GAE

Principle and operating

The operating principle of the Active 2D consists, not only to initiate the upward leader, but moreover, to provide enough energy to ensure its
propagation to the junction with the downward leader. A first device, named «impulse device », stores the electrostatic energy present in the atmosphere.
When approaching storm activity, the integrated sensor measuring the surrounding electrical field, releases the impulse device such as most of usual Early Streamer Emission systems, It almost immediately reverses the polarity of their head, creating a sudden amplification of the electrical field on its tip. The innovation comes from the use of a second device, named «power device», which collects and stores energy in power capacitors. The Active 2D is in this way permanently pre-loaded of an important energy which allows maintaining the ascendant tracer propagation.

When the downward leader enters in the protection area of the lightning conductor, the measured current strongly increases. As soon as this current is superior to a characteristic threshold, the power capacitors discharge and release the necessary energy for the propagation of the leader.

In this last device, the lightning conductor's head is used as a capture device. It is, by consequence, electrically insulated from the earth.

Enhanced protection area

The radius of protection of the Active 2D indicated below, are defined for the four levels of protection Np (from I to IV) regarding to the real height h between the lightning rod tip and the highest point to protect.

∆T : Excitation advance, for the Active 2D, ∆T=30 and 60µs

• Np: level of protection of more or less great severity (I to IV) determined by the lightning risk assessment done with Jupiter software according to NFC 17-102 standard,

• h(m): height between the lightning rod tip and the highest point to protect.

Checking of the Active 2D lighting conductor

The Active 2D lightning conductor can be tested on site, with its AFV0101TT remote tester (initial checking, periodical checkings according to NFC 17-102 standard and decrees in force, maintenance,...)
Simple and fast, this test does not need any particular operation of dismantling of the lightning rod and can be done safely from the ground. The testers use the communication with non disturbing radio waves. The lightning rods and their testers are both equipped with a transceiver: bidirectionnal emission and reception.
The LED display indicates instantaneously the obtained result (positive or negative).
The performed tests on the lightning rod with the remote tester are numerous: tests at the terminals of the capacitor, voltage test at the terminals of the battery, test of the electrical continuity, test of the communication.
The Active 2D can be also tested with a telescopic perch AFV0087PT and its tester AFV0050TT.