Improvement of Lightning Protection System in Diesel Engine Plant

Abstract

This paper proposes the analysis of external lightning protection system in diesel
engine plant. Currently factory is using unconventional system (Early Streamer Emission;
ESE). After using this lightning protection system, it was found that a lightning strike
at the factory resulted in damage to equipment and factory. The study presents that ESE
lightning protection has not been standardized for lightning protection in accordance with
international standards (IEC 62305) and Thailand Standard (EIT Standard 2009-53);
therefore, the research focuses on examination of the advantages and disadvantages of
ESE lightning protection systems as defining in international standards. In addition design
of external lightning protection system to the factory to meet the standards was done
by consider the risks and opportunity for lightning strikes against the factory, physical
characteristics of the factory and grounding, and compared costs of improving lightning
protection.