LPI Lightning Warning System


Product Name：LPI Lightning Warning System
Product Model：LPI LWS MK-11
Updated：2010.04.14
Views：2

Features

·Early detection of lightning activity within approximately 25km
·“Alarm” signalled when lightning approaches within approximately 8-10km
·All Clear indication provided once the storm has passed
·Wireless communication between console and multiple sensors
·Flexible installations to suit different applications

Product Description

The LPI Lightning Warning System is a non-directional lightning detection instrument designed to provide indication of nearby lightning strikes and significant changes in the local electrostatic field. The LPI Lightning Warning System MKIII provides the user with the ability to manage the lightning risk and to fulfil a duty of care to employees, customers and all related personnel. As occupational health and safety laws strengthen globally, senior management across a wide variety of industries and recreational pursuits are now faced with a realisation that they have a duty to warn individuals of the pending risks associated from lightning. Recent court cases have shown a dramatic change from the once acceptable “Act of God” defence, to arealisation that management now has a duty to warn.


Figure 1: Lightning Warning System Overview

LWS Operation

On detection of a nearby lightning event or significant increase in the electrostatic field, the system will provide a Warning or Alarm to personnel that an event has occurred or is likely to occur. Detection and Alarm Indication (via a siren) is performed by the sensor unit (see figure 2), with results being sent wirelessly to the console for more detailed event indication and logging. (see figure 1)


Figure 2: How the LWS works

LWS Functionality

LWS Console

The LWS MkIII Console is the interface which communicates to the sensors installed in the field and allows the user to access information about the current lightning event status (near, far or all clear) and the current electrostatic field level (high or low electric-field). The Console is typically sited in a secure location where it can either be connected directly to a computer by cross-over Ethernet cable, or by straight-through Ethernet cable to a local network, allowing the user to access the relevant data and system settings. The Console also has alarm relay outputs for Alarm, Warning and All Clear suitable for switching contacts.

LWS Sensor Assembly

The LWS Sensor Assembly (Microprocessor, Sensing Antenna, Alarm/Warning/All Clear Indicator and Earth Rod) is the integral component of the LWS system, it provides all decision making in regards to recorded lightning events and subsequent alerts.

The LWS Sensor Assembly is typically mounted at a suitable location at site and the monitoring of all lightning activity is controlled by an on board microprocessor, which works in conjunction with the sensing antenna to detect changes in the electric field and approaching lightning discharges. Depending on the intensity of the electric field or proximity of the lightning, the sensor provides an event indication via wireless communication to a receiving antenna and console unit which is positioned within 1 km line of sight of the sensor.

Each sensor also contains an Alarm/Warning/All Clear Indication device. Depending on customer preference this is provided by a siren and/or an LED display, which allows the user to communicate situation events to all personnel in accordance with site safety policies and procedures.
Depending on the layout of the site and the area to be monitored, LPI can customize a solution which uses multiple sensors in the field. The multiple sensor arrangement allows for a voting methodology to be engaged by the system, this uses results provided by individual sensors to determine the lightning risk.

LPI can also provide a suitable Mounting Pole (OD 70mm, ID 61.5mm) to mount the LWS Sensor Assembly to. If the Mounting Pole option is included, suitable locking bolts are also provided to keep the LWS Sensor Assembly secure.

Event Indication Levels

As the LWS MkIII sensor detects lightning activity or increases in the electric field, event indications are made at the Sensor and are communicated to the Console for processing. If the event falls within a predetermined level, the following indications are provided to the user.

Warning Indication

A Warning Indication occurs when either a far lightning strike or a low electric field is detected. Far lightning strikes are defined as lightning events that occur within a radius of approximately 10 to 25km of the sensor. Low electric-field events are defined as being when the local electric field rises above a level of 4kV/m. A Warning status provides the user with an indication, that a storm is within a relatively close range and may move towards the area where the sensors are stationed. When a storm is within 25km it may arrive in the area in approximately 20-30 minutes.


Figure 3: Warning Status at above 4kV/m

Alarm Indication

An Alarm Indication occurs when a near lightning strike or high electric field is detected. Near lightning strikes are defined as lightning events that occur within a radius of approximately 8 to 10km of the sensor, which are close enough to pose a significant risk within approximately 10-15 minutes. High electric field events are defined as being when the local electric field rises above 7kV/m. An Alarm status provides to the user an indication that current activities at site should be suspended, allowing shelter to be taken in accordance with established safety procedures.


Figure 4: Warning Status at above 7kV/m

All Clear Indication

An All Clear Indication is given when no activity (far strikes, near strikes, low electric field or high electric field) has occurred within 15-30 minutes (programmable). After this period of no activity it is deemed safe to resume all activities.

Applications

The LPI LWS MKIII is suitable for use in all open areas where human traffic and / or sensitive operations
are subjected to the threat of lightning strikes. In situations where large open areas covering many
kilometres require monitoring, LPI’s customized multiple sensor arrangement provides a high degree of
accuracy in providing a safe working environment.
Typical industry and recreational applications for the LPI LWS include:
Mining sites including applications where explosives are used for blasting purposes
Military
Construction sites
Airports
Ship loading facilities
Refuelling facilities
Power generation
Oil and Gas facilities
Schools
Theme Parks
Open Air events such as festivals and concerts
General outdoor recreational activities
Horse Racing Tracks
Golf Courses
Sports Stadiums
Rail and Transport
Industrial

Technical Data

LPI offers two alternative packages for the LWS MK III.

Ordering Code LWS-MKIII
Description:
Model: 		LPI® Lightning Warning System
LPI® LWS MK III
Control Console  
Box:
Control:
Interface:
Operation:


Relay Output:
Weight:
Colour:
Power Supply:
Wireless Frequency: 		Die-Cast, 152mm (L) x 83mm (W) x 50mm(H)
Micro Processor Controlled
Webpage (default address 192.168.1.90)
Console receives electrostatic field measurements and event notification
from sensors in the field and displays received information on an easy to read webpage. Allows users to
download and save a log of events that
have occurred. Allows users to change a range of settings.
3 Outputs (All Clear, Warning and Alarm)
840g
Grey 6V plug pack (110V/240V)
2.4GHz