Review of ground flash density measuring devices regarding power system applications

A critical review of the available ground flash density measuring devices for the power industry is presented. The most common devices available to measure ground flash density are described, and the several cases where they can be useful in power system applications are discussed. Both lightning flash counters and lightning location systems are shown to offer a number of advantages to power utilities, mainly those in areas of high or moderate lightning activity. Some comments are presented about the economics involved in two of the systems discussed, on the basis of their implementation in Mexico. It is concluded that if the only or main interest is the determination of ground flash density, flash counters are the less expensive choice, provided the process of data collection can be economically achieved. On the other hand, if the interest is to identify lightning in time and space for real-time applications in power systems, the more sophisticated locator systems are needed