Protection of advanced electrical power systems from atmospheric electromagnetic hazards

The effects of lightning strikes on aircraft and the resulting transients coupled onto the electrical systems were investigated. The historical background and overall scope of the study are presented. The lightning threat is defined and electrical system math models are developed. The normal design of aircraft for inherent hardness is evaluated. Wire routing, equipment location, fiber optics, threat level comparisons and the evaluation of specific electrical circuits are assessed. The effects of using add on protection to suppress induced transients on the electrical system are analyzed. Protection schemes include cable shielding, linear protection devices, nonlinear protection devices and conductive coatings applied to the aircraft skin. The design guide provides the most appropriate lightning hardening techniques is summarized. Reliability/maintainability, system safety and design to cost considerations are discussed. Protection criteria to develop a lightning tolerant electrical system are included.