Lightning location system increases personnel safety in Swedish power transmission network

Vattenfall (formerly the Swedish State Power Board) is utilizing data from a nationwide lightning location system in an effort to prevent or minimize lightning damage on personnel and power systems. Real-time lightning data are presented on color graphic displays at regional power network control centers for optimal and safe operation of the transmission network during thunderstorms, warning to maintenance and service crews at power lines and substations to terminate operations hazardous in the case of lightning, and rapid positioning of emergency crews to locate network damage in areas of detected lightning.