APPLIED PHYSICS

Physical mechanisms of breakdown voltage reduction by means of insertion of the breakable microdischarger into electric circuit of a lightning diverter

Yu. K. Bobrov , I. V. Zhuravkov, E. I. Ostapenko, V. V. Starikov
All-Russian Electrotechnical Institute, Moscow, Russia

Yu. V. Yurgelenas
Prokhorov General Physics Institute, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia

   The physical explanation is proposed for the effect of an air gap breakdown voltage reduction by insertion of the breakable microdischarger into electric circuit of a definite current. This effect can be utilized to increase an efficiency of lightning protection. The processes in the electric circuit of the lightning diverter during a lightning breakdown are investigated. It is shown that contact breaking of the microdischarger can cause resonance overvoltages in the direct current circuit which results in effective breakdown voltage reduction of the gap between the lightning diverter and a thunder cloud.

PACS: 07.50.-e

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