Lightning Imaging Array

Observation Principle

During the discharge process, lightning emits high radiation energy in the VHF band, typically associated with breakdown discharge. The Lightning Imaging Array Processing System employs phase-locked loop (PLL) technology combined with a high-precision clock source to accurately measure the arrival time of lightning radiation pulses at receiver. Through multi-station network building, a mathematical model of time relationships (Time Difference of Arrival, TDOA) is constructed, and the three-dimensional spatial position of the radiation source is inversely calculated using the nonlinear least square method.

Functional Features

• Feature extraction via FPGA technology

• Digital filtering

• Solar power supply support

• Adjustable central frequency

• Beidou time synchronization

Business Applications

Networked Lightning Array Construction:

Deploy VHF and VLF/LF technologies in a combined network to strengthen lightning monitoring and early warning systems around thunderstorm-sensitive areas, including megacities, key railways, civil aviation routes, major ports, airports, power facilities, national defense installations, critical mountain forests, and key industries. This will establish a nationwide three-dimensional lightning imaging network.

Operational Applications:

Utilize total lightning positioning data from the imaging system to establish a severe convection early warning platform. This platform will integrate advanced dual-polarization radar data deployed nationwide to enhance the understanding of severe convective weather and further refine operational lightning early warning services for domestic lightning disaster prevention.

Scientific Research:

The lightning imaging system provides high-precision positioning for thunderstorm activity, enabling the capture of lightning channel trajectories. This facilitates in-depth research on thunderstorm development, electrification mechanisms, lightning discharge processes, and severe convection, improving the timeliness and accuracy of thunderstorm warnings while promoting progress in thunderstorm electrodynamics research.

Technical Indicators