket-and-wire lightning triggering technique and principal results obtained at the ICLRT with emphasis on the lightning interaction with power distribution systems and with grounding electrodes will be presented, including

(1) effects of lightning on underground power cables;

(2) behavior of grounding systems under direct lightning strike conditions;

(3) responses of an overhead power line to direct lightning strikes.