Lightning Discharge Characteristics of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Wind Turbine Blade

Different type of composite materials are being used in the main beam of wind turbine blade (WTB). In this paper, carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite material is used in the main beam of wind turbine blade, due to its conductive material property it is protected with the metallic mesh as lightning protection system (LPS). 3D electrostatic simulation based on finite element method (FEM) and high voltage strike test were performed on the scaled 5m long blade to investigate the lightning discharge characteristics of carbon fiber reinforced polymer wind turbine blade. The effect of conductive material, metallic mesh and wind turbine blade orientation are analyzed. Simulation and experimental results show that CFRP conductive material and metallic mesh has no significant effect on the lightning attachment to the wind turbine blade. Interception efficiency of the tip receptor decreases when wind turbine blade orientation moves from vertical position to the horizontal position. Results will help to improve the lightning interception efficiency of lightning protection system of the carbon fiber reinforced polymer wind turbine blade.