New technology created to protect wind turbines from lightning

An ongoing partnership between Wichita State University and Westar Energy recently resulted in the implementation of a new technology aimed at protecting wind turbine blades from lightning strikes.

The technology, which minimizes the damages and costs involved with lightning strikes, was developed by Billy Martin, director and senior research scientist in the Environmental Test Lab at WSU’s National Institute for Aviation Research. With help from WSU Ventures, Martin partnered with California-based Lightning Diversion Systems, a Ducommun Company, to refine the technology for commercialization.

“Developing technology in the wind energy industry is a point of emphasis,” said Rob Gerlach, WSU director of technology transfer. “Given our aviation expertise, we have the ability to innovate in unique ways that can disrupt the industry.”