South Africa is renowned for its disruptive summer lightning and thunderstorms. Severe injuries and even loss of life have occurred as a result of lightning strikes during these storms. UK-based Biral, now part of the Senseca Group, is a specialist in environmental and meteorological measurement instrumentation, and has launched its BTD-200 lightning warning system, which is a complete detection and warning system.
Jan Grobler, managing director of Senseca South Africa explained that the BTD-200 delivers where many other systems fail due to its professional aviation grade lightning technology. The proven BRD-200 system is compact and easy to install, and ultimately does not rely on secondary measurements in order to activate the warning system. Its highly specialised technology delivers the warning as soon as lightning is detected.
The BTD-200 offers proven detection technology that reliably detects the presence of all forms of lightning in a range of 35 km. The quick and easy-to-install sensor comes complete with a universal mains voltage power supply and the essential PC server application, Lightning Works, for the monitoring, warning and data logging of approaching thunderstorms.
For lightning detection requirements of over 35 km, Biral also supplies the BTD-300 Series, which can reliably detect and range cloud-to-cloud lightning over a detection range of 83 km, exceeding US FAA requirements. The BTD-300 operates on an electrostatic principle that enables the sensor to alert users of the risk of overhead lightning before the first discharge occurs. “Cloud-to-cloud strikes are typically more common than cloud-to-ground strikes,” adds Grobler.
When lightning discharge occurs, there is a significant transfer of electric charge which causes a disturbance in the atmospheric electric field, detectable to a distance of more than 100 km. This low frequency disturbance is detected by the BTD-200 antenna and the signal is processed to both detect and range these discharges. Most importantly, the BTD-200 is able to issue warning of potential overhead lightning even before the first strike. This is not possible when using radio-based detection systems.
“The BTD-200 has been designed for most outdoor activities as well as for industrial and professional meteorological applications. The system filters out the higher frequency electromagnetic radio waves, often the cause of sensor confusion and false alarms on standard systems. The BTD-200 instrumentation has practically a zero false alarm rate” concludes Grobler.
Schneider Electric accelerates adoption of SF6-free switchgear Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric is driving the transition to sustainable medium-voltage solutions across East Africa with its award-winning SM AirSeT pure-air switchgear.
Read more...Critical power distribution for modern infrastructure
Electrical Power & Protection
Legrand has expanded its critical power portfolio with integrated solutions designed for reliable, efficient, safe and flexible power distribution in many applications, including data centres and industrial sites.
Read more...How to use a voltage tester Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Voltage testers are valuable tools for professionals who work with electrical systems.This application note will guide you on how to use a voltage tester effectively, and which Fluke voltage testers can assist in a variety of settings.
Read more...Film capacitors for noise suppression
Electrical Power & Protection
Würth Elektronik has expanded its portfolio of components for the mains input. The new series of WCAP-FTY2 film capacitors is optimised for use in noise suppression and complies with X1 or Y2 safety classes in accordance with IEC 60384-14.
Read more...Emissions pressures are not just hot air
Electrical Power & Protection
Dennis Williams, commercial director of AES says that the South African government aims to push towards global standards in emissions, but it might be difficult for our industries to carry the financial burden. This is where AES fits in.
Read more...Supporting the AI boom with power architecture
Electrical Power & Protection
Hitachi Energy is supporting the 800 VDC power architecture announced by Nvidia, by developing a cleaner, more efficient way to power the next generation of AI infrastructure.
Read more...Terminal blocks with Push-X technology for wiring from 0,34 mm2 Phoenix Contact
Electrical Power & Protection
The Push-X product range is growing. With the new XT 1,5 terminal blocks, Phoenix Contact is extending the series to include versions for conductor cross-sections from 0,34 to 2,5 mm2.
Read more...Energy cannot be destroyed, it can only be transferred Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Industry produces significant amounts of waste. Unfortunately, a lot of this waste is simply disposed of, usually impacting the environment. What if these byproducts could be transformed into a source of energy?
Read more...Dual head safety pull switches with expanded cable span
Electrical Power & Protection
Referro Systems has added the latest Dual Head range of Allen-Bradley’s safety pull switches to its portfolio. It is ideal for protecting long stretches of equipment where quick access to a safety pull switch and emergency stop is vital.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version