Answer (1 of 9): If lightning strikes a transmission line, does the energy of the lightning "enters the grid" and can be/is consumed by the users on the end of the power grid? No. Lightning does not come at a nice convenient 50/60 Hz. And if it did, it wouldnt be in phase. The first thing that...
- The proposed system acquires only a fraction of energy cause by lightning in 11kV/33kV voltage power lines close to a service entrance of a power system. Further, the design consists of a fast responding metal oxide-based surge arrester, connected in parallel with the SC bank to provide protection to the storage. A high density SC bank with 5.8F, 160V can store 74kJ in a volume of 0.007m3 with weight of 5.2kg. In complete isolation, the stored energy in SC bank can energize DC-loads at the service entrance.
- The challenge comes in stepping down the energy carried in a lightning bolt to safe levels. The electricity grid already works this way: High-tension transmission lines coming from power plants carry electricity at 345,000 volts, but through multiple substations, the electricity is stepped down to regional levels and then to neighborhood levels, until power lines into residences carry a mere 120 volts.
Such details provide a deeper understanding and appreciation for Lightening Energy Load Off-Grid.
