Experimental analysis of preventive lightning protection methods

In recent decades lightning detection technologies and computation methods have been developing in an unprecedented pace. Present-day observations from lightning location systems (LLS) allow real-time lightning hazard forecasting and provide as such the building blocks for novel and preventive approaches to lightning protection. Preventive lightning protection, a lightning protection method based on lightning hazard forecasting in combination with preventive actions, has been introduced in the literature. This paper approaches preventive lightning protection from a practical aspect by analyzing the efficiency of two forecasting methods: zonal preventive lightning protection and high reliability lightning protection. The analysis is carried out on archived lightning location data and a detailed comparison is given on the efficiency of these methods and their applicability with respect to the international standard.