Time Domain Analysis of the Lightning Interaction with Wave Energy Converters

• In this work, we present a simulated study of lightning interactions with wave power generators submerged in seawater in Lysekil, in the southwest coast of Sweden. A time domain 3D electromagnetic simulation involving a Wave Energy Converter (WEC) and the surrounding seawater, air, and the current injection to the WEC from a typical return stroke of a lightning is conducted. The results show that the injected current to the wave power generator is considerably low even under a direct lightning strike. The study also shows that the wave-shape of the injected current to the WEC is significantly altered from a typical return stroke current impulse. It is concluded that likelihood of damages to the WEC or injection of electrical surges to the electrical grid is low. However, in order fully understand the implications of lightning strikes to a WEC further studies should be conducted.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Geovetenskap och miljövetenskap -- Meteorologi och atmosfärforskning (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Earth and Related Environmental Sciences -- Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences (hsv//eng)

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Naturresursteknik -- Havs- och vattendragsteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Environmental Engineering -- Ocean and River Engineering (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

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