An analysis of the effectiveness of the DDCE device was performed in the context of direct lightning strikes on a telecommunications tower belonging to ANDORRA TELECOM, located in the area of LAS PARDINAS in the Western Pyrenees, France at an altitude of 2,300 metres.
The Tower is located in an area with a high incidence of lightning strikes (Keraunic level (Nc) 7.7 and lightning density (Nr) 32). ANDORRA TELECOM certifies that as regards lightning strikes, it is the most problematic telecommunications tower in the Principality of Andorra (WESTERN PYRENEES)
Before DDCE (Franklin lightning rod system) – 1997 to 2002
From 1997 to 2002, when Franklin lightning rod system was installed, there were 21 DIRECT STRIKES leading to considerable financial damage. The most important of these occurred in the summer of 2000, when a direct lightning strike on the tower resulted in the total write-off of the electrical generating set. Complete replacement of the tower.
(Data provided by ANDORRA TELECOM)
After DDCE Installation – 2003 to 2015 (13 year)
The analysis is based on data provided by the MÉTÉORAGE company, a subsidiary of the FRENCH National Institute of Meteorology.
The system used was Remote Sensing by triangulation of the lightning signal, with a margin of error of ±50 metres. The tracking radius was 2 km around the telecommunications tower. Date of the DDCE lightning protection installation: June 21, 2003
Over the 12 years of the analysis (June 21, 2003 to December 31, 2014) 930 lightning strikes were recorded within a radius of 2 km from the LAS PARDINAS TOWER, with the following results.: ZERO DIRECT STRIKES
The nearest strike was 48.73 meters away (recorded on June 14, 2010 at 14:17:36 hours) 22 KA (negative).
All other strikes were more than 100 meters away from the LAS PARDINAS TOWER, i.e.that is, there was one strike 47.2 m away and 929 strikes over 100 m away.
There is vegetation in this area as well as a medium voltage line, likely to cause ionization.
Actual Photos Of Lightning Striking Near The Las Pardinas Tower, With The DDCE 100 Installed
More Information:
1. Product information on DDCE Lightning Protection Solution and Electromagnetic Protector
2. View presentation on SlideShare