South Africa is renowned for its disruptive summer lightning and thunderstorms. Severe injuries and even loss of life have occurred as a result of lightning strikes during these storms. UK-based Biral, now part of the Senseca Group, is a specialist in environmental and meteorological measurement instrumentation, and has launched its BTD-200 lightning warning system, which is a complete detection and warning system.
Jan Grobler, managing director of Senseca South Africa explained that the BTD-200 delivers where many other systems fail due to its professional aviation grade lightning technology. The proven BRD-200 system is compact and easy to install, and ultimately does not rely on secondary measurements in order to activate the warning system. Its highly specialised technology delivers the warning as soon as lightning is detected.
The BTD-200 offers proven detection technology that reliably detects the presence of all forms of lightning in a range of 35 km. The quick and easy-to-install sensor comes complete with a universal mains voltage power supply and the essential PC server application, Lightning Works, for the monitoring, warning and data logging of approaching thunderstorms.
For lightning detection requirements of over 35 km, Biral also supplies the BTD-300 Series, which can reliably detect and range cloud-to-cloud lightning over a detection range of 83 km, exceeding US FAA requirements. The BTD-300 operates on an electrostatic principle that enables the sensor to alert users of the risk of overhead lightning before the first discharge occurs. “Cloud-to-cloud strikes are typically more common than cloud-to-ground strikes,” adds Grobler.
When lightning discharge occurs, there is a significant transfer of electric charge which causes a disturbance in the atmospheric electric field, detectable to a distance of more than 100 km. This low frequency disturbance is detected by the BTD-200 antenna and the signal is processed to both detect and range these discharges. Most importantly, the BTD-200 is able to issue warning of potential overhead lightning even before the first strike. This is not possible when using radio-based detection systems.
“The BTD-200 has been designed for most outdoor activities as well as for industrial and professional meteorological applications. The system filters out the higher frequency electromagnetic radio waves, often the cause of sensor confusion and false alarms on standard systems. The BTD-200 instrumentation has practically a zero false alarm rate” concludes Grobler.
Read more...Why utilities must prioritise maintenance of SA’s remote data Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
The story of power generation is more than meets the eye. Beyond energy distribution and the infrastructure are invisible, point of presence data centres located the remotest parts of our country that play a fundamental role in keeping systems running
Read more...The house that revolutionises substations WEG Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Traditional substations have major drawbacks in terms of their construction and resilience. One solution is the E-house, a prefabricated, customised and transportable steel structure designed to house a range of electrical and automation equipment.
Read more...Localised inverter-integrated transformer
Electrical Power & Protection
ACTOM, South Africa’s largest manufacturer, repairer and distributor of electromechanical equipment, is launching a breakthrough in renewable energy integration with its localised inverter-integrated transform
Read more...ABB innovation for energy efficiency and sustainability
Electrical Power & Protection
The application of sensor technology to reduce the operational and standby power losses of traditional current and voltage transformers can lead to energy savings of 181 MWh over a 30-year period, the lifetime of a typical switchboard in the African environment.
Read more...UPS systems are key to keeping SA’s automotive industry up and running Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
During loadshedding, PLCs and OT systems often fail, not because they are directly tied to the factory’s core manufacturing process, but because they are now an integral part of IT infrastructure. When an IT system shuts down, the impact is far more complex than simply restarting machinery.
Read more...ACTOM advances energy infrastructure
Electrical Power & Protection
At this critical juncture where South Africa is poised to modernise its power infrastructure, ACTOM’s Engineering Projects and Contracts (EPC) Division showcased its capabilities for the first time at Enlit Africa 2025.
Read more...Advanced contactor solution to revolutionise motor management Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric South Africa has launched the TeSys Deca Advanced, an advanced contactor solution designed to revolutionise motor management with unparalleled efficiency, reliability, simplicity and sustainability.
Read more...Steaming ahead with boiler skills development
Electrical Power & Protection
As an expert in steam and boiler operations and maintenance, AES is very focused on safety, quality, technology advancement and the development of human capital. The company invests heavily in training and the promotion of talented people on an equal opportunity basis into the industrial operations environment.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version