Study of wind turbine generation system shutdown using atmospheric electric field potential

Recently, lightning damage causing distress to wind turbine generation systems have been frequently reported. If these systems can be shut down before lightning strikes, potential secondary damage due to rotation can be prevented and damage can be mitigated. In shutting down systems in advance, it is necessary to know the probability of a lightning strike. We consider that potential differences in atmospheric electric fields are suitable for forecasting lighting strikes. In December 2014, we measured potential differences and lightning strikes on a wind turbine system using a Rogowski coil at one of the coasts of the Sea of Japan. In this paper, recommended potential differences are reported for shutting down wind turbine systems by comparing the loss of generated power incurred by shutting down and success in preventing damage based on the relation between the potential difference and actual lighting strikes.