SHIELD can be can be used for the lightning shielding design using the Rolling Sphere or Eriksson methods and can be used for the evaluation of the protection against direct lightning strokes of structures of any height or up to 60 m height in case of relevant protrusions.
SHIELD is highly appreciated for its power, accuracy and flexibility.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
SHIELD is a powerful full 3D graphical application for the evaluation of the protection of structures from direct lightning strokes using the Rolling Sphere and the Eriksson methods. SHIELD is based on a numerical model that consider vertical direct lightning strokes, and is then suitable for structures of any height or up to 60 m height in case of relevant protrusions.
The Rolling Sphere Method is considered by many standards (EN, IEEE, NFPA, AS …) and is an universal method for shielding design, and particularly recommended for complex geometry.
Alternative methods like the protection angle or mesh method are suitable for simple-shaped buildings or for buildings where plane surfaces are to be protected.
The Rolling Sphere Method can be applied to the structure to be protected. In such case, SHIELD can identify the parts of the structure exposed to a direct lightning stroke, that are the points where is more effective to install the air termination system.
Then the Rolling Sphere Method can be applied to air termination + down conductor system. In such case SHIELD generates a 3D surface corresponding to the protected volume.
The protected volume is then superposed to the structure to be protected. The parts of the structure to be protected that protrudes over this surface are not protected.
The Rolling Sphere Method has been implemented taking into account a numerical models based on a geometrical scan over a calculation grid, suitable for structures of any height or up to 60 m height in case of relevant protrusions.
The numerical model will consider essentially vertical lightning strokes.
When the Eriksson Method is set, SHIELD generates the collection area of air termination + down conductor system and structure to be protected.
The lightning protection system is effective when collection area of air termination + down conductor system includes collection area of structure to be protected.
The User can modify the lightning protection system and generate again the protected volume or collection areas. This iterative process allows to get an effective shield.
The lightning protection system is effective when collection area of air termination + down conductor system includes collection area of structure to be protected.
The User can modify the lightning protection system and generate again the protected volume or collection areas. This iterative process allows to get an effective shield.
Lightning shielding is an increasing important topics. In many areas the flash density is growing and on the other side the values to be protected (people, buildings, systems …), are also increasing. A good lightning shielding design is the first step for a good lightning protection system installation.
INPUT DATA
- The input data interface has been designed in order to require a minimum and simple set of information
- Layout of the structure to be protected
- Layout of air termination + down conductor system
- Calculation Method (Rolling Sphere or Eriksson)
- Calculation model for Rolling Sphere method (basic or advanced)
- Data for calculation of the surge impedance and peak of the return stroke current
- Striking distance (entered or calculated)
OUTPUT RESULTS
- Surge impedance
- Peak of the return stroke current
- Striking distance
- Failure rate
- Parts of the structure to be protected exposed to a direct lightning stroke
- Protected volume (calculated with the Rolling Sphere method)
- Collection area (calculated with the Eriksson method)
- Results are available in numerical ad graphical form
Protected Volume calculated with the Rolling Sphere method
Protected Volume calculated with the Rolling Sphere method (vector graphic)
Protected Volume calculated with the Rolling Sphere method
Collection areas calculated with the Eriksson method
MAIN FEATURES
- Calculation method based on Rolling Sphere and Eriksson methods
- Rolling Sphere method implemented using numerical model that consider vertical direct lightning strokes, and is then suitable for structures of any height or up to 60 m height in case of relevant protrusions
- Possibility to consider International (IEC 62305-3:2012), European (EN 62305-3:2012) and American (IEEE Std 998-2012) standards
- Possibility to import grid layout from “dxf” files
- Surge impedance calculation (according to IEEE Std 998-2012)
- Possibility to import grid layout from “dxf” files (2D or 3D segments)
- Automatic debug of data before calculation
- Analysis of lightning protection systems of any shape (masts, horizontal wires, catenary wires …)
- Possibility to represent results using OpenGL vector graphics
- Possibility to export layout data and results in .dxf file
- Possibility to export graphic outputs to other WINDOWS® applications
- Possibility to choose the language (English, German. French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese)
