ISOLATION

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to automated lightning warning system and method and, more particularly, to automated lightning warning system and method with electrical load isolation.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Lightning strikes caused by thunderstorms have the tendency to reach hundreds of kiloamperes in electric current and voltage potentials up to several hundreds of megavolts. Such voltages can cause extensive damage to unprotected electronic systems and devices. Each year industries suffer huge losses from having to replace electronic systems and devices that get damaged due to lightning strikes.

[0003] Over the past decades, several systems have been developed to produce warning signals from imminent lightning activities and take early measures for manually isolating electrical systems and devices. However, these systems are incapable to accurately determine if the threat is from an actual lightning activity. As a result, these systems may produce unwanted warning signals. Further, the existing systems are incapable of accurately determining lightning conditions at an early stage.

SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an automated lightning warning system is disclosed. The automated lightning warning system includes a plurality of antennas configured to generate electric measurements upon receiving electric field pulses from an electric field source, a signal processing circuit communicably coupled to the plurality of antennas, the signal processing circuit configured to process the electric measurements to generate unipolar wave signals, and a delay comparator circuit communicably coupled to the signal processing circuit, the delay comparator circuit configured to transform the unipolar wave signals into scaled wave signals. The scaled wave signals represent time shift between the electric field pulses. The automated lightning warning system also includes a pulse generating and counting circuit communicably coupled to the delay comparator circuit, the pulse generating and counting circuit configured to process the scaled wave signals to generate a set of short duration pulses, wherein a number of short duration pulses is proportional to pulse width of the scaled wave signals wherein a number of short duration pulses is proportional to pulse width of the scaled wave signals and record the set of short duration pulses as pulse counts. Further, the automated lightning warning system includes a static field measuring device configured to monitor electric field in atmosphere. The automated lightning warning system also includes a control unit communicably coupled to the pulse generating and counting circuit and the static field measuring device, the control unit configured to measure distance between the electric field source and the system based on analyzing variation in the pulse counts, monitor variation in the electric field, determine if the variation in the electric field is due to a lightning activity, and is below a first predefined threshold value and background static field variation is above a second predefined threshold value, and the variation in the electric field is due to the lightning activity, isolate an electrical load from a main power supply.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of antennas includes at least three antennas. In some embodiments, the signal processing circuit includes a plurality of preamplifiers configured to amplify the electric measurements, a plurality of bandpass filters configured to process the amplified electric measurements to select electric measurements having desired pass band frequency components, and a plurality of log amplifiers configured to process the selected electric measurements to generate the unipolar wave signals. In some embodiments, the delay comparator circuit is further configured to transform the unipolar wave signals into digitized wave signals, and perform an exclusive OR (XOR) operation on the digitized wave signals to generate the scaled wave signals. In exemplary embodiments, width and frequency of short duration pulses are predetermined.

[0006] In some embodiments, the pulse generating and counting circuit includes a plurality of pulse generators configured to process the scaled wave signals to generate the set of short duration pulses, and a plurality of pulse counters configured to record the set of short duration pulses as counts. In various embodiments, the automated lightning warning system also includes an isolation switch for isolating the electrical load from the main power supply and connecting the electrical load to a backup power supply. In some embodiments, the control unit is configured to operate the isolation switch using a control signal for isolating the electrical load from the main power supply and connecting the electrical load to the backup power supply. In some embodiments, the automated lightning warning system includes a user interface, coupled to the control unit, for configuring the first predefined threshold value of the distance between the electric field source and the system, and the second predefined threshold value for the background static field variation.

[0007] In some embodiments, upon determining that the distance between the electric field source and the system is above the first predefined threshold value and the background static field variation is below the second predefined threshold value, the control unit reconnects the electrical load to the main power supply. In some embodiments, the automated lightning warning system includes a main power source for providing the main power supply to the electrical load. In some embodiments, the automated lightning warning system also includes a backup power source, for providing backup power supply to the electrical load.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method to perform electrical load isolation is disclosed. The method includes generating electric measurements upon receiving electric field pulses from an electric field source, processing the electric measurements to generate unipolar wave signals, transforming the unipolar wave signals into scaled wave signals, where the scaled wave signals represent time shift between the electric field pulses, processing the scaled wave signals to generate a set of short duration pulses, recording the set of short duration pulses as pulse counts, monitoring electric field in atmosphere, measuring distance between the electric field source and the system based on analyzing variation in the pulse counts, monitoring variation in the electric field, determining if the variation in the electric field is due to a lightning activity, and upon determining that the distance between the electric field source and the system is below a first predefined threshold value and background static field variation is above a second predefined threshold value, and the variation in the electric field is due to the lightning activity, outputting a control signal for isolating an electrical load from a main power supply.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, width and frequency of short duration pulses are predetermined. In some embodiments, the method further includes amplifying the electric measurements, processing the amplified electric measurements to select electric measurements having desired pass band frequency components, and processing the selected electric measurements to generate the unipolar wave signal. In some embodiments, the method further includes transforming the unipolar wave signals into scaled wave signals with delay information by performing an exclusive OR (XOR) operation on the unipolar wave signals to generate the scaled wave signals. In some embodiments, the method further includes upon determining that the distance between the electric field source and the system is above the first predefined threshold value and the background static field variation is below the second predefined threshold value, outputting a resume signal for reconnecting the electrical load to the main power supply. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing backup power supply to the electrical load when the electrical load is isolated from the main power supply. The method further includes means for manually bypassing the connectivity of the electrical load between the main power supply and the backup power supply.

[0010] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] A better understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure (including alternatives and/or variations thereof) may be obtained with reference to the detailed description of the embodiments along with the following drawings, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates is a block diagram of an automated lightning warning system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 2 shows an array of antennas with three antennas, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a process for determining a movement and a location of a lightning activity, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a block diagram indicating functionality of the automated lightning warning system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0016] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for performing electrical load isolation, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, corresponding, or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. Moreover, references to various elements described herein are made collectively or individually when there may be more than one element of the same type. However, such references are merely exemplary in nature. It may be noted that any reference to elements in the singular may also be construed to relate to the plural and vice-versa without limiting the scope of the disclosure to the exact number or type of such elements unless set forth explicitly in the appended claim.

[0018] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an automated lightning warning system and method for load isolation. The automated lightning warning system and method allows electrical loads to be isolated from power lines based on accurately determining imminent lightning conditions. In an aspect, the automated lightning warning system and method can accurately predict the threat of lightning from the proximity and the activity level of thunderstorms and perform electrical load isolation.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an automated lightning warning system 100 (hereinafter referred to as “the system 100”) is illustrated. In an embodiment, the system 100 may function as a single station i.e., a standalone system. The system 100 includes a plurality of antennas 102-(l-K) and a signal processing circuit 104. In an example, the plurality of antennas 102-(l-K) may be baseline antennas. Further, parameters and characteristics of the plurality of antennas 102-(l-K) may not vary substantially over a wide frequency band. The plurality of antennas 102-(l-K) may be used to receive electric field signals with a wide frequency spectrum. In an embodiment, the plurality of antennas 102-(l-K) may be placed at a very close proximity (for example, within a single block of land) . In an embodiment, each of the plurality of antennas 102-( 1 -K) may generate electrical signals in response to lightning discharges within a certain radius. Further, each of the plurality of antennas 102-(l-K) may individually send the electrical signals to the signal processing circuit 104.

[0020] Preferably, the plurality of antennas 102-(l-K) may include at least three narrowband antennas, namely a first antenna 102-1, a second antenna 102-2, and a third antenna 102-3. In an example, the first antenna 102-1, the second antenna 102-2, and the third antenna 102-3 may be conductive antennas. The plurality of antennas 102-(l-K) may interchangeably be referred to as the array of antennas 102-(l-K). A possible arrangement for the array of antennas 102-(l-K) with three antennas (i.e., the first antenna 102-1, the second antenna 102-2, and the third antenna 102-3) is shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the first antenna 102- 1 , the second antenna 102-2, and the third antenna 102-3 are arranged in a coplanar nonlinear format. In an example, the first antenna 102-1, the second antenna 102-2, and the third antenna 102-3 may be placed in an isosceles right triangle formation with a separation distance of 2 to 3 meters. Further, bandwidth of the first antenna 102-1, the second antenna 102-2, and the third antenna 102-3 may be in a range of 130 to 170 MHz. [0021] For ease of explanation and understanding, the description hereinafter is provided with reference to the first antenna 102-1, the second antenna 102-2, and the third antenna 102-3, however the description is equally applicable to the remaining antennas 102-(4-K). [0022] The signal processing circuit 104 may include analog front-end circuitry to convert the electrical signals received from the plurality of antennas 102-(l-K) into a processable format. In an embodiment, the signal processing circuit 104 may include a plurality of preamplifiers 106-(l-L), a plurality of bandpass filters 108-(l-M), and a plurality of log amplifiers HO-(l-N). Preferably, the signal processing circuit 104 may include at least three log amplifiers, at least three bandpass filters, and at least three log amplifiers. The plurality of preamplifiers 106-(l-L) are electronic circuits that convert a weak electrical signal into an output signal strong enough to be noise-tolerant and strong enough for further processing. In an example, the plurality of preamplifiers 106-(l-L) may be used to reduce the effects of noise and interference in electrical signals. Further, the plurality of bandpass filters 108-(l-M) are electronic circuits that allow only a predefined set of frequencies to pass through them. The plurality of bandpass filters 108-(l-M) may reject or attenuate the frequencies that are below the set value and above the set value. The plurality of log amplifiers 110-(l-N) are electronic circuits that produce an output that is proportional to the logarithm of an applied input.

[0023] The signal processing circuit 104 may also include a delay comparator circuit 112. The delay comparator circuit 112 may include a plurality of delay comparators 114- (l-O). In an example, the delay comparator circuit 112 may include two delay comparators. The plurality of delay comparators 114-(l-O) are used to compare a measurable quantity with a reference or standard such as two voltages or currents. The system 100 further includes a pulse generating and counting circuit 116. The pulse generating and counting circuit 116 may include a plurality of pulse generators 118-(1-P) and a plurality of pulse counters 120-(l-Q). The plurality of pulse generators 118-(1-P) are electronic circuits that are used to generate pulses, for example, rectangular pulses. Further, the plurality of pulse counters 120-(l-Q) are electronic circuits that are used to count a number of pulses during a specified amount of time. The plurality of antennas 102-(l-K), the plurality of preamplifiers 106-( 1-L), the plurality of bandpass filters 108-(l-M), the plurality of log amplifiers 110-(l - N), the plurality of delay comparators 114-(l-O), the plurality of pulse generators 118-(1- P), and the plurality of pulse counters 120-(l-Q) are well known in the art, and need not be described in detail here.

[0024] The system further includes a static field measuring device 122 and a control unit 124. The static field measuring device 122 may be configured to monitor the electric field in the atmosphere. In an embodiment, the static field measuring device 122 may monitor the quasi-static field in the atmosphere. In a non-limiting example, the static field measuring device 122 may be an electric field mill.

[0025] In an embodiment, the control unit 124 may analyze and process signals from the plurality of antennas 102-(l-K) and the static field measuring device 122. The control unit 124 may include a processor 126 and a memory 128. The processor 126 may be embodied as a single dedicated processor (for example, a microprocessor), a single shared processor, or a plurality of individual processors, among which few may be shared. In an embodiment, the processor 126 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor 126 may be configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 128. The memory 128 may be coupled to the processor 126 and may include any computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and/or nonvolatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes. The control unit 124 also includes a user interface 130, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, a haptic sensor, a voice-based input unit, or any other appropriate user interface. In an embodiment, the user interface 130 may facilitate in manually adjusting system parameters such as the detection range and accuracy, monitoring the system status, controlling the outputs, etc. The control unit 124 may also include a display 132, such as a screen, a monitor connected to the device in any manner, or any other appropriate display.

[0026] Further, the system 100 includes an isolation switch 134, an electrical load 136, a main power source 138, a backup power source 140, and a power supply and battery management unit 142. Although, it has been described that the system 100 includes single electrical load 136, in some embodiments, the system 100 may include more than one electrical load. [0027] In an embodiment, the isolation switch 134 is a high voltage switch that alternates between the main power source 138 and the backup power source 140. In an example, the isolation switch 134 may be operated to connect the main power source 138 and the backup power source 140 with the electrical load 136. The isolation switch 134 may also include a manual override button (not shown) for a user, such as a system administrator to control power input to the electrical load 136. In an example, the manual override button may be used for manually bypassing the connectivity of the electrical load 136 between main power supply and backup power supply. The system administrator may be a professional (or a team of professionals) or a general user who oversee and manage the system 100. The electrical load 136 may be an electrical component that consumes electric power, such as electrical appliance and light. The main power source 138 may provide a main power supply to the system 100 and the backup power source 140 may provide a back power supply to the system 100.

[0028] The power supply and battery management unit 142 may include a rechargeable battery pack, a battery management unit, and a regulated DC power unit with multiple voltage outputs (not shown). The rechargeable battery pack may be used as power source to drive the system 100 during power interruptions. In an example, charging and discharging cycles are controlled through the battery management unit. The regulated DC power unit accepts both main power (230 VAC) and inbuilt battery power to provide a smooth uninterrupted power supply to each functional block of the system 100 at desired voltage levels.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the plurality of antennas 102-(l-K), the signal processing circuit 104, the delay comparator circuit 112, and the pulse generating and counting circuit 116, the static field measuring device 122, the control unit 124, the isolation switch 134, the electrical load 136, the main power source 138, the backup power source 140, and the power supply and battery management unit 142 may be communicably coupled with each other.

[0030] In operation, the system 100 may utilize very high frequency (VHF) narrowband radio interferometry techniques to locate lightning discharges from an electric field source. In an example, the electric field source may be a thundercloud. In an embodiment, the plurality of antennas 102-(l-K) may receive electric field pulses from lightning discharges in an electric field source. In an example, the electric field pulses may be a part of very high frequency (VHF) frequency band. The plurality of antennas 102-(l-K) may be configured to generate electric measurements in form of electrical signals upon receiving the electric field pulses from the electric field source. Further, electric measurement from each of the plurality of antennas 102-(l-K) are provided to the signal processing circuit 104. In an embodiment, electric measurements from each antenna are sent to individual preamplifiers. [0031] In an embodiment, the plurality of preamplifiers 106-(l-L) may be configured to amplify the electric measurements for a predetermined radius of measurement. The control unit 124 may be configured to adjust a common electrical gain for the plurality of preamplifiers 106-( 1 -L) depending on the location in which the system 100 is installed and the required sensitivity. The amplified electric measurements are then passed through the plurality of bandpass filters 108-(l-M). The plurality of bandpass filters 108-(l-M) may be configured to process the amplified electric measurements to select electric measurements having desired pass band frequency components. In an embodiment, the plurality of bandpass filters 108-(l-M) may select the desired pass band frequency components in each electric measurement. The selected electric measurements are then fed to the plurality of log amplifiers 110-(l-N).

[0032] In response to receiving the selected electric measurements, the plurality of log amplifiers 110-(l-N) may be configured to process the selected electric measurements to generate unipolar wave signals. In an example, the plurality of log amplifiers 110-(l-N) may process the selected electric measurements to generate unipolar square wave signals. The unipolar wave signals are then passed to the delay comparator circuit 112 for assessing the time shift between the unipolar wave signals produced for each antenna. In an embodiment, the plurality of delay comparators 114-(l-O) may be configured to transform the unipolar wave signals into scaled pulse signals. In an example, the plurality of delay comparators 114-(l-O) may transform the unipolar square wave signals into scaled pulse signals. Thereafter, the plurality of delay comparators 114-(l-O) may be configured to perform an exclusive OR (XOR) operation on the unipolar wave signals to generate scaled wave signals. In an example, the scaled wave signals may represent time shift between the electric field pulses.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the plurality of delay comparators 114-( 1 -O) may perform the XOR operation between a pair of unipolar wave signals to produce scaled wave signals (also referred to as scaled wave pulses) in response to the time shift between the two scaled wave signals. In an example, for the system 100 including the first antenna 102-1, the second antenna 102-2, and the third antenna 102-3, the plurality of delay comparators 114-( 1 -O) may perform the XOR operation between unipolar wave signals produced for the first antenna 102-1 and the second antenna 102-2, and the second antenna 102-2 and the third antenna 102-3. During lightning conditions, the unipolar wave signals that may be fed into the plurality of delay comparators 114-(l-O) may be in hundreds of MHz range. Hence the time shift between the square waves may typically be in nano seconds range. In an embodiment, the plurality of delay comparators 114-(l-O) may be calibrated to produce square pulses of longer pulse width in response to the output from the XOR operation. Accordingly, the plurality of delay comparators 114-(l-O) may generate a scaled square wave pulse representing the time shift between the electric field pulses detected by the first antenna 102-1 and the second antenna 102-2, and the second antenna 102-2 and the third antenna 102-3. The scaled wave pulses (interchangeably referred to as the scaled wave signals) generated for each antenna pair are then passed into the pulse generating and counting circuit 116 for further processing.

[0034] In an embodiment, the pulse generating and counting circuit 116 may include two identical pulse generators. The scaled wave signals from the plurality of delay comparators 114-(l-O) may be separately fed into the two pulse generators. According to an embodiment, the plurality of pulse generators 118-(1-P) may be configured to process the scaled wave signals to generate a set of short duration pulses. In an example, a number of short duration pulses is proportional to pulse width of the scaled wave signals. In an embodiment, the plurality of pulse generators 118-(1-P) may be calibrated to produce a defined set of short-duration pulses in response to the width of the scaled wave signals. In an example, the width and the frequency of short duration pulses may be predetermined and can be adjusted for varying conditions. For example, the plurality of pulse generators 118- (1-P) may generate the set of short duration pulses within a time frame defined by each scaled wave signal. The number of pulses generated at the plurality of pulse generators 118- (1-P) may be recorded as counts using the plurality of pulse counters 120-(l-Q).

[0035] According to an embodiment, the plurality of pulse generators 118-(1-P) may have multiple modes of operation or states that they execute, and may be controllable by the control unit 124. Examples of modes of operation include an “enable” mode and a “disable” mode. In an embodiment, the plurality of pulse generators 118-(1-P) may operate in the “enable” mode according to default settings. According to the “enable” mode, the control unit 124 may output a signal to enable the plurality of pulse generators 118-(1-P). The plurality of pulse generators 118-(1-P) may then generate short-duration pulses within the time frame defined by each scaled wave signal. According to the “disable” mode, the control unit 124 may output a signal to disable the plurality of pulse generators 118-( 1 -P) until each pulse count is read by the control unit 124 through the plurality of pulse counters 120-(l-Q). In an embodiment, the plurality of pulse counters 120-(l-Q) may be configured to record the set of short duration pulses as pulse counts. Further, the recorded counts may be stored in the memory 128 of the control unit 124 for further processing. According to an embodiment, the control unit 124 may reset the counts in the plurality of pulse counters 120-(l-Q) and enable the plurality of pulse generators 118-( 1 -P) prior to receiving the signals generated in response to the next electric field variation. In an embodiment, the control unit 124 may be preprogrammed with an algorithm to measure the distance between the electric field source and the system 100 based on analyzing variation in the pulse counts. According to an implementation, the control unit 124 may measure the distance between the electric field source and the system 100 by analyzing the change in pulse counts generated for a set of field measurements.

[0036] In addition to the electric field variation due to the lightning discharges from the electric field source, the system 100 may continuously or periodically monitor quasi-static field in the atmosphere through the static field measuring device 122. In an embodiment, the VHF narrowband radio interferometry technique may be employed to locate electric field in the atmosphere. Further, the control unit 124 may be configured to monitor variation in the electric field. In an embodiment, the control unit 124 may be preset to determine if the electric field variation is due to a characteristic variation in relation to a lightning activity, such as a thunderstorm. In an aspect, signatures of the quasi-static field variation and the electric field variation due to a lightning activity may be unique from other background noises. Accordingly, the control unit 124 may determine whether the electric field source is due to an imminent lightning activity or from other background sources of electromagnetic interferences by correlating the signatures of the electric field variation and the quasi-static field variation.

[0037] In some embodiments, the control unit 124 may determine directional movement of a lightning activity, such as a thunderstorm and a distance (or location) of the lightning activity from the system 100 based on the plurality of antennas 102-(l-K). FIG. 3 illustrates a process for determining a movement and a location of a lightning activity. At process step 302, a pulse count for the first antenna 102-1 (represented as “baseline 1”) is received. At process step 304, a pulse count for the second antenna 102-2 (represented as “baseline 2”) is received. At process step 306, a pulse count for the third antenna 102-3 (represented as “baseline 3”) is received. Further, at process step 308, an incident angle on the first antenna 102-1 is calculated based on the corresponding pulse count. At process step 310, an incident angle on the second antenna 102-2 is calculated based on the corresponding pulse count. At process step 312, an incident angle on the third antenna 102-3 is calculated based on the corresponding pulse count. Thereafter, at process step 314, azimuth and elevation are calculated based on the incident angles on the first antenna 102-1, the second antenna 102- 2, and the third antenna 102-3. In an embodiment, when the azimuth and elevation are calculated, antenna system geometry, i.e., the arrangement of the first antenna 102-1, the second antenna 102-2, and the third antenna 102-3 is also taken into consideration (shown by process step “316”). Further, at process step 318, the calculated azimuth and elevation are verified. In an embodiment, the calculated azimuth and elevation may be verified based on azimuth and elevation history (shown by process step “320”). At process step 322, movement or direction of the lightning activity (i.e., thunderstorm) is estimated based on the verified azimuth and elevation. Further, at process step 324, distance of the lightning activity from the system 100 is calculated. In an embodiment, when calculating the distance of the lightning activity, calibration factor is taken into consideration (shown by process step “326”).

[0038] In an embodiment, upon determining that the distance between the electric field source and the system 100 is below a first predefined threshold value, the background static field variation is above a second predefined threshold value, and the variation in the electric field is due to the lightning activity, the control unit 124 may isolate the electrical load 136 from a main power supply provided by the main power source 138. In an embodiment, the user interface may configure the first predefined threshold value of the distance between the electric field source and the system 100. The user interface may also configure the second predefined threshold value for the background static field variation. In an example, the first predefined threshold value and the second predefined threshold value may be adjusted. According to an embodiment, the control unit 124 may output a control signal to operate the isolation switch 134 for isolating the electrical load 136 from the main power source 138. [0039] In an example, if the control unit 124 determines that the electric field source is approaching towards the system 100, and if the thunderstorm severity exceeds the second predefined threshold value, then the control unit 124 may output the control signal to operate the isolation switch 134, and isolate the electrical load 136 from the main power supply. In an embodiment, when the electrical load 136 is isolated from the main power supply, the isolation switch 134 may be connected to the backup power source 140 for continuous operation of the system 100 and the electrical load 136 during the lightning activity. The backup power source 140 may be configured to provide backup power supply to the system 100. In an embodiment, the control unit 124 may operate the isolation switch 134 for connecting the electrical load 136 to the backup power source 140.

[0040] In an embodiment, upon determining that the distance between the electric field source and the system 100 is above the first predefined threshold value, and the background static field variation is below the second predefined threshold value, the control unit 124 may reconnect the electrical load 136 to the main power supply. In an example, the control unit 124 may continuously monitor the thunderstorm till the thunderstorm recedes away from the system 100. When the control unit 124 determines that the thunderstorm has receded away to a distance where the thunderstorm no longer surpasses a preset thunderstorm severity level, the control unit 124 may output a retract signal to retract the isolation switch 134 with the main power source 138. Accordingly, the isolation switch 134 may alternate between the main power source 138 and the backup power source 140 when the risk is low and high, respectively. Accordingly, the electrical load 136 can continuously operate despite the external environmental conditions.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a block diagram indicating the functionality of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The connectivity and the directional flow of electrical signals and information are represented by various paths terminated with arrowheads. The paths are represented as line patterns, such as solid line, dashed line, dash- dotted line, and dotted line. As shown in FIG. 4, the connectivity and the directional flow of the electrical signals and information are represented by four types of paths. The four types of paths include a first type of paths (dotted lines represented by number “402”), a second type of paths (dashed lines represented by number “404”), a third type of paths (solid lines represented by number “406”), and a fourth type of paths (dash-dotted line represented by number “408”). The first type of paths indicates the flow of DC power from the power supply and battery management unit 142 to the individual components in the system 100. The second type of paths indicates the flow of utility power, for example 230/400 VAC in the system 100. The third type of paths indicates the flow of input and processed electrical signals and the output signal to operate the isolation switch 134. The fourth type of paths indicate the flow of control signals to and from the control unit 124 to vary the operating parameters in individual components of the system 100. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 124 may reset the plurality of pulse generators 118-(1-P) and the plurality of pulse counters 120-(l-Q). Also, the control unit 124 may be configured to control electrical gain for the plurality of preamplifiers 106-(l-L).

[0042] In an embodiment, the resolution and the accuracy of the system 100 can be increased by including additional antennas. The number of antenna pairs analyzed will increase accordingly and the algorithm for determining the distance to the electric field source will have additional inputs for analysis. The number of preamplifiers, bandpass filters, log amplifiers will also increase in relation to the increment in the number of antennas.

[0043] According to aspects of the present disclosure, the plurality of antennas 102-( 1- K) facilitate in accurate determination of the location and the directional movement of the electric field source based on monitoring electrical signals from electrical discharges. Further, the system 100 employs a novel mechanism for processing electric fields emitted from electric field signals in the VHF band. The high-frequency components of the received signals are transformed into accurately measurable time domain pulses. The system 100 employs analog electronics to process the phase shifts between high frequency signals. This allows the system 100 to be designed with simpler electronics. Thus, the present disclosure provides a low-cost system 100. Also, the system 100 makes use of both the electric field variations and the quasi-static field variations due to the electrical discharges in the atmosphere to distinguish thunderstorm activities from other sources of electromagnetic interferences. Further, the system 100 employs narrowband radio interferometer techniques to locate lightning discharges from thunderclouds. Thus, the system 100 is capable of identifying the imminent risk of approaching thunderclouds to higher accuracy. As a result, the system 100 provides better overall protection to the electrical load 136.

[0044] Furthermore, the system 100 includes a mechanism to monitor the distance to the proximal electric field source which tends to cause lightning through active electrical components. As a result, the system 100 will only trigger its responses to isolate the electrical load 136 from the main power supply 138 in the event when the electric field source is within a predetermined locus. Since both the quasi-static field and the field variation from electrical discharges in the atmosphere are taken into consideration, the system 100 is enabled to distinguish the transient surges that may occur from background noises and isolate the electrical load 136 only for approaching thunderstorms which cause lightning. Also, as described above, the system 100 includes the backup power source 140 to provide backup power supply for the continuous operation of the electrical load 136 and the system 100 during proximal thunderstorm activities. Once the threat passes away, the electrical load 136 and the system 100 automatically switches back to the main power supply. Accordingly, the electrical load 136 can continuously operate despite the external environmental conditions. Thus, the present disclosure provides a more convenient and practical solution for lightning protection in industries and households. Additionally, the system 100 can be used for accurately determining the flow of thunderstorms in a significant geographical area. In an example, by using multiple systems installed in different structures it is possible to track the motion of severe thunderstorms for various applications such as storm warning systems.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method 500 for performing electrical load isolation, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 500 is described in conjunction with FIG. 1 through FIG. 4.

[0046] At step 502, the method 500 includes generating electric measurements upon receiving electric field pulses from an electric field source. In an embodiment, the plurality of antennas 102-(l-K) may be configured to generate the electric measurements upon receiving the electric field pulses from the electric field source.

[0047] At step 504, the method 500 includes processing the electric measurements to generate unipolar wave signals. In an embodiment, the signal processing circuit 104 may be configured to process the electric measurements to generate the unipolar wave signals. In an example, the signal processing circuit 104 may process the electric measurements to generate unipolar square wave signals.

[0048] At step 506, the method 500 includes transforming the unipolar wave signals into scaled wave signals. The scaled wave signals may represent time shift between the electric field pulses. In an embodiment, the delay comparator circuit 112 may be configured to transform the unipolar wave signals into the scaled wave signals. In an example, the delay comparator circuit 112 may transform the unipolar square wave signals into scaled square wave signals

[0049] At step 508, the method 500 includes processing the scaled wave signals to generate a set of short duration pulses. In an embodiment, the pulse generating and counting circuit 116 may be configured to process the scaled wave signals to generate the set of short duration pulses. [0050] At step 510, the method 500 includes recording the set of short duration pulses as pulse counts. In an embodiment, the pulse generating and counting circuit 116 may be configured to record the set of short duration pulses as pulse counts.

[0051] At step 512, the method 500 includes monitoring quasi-static field in atmosphere. In an embodiment, the static field measuring device 122 may be configured to monitor the quasi-static field in the atmosphere.

[0052] At step 514, the method 500 includes measuring distance between the electric field source and the system 100 based on analyzing variation in the pulse counts. In an embodiment, the control unit 124 may be configured to measure the distance between the electric field source and the system 100 based on analyzing variation in the pulse counts.

[0053] At step 516, the method 500 includes monitoring variation in the quasi-static field. In an embodiment, the control unit 124 may be configured to monitor the variation in the quasi-static field.

[0054] At step 518, the method 500 includes determining if the variation in the electric field is due to a lightning activity. In an embodiment, the control unit 124 may be configured to determine if the variation in the electric field is due to the lightning activity.

[0055] At step 520, the method 500 includes upon determining that the distance between the electric field source and the system is below a first predefined threshold value and background static field variation is above a second predefined threshold value, and the variation in the electric field is due to the lightning activity, outputting a control signal for isolating an electrical load from a main power supply. In an embodiment, the control unit 124 may be configured to output a control signal for isolating the electrical load from the main power supply upon determining that the distance between the electric field source and the system is below a first predefined threshold value and background static field variation is above a second predefined threshold value, and the variation in the electric field is due to the lightning activity.

[0056] While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.