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Ingesco – Previstorm Thunderstorm Warning System

Precision electric field sensor for thunderstorms prediction, detection and early alerts generation.

Atmospheric electrical discharges during thunderstorms are responsible for a considerable number of loses. Some statistics count these accidents in tens of thousands each year. Material damages caused by lightning bolts are also costly and sometimes lead to a partial or total shutdown of essential activities.

The definition and application of preventive action protocols when there’s risk of lightning strikes, as well as the increasing use of thunderstorm warning systems, are helping to significantly reduce the number of accidents related to this natural phenomenon.

PREVISTORM® Thunderstorm Warning System (TWS) is a high-performance storm detection system. It continuously monitors the electrification processes of storm clouds and, based on the collected data, generates early warnings that allow the user to know about the risk of lightning strikes. The data provided by this system informs as well about the occurrence of lightning strikes within a radius of up to 20km.

The information and alarms provided by PREVISTORM® provide a valuable time advantage for timely activation of security and protection measures for individuals and property.

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Features

Characteristics

PREVISTORM® Thunderstorm Warning System allows information from electric field strength sensors to be integrated with information from lightning bolts detection and location networks. The sensor used by this system, PREVISTORM® E-Field Sensor, operates under the principle of the “electric field mill” to continuously measure the intensity of the atmospheric electric field. The real-time processing methods and algorithms included in this system allow the user to determine when the risk of lightning strikes occurrence increases or decreases. The operating parameters that control the generation of alarms, as well as the calibration of the sensor according to the installation site, are fully customizable.

PREVISTORM® has an unmatched degree of adaptability in terms of performance, components and operational characteristics, and can be used both as an autonomous system and as part of other more complex integrative systems.

PREVISTORM® Thunderstorm Warning System also supports two to five isolated relay outputs (depending on the configuration) that allow, among other actions, for the activation of light and acoustic signals. The software included in the system allows for the configuration of several independent signaling patterns that enable to differentiate the start and end moments from the periods of high risk of lightning strike occurrence.

Advantages:

  • Provides information about the existence of risk of lightning strike before the first discharge occurs.
  • Helps determine the time of completion of the thunderstorm based on the risk of lightning strike occurrence.
  • Contributes to ensure the protection of lives and material goods by generating reliable decision-making support information in the implementation of preventive measures.
  • Provides more accurate measurements than those provided by other storm detectors.
  • Detects atmospheric discharges within its detection radius.
  • Counts with a mechanical design that guarantees greater immunity to rain noise and facilitates its installation.
  • A model of the sensor with heating system to prevent freezing and facilitate thaw is available, which is highly suitable to use in locations where snow accumulation makes it impossible to work with other types of system.
  • Designed in accordance with the international standard IEC 62793:2020, Protection against lightning – Thunderstorm warning systems.
  • A set of accessories and elements to facilitate its adaptation to the requirements and needs of virtually any project is available.
  • Allows for the control of other external devices such as signalers, alarms and automations through the relay outputs of the electric field sensor and the display console.
  • Sensor relay outputs are programmable, making it possible to generate sequential activation and deactivation patterns for controlled external devices.
  • Supplied with PREVISTORM® Viewer software, which integrates information from multiple ray detection and location networks, simultaneously controls multiple sensors, integrates and controls various auxiliary devices for the integration of more complex and complete systems. This software also facilitates the storage of data in log files for auditing and the creation of lightning alarm data distribution networks.

Technical Data


Technical specifications

PREVISTORM E-Field Sensor

Environmental Data:

  • Operating temperature: -23ºC to +60ºC.
  • humidity: 0% to 100%.
  • IP protection level: IP65.

Construction:

  • Operating principle: Electric field mill.
  • Engine type: brushless.
  • Materials: Stainless steel and aluminum.
  • Fixation: Direct mounting of the sensor at the end of the mast.
  • Weight: 1.85kg.

Electrical data:

  • Wired: Multi-threaded cable up to 20m. Contact INGESCO for options.
  • Power source:
    • Model 700023, low power consumption: 24V±10%@500mA (maximum peak during start-up).
    • Model 700024, with heaters: 48V±10%-2.0A (maximum with all functions enabled).
  • Standard Communications Interface: RS232 Isolated, 57600bps, 8n1, Full-duplex.
  • Signaling outputs: 2 relay isolated outputs (see instruction manual).

Operation:

  • Measurements range: ±100kV/m.
  • Resolution: 1V/m (on the highest sensitivity scale).
  • Accuracy: ±10V/m (on the highest sensitivity scale).
  • Data output rate: 4 Hz (configurable).
  • Lightning discharge detection range: up to 20 km radius.
  • Response time: 150ms (with data filtering disabled).
  • Alarm levels: 4 (No alarms, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3).

Optional:

  • Customization of the lengths of the data connection and power cables.
  • Design, customization and manufacture of electrical integration cabinets for a faster system installation.

Console:

Three console models are available. Models 700054 and 700055 support direct connection to sensors with 700024 and 700023 models, respectively. 700056 model supports connection to the sensor via cable-to-fiber optic converters. For more information, consult INGESCO.

Environmental Data:

  • Operating temperature: 0ºC to +50ºC.
  • Humidity: 0% to 98%, non-condensing.
  • IP protection level: For indoor use.

Construction:

  • Materials: ABS plastic.
  • Direct wall fixing.
  • Weight: 0.5kg.

Electrical data:

  • Power source:
    • Model 700054, compatible with sensor 700023: 24V±10%@0.8A (includes sensor consumption).
    • Model 700055, compatible with sensor 700024: 48V±10%@2.1A (includes sensor consumption).
    • Model 700056, with fiber optic insulated input: 24V±10%@0.3A (maximum with all functions enabled).
  • Standard Communications Interface: RS232 Isolated, 57600bps, 8n1, Full-duplex.
  • Relay outputs: 5 relay isolated outputs with predefined functions of NO ALARMS, ALARM 1, ALARM 2, ALARM 3 AND ERROR (see instruction manual).

User Interface:

  • visualizer: 4-line x 20-character LCD.
  • Indicators: 4 LED indicators on the front panel: ALARM 1, ALARM 2, ALARM 3 AND ERROR.
  • Sounds: Piezoelectric buzzer, 85dB at 10cm, 4kHz.
  • Keyboard: navigation button with built-in pushbutton.

User Interface:

  • Format: Normally open insulated contact.
  • Nominal voltage: 250VAC / 30VDC.
  • Maximum switching voltage: 277VAC / 125VDC.
  • Rated current: 3A.
  • Maximum cutting capacity: 750VA (3A).

Other auxiliary devices:

The following auxiliary devices are available:

  • Cable-to-fiber optic converter, available in models for direct mounting on 50mm mast or DIN 35mm rail.
  • Connection box, available in models for wall mounting or DIN rail 35mm.
  • Fiber optic to USB adapter.
  • RS232 to USB serial port adapter.
  • RS485 to USB serial port adapter.
  • Availability of power supplies in models for both desk and DIN rail 35mm.
  • Pre-assembled and tested electrical cabinets. For more information, consult INGESCO.

Software

PREVISTORM Thunderstorm Warning System is supplied with the necessary software for its configuration, customization and use.

Requirements:

  • Operating system: Windows 7 SP 1 or higher with the .Net Framework 4.6.
  • Processor: Intel® Core™ i3 or higher, recommended.
  • Memory: 1Gb, minimum.
  • Disk storage: 50Mb. If log storage functions are used, the storage space requirements will be much higher.

Functionality:

  • Connection with a virtually unlimited number of PREVISTORM® E-Field Sensors, limited only by the capabilities of the computer on which it is installed.
  • Includes support for access to all configuration functions that allow it to be adapted to the installation site and its maintenance system.
  • Display of the current field value measured by PREVISTORM® E-Field Sensor.
  • Visualization of sensor states and the alarm levels they report.
  • Graphical visualization of the evolution of the intensity of the electric field.
  • Continuous storage of received data and system and sensor status.
  • Support for network distribution of sensor data.
  • Support for the control of external relay output devices for the activation of alarms and other elements and automations.
  • Support for the integration of other signals and data from other systems.
  • Modular and extensible design for the addition of new features and functionalities.
  • Support for sending emails for notification of changes to the system, alarm levels and sensor status.
  • Possibility of integration of lightning detection and location data. This functionality could be conditioned by the contracting of other lightning location network data services. For more information, consult INGESCO.
  • Free software updates within the purchased version. For more information, consult INGESCO.

 

Certifications

  • IEC 62793:2016. CLASS A.
  • EN 55011/22 (Radiated and Conducted)
  • EN 61000-3-2, EN 61000-3-3
  • EN 61000-4-3, EN 61000-4-4, EN 61000-4-5, EN 61000-4-6, EN 61000-4-8, EN 61000-4-11

Installation

Application Examples:
The incorporation and use of a PREVISTORM® Thunderstorm Warning System as part of the preventive protection strategy is recommended for sites, facilities, buildings and locations where lightning strikes pose a risk to people, animals and material goods.

The information and alarms provided by this system offer a valuable time advantage for timely activation of security and protection measures for individuals and property in sectors such as:

  • Industrial zones and installations: Generation of alerts aimed at preventing lightning strikes that may affect personnel operating in open or exposed areas.
  • Airports: Because of the characteristics of its operations, at airports it is not only important to alert ground personnel and aircraft moving along runways and inland roads, but it is also essential to have reliable information to decide the right time to rebuke operations safely.
  • Wind farms: Wind turbines are high structures with a strong rate of lightning strike incidence, which often leads to the need for detailed reviews by maintenance personnel. Early warning and lightning strike detection greatly increases the safety of maintenance and installation personnel.
  • Mines: Reducing outdoor activities and isolating part of electrical installations when a high risk of lightning loss is detected are highly effective prevention measures. Significant reduction of the risk of lightning-strike related accidents is possible during the use of high-tonnage machinery, crane operation and the conduct of other equipment constituting elevated structures on the ground.
  • Theme parks, artistic and sport events: Obtaining information that allows the user to know in advance about the existence of a risk of lightning bolt incidence provides a considerable advantage when planning the orderly evacuation of spaces where crowds of people are located. Theme parks have an additional feature that reinforces the need to incorporate a thunderstorm warning system: it is common for them to have attractions that constitute high structures, which are prone to receiving lightning strikes during thunderstorms.
  • Communications Towers: Telecommunication towers are often found in elevated and isolated sites and are, as a rule, the highest element on the ground. Early warning for maintenance technicians and operators and installers operating in these structures provides a highly effective method of reducing lightning-strike related accidents.
  • Telecommunications centres, observatories: One of the main causes of loses caused by lightning strikes in these centers is the appearance of surges driven through the power input lines. The use of lightning strike risk alerts provides an effective method for implementing preventive disconnection strategies that significantly reduce damage caused by surges and direct lightning discharges.

Operations with hazardous substances: Reducing the risk of accidents caused by lightning strikes in facilities operating with hazardous substances is not only important for people, it is also important for the environment. The use of lightning strike risk alarms makes it easy to make appropriate decisions for the implementation of thunderstorm safety protocols.

Sensor installation:

 

Basic complete system installation:

PREVISTORM Thunderstorm warning system

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