Lightning location with time reversal of electromagnetic fields technique

Abstract

In this paper, a three dimensions (3D) numerical simulation model to analyze time reversal applications in lightning location is presented. In this simulation model, more practical situation is considered, and a square array which consists of four monopole antennas is set. The simulation shows that the time reversed fields will converge on the lightning strike location in phase at proper time step. But when a special situation is considered that the lightning location is beside the sensor array, it is hard to observe the exact time accurately because there will always be a convergence point appearing at every time step. In this paper, it is unnecessary to estimate “the proper time”. What we have to do is to add an array. And then, track the different locating paths of the these arrays to the lightning location. The intersection of these paths is the location point. Considering different situations, it is better to set three arrays to ensure the lightning discharge is located successfully, and make the arrays not on the same line. With the results of this simulation model being presented, the time-reversed technique is shown to be accurate.