Fiber Optic Sensor Network for Lightning Impact Localization and Classification in Wind Turbines

As wind turbines are increasing both in number and in height, they are exposed to a major threat in form of lightning strikes. The protection of these structures from the effects of lightning is an important issue in today's wind turbine development. However, as lightning is random in nature, a complete protection against its damages is not achievable. The presented method for lightning impact localization and classification using a fiber optic current sensor network helps to detect damages caused by lightning and to monitor the blades. The system is connected to the wind turbine control and monitoring system.