Full-Wave Analysis of Wind Turbine Transient Response to Direct Lightning Strikes

Lightning strikes attachment to Wind Turbines (WTs) is not uncommon. The current discharge along the WT components can cause variations in the electromagnetic field radiation, affecting the surrounding power and electronic systems. In this contribution, a WT transient response to direct lightning strikes is studied with a full-Maxwell approach, involving a complete model for the WT. Simulations are carried out considering both first and subsequent return strokes to one of the rotor blades. Significant reflections are found in the lightning current waveforms through the WT, and this gives rise to amplifications in the radiated electromagnetic fields with respect to ground discharges.