Lightning Protection Design of a Renewable Energy Hybrid-System Without Power Mains Connection

In the year 2000 a direct lightning strike to the hybrid-system without power mains connection VATALI on the Greek island Crete results in the destruction and damage of some mechanical and electrical components. The hybrid-system VATALI was not lightning protected at that time. The hardware damage costs are approx. 60,000 €. The exposed site of the hybrid-system on top of a mountain was and still is the reason for a high risk of lightning strikes. Also in the future further lightning strikes have to be taken into consideration.

In the paper a fundamental lightning protection design concept for renewable energy hybrid-systems without power mains connection and protection measures against direct strikes and overvoltages are shown in detail. The design concept was realized exemplarily for the hybrid-system VATALI. The hardware costs for the protection measures were about 15,000 €. About 50% of the costs are due to protection measures against direct strikes, 50% are due to overvoltage protection. Future extensions, new installations, or modifications have to be included into the lightning protection design concept of the hybrid-system.